Performance evaluation of occupational therapy students: a reliability study.

The Performance Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Students (PEOTS) is an instrument designed to evaluate the clinical competence of occupational therapy students. The purpose of this study was to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the PEOTS. Thirteen occupational therapy students, completed a one week placement at one of four facilities. Two occupational therapists supervised each student and evaluated performance using the PEOTS on day three and day five of this placement. The results indicated that the instrument has good inter-rater reliability. Test-retest reliability was difficult to evaluate since learning was a confounding factor. These preliminary findings support the use of the PEOTS as an evaluation tool. Further research, however, is needed to establish test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the PEOTS.

Student placements in administration.

From 1988-1993 the Occupational Therapy Manager at St. Joseph's Health Centre in London, Ontario provided nine block placements with a major focus in administration. The administration placements and the results of a questionnaire completed by the students are discussed. Strengths of the placement and suggested areas of change are included, using a Continuous Quality Improvement Framework. Suggestions regarding the future direction of administration placements are presented.

Rational therapy for ingrown toenails. A prospective study.

Partial phenolization of the germinal matrix is described as a simple and effective procedure for the treatment of ingrown toenails. It is illustrated in a summary of anatomy and pathophysiology as well as in a randomized prospective trial.