Why Writing Matters

 

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Why Writing Matters in Occupational Therapy

-- Prof. Janet Nagayda, OT Department Chair

 

Typical Writing Assignments

  • 2-3 page summary papers reviewing a particular diagnosis
  • 8+ page papers reviewing a particular diagnosis in depth
  • Reflection papers, 2+ pages, applying personal experiences and beliefs
  • Case Study; a content outline is provided
  • Reports of varying length and purpose on a given topic
  • Research proposal
  • IRB request
  • Research manuscript for publication/presentation
  • Professional Development Plan and Portfolio

Qualities of Good Writing

  • Appropriate grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence and paragraph construction and sequencing, and appropriate word usage
  • Appropriate organization of content (introduction, body, conclusion)
  • Personal application of content and reflection

Appropriate Types of Evidence & Support

  • Apply principles of Evidence-Based Practice in selecting citation materials
  • All sources using the APA, 5th ed. are usually appropriate for use. Variance from this will be indicated with the assignment.

Citation Conventions

  • APA, 5th ed. is currently required.  If authors update to a new edition, students will use the edition required at the time they were admitted to the MSOT program.
  • In the case of manuscripts for publication, students will adhere to the individual publication requirements.

Special Comments

Evidence-based practice guidelines are generally as described in the User’s Guide to the Medical Literature: Essentials of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice by Guyatt & Rennie, published by the American Medical Association.

Please contact the Occupational Therapy Department about ANYTHING else that may be helpful to you!


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