Is Clinical Updating a Valuable Mechanism for Enhancing the Student Experience?

Abstract

This opinion piece aims to clarify the concepts of the theory-practice and practice-theory gaps, and to begin to explore the impact of these gaps on efficacious occupational therapy practice. Any perceived gaps between theoretical knowledge and practice skills may have a detrimental effect on the student experience and, ultimately, upon the production of graduates who are fit for practice and purpose. A number of issues are raised. One significant issue is the value of clinical updating for academic staff and its impact upon the student experience. Another issue is the need for further clarification of the definitions of theory-practice/practice-theory gaps and consideration of the impact of these perceived gaps. A need for further research is identified to explore staff perceptions of these issues.