Recent Trends in Occupational Therapy Practice amongst the Budding Therapists Across India

Abstract

Backround: Occupational Therapy is increasingly becoming popular. The objective of the present study is todevelop an insight to the current trends in practice of occupational therapy in India. The target group chosen forthe study are budding occupational therapists who have completed their graduation within the last 5 years.Objectives: The study aims to investigate the trends in location of work setups, nature of organization of work,nature of place of employment, current work profile, nature of cases these budding therapists are dealing withcurrently, the work setup they are employed in and remuneration they are receiving. The trends emerging from thepresent study would be helpful to understand the current work dynamics and thus prepare the young workforcefor future possible opportunities.Study Design: The present study was a survey-based research design. Data was gathered through a questionnaire.Methods: This questionnaire was distributed on an online platform to 695 therapists practicing across India. Carewas taken to include only the therapists who had completed their graduation within the last five years i.e., between2018-22. Data collection was carried out for a period of 8 months from October 2021 to May 2022.RESULTS: The analyses revealed that the profession of Occupational Therapy in the country is dominated byfemale therapists. The age of the workforce that have responded are in their mid-twenties. Most of them areworking in urban or metropolitan setups primarily in Paediatric setups in clinics which are mostly privatelyowned rehabilitation centres.Conclusion: The present analyses pointed out that there may be a lack of diversification of practice in OccupationalTherapy in the country. It also indicated that the freshly graduated out professionals feel that there are a limitedremuneration and lack of opportunities in the Government sector, and as a result the current scenario suggeststhat most of them after being trained turn their head to foreign land for a better opportunity with respect toemployment. However, new setups and areas of practice are slowly emerging and opportunities for youngbudding therapists are increasing back home.