The national occupational therapy practice analysis: findings and implications for competence

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy practice
• Professional certification standards
• Continuing professional development

Background:

• The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) conducts national studies to ensure its certification examinations reflect current occupational therapy practice.
• This study aimed to gather data on contemporary occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant roles and responsibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform the revision of the entry-level occupational therapy certification examination.
• To provide insights into the parameters of continuing competence for occupational therapy practitioners.

Main Methods:

• A survey was developed with input from approximately 200 occupational therapy leaders.
• The survey was distributed to 4,000 occupational therapists and 3,000 occupational therapy assistants, with a 50% response rate.
• The sample represented diverse geographical locations, experience levels, and practice areas.

Main Results:

• Occupational therapists focus more on evaluations, intervention planning, and supervision, while occupational therapy assistants concentrate on direct intervention delivery.
• There is a growing emphasis on population-based services over individual-focused care.
• Occupation is recognized as a central knowledge base for current practice.

Conclusions:

• Study findings are valuable for updating the NBCOT's entry-level certification examination.
• The data offers guidance for defining continuing competence requirements within the profession.
• The results represent a broad cross-section of the occupational therapy profession.