The Transition of Junior Occupational Therapists to Clinical Practice: Report of a Preliminary Study

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility of identifying the factors that influenced occupational therapists' decision to practise, or cease to practise, within one year of qualification. Pre-qualification and post-qualification questionnaires completed by the study respondents (n=177) explored a selection of variables, both personal and employment-related. Outcome measures included turnover and withdrawal from practice (attrition). The study identified a number of factors of potential influence, concluding that a larger study to explore these factors was both feasible and timely.