Career choices: a comparison of two occupational therapy practice groups

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Occupational Therapy
• Healthcare Workforce Studies

Background:

• Growing elderly population necessitates more healthcare providers specializing in geriatric care.
• Literature indicates a shortage and reluctance among healthcare professionals to work with older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the decision-making process of occupational therapists choosing to work with older adults.
• To identify factors influencing career choices in geriatric occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing a comparative approach.
• Interviews conducted with 40 occupational therapists (20 in gerontology, 20 in pediatrics).

Main Results:

• Individual social characteristics and personal experiences significantly influence practice choice.
• Work context is a key determinant in occupational therapists' career decisions.
• A typology was developed to categorize influences on career choices.

Conclusions:

• Personal and contextual factors are crucial in shaping occupational therapists' career paths in gerontology.
• Recommendations for education and practice can address workforce challenges in geriatric care.