Perceived problems of occupational therapists: a subset of the professional curriculum

Problem descriptions elicited from newly registered therapists were processed to produce 96 problem statements. These were clarified, assembled into a problem checklist, and mailed to 2,300 therapists registered subsequent to 1970 for the purpose of identifying the most frequent and bothersome problems encountered in practice. Factor analysis of the results revealed eight groups of problems, as well as four isolated problems, which were of statistical significance. This analysis suggested that basic skills of treatment planning and implementation are acquired by the new therapist before employment. Self-confidence and collaborative skills seem to be less well represented. It is suggested that these could be taught experientially by simulations within the classroom at several levels.