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A framework for systematically improving occupational therapy expert opinions on work capacity
Author(s) -
Allen Shelley,
Carlson Glenys,
Ownsworth Tamara,
Strong Jenny
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
australian occupational therapy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1630
pISSN - 0045-0766
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2006.00582.x
Subject(s) - occupational therapy , expert opinion , compensation (psychology) , work (physics) , quality (philosophy) , grounded theory , medical education , psychology , medicine , qualitative research , physical therapy , social psychology , engineering , sociology , social science , epistemology , intensive care medicine , mechanical engineering , philosophy
Aim: To present an evidence‐based framework to improve the quality of occupational therapy expert opinions on work capacity for litigation, compensation and insurance purposes.Methods: Grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse data from a sample of 31 participants, comprising 19 occupational therapists, 6 medical specialists and 6 lawyers. A focused semistructured interview was completed with each participant. In addition, 20 participants verified the key findings.Results: The framework is contextualised within a medicolegal system requiring increasing expertise. The framework consists of (i) broad professional development strategies and principles, and (ii) specific strategies and principles for improving opinions through reporting and assessment practices.Conclusions: The synthesis of the participants’ recommendations provides systematic guidelines for improving occupational therapy expert opinion on work capacity.