Open AccessEducation and research in Africa: identifying and meeting the needs
Author(s) -
Crouch Rosemary B
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.141
Subject(s) - occupational therapy , promotion (chess) , government (linguistics) , indigenous , rehabilitation , medical education , medicine , psychology , political science , physical therapy , ecology , linguistics , philosophy , politics , law , biology
The development and promotion of occupational therapy in the Sub‐Saharan continent of Africa is seen as a challenge for the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. It is also a challenge for pioneering occupational therapists, mostly ex‐patriates, who have started occupational therapy services in many new countries of Africa over the past few years. This report identifies and addresses the problems. It is important that existing training centres for occupational therapists are maintained by attracting permanent, indigenous teaching staff and clinical supervisors, by promoting continuing support and development of existing occupational therapy services and by promoting the development of more rehabilitation and educational facilities. A priority is to help government departments to develop job structures for occupational therapists. Research is seen as being vital to this process. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing confidence in the profession of occupational therapy by ongoing education, personal achievement and positive thinking. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.