Australian occupational therapy research: A review of publications 1987–91

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of Australian occupational therapy research published during the period 1987–91. A literature review of the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal for the years 1987–91, and the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists' conference proceedings for the years 1988 and 1991 was conducted. A number of trends were identified. The proportion of research journal articles and conference papers over the 5 year period remained stable. Most journal research articles were written by academics, while clinicians were the most frequent authors of conference research papers. The majority of the research articles reviewed were the result of collaboration between authors; however, this collaboration was not usually between occupational therapy academics and clinicians. Research was predominantly on topics related to practice in clinical specialty areas; however, academics focused more on education and professional issues. The main method for data collection used in the research articles was by surveys. These findings provide valuable information about the nature of Australian occupational therapy research.