The Ontario College of Occupational Therapists: a survey

A survey was conducted to examine how familiar Ontario occupational therapists are with the Ontario College of Occupational Therapists (OCOT), and to identify their attitudes concerning self-regulation. A questionnaire was mailed to 100 occupational therapists, 50 non-members and 50 members of the OCOT. Sixty-four (64%) occupational therapists comprised the final sample; 30 members and 34 non-members. The prototypical member is over the age of 30 years, has worked more than ten years, and has graduated from a diploma program in occupational therapy. The prototypical non-member has worked for less than five years, has graduated from a degree program in occupational therapy, and is under the age of 30 years. The results indicated that: (1) both members and non-members work full-time in a hospital setting in the area of adult physical medicine as staff therapists; and (2) are involved in their professional associations, i.e., the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (C.A.O.T.). Both groups support the concept of a self-regulatory body, however they view its purpose quite differently. The study further suggested that the majority of occupational therapists surveyed are not aware of the many issues surrounding regulation, i.e., provisions asked for by the OCOT under the Health Disciplines Act. The results are discussed with their implications for the OCOT and for Ontario occupational therapists.