Warum nehmen Ergotherapeuten an weiterführenden Aus- und Fortbildungsmaßnahmen teil?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The occupational therapy profession and its practice are continually changing and developing in response to the needs and changes in our social environment. The objective of this study was to explore what types of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) activities occupational therapists participate in and the reason why they do or do not. METHOD: A qualitative approach was employed to explore occupational therapists’ experience of participating in CPE activities. Twenty-six occupational therapists from eight countries participated. The Occupational Adaptation Frame of Reference was used to interpret the results. RESULTS: Competency was the most frequently reported reason as to why occupational therapists engage in CPE. The opportunities for CPE have increased internationally as the importance of CPE has been recognised and more independent learning methods have become available. The reasons for the choice of CPE depend on the challenge and expectations from the individual therapist and/or the environment. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapists in this study appear to be proactive in generating active participation in CPE despite several barriers. However, strategies around how to promote and support competency were identified in order to overcome reported barriers in the environment and effectively encourage occupational therapists’ participation in CPE.