Learning management by self-employed occupational therapists in private practice.

Area of Science:

• Business Management
• Occupational Therapy Practice
• Entrepreneurship Education

Background:

• Many small business owners, including occupational therapists, lack essential business skills, leading to high failure rates.
• Success in private practice requires occupational therapists to master both clinical and business management competencies.
• Understanding the development of these business skills is crucial for supporting occupational therapists in private practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how occupational therapists in private practice acquire the necessary business skills for successful operation.
• To identify the factors influencing the development of business competencies in self-employed occupational therapists.
• To provide insights for occupational therapists aiming to establish and grow private practices.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews.
• Data were collected from twenty-six self-employed occupational therapists about their journey as business owner-managers.
• Narrative analysis was used to understand the development of their business competencies.

Main Results:

• Business competency development is influenced by startup motivations, growth ambitions, and interaction with the business environment.
• Competencies are gained through formal education before practice and informal learning during operation.
• Transformational learning occurs through significant events, enhancing self-perception as business owner-managers.

Conclusions:

• Successful transition to private practice ownership involves management learning, including self-reflection and environmental analysis.
• Occupational therapists need to develop capabilities and strategic plans for practice growth.
• Key considerations for occupational therapists include self-awareness, risk assessment, and strategic development for sustained success.