Workforce Development Project
Here at OTA, we know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for our profession. To address these challenges, we've developed the OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan. It was devised using an evidence-based approach which included a literature review, an analysis of OT workforce data, a survey of Australian occupational therapists, interviews and focus groups.
Read the Workforce Development Project Report
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Our Process
The OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan was developed using an evidence-based approach, including extensive consultation with the profession. It included:
A literature review examined over 300 articles from national and international scholarly and grey literature.
A data analysis examined data available from national databases concerning the occupational therapy workforce, including workforce demographics and distribution.
A survey of occupational therapists with 2,145 responses. Responses were broadly representative of the profession with respect to age, geographic location and field of practice.
20 interviews: six preliminary and 14 structured interviews.
10 focus groups with representation from the private practice/private group practice, rural and remote, public health, education, mental health, aged care, paediatrics and disability sectors and new graduate and five year graduate cohorts within the workforce.
Key Priorities
This process has informed 7 key priorities for the project:
- Enhance preparation for professional practice for occupational therapy students
- Enhance the new graduate experience
- Retain experienced occupational therapists in the profession
- Support a safe practicing environment for occupational therapy
- Recognise professional skills and achievements
- Support viable occupational therapy careers
- Promote digital health capabilities in the profession
Cross Cutting Themes
1. Enhance understanding of occupational therapy roles and contribution
Respondents overwhelmingly believed that the role of occupational therapists was not well understood in the community which contributed to feelings of being underutilised and undervalued.
There are significant opportunities for OTs across multiple sectors including NDIS services, acute, rehabilitation and residential aged care, public health services, community aged care, mental health and primary health care including new and emerging roles. The role of OT should be promoted in these areas.
2. Build the community of practice of occupational therapists
Evidence based practice and interprofessional collaboration are identified as priorities in the development of the profession.
Occupational therapists highly value opportunities to connect with one another to provide personal and professional support and exchange knowledge.
Feelings of belonging and strong professional identity can support career satisfaction and resilience.
3. Enhance occupational therapist wellbeing
Occupational therapists have personal and professional support needs that vary across the career span and at different life stages.
High levels of stress and burnout were reported within the profession.
The greatest risk to the profession identified in the survey responses was unsustainable workloads.
