Occupational Therapy Education Research: Results of a National Survey.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Despite a strong tradition of education scholarship in occupational therapy, no systematic evaluation of the amount and nature of research in this arena, or its associated challenges, has been conducted. This study examined the scope and range of education-focused research conducted in Canada and identified perceived supports and barriers for this area of inquiry. METHOD: An online survey was sent to faculty of all 14 Canadian occupational therapy programs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize areas of study focus, and qualitative thematic analysis captured respondents' perceptions of personal and environmental factors influencing their engagement in education research. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 47) reported engagement in education scholarship spanning more than 20 focus areas, often with limited resources. CONCLUSION: Strategies are proposed to promote the viability of education research in occupational therapy and to improve resources and other supports for this type of research.