Definitions of research by occupational therapy clinicians: An exploratory study

Meanings of ‘Research’ and ‘Researcher’—The Clinician Perspective

This study used an open-ended self-report survey to define ‘research’ and ‘researcher’ from the clinician's perspective. Seventy-five occupational therapists working in 6 acute care metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Australia participated in this study (75% response rate). There were four key findings. First, a profile of therapist research revealed variations in levels of involvement with most (75%) having none. This was not related to postgraduate qualifications or study, years of experience, age, clinical specialty or seniority. Second, the nature of activities identified to be research by clinicians varied: project names, specific research tasks, input, output-related activities such as thinking and professional development activities. Third, research was defined in terms of its attributes, process, and outcomes. Fourth, researchers were described as being engaged in specific research tasks, other general tasks that progressed the research, and they were identified as producers of research outcomes. Differences were identified in responses between those therapists who were involved in research and those who were not.

Academic-clinician partnerships: a model for outcomes research

SUMMARY While practitioners are now asked to provide evidence that supports the services we deliver, there is little empirical evidence concerning occupational therapy interventions. Research by clinicians is limited, often due to a lack of time, institutional support and research skills. Establishing collaborative research relationships between faculty, clinicians, and graduate students has been suggested as a means of addressing these barriers. Implementation of a model teaming students with clinicians to conduct outcomes studies is described. The model will be illustrated using a case example of a collaborative research project evaluating the efficacy of a home management skills program for individuals with chronic mental illness. The benefits and challenges of the collaborative process will be described.