Improving Research Engagement in Occupational Therapy: Results of an International Consultation

The aims of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) include the promotion of research for advancing public protection and access to quality evidence-informed occupational therapy. As a Federation of occupational therapy organisations, WFOT was requested by national member associations to conduct a global consultation to assist them in engaging occupational therapists in research in their country by identifying priority issues and sharing research participation strategies.

A two-phase mixed methods study involving an online needs analysis survey of representatives of each national member organisation of WFOT; followed by a consultation with WFOT member organisation representatives attending a WFOT Council meeting to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for research engagement.

Strengths for research engagement were identified as the broad scope of practice of occupational therapy; growing research capacity; and increasing access to evidence. Weaknesses included the availability of time and resources; and access to external supports. SWOT participants identified opportunities for developing a robust research culture within the profession, as well as strategies to continue to promote access to research evidence. Threats to occupational therapist research engagement centred upon low expectations among some occupational therapy stakeholders regarding the use and generation of research.

Findings suggest a culture change is needed to better involve occupational therapists in research. Building research capacity is dependent not only upon nurturing individual research skills and motivation, but also on advocating for organisations involved with the profession to foster, produce and use research. Recommendations for key occupational therapy stakeholders were identified from the findings to create not only the required research competence and confidence, but also the environments and supports that are conducive to such involvement.