What do Swedish occupational therapists feel about research? A survey of perceptions, attitudes, intentions, and engagement

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify Swedish occupational therapists’ perceptions and attitudes to research-related activities as well as the therapists’ present engagement in future plans for research. A follow up design was used, and the study was undertaken between 1997 and 2003. A total of 425 and 442 Swedish occupational therapists responded to a postal questionnaire (response rate 74.4% and 70.4%). Questions regarding research-related activities were measured on a Likert-type scale, whereas questions referring to attitudes towards research used a semantic differential scale. There were small differences between the two surveys. The result showed that occupational therapists considered research-related activities to be an important part of their development of the professional role and status. Reading research literature to update knowledge was the most important research activity and the second most important activity was applying research findings to improve occupational therapy practice. High workload and lack of time were the most commonly mentioned barriers to participation in research- related activities. Occupational therapists read a large variety of journals, preferably in Swedish. The barriers to participation in research-related activities did not change from 1997 to 2003. The fact that occupational therapists reported reading research as rating highly gives hope for the future development of the occupational therapy profession and practice.