Knowledge and Use of Theory among Occupational Therapists: A Canadian Survey

1989 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Law ◽  
Mary Ann McCoII
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Recent Interest ◽  
Academic Qualification ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Recent interest in occupational therapy theory has focussed attention on the utility of theory for clinical-practice and for research. However, for many therapists, knowledge and use of theory have changed notably since their educational days, and the process of keeping up to date on theory development may be difficult. This paper presents the results of a survey aimed at identifying the extent of use of theory and the level of knowledge about theory among practicing therapists in Canada. A random sample of 187 therapists from across the country was surveyed to ascertain their knowledge of authors and ideas in the occupational therapy theory literature. Results indicate that overall knowledge level is moderate. Factors which significantly predict theory knowledge include year of graduation, training in or outside Canada, academic qualification, and self-assessment of theory knowledge. There were no significant differences in theory knowledge according to area of clinical practice.

Considering Spirituality in Occupational Therapy Practice

1994 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Egan ◽  
M. Denise Delaat
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Occupational Performance ◽  
Exact Role ◽  
Therapy Guidelines

Despite its prominent place in the Occupational Therapy Guidelines for client-centred practice, the exact role of spirituality in clinical practice has been difficult to delineate. In this paper current concepts of spirituality are outlined and ways in which these concepts have been applied in health care are described. To illustrate these spiritual concepts, the experiences of individuals whom the authors have met in their clinical practice are outlined in a series of vignettes. Finally, a revision of the model of occupational performance which enhances consideration of spirituality in occupational therapy practice is proposed, and some guidelines for occupational therapists wishing to incorporate spiritual concerns in therapy are suggested.

Relationship of Occupational Therapists' Education and Experience to Perceived Value of Theory Development

1985 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Van Deusen
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Professional Experience ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Certificate Programs ◽  
Theory Application ◽  
Recent Graduates ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Relationship Of

The development and validation of theoretical bases for intervention have been identified as crucial goals for the profession of occupational therapy. An earlier study showed that recent graduates at the baccalaureate level tended to place less value on theory development than theory application, whereas graduates of professional master's degree or certificate programs in occupational therapy placed a significantly higher value on theory development. This finding led to speculation that theory valuing may be related to professional experience and maturity. This study sought to determine if attitudes of occupational therapists toward theory development are related to their level of education or to their length of professional experience. Using a survey instrument devised by the author, data were collected from a sample of 138 experienced therapists and compared with data collected earlier from recent graduates. Results indicated that both longevity of practice as well as level of education were associated with high priorities for theory development.

AOTA 2021 Standards for Continuing Competence in Occupational Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Interpersonal Skills ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Ethical Practice ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Performance Skills ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
Ongoing Process ◽  
Continuing Competence

Continuing competence is essential to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants for fulfilling their roles and abilities across experience, context, and time. It requires an ongoing process to keep up with new developments related to the profession and specialty areas throughout one’s career (i.e., early, mid-, late, change, or reentry). To build capacity, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants must commit to a process of self-assessment, reflecting on, in, and toward action to advance the knowledge, professional reasoning, interpersonal skills, performance skills, and ethical practice necessary to perform current and future roles and responsibilities within the profession. The American Occupational Therapy Association’s Standards for Continuing Competence serve as a foundation for analyzing the occupation in regard to continuing competence. These standards can be viewed separately and collectively and can be combined with other standards documents to gain an overarching perspective.

Occupational Therapy Theory Development: Knowledge and Values Held by Recent Graduates

1981 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Van Deusen Fox
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Certificate Programs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recent Graduates ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

A random sample of recently certified occupational therapists was surveyed regarding their value positions. Results indicated that personal development of occupational therapy theory held low priority relative to other aspects of occupational therapy. Chi square analysis showed that those therapists who obtained their basic professional education in masters' or certificate programs valued theory development significantly more than their baccalaureate educated peers. Results also showed that newly certified occupational therapists did not have knowledge of a wide range of occupational therapy theorists and that such knowledge was unrelated to value position toward theory development.

Spirituality and Occupational Therapy in a Secular Culture

1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Travis Kroeker
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Religious Traditions ◽  
Spiritual Meaning ◽  
Secular Culture ◽  
Open Dialogue ◽  
The Mind

In an attempt to help plot the territory of the role of spirituality in occupational therapy, this paper examines the understanding of the mind-body-spirit paradigm in modern secular culture in order to examine critically its spiritual assumptions. It also suggests that occupational therapists might continue to explore the meaning of spirituality in a secular, pluralist culture through open dialogue that considers the spiritual meaning and aims of clinical practice with reference to particular religious traditions and symbols.

