Occupational therapists' experiences of career progression following promotion

Nelson, Helen Y.; Giles, Susan; McInnes, Heather; Hitch, Danielle

doi:10.1111/1440-1630.12207

Cited by 8 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Convenience and small samples, in addition to low response rates, were frequently reported as a limitation, and affect the representativeness of the study population and, thereby, the validity and generalizability of the findings [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. In turn, small sample sizes were also reported to affect the statistical power [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Convenience samples with self-engaged participants, hence motivated to participate in a survey, can also result in skewed findings [ 37 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Limitations and Recommendations for Advancing the Occupational Therapy Workforce Research Worldwide: Scoping Review and Content Analysis of the Literature

Jesus

Mani²,

Ledgerd³

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Occupational therapy workforce research can help determine whether occupational therapists exist in sufficient supply, are equitably distributed, and meet competency standards. Advancing the value of occupational therapy workforce research requires an understanding of the limitations and recommendations identified by these investigations. This scoping review and content analysis synthesizes the study limitations and recommendations reported by the occupational therapy research worldwide. Two independent reviews included 57 papers from the past 25 years. Stated limitations included: focus on cross-sectional studies with small and convenience samples; participants from single settings or regions; local markets or preferences not specified; focus on self-reported data and intentions (rather than behaviors or occurrences); challenges in aggregating or synthesizing findings from descriptive data; lack of statistical adjustment for testing multiple associations; and the lack of detailed, up-to-date, and accessible workforce data for continuous monitoring and secondary research. Stated recommendations included: strengthening routine workforce data collection; developing longitudinal studies that include interventions (e.g., recruitment or retention packages); developing context-sensitive comparisons; studying the impact on ultimate outcomes; promoting nation-wide, coordinated workforce plans and requirements; and fostering international coalitions for workforce research and developments at scale. These study limitations and recommendations reported by the literature must be considered in the design of a local and global occupational therapy workforce research agenda.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Limitations and Recommendations for Advancing the Occupational Therapy Workforce Research Worldwide: Scoping Review and Content Analysis of the Literature

Jesus

Mani²,

Ledgerd³

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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“…From an organisational perspective, investment in early career program development may strengthen workforce development and create clearer pathways for career progression. Opportunities for the development of new skills and knowledge have been identified as a key retention factor for occupational therapists, both as new graduates (Cusick et al, 2004) and later in their careers (Nelson et al, 2015). The small number of early career programs and their relatively short tenure also presents a potential barrier to resourcing, due to challenges in reaching a ‘critical mass’ that makes their delivery cost effective.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Key Points For Occupational Therapymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For this study, early career was defined as the first 2 years of practice following graduation and employment at a Grade 1 level. The scope of practice for positions in early career programs (as classified in State Enterprise Agreements) is primarily limited to direct patient care and include significant oversight and support from more senior colleagues (Nelson et al, 2015). The objectives of the study were to: identify the service characteristics and contexts in which these programs are currently offered, list the key features of currently available programs and explore the alignment of intended outcomes against established professional competencies. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Early career programs for mental health occupational therapists: A survey of current practice

Foster

Palexas

Hitch

2022

Aus Occup Therapy J

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Introduction Early in their career, occupational therapists may require a range of additional development for a successful transition to the profession. However, both the definition of ‘early career’ and the relevant development for this career stage vary between sources. In regard to occupational therapists transitioning to mental health professional practice, there is very little evidence to draw upon when designing the structure and content of development programs. This study aimed to review current practices in early career programs for mental health occupational therapists within the Australian state of Victoria. Methods Tertiary mental health services in Victoria were purposefully recruited, supplemented by snowball recruitment. The participants responded to a bespoke survey including open and closed questions, designed to benchmark practices against previous research and explore current practices with early career mental health occupational therapists. Thirteen services participated, with respondents including senior clinicians, allied health chiefs, allied health clinical educators and early career development program coordinators. Results The participants confirmed the perceived value of development programs for early career mental health occupational therapists; however, limited resources were available to develop, implement and sustain these supports. Program content, structure and terminology varied significantly, as did the identified competencies for participants to achieve. Some of this variability was related to program eligibility criteria and early career workforce structure within organisations. Conclusion Early career mental health occupational therapist development should be responsive to their local service environments. A better understanding of the outcomes of these programs for early career occupational therapists, from both an individual and service perspective, could also provide a firmer rationale and foundation for sustained resourcing of this valuable approach to workforce development.

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“…Previous studies in allied health have found that the highest qualification attained was a predictor of research generation [38], but all of the Masters qualified occupational therapists in this sample undertook those degrees as pre-registration qualifications (rather than as research training). The smaller increase in clinicians identifying themselves as research leaders may be related to the relatively fewer recognised leadership positions available in the profession [39]. While clinicians can attain research leadership at any stage of their career, via development of specialist skills and knowledge, they may still associate it with seniority in rank.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Longitudinal evaluation of a knowledge translation role in occupational therapy

Hitch

Lhuede

Vernon

et al. 2019

BMC Health Serv Res

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BackgroundIn 2014, a large metropolitan mental health service in Australia developed a senior role (Lead Research Occupational Therapist) to address an identified need for greater research and knowledge translation, and associated capacity building. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact, in the first 2.5 years, of this role across a range of variables.MethodsMultiple methods were used to gather a comprehensive range of data. Workforce surveys were completed both online and in hard copy in early 2014 (n = 42) and late 2016 (n = 44). Research key performance indicators (academic, research production and cultural) were also identified for measurement over time. The data from these surveys were analysed using descriptive and inductive analysis, and also with social network analysis.ResultsThis role has demonstrated positive outcomes across a range of variables. There was a medium effect on the quantity of participation in quality assurance and knowledge translation activities by the workforce. Most knowledge translation behaviours were occurring regularly, although several were absent. An improving trend in attitudes towards evidence-based practice was recorded, and perceptions of the knowledge translation role were generally positive. The Lead Research Occupational Therapist moved from the periphery to the centre of the evidence based practice social network. Improved awareness of other clinicians deploying evidence based practice was observed, and the frequency of interaction between clinicians increased. The role has met all key performance indicators, across the academic, research production and cultural domains.ConclusionsThe shift in focus of this role from research to knowledge translation has produced tangible outcomes for the occupational therapy workforce. These achievements have had a positive impact on the sustainability of the role, which will be continued for at least another two years. An ongoing challenge is to directly measure the impact of this role on outcomes for people with mental illness and their carers.

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Occupational therapists' experiences of career progression following promotion

Abstract: This study is the first to address the common issues for occupational therapy staff around progression between grade levels. It therefore provides a basis for further research in other practice settings and for the development of supports for therapists climbing the career ladder.

Cited by 8 publications

References 26 publications

Limitations and Recommendations for Advancing the Occupational Therapy Workforce Research Worldwide: Scoping Review and Content Analysis of the Literature

Limitations and Recommendations for Advancing the Occupational Therapy Workforce Research Worldwide: Scoping Review and Content Analysis of the Literature

Early career programs for mental health occupational therapists: A survey of current practice

Longitudinal evaluation of a knowledge translation role in occupational therapy

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