| Title: |
Development of a Comprehensive Practical Exam (CoPE) Assessment Process for Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Robert E. Larson; Cynthia G. Tiongco; Sandra M. Whisner; Laurie D. Stelter; Laura Alexander; Megan R. Taylor; Molly Setliff; Belinda D. Alexander; James Matthew D. Geddie; Paula Perkins |
| Source: |
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 2026 10(1). |
| Availability: |
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
21 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Doctoral Students; Occupational Therapy; Allied Health Occupations Education; Aptitude Tests; Readiness; Clinical Experience; Scoring Rubrics; Performance Based Assessment |
| ISSN: |
2573-1378 |
| Abstract: |
Measures are needed to ensure students are adequately prepared for clinical experiences. A Comprehensive Practical Exam (CoPE) was developed based on high fidelity simulation and an Observed Structured Clinical Examination format to assess readiness for Level II fieldwork. Teams of faculty developed multiple case simulations with consistent components across the cases for first- and second-year student cohorts. Rubrics were developed for grading student performance on the simulations with categories required for Level I fieldwork completion as well as other components required for success on Level II fieldwork. The CoPE included three components: chart review/preparation, client interaction, and documentation. The first-year CoPE emphasized assessment and the CoPE in the second year emphasized intervention. A total of 350 students have been through the CoPE process with few requiring remediation. The assessment has been successful in identifying students who are not ready to advance in the curriculum, as well as identifying gaps in the curriculum which can be addressed to better prepare future students for Level II fieldwork experiences. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1502596 |
| Database: |
ERIC |