Workforce profile of Australian occupational therapists working with people who are terminally ill

The role played by Australian occupational therapists with clients living with terminal illness has recently been highlighted in the Occupational Therapy Australia () position paper on palliative care. To date, little evidence exists about the work profile of these therapists, the type of clients seen, their practice settings and how long therapists are planning to remain in this clinical role. This paper presents results from a national survey of Australian occupational therapists working with people who are terminally ill.

The largest ever sample (n = 171) of Australian occupational therapists working with clients who are terminally ill were purposively surveyed in this national mixed-method study, which was analysed using descriptive statistics and grounded theory.

Results revealed a predominantly full-time, publicly employed (81%), female (93%) workforce, with an average six years of experience in this setting. Most therapists treated clients in the community (49%), with slightly fewer working in inpatient settings (40%). Many had dual caseloads, employed in palliative care clinical roles, aged care or oncology settings. Neoplasms of varying kinds represented the dominant clinical diagnostic category. The majority of respondents planned to remain in their current role on average seven more years, citing job satisfaction as the main reason for doing so.

Results from this study reveal important data for future workforce planning in this clinical area. The information gathered about client diagnoses and practice contexts will enable more targeted preparation of students for graduation.