An Evaluation of the Design and Implementation of a National Vocational Qualification in an Occupational Therapy Service

Abstract

This article is a study of the implementation of the Self and Environmental Management Skills National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in an occupational therapy service. The history and reasons for developing NVQs are first described. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain comments from the four candidates about their perceptions of the assessment process. The discussion incorporates these views, which are of both positive and negative experiences. Recommendations are made in order to improve future NVQ programmes. The article concludes that, in this situation, despite some difficulties, the NVQ has generally improved occupational therapy service provision.