Description of curricula of occupational therapy programmes offered worldwide

Abstract

Introduction The description of study programs in university education allows for updates, according to global trends and the needs of local and regional contexts. It is also one of the criteria for the evaluation of the quality of higher education according to the regulations of each country. Objective To describe the study programs of different occupational therapy programs worldwide. Method A descriptive study, with a convenience sample of 36 study programs. For the collection and analysis of the information was elaborate an identification matrix based on previously established variables. Subsequently, their similarities and differences were established. Results It was found that the average training time was 4.1 years for Latin America. The clinical line of study has a greater number of courses worldwide, except in Latin America where the mental health line predominates. Conclusion A general overview of the structure of the various study programs worldwide was shown, which allows reflection on the trends of professional profiles according to the epistemological change of the profession and global, regional, and local needs.