Occupational therapy education: This is a special supplement

Abstract

This editorial introduces a new era in the life of the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ): the publication of the first Online Only issue. While this is a new venture for AOTJ, it is important to note that a journal issue which is available online exclusively is as legitimate and citable as a paper issue and, in fact, many journals are now only available online. The need for this development has come about because of the significant increase in submissions to the AOTJ over the last few years and the necessity to overcome the resultant backlog of manuscripts. OT AUSTRALIA has supported the journal to manage the problem by the provision of extra funding for this special supplement on occupational therapy education. It is most valuable to the profession and academic institutions to have these education manuscripts together in one issue. The Australian and New Zealand Council of Occupational Therapy Education supports the role that occupational therapy journals play in the promotion of evidence-based practice, the publication of research and provision of a forum for professional debate. It is of note that articles selected for this issue cover a large range of educational concerns, with many addressing the theme of fieldwork education. There are several innovative models for fieldwork including a collaborative fieldwork model, intercultural fieldwork and the value of fieldwork for supervisors. In the current climate where there are well-documented difficulties in finding sufficient fieldwork placements, it is important to publish articles that address and provide some solutions to these pressing problems (Adamson, 2005). The publication of an Online Only issue is supported by statistics included in AOTJ annual reports which show that online readership increased by 49% between 2005 and 2006. This indicates a substantial trend towards and interest in the expediency and advantages of online access for Australian readers. In addition, the added opportunity for more national and international colleagues to have access to the journal via university library online subscriptions is a welcome development, and contributors to the journal will also benefit from this wider readership. With the increase in the number of occupational therapy university courses and graduates, and the subsequent increase in the research profile of occupational therapists, this initiative is a significant indicator of the profession's expansion and progress. I support the AOTJ Board in its endeavours to overcome the manuscript backlog with the provision of Online Early, and now the introduction of this special Education Supplement, and commend OT AUSTRALIA for supporting our journal in this manner.