Workplace peer support for continuing professional development in occupational therapy: A grounded theory

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Professional Development
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Occupational therapists utilize continuing professional development (CPD) through various avenues, including workplace experiences.
• Peer discussions in the workplace can facilitate reflection and learning.
• The specific role of peer support in occupational therapists' CPD is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of peer support in the continuing professional development (CPD) of clinical occupational therapists.
• To develop a substantive theory explaining the peer support process in occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

• A constructivist grounded theory approach was used.
• Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 occupational therapists.
• Data analysis involved a constant comparative method with initial, focused, and theoretical coding.

Main Results:

• Peer support was triggered by needs related to clinical reasoning, emotional support, professional growth, and career development.
• The peer support process is conceptualized as non-linear, influenced by mobilization, interaction, and practice context.
• Engagement in peer support led to broadened perspectives, increased risk-taking, enhanced self-efficacy, and knowledge transfer.

Conclusions:

• Peer support is a vital component of occupational therapists' continuing professional development (CPD).
• The developed theory explains how peer support contributes to transformative learning at both individual and organizational levels.