This research project is the first in the UK to examine the hidden curriculum of occupational therapy education.
This study seeks to generate descriptions and understandings of the hidden curriculum of occupational therapy practice education in London NHS settings through an intersectional lens, foregrounding the experiences of learners from multiply disadvantaged backgrounds. Study participants are required to be currently enrolled students OR recent graduates (one year or less) from full-time undergraduate Occupational Therapy education programmes in London who identify as multiply disadvantaged in terms of two or more of the following: migration status, race, ethnicity, language, disability / neurodivergence, religion, socio-economic status, age, gender, and sexuality.
The ‘hidden curriculum’ refers to ‘unintended learning gained through inconsistencies between the formal and informal or implicit and explicit curriculum’. It is not explicitly taught (e.g., in formal university-based learning, policies and training offered at the practice education setting, and by various people including practice placement educators) but learnt through experience, or knowledge gained from experiences that are inconsistent to that which have been taught.
A better understanding of the inconsistencies between practice and university learning, as viewed through the lens of multiple disadvantages, will help to advance knowledge around how to better facilitate inclusive practice education environments that support student occupational therapists of diverse backgrounds.
The following student researchers are involved in co-producing this project: Amy Middleton, Daniel Tointon, Matthew Chan, Joanne Chun, Chloe Casady, Anisa Bayagon, Linda Lapenga, Darmoye McCorley, Julie Uptmore, Elizabeth Olowookere.
Findings from this research project have the potential to be of benefit to occupational therapy educators involved in university-based and/or practice-based learning, as well as professional, statutory and regulatory bodies relevant to occupational therapy education.
Sign up to participate in this study
https://brunel.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/hidden-curriculum-signup-2023-2024