Tahap Pengetahuan Pelatih Institut Kemahiran Mara Mengenai Persekitaran Kondusif Untuk Bakal Usahawan

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norasmah Othman ◽  
Muharam Gaya
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Inferential Statistics ◽  
Academic Qualification ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Kajian ini meninjau tahap pengetahuan pelatih–pelatih Institut Kemahiran Mara (IKM) mengenai kemudahan persekitaran kondusif untuk bakal usahawan dan hubungannya dengan minat menceburi bidang keusahawanan. Sampel kajian adalah terdiri daripada pelajar tahun akhir (n = 103). Kajian ini mengunakan soal selidik yang diubah suai dari kajian Faridah (2001) dan Badrul Hisham (1995). Data kajian dianalisis menggunakan statistik deskriptif dan inferensi. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap pengetahuan pelatih mengenai persekitaran kondusif untuk bakal usahawan adalah sederhana rendah, tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan antara tahap pengetahuan pelatih mengenai persekitaran kondusif berdasarkan jantina, kelulusan akademik dan kursus/seminar yang diikuti, dan tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara tahap pengetahuan pelatih mengenai persekitaran kondusif dengan minat menceburi bidang keusahawanan. Kata kunci: Pengetahuan; kemudahan persekitaran kondusif This study explores Institut Kemahiran Mara (IKM) trainees level of knowledge on conducive surrounding facilities for potential entrepreneurs and its relationship with their interest in entrepreneurship. Samples were taken from final year IKM trainees (n = 103). This study used a set of questionnaire adapted from Faridah’s (2001) dan Badrul Hisham’s (1995) research. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. This research indicates that the IKM trainees’ knowledge level on conducive surrounding facilities for potential entrepreneurs is medium low. There is no significant difference on knowledge level of the trainees about conducive surrounding facilities based on gender, academic qualification and courses/seminar that the trainees have attended. There is also no significant relationship between knowledge level on conducive surrounding facilities for potential entrepreneurs with their interest in entrepreneurship. Key words: Knowledge; conducive environmental facilities

Measurement in Occupational Therapy: Scientific Criteria for Evaluation

1987 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Law
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Criteria For Evaluation ◽  
Intended Use

Measurement Instruments are used by occupational therapists to describe patients, predict recovery and evaluate immediate treatment effect within their clinical practice. An instrument's development and methodological properties are guided by the purpose of the instrument. In this paper, criteria are proposed for evaluating the utility of measurement tools used by occupational therapists. These criteria are discussed within the framework of the intended use of the instrument. The criteria include the instrument's purpose, clinical utility, construction and scaling, standardization, reliability, validity and responsiveness. An algorithm to guide therapists' appraisal of measurement instruments is included.

The Educational Needs of Occupational Therapists Who Work with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda Foulder-Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Adult Survivors ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
And Training

This study aimed to examine the education and training needs of occupational therapists who work with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Two sample groups were used: occupational therapy pre-registration courses and occupational therapists working in mental health settings. Two postal surveys were designed in order to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data. Seventeen courses and 43 occupational therapists responded from around the United Kingdom. The results indicated that although most of the occupational therapy courses offered some form of education around CSA issues, this had been available for a relatively short period of time (generally for less than 5 years). However, the majority of occupational therapists who responded were senior staff with more than 5 years' clinical experience who had not received such education as students. Consequently, the education offered differed greatly from that of 5 years ago. All the occupational therapists felt that their current level of knowledge could be improved. Recommendations regarding prospective educational requirements and further research are made.

scholarly journals Neonatal Occupational Therapy in Australia: A Survey and Recommendations for Developing Guidelines for Clinical Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Nancy McPharlin ◽  
Hugh Stewart ◽  
Deanna Gibbs ◽  
Holly Bowen-Salter ◽  
Kobie Boshoff
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Part Time ◽  
The Many ◽  
High Level ◽  
Training Opportunities

Aim and Background: Occupational Therapists form an essential part of the development and care of infants and families in Neonatal Units (NNU) across the world, however, little is documented about their practice in Australia. This article aims to develop a greater understanding of the role of Occupational Therapy in NNU in Australia, compared with international practice guidelines, and recommends the adoption of UK guidelines until Australia specific guidelines emerge. Method: An online questionnaire was developed from a systematic scoping review and piloted by an expert panel. Invitations were sent to thirty Occupational Therapists working in NNUs around Australia. Data analysis included using descriptive statistics and qualitative themes. Results: Twenty two (73%) of NNU Occupational Therapists responded to the survey, representing all levels of NNU. Results describe the current Occupational Therapy role in Australia as encompassing assessment, intervention, teamwork and a variety of ‘other’ activities, all of which required advanced knowledge, skills and paediatric experience, and involved ongoing high-level professional development. Occupational Therapy has a unique role to play in neonatal units. Future development of the role is reliant upon good advocacy and promotion, specialised training opportunities, prospects for networking, support and mentorship for the many Therapists working part-time, and ongoing research. The Australian Occupational Therapy NNU role compares similarly with those cited internationally (UK & US). The development of guidelines for evidence based clinical practice of neonatal Occupational Therapy in Australia was highly sought by clinicians. The adoption of the ‘Occupational Therapy in neonatal services and early intervention: practice guideline’ (RCOT 2017) is proposed until the emergence of specific Australian guidelines.  

Refresher Education Policy: Results of a Survey

1987 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Polatajko ◽  
Carolyn Wright ◽  
Pat Clancy ◽  
Maria LeBlanc ◽  
Margie Vanhook
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Education Policy ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Manpower Shortage

Occupational Therapy experiences chronic manpower shortage. This is in part, due to loss of trained, experienced manpower. In many cases, female occupational therapists, like other women, drop-out of the work force to re-enter later. In an attempt to deliniate refresher education policy for re-entering, a mail survey of randomly selected members of Ontario occupational therapists and occupational therapy managers was conducted. The results of the survey suggested refresher education should be mandatory after an absence of 3–5 years, should be under the jurisdiction, at least in part, of the provincial association, should be oriented to specialists training and have a variety of formats including clinical practice.

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