Becoming a Practitioner-Researcher: A Personal Journey

Abstract

This opinion piece describes one occupational therapist's experience of developing research knowledge to improve quality of care. The sharing of experience is used as a means of both prompting reflection on issues relating to practice and encouraging other practitioners into research. Developing research skills while coping with heavy clinical demands can appear daunting. Learning and development are described here in practical terms and are shown to be linked to the completion of a number of practice-based projects. The challenges, gains and necessary support systems are explored. Personal, professional and service benefits are highlighted. This piece champions the place of the practitioner within the research arena and makes recommendations for promoting practitioner-researchers in the profession.