Support workers or replacement workers in rehabilitation?

An Evaluation of the Design and Implementation of a National Vocational Qualification in an Occupational Therapy Service

This article is a study of the implementation of the Self and Environmental Management Skills National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in an occupational therapy service. The history and reasons for developing NVQs are first described. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain comments from the four candidates about their perceptions of the assessment process. The discussion incorporates these views, which are of both positive and negative experiences. Recommendations are made in order to improve future NVQ programmes. The article concludes that, in this situation, despite some difficulties, the NVQ has generally improved occupational therapy service provision.

The Relevance of Vocational Education for Occupational Therapy Support Workers

This article examines the development of the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Occupational Therapy Support against the background of recent reforms and changes in health, social and educational arenas. Learning theories relevant to educational initiatives are addressed briefly and a rationale for liberal humanism is proposed. The significance of role clarification, task analysis and skill mixing is highlighted within the context of the drive for effectiveness and efficiency of services.

Eternal shortages of occupational therapists necessitate an increasing use of support staff. It is suggested that their role is now, more than ever, Important in terms of client care and raising the profile of the profession, and that support staff may be empowered to become more flexible and reflective practitioners. Employers demand a trained and responsive workforce. Competence-based vocational education, such as the HNC, employs experiential learning programmes to encourage the link between theory and practice, thus encouraging staff to develop and update their knowledge continually.

The history of occupational therapy assistants in Canada: a comparison with the United States

In the middle of the twentieth century, the role of occupational therapy assistant was introduced in North America. Although the role, utilization and training of assistant personnel have raised much controversy and debate within the profession, Canada and the United States have taken very different paths in terms of dealing with these issues. This paper focuses on the history of occupational therapy assistants in Canada, using the experience in the United States for comparison purposes. The occupational therapy literature and official documents of the professional associations are used to present a chronology of major historical events in both countries. Similarities and differences emerge in relation to historical roots; training model and standards of education; certification, regulation, and standards of practice; career laddering and career mobility; and professional affiliation. The paper concludes with a summary of issues which require further exploration, debate and resolution if the profession is to move forward in Canada.