Are two occupational therapists better than one? Occupational therapists' perspectives of intra‐disciplinary practice within community health

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionIntra‐disciplinary practice is rarely discussed in occupational therapy and the broader health‐care literature. Community‐based occupational therapists often work autonomously in clients' homes and consequently have limited access to routine intra‐disciplinary practices. Additionally, the community‐based role covers a large scope of practice requiring comprehensive expertise. This study aimed to describe occupational therapists' perspectives on intra‐disciplinary practice within community health settings.MethodsThis study utilised an online cross‐sectional survey design, collecting quantitative and qualitative data to explore perspectives of occupational therapists working within Australian community health services. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Both forms of data were compared and contrasted.Results/FindingsEighty occupational therapists completed the survey. Seventy‐eight participants (97%) previously used or currently use intra‐disciplinary practice in their workplace. Participants predominantly consult their peers when client needs are perceived as complex. Participants indicated that intra‐disciplinary practice can benefit the client, therapist, and workplace. Enablers and barriers to the use of intra‐disciplinary practice had overlapping themes, including access to therapists, attitudes towards intra‐disciplinary practice, management support, and funding influences. Most participants expressed a desire to utilise intra‐disciplinary practices (n = 70, 87%) and were also likely or extremely likely to incorporate it into their clinical work (n = 73, 91%). Participants who did not want to utilise intra‐disciplinary practices or who were unsure provided reasons related to cost, practice inefficiencies, and being uncertain of the benefit.ConclusionsOccupational therapists perceive intra‐disciplinary practice as beneficial for problem‐solving and an opportunity for knowledge sharing that supports therapist confidence with clinical reasoning. Conversely, some therapists believe its use may lead to client confusion, a greater need for communication and coordination among therapists, and that power differentials between therapists may discourage equal collaboration. Greater understanding of intra‐disciplinary practice will help guide how it is used and supported in community health settings.