Profiling the Research Activities of Canadian Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science Faculty Members

Area of Science:

• Occupational Science
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Limited understanding of research scope and nature within Canadian occupational science (OS) and occupational therapy (OT) faculty programs.
• Need to characterize current research activities and future directions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the research activities and directions of faculty members in Canadian OS and OT programs.
• To identify research topics, methods, populations, and funding sources.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey distributed to 173 faculty members across all 14 Canadian OT programs.
• Survey addressed research topics, methods, populations, and funding.

Main Results:

• 121 faculty members responded, indicating research on various topics and populations, with a prevalence of qualitative research.
• Many studies examined intervention effectiveness; few focused on OS research.
• Federal and provincial grants were the primary funding sources.

Conclusions:

• Research topics align with practice but also explore emerging areas to expand the evidence base and scope of practice.
• Faculty accessed diverse funding despite limited occupation-specific options.
• Collaboration is key for future OS and OT research priorities in Canada.