Thom Bevitt

and us versus them: Shifting control to consumers can disempower practice educators

We found; OT’s perceived that; Personal capability of consumers and students will enable, inhibit, and be developed by engaging in a feedback process; an educator-controlled process is required to ensure safety for all stakeholders in time-poor practices;

The second PhD paper explored Aust OT perspectives of consumers contributing to students learning during placements. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

(4) gathering approaches need to be responsive to the diversity of practice and learning; (5) processing feedback with a trusted mentor is critical for learning.

(1) creating value specific for each stakeholder is essential, (2) preparation is required and nuanced; (3) consumers do engage and provide critical feedback when the system is supportive of all stakeholders;

My first PhD paper found 5 concepts among consumer feedback systems; onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

The findings highlight the transformative potential of consumer involvement, not as assessors, but as co-educators who deepen learning during practice-based education.

Thank you to all my supervisors and family, consumer and students for all you support and engagement!

Across four studies, we looked at how consumer perspectives can expand feedback processes, strengthen feedback literacy, and support the development of professional identity. we developed the PEPA feedback system that enables students to engage in safe, meaningful feedback with consumers.

This haiku reflects the central insight of the thesis: learning in student health professionals is strongest when shaped through shared relationships that expand beyond the professional lens, and with authentic partnership with the people we serve.

After seven years of research, collaboration, and reflection, I have pushed the button to submit the PhD. This work explored how consumers can become genuine partners in shaping the learning of occupational therapy students during practice placements.

PhD Submitted: Consumer feedback as a catalyst for professional learning in occupational therapy practice education