Enablers and challenges to occupational therapists’ research engagement: A qualitative study
Date
2017-08-11Author
Di Bona, Laura
Wenborn, Jennifer
Field, Becky
Hynes, Sinéad M.
Ledgerd, Ritchard
Mountain, Gail
Swinson, Tom
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Di Bona, Laura, Wenborn, Jennifer, Field, Becky, Hynes, Sinéad M, Ledgerd, Ritchard, Mountain, Gail, & Swinson, Tom. (2017). Enablers and challenges to occupational therapists’ research engagement: A qualitative study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(11), 642-650. doi: 10.1177/0308022617719218
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Abstract
Introduction: To develop occupational therapy s evidence base and improve its clinical outcomes, occupational therapists must
increase their research involvement. Barriers to research consumption and leadership are well documented, but those relating to
delivering research interventions, less so. Yet, interventions need to be researched within practice to demonstrate their clinical
effectiveness. This study aims to improve understanding of challenges and enablers experienced by occupational therapists who
deliver interventions within research programmes.
Method: Twenty-eight occupational therapists who participated in the Valuing Active Life in Dementia (VALID) research
programme reported their experiences in five focus groups. Data were analysed thematically to identify key and subthemes.
Results: Occupational therapists reported that overwhelming paperwork, use of videos, recruitment and introducing a new
intervention challenged their research involvement, whereas support, protected time and a positive attitude enabled it. The
impact of these challenges and enablers varied between therapists and organisations.
Conclusion: Challenges and enablers to research involvement can be identified but must be addressed within individual and
organisational contexts. Multifaceted collective action to minimise challenges and maximise enablers can facilitate clinicians
involvement in research. Using this approach should enable occupational therapists to increase their research involvement, thus
demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of their interventions.