Determining the research priorities for the profession of Occupational Therapy in South Africa

Abstract

Occupational Therapy is a profession that focuses on enhancing the functioning of individuals who experience functional limitations particularly when engaging in occupation related activities. The setting of research priorities is seen as an important activity for every organisation. The aim of the study was to determine the current occupational therapy research focus areas in South Africa and to establish occupational therapy priority research areas. In Phase one of the study the researchers conducted a survey with 150 participants in order to determine the research priority focus areas for the profession of occupational therapy. In Phase two a database consisting of research projects completed for the year 2017- 2019 were analysed thematically in order to determine the current main areas of occupational therapy research in South Africa. A quantitative descriptive research design was used in Phase one of the study and Phase two used a qualitative research design.  The WHO research priority questionnaire was used to identify research priorities for the occupational therapy profession. The results of Phase one of the study indicate that Effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention (n, 74%), evidence based occupational therapy practice (n, 67%) and the development of valid and reliable occupational therapy measurement tools (n, 57%) was seen as important areas in terms of research priority. Furthermore, the results of Phase two of the study indicates that OT Education and training-based research [58%] and Mental Health Disorders (including substance abuse) [49%] were the most common areas of occupational therapy research in South Africa. In conclusion the results of the study suggested a need to conduct Level 1 studies that require evidence based occupational therapy practice.