The Journal Club: A Method for Occupational Therapists to Bridge the Theory-Practice Gap

Abstract

There are still major problems being encountered by occupational therapists when they attempt to access relevant research material. One of the main reasons for this is that there are currently relatively few occupational therapists who are involved in any form of research on a regular basis. This article highlights the potential of the journal club as a means of introducing occupational therapists to research that will both be relevant to their work area and form a substantial part of their continuing professional development. A brief overview of the format and content of journal clubs both in occupational therapy and in other health care professions is intended to encourage occupational therapists to initiate their own journal clubs as a method of bridging the theory-practice gap that still exists in their profession.