The identification of research priorities for UK occupational therapists in work rehabilitation

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Coole, Carol, McBean, Juliet and Drummond, Avril E.R. (2015) The identification of research priorities for UK occupational therapists in work rehabilitation. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 22 (7). pp. 329-336. ISSN 1759-779X

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Abstract

Background/Aims: UK occupational therapists are recognised as having key skills in work rehabilitation, but there is limited evidence to underpin this. In order to use research resources to best effect, it is vital to identify the research priorities of occupational therapists in work rehabilitation. This study aims to gather the views of those with a special interest in the field in order to identify their research priorities.

Methods: An online survey was developed and administered electronically to members (n=173) of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section-Work (COTSS-Work). Respondents were asked to: i) prioritise and comment on research areas; ii) propose research questions. A final sample of 42 surveys was collected and analysed thematically

Results: Responses reflected the diversity and complexity of work rehabilitation. Identifying a rank order of research priorities proved challenging as the majority (≥62%) of respondents considered all of the topic areas listed a high priority. Research into the following areas were included in the survey: interventions; outcome measurements; assessments; management and/or service delivery; planning and/or commissioning; and education. However, 'interventions' was rated highest overall.

Conclusions: Occupational therapists in the UK need more evidence to justify their role in the work and health arena. Greater opportunities are required for occupational therapists in clinical practice, as well as those involved in research, to address areas in which evidence-based practice is lacking and the mechanisms to disseminate this knowledge base.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/757734
Keywords: Work Rehabilitation, Research Priorities, Survey, Occupational Therapy
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
Identification Number: 10.12968/ijtr.2015.22.7.329
Depositing User: Coole, Carolyn
Date Deposited: 26 Jul 2016 08:15
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 17:13
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/35407

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