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Occupational Therapy Research in Schools: A Mapping Review
Patrícia L de Oliveira Borba1, Beatriz P Pereira2, Joana R B de Souza2,3
1Department of Health, Education and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos 11015-020, Brazil.
Occupational Therapy International
|September 9, 2020
Summary
This study mapped 30 years of occupational therapy research in schools. Most research, centralized in the US, focused on children with disabilities, primarily through individual interventions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational therapy research
- Educational interventions
- Knowledge mapping
Background:
- Schools are crucial for occupational therapists' professional integration globally.
- Limited research mapping the knowledge production in this specialized field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the scientific knowledge production concerning occupational therapy in schools.
- Identify trends and characteristics of research at the intersection of occupational therapy and education.
Main Methods:
- A mapping review was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science databases.
- Data extracted included publication years, journals, author countries, populations, and intervention types.
- A descriptive map of knowledge production was constructed.
Main Results:
- 127 articles published between 1988 and 2017 were analyzed.
- Research is concentrated in the United States, focusing on children with disabilities.
- Interventions primarily targeted individuals or groups for rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- The field of occupational therapy in schools has been developing for at least 30 years.
- Current research predominantly addresses disabilities, potentially overlooking contemporary school challenges.
- Further reflection is needed on the alignment of research with current educational needs.
