Examining Intraprofessional Competencies for Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant Collaboration

Examining the Educational and Professional Learning Contexts where Occupational Therapy Practitioners Gained Competencies for Intraprofessional Collaboration

“…Results related to the first research question, "What are the perceptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants regarding the competencies needed for effective collaboration in the delivery of occupational therapy services?" were previously published (Diamant et al, 2018). We share findings in this article pertaining to our second research question, "In which learning contexts do occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants develop the competencies needed for effective collaboration in the delivery of occupational therapy services?"…”

“…Literature on competencies specific to intraprofessional practice, while limited, emphasizes skills needed to collaborate effectively within the intraprofessional team (Barker et al, 2018;Diamant et al, 2018;Jelley et al, 2013).Collaboration has been defined in different ways with key components including sharing of resources, shared decision-making, teamwork, and respect (Emich, 2018). Whether intra-or interprofessional, collaboration includes valuing contributions of each team member and respecting roles and knowledge (Emich, 2018).…”

“…Since no competencies had been established specific to intraprofessional collaboration in occupational therapy, the survey was developed from competencies for interprofessional practice outlined by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC 2011(IPEC , 2016 and intraprofessional competencies developed for physical therapy practitioners (Jelley et al, 2013). The survey by Diamant et al (2018) included 20 competencies in four domains, including Intraprofessional Teamwork, Roles & Responsibilities, Communication, and Values & Ethics, which were developed to represent collaboration specific to intraprofessional practice in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists (n = 228) and occupational therapy assistants (n = 123) overwhelming agreed that the identified competencies were important or very important for effective collaboration (Diamant et al, 2018).…”

“…The survey by Diamant et al (2018) included 20 competencies in four domains, including Intraprofessional Teamwork, Roles & Responsibilities, Communication, and Values & Ethics, which were developed to represent collaboration specific to intraprofessional practice in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists (n = 228) and occupational therapy assistants (n = 123) overwhelming agreed that the identified competencies were important or very important for effective collaboration (Diamant et al, 2018). Competencies developed by Diamant et al (2018) are included in the AOTA official document, Importance of Collaborative Occupational Therapist -Occupational Therapy Assistant Intraprofessional Education in Occupational Therapy (AOTA, 2018).…”

“…Occupational therapists (n = 228) and occupational therapy assistants (n = 123) overwhelming agreed that the identified competencies were important or very important for effective collaboration (Diamant et al, 2018). Competencies developed by Diamant et al (2018) are included in the AOTA official document, Importance of Collaborative Occupational Therapist -Occupational Therapy Assistant Intraprofessional Education in Occupational Therapy (AOTA, 2018). These competencies require further study, but provide practitioners and educators with objectives for evaluating practitioners and students as they develop intraprofessional practice skills.…”