Imagine studying abroad, but more than making new friends and experiencing the culture, you get the chance to design and deliver a program that improves locals’ lives.
As part of a funded 10-week placement in Vietnam, final year Occupational Therapy (OT) students Alana Gray and Maddison Burman set up an in-patient leisure-based activity group for cancer patients at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital.
“We did lots of observations at the start and found that patients were spending a lot of time in their beds in overcrowded wards, and this was having a negative impact on their physical and mental health,” Maddison said.
“So, we set up a group program where patients walk out of the ward to the OT clinic for a one-hour music session. They’d singalong to Bolero music, which is a type of music they love, play games to get them up and moving and share stories, helping to build social connectedness.”
As OT students, Alana said they were able to introduce a focus on psychosocial therapy that was previously missing at the hospital.
“Their OTs were physio-based, so working mostly on physical recovery. We were able to build their skills in providing therapeutic conversations and supporting mental health and wellbeing.”
In terms of impact, the program is ongoing with the hospital’s oncology and rehab leads reporting an overall improvement in patient wellbeing.
“The team at Hue are so amazing, welcoming and hospitable. Being able to contribute to the development of OT services at Hue UMP Hospital was invaluable. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Maddison Burman, Occupational Therapy student
Alana said the experience built her communication and project management skills.
“We were able to rally key stakeholders, provide information about why it’s important, enable them to lead and plan, so it’s culturally appropriate and drive it themselves – so the full package.”
“As a result, I’d be less hesitant to take on projects in healthcare improvement or leadership roles, rather than strictly clinical work. It’s opened my eyes to other areas.”
While Maddison and Alana are both keen to kick start their OT careers in paediatrics, a return visit to Vietnam is on the cards.
Maddison said, “In a couple of years, once we’ve developed our clinical skills, we really want to go back to see how they’re going, provide more upskilling and strengthen that partnership.”
For OT students considering this placement opportunity, Maddison is emphatic.
“I would absolutely recommend! The team at Hue are so amazing, welcoming and hospitable. Being able to contribute to the development of OT services at Hue UMP Hospital was invaluable. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Alana and Maddison completed their OT studies at La Trobe Rural Health School’s Bendigo campus.
For more information about studying OT see: Occupational Therapy, Degrees & Courses | La Trobe University
For enquiries about the funded OT placement in Vietnam, contact Dr Kylie Carra at K.Carra@latrobe.edu.au.