Peer observation as a tool for continuing professional development

Davys, D; Jones, V

Abstract

Occupational Therapists are obliged to achieve and maintain high standards of professional knowledge, skill and behaviour according to both the College of Occupational Therapists (COT CODE E 2005) and The Health Professions Council (HPC Standards 2006).

Peer observation of practice has been advocated as a means of monitoring and improving the quality of teaching within Higher Education. The objective of this process is to identify strengths and developmental needs as well as the formulation of an action plan for further improvement (Hammersley-Fletcher and Orsmond 2005) and is expected to be mutually beneficial for both the observer and observed (bell 2002).

Peer observation could equally be of benefit to occupational therapists working as clinicians ,managers , or educators, providing the opportunity for to work in pairs and gain feedback on performance, thereby helping to eliminate ritualistic practice ,to direct personal development and most importantly to ensure that a safe, ethical and effective service is offered to clients.
Furthermore, feedback from clients ,carers or any form of service user could be incorporated from the observed session which is advocated by COT in the application of Clinical Governance (COT 1999) and could be used to provide additional testimony to the skill level of the therapist by involving clients as active participants both in the learning situation and in their own care (COT 1999).

The aim of this workshop is to consider some of the practical issues that surround the implementation of peer observation within a diverse range of practice settings, and to review a framework that could be used to enhance service quality and continuing professional development within future practice.

Citation

Davys, D., & Jones, V. (2008, January). Peer observation as a tool for continuing professional development. Presented at College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, Harrogate

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference
• Conference Location: Harrogate
• Start Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Feb 16, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 16, 2012
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference