International Occupational Therapy Research Priorities

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy research
• Global health research
• Professional practice development

Background:

• Occupational therapy is a global profession, with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) representing its international scope.
• Strategic guidance through international research priorities is crucial for advancing global occupational therapy practice.
• Existing research agendas may not fully encompass the diverse needs and contexts of occupational therapy worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and establish a consensus on international research priorities for occupational therapy.
• To provide strategic direction for future research endeavors in the field.
• To ensure research priorities reflect the global nature of occupational therapy practice.

Main Methods:

• A three-round Delphi study was employed, utilizing electronic surveys.
• Surveys were distributed to member organizations and accredited universities affiliated with WFOT.
• Data analysis after each round informed subsequent survey iterations, with participants rating and ranking priorities.

Main Results:

• Eight international research priorities for occupational therapy were confirmed.
• Participation included 46 out of 87 WFOT member countries (53%).
• Variations in priority rankings were noted between member organizations and university respondents.

Conclusions:

• The identified research priorities offer a focused agenda for global occupational therapy research.
• These priorities are expected to guide research efforts and enhance professional practice internationally.
• Further investigation is recommended to assess the adoption and impact of these priorities in practice.