Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
Intraprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) is important for safe, effective, and efficient occupational therapy services. However, challenges such as role misunderstandings in Canada exist, which impact OT-OTA intraprofessional collaboration and the quality of care provided. This study aimed to reveal the OT-OTA intraprofessional collaboration preparation taking place in Ontario, Canada, during entry-to-practice education. An explanatory sequential environmental scan was conducted, which involved a survey distributed to OT and OTA educators, followed by six focus groups: two with OT educators, two with OTA educators, and two with OT and OTA recent graduates. Key findings revealed an opportunity and a need to develop ready-made, easy-to-use foundational online resources to support OT-OTA intraprofessional collaboration preparation in the Canadian context. The environmental scan revealed distinct competencies, skills, and attitudes that must be addressed and explicitly taught for effective OT-OTA intraprofessional collaboration. Participants emphasized that while ready-made online resources are needed to address existing knowledge gaps, scaffolded real-world OT-OTA interactions are also required to develop OT-OTA competence in intraprofessional collaboration. Contact theory provides insight into these findings. This study presents the initial phase in a broader initiative that created, disseminated, and evaluated resources designed to support OT-OTA intraprofessional collaboration across Canada.
Biography
Teresa Avvampato, Doctor of Science (RHL), MSc(OT), OT Reg (Ont) is a professor in the occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant (OTA & PTA) program at Durham College in ON, Canada. This research is part of a doctorate conducted at Queen’s University in ON, Canada. Her research has focused on intraprofessional collaboration preparation during entry-to-practice education.
Marcia Finlayson, PhD, OT Reg (Ont), FCAHS, FCAOT is a Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen’s University in Kingston ON Canada. Her research program includes studies that examine the need for, access to and use of health services among people with multiple sclerosis, including models of rehabilitation care delivery.
Dianna Fong-Lee, MA, OT Reg (Ont) served as Chair of Health Sciences from 2021-2024, and was a full-time faculty/program coordinator for the occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant program for 25 years at Conestoga College in Kitchener ON, Canada. She has worked with educators across Canada to support intraprofessional collaboration between OTs and OTAs.
Mark Hall, BScPT, MScPT, PhD is a physiotherapist and is currently the Associate Chair and Director of the MScPT Program at the University of Alberta. In addition to his current role, he serves in many professional capacities including OTA/PTA and PT accreditation and regulation through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Avvