Open AccessIcelandic occupational therapists' attitudes towards educational issues
Author(s) -
Ásmundsdóttir Elín Ebba,
Kaplan Susan
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
occupational therapy international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1557-0703
pISSN - 0966-7903
DOI - 10.1002/oti.132
Subject(s) - icelandic , occupational therapy , occupational science , psychology , medicine , psychotherapist , medical education , psychiatry , philosophy , linguistics
The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of occupational therapists in Iceland to accept a professional as opposed to a technical view of the profession. Most Icelandic occupational therapists were educated in other countries, with little emphasis on liberal arts, sciences and research. The first Icelandic occupational therapy programme, a university‐level programme, was founded in 1997. All Icelandic occupational therapists were surveyed. Eighty‐seven questionnaires were sent out and 80 (92%) were returned and used for statistical analysis. The results of the study showed that Icelandic occupational therapists valued academic skills over technical skills, emphasizing occupational therapy theory unique to the profession and research to validate practice. More recognition among other health professionals was considered the most needed change in the profession. The results of the study showed that the clinicians' attitudes confirmed in general what is emphasized in the curriculum and in students' fieldwork. Further research is needed to explore whether the Icelandic occupational therapy profession succeeds in promoting research and recognition by other health professions. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.