Has Occupational Science Taken Away the Occupational Therapy Evidence Base? A Debate

Abstract

Health policy requires occupational therapy to demonstrate evidence-based clinical outcomes and efficiency in order to survive. This has significant implications for occupational therapy researchers and managers and suggests a re-evaluation of the profession's priorities for research. This opinion piece aims to stimulate debate regarding the impact of occupational science on occupational therapy and the need for research that evaluates the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions. This is achieved by reflecting on a personal experience of evaluating research evidence for clinical guidelines and by exploring current and future challenges.