Occupational therapy students' experiences of role-emerging placements and their influence on professional practice

Changes in health and social care present exciting opportunities for occupational therapists to expand their practice into innovative settings. To prepare graduates for these opportunities, placement experiences must reflect current trends in practice. Role-emerging placements are increasingly being used to help students develop the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to become the therapists of tomorrow. Whilst the literature on role-emerging placements is increasing, studies have tended to be general placement evaluations, with limited studies exploring students’ experiences in detail. No studies have explored the influence of role-emerging placements on graduates’ professional practice and identity.