Katelyn Farrell 

I believe that at the heart of a healthy and effective relationship is communication and working relationships shouldn’t be looked at any differently. The most significant experience that I have had in a clinical fieldwork setting in terms of developing my communicator skills, was in my first fieldwork experience with the Extra-Mural Program in New Brunswick. The Extra-Mural Program provides medical interventions done by an interdisciplinary team in the client’s home environment within the community, to support and facilitate independence. It was truly impactful to be able to have a field-work experience among a team of experts, including with their communication skills. I have learned immensely in regards to what it looks like to coordinate care among health professionals who are experts in their field and how they respect one another and understand each other’s roles in the health care system as well as within the team. There were many situations where members of the team would come together to discuss clients on their shared caseload and what the best approach would be with the client while respecting and appreciating each others expert opinions. I learned how important it is to understand other team member’s roles and expertise in their domain, and also, forming a respectful working environment that makes communicating a central part of that relationship. This placement also facilitated my greater understanding about the importance for effective documentation and keeping everyone on the team up to date on the relevant client information, interactions, assessments, and interventions that are taking place. This was definitely a fundamental skill that transcribed into future experiences and learning opportunities.

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Through having the opportunity to engage in the many classes and fieldwork opportunities that deepened my experience, understanding, and confidence in interviewing and communicating with individuals with the lived experience of disability (Lived Experience, Therapeutic Relationship, Coaching), has truly allowed me to develop the novice level skills of interviewing and communicating with clients. Receiving feedback from my peers as well as the volunteers in the classes, has enabled me to understand my communication process, weaknesses, and strengths, to further develop and grow into a health care professional.

 

 

 

 

In order to continue to grow into an expert OT, I believe that it is important to be reflective in what I feel worked well or didn’t in each client interaction, as well as ensuring that I get feedback from others who are in my working team. I will always be a learner in this field, so I believe that in order to become more confident in my skills and abilities, it is important to reflect on what could have been done better in client interactions, as well as asking other professionals what they would have done in situations that are complex and unfamiliar to me.