| It is important for occupational therapists to assess and improve clinical competence, but few models exist to guide this process. Part 1 in this study was my own exploratory experience at self-assessment of clinical competence as an occupational therapist. Using qualitative methodology in Part 2, I then explored the meaning of the self-assessment process with other occupational therapists. Participants completed self-assessment instruments and then reflected on events related to clinical competence and self-assessment during semistructured interviews.; My findings suggest that occupational therapists generally do informal self-assessment, especially reflection, with motivation grounded in the values of ethics and client advocacy. Dominant themes that emerged from the data included “doing the right thing” and “making sure of doing the right thing.” As I reflected on my own experience, I was able to see many similarities in my understanding of and motivation for the self-assessment process. |
