Crisis in psychosocial occupational therapy: a closer look

To date, there are no existing data concerning similarities and differences in occupational therapist shortages among the broad areas of clinical practice. Accordingly, this study sought to develop a profile of therapist shortages in Metropolitan Toronto within three broad foci of intervention, namely, physical dysfunction (PD), psychosocial dysfunction (PS), or a combination of both (C). Seventy-seven questionnaires were mailed to occupational therapy managers in Metropolitan Toronto. The 74% response rate from managers supervising a total of 516 therapists provided information which included numbers of existing positions (full- and part-time), numbers of vacancies and vacancy periods, as well as perceptions concerning reasons for vacancies and need for additional positions. Although no significant differences were found among vacancy rates in the three areas there was a perception that the greatest shortage was within the PS area of practice. Implications of these results are discussed in light of the perceived crisis in psychosocial therapy. Recommendations for future research are delineated.