The Transition of Junior Occupational Therapists to Clinical Practice: Report of a Preliminary Study

Abstract

tiS study investigated the feasibility of identifying the factors that Influenced occupational therapists' decision to practise, or cease to practise, within one year of qualification. Pre-qualificatlon and post-qualificatlon questionnaires completed by the study respondents (n=177) explored a selection of variables, both personal and employment-related. Outcome measures included turnover and withdrawal from practice (attrition). The study identified a number of factors of potential infiuence, concluding that a larger study to explore these factors was both feasible and timely.

Australian occupational therapy practice in acute care settings

“…Some limitations of this study include the large proportion of women in the sample, the fact that therapists' choices were forced by using predetermined lists of items to rank, and that therapists self-assigned their team to one of the descriptions. While this study used an Australian sample, some of the results are similar to those in a British study of new graduates' transition to clinical practice (Rugg, 1996). The idea of preparing therapists for the real world of practice is one for educators in all countries.…”

“…A British study reported that junior occupational therapists received adequate supervision significantly less often than they expected to receive it (Rugg, 1996). The lack of adequate supervision for more than half the therapists working in acute care settings is problematic, particularly because of the higher levels of concerns that younger therapists experience with regard to their practice in this area than older therapists.…”

“…Adamson et al (1998b) report that time management skills was one area in which recent occupational therapy graduates felt least prepared. British therapists reported that they were able to find time for all work-related responsibilities less often than they had expected (Rugg, 1996). Occupational therapy educators have a responsibility to ensure graduates are adequately prepared to manage their time, especially in acute settings.…”

Junior occupational therapists' continuity of employment: what influences success?

“…An account of a preliminary study, conducted to develop the instruments and procedures to be used in the main study, has been published elsewhere (Rugg, 1996). This article will therefore concentrate on the details of the main study.…”

“…The chosen items were those that were found to be significantly problematic in junior occupational therapists' early practice. The remaining four questionnaire elements came from the pilot study conducted prior to the current study (Rugg, 1996). The second study questionnaire was delivered to respondents one year post-qualification.…”