Occupational therapy students’ experiences of using the Kawa model as a self-reflection tool during mental health work-integrated learning

Introduction: Healthcare professionals are encouraged to practice reflection, which can be learnt using various tools during their undergraduate studies. The study aimed to explore the experience of occupational therapy students using the Kawa model as a self-reflection tool during their mental health work-integrated learning. Method: An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured online interviews with probe follow-up questions were conducted in English with newly graduated community service occupational therapists (n=10) who used the Kawa Model as a self-reflection tool during their final year of mental health work-integrated learning. The data was transcribed and analysed by the researchers using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was granted by the ethical research board of the university. Trustworthiness was ensured through anonymity, member checking and peer debriefings. Findings: Three themes emerged from the data on using the Kawa model as a self-reflection tool, namely, (i) facilitators to reflection using the Kawa model, (ii) barriers to reflection using the Kawa model, (iii) recommendations for future use of the Kawa model. Conclusion: The Kawa model as a self-reflection tool is beneficial. Participants noted that self-reflection using a model provided them with a guideline, which helped them to organise their thoughts when reflecting. Implications for practice: The Kawa model has a positive impact on professional development, encouraging students to become more self-aware. The study highlights the need to integrate the Kawa model into undergraduate training and to utilise it as a self-reflection tool during work-integrated learning. Although the results of this study are specific to mental health work-integrated learning, the Kawa model as a self-reflection tool can be explored in other work-integrated learning areas across South Africa.