Professional expertise of community-based occupational therapists

SUMMARY As the health care system changes, it is increasingly important to define the roles and contributions of individual professions. The goal of this study was to identify job roles, job skills, and professional expertise of community-based therapists. The Community Practice Project survey was mailed to 200 AOTA registered community-based therapists. There were 84 (42%) surveys returned. The results provided a profile of community-based therapists. Principal roles, job skills, and areas of professional expertise were identified. Educational preparation was assessed. Respondents reported that they were not prepared to use the skills of networking, consulting, and communication. They were not prepared in expertise areas such as community resources, self-directed learning, and client-centered approach to practice. Overall, therapists expressed satisfaction with work in community-based positions.