Abstract:

This study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine the influence of student supervision on the levels of burnout among occupational therapist preceptors.
The hypothesis: Occupational therapist preceptors will exhibit lower levels of burnout than non supervising occupational therapists.
The study population included 96 occupational therapists practicing independently or in multi- disciplinary teams, in community programs or treatment centers in the center of the country, in the following fields: 35 practicing in psychiatry, 30 with physically disabled or geriatric populations, and 31in pediatric programs. Department heads were sent questionnaires that included Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) for health professions, a demographic questionnaire, a supervision questionnaire, and open-ended questions.53 questionnaires were completed by preceptors and were used for the research sample, and 43 were completed by non – supervising occupational therapists, which became the control group.
Research findings point to a significantly lower level of burnout and a greater feeling of personal accomplishment among the group of preceptors as compared to non-supervising occupational therapists, when the supervision is just one of the occupational therapist's roles .There was a greater response from therapists practicing in psychiatry .In addition supervision was perceived by therapists in all fields as a positive and enjoyable experience that prevents burnout and empowers both professionally and personally, despite the lack of adequate compensation.
Conclusions: Clinical supervision in occupational therapy decreases rates of burnout and facilitates professional and personal advancement, by changing the status and academic recognition within a work environment with limited opportunities for advancement.

Keywords:

Burnout, fieldwork education, preceptor, clinical supervision.