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ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 13 > Iss. 3 (2025)

 

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Asha K. Vas, PhD, OT, CBIST; Lori Cook, PhD, CCC-SLP; Wanyi Wang, PhD; Alisha Schaefer, OTD

Abstract

Occupational therapists engage in critical thinking to integrate knowledge into clinical application. Academic curricula offer critical thinking strategies to facilitate flexible thinking and innovation to optimize clinical outcomes. Prior research has demonstrated that a gist-based reasoning program called Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) is beneficial in improving critical thinking skills in both healthy and clinical populations. The current study examined the benefits of the SMART program in masters-level occupational therapy (OT) students. Fourteen students between the ages of 22 and 45 (M = 25.71, SD = 6.34) completed the research study. The SMART program teaches strategies of strategic attention, integrated reasoning, and innovation. The group-based program was 10 hr long, over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. The design of the study is a pre-post crossover waitlist randomized trial. Non-parametric and paired t-tests analyses compared the pre-SMART to post-SMART scores. Findings demonstrated improvements in abstract thinking and innovation. Gains were also found on non-trained domains of memory and reduction in stress related scores. Students applied the strategies in real-life contexts, including school, home management, and social life. The SMART strategies could be integrated into OT curricula, including lectures and experiential learning. Future research should continue to explore long-term benefits of SMART program.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

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