A case against generalisation of mental health occupational therapy in Australia

In 2009, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists International Advisory Group on Mental Health conducted a global survey that yielded data on mental health occupational therapy practice. The Australian dataset reflected aspects of the current situation of the Australian mental health occupational therapy workforce. Of particular interest were resource availability, workforce recruitment and retention, and perception of the future of mental health occupational therapy.

Using a cross-sectional survey design, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered electronically over a one-month period. Manual analysis indicated themes common to mental health occupational therapists across a framework of professional areas.

Findings suggested that role blurring negatively affected workforce retention. Workforce recruitment and retention were complicated by resource shortages. Some Federal Government initiatives were perceived as only partially beneficial to the profession.

Survey respondents believed that mental health occupational therapy was a potential growth area particularly where occupational therapy specific skills were retained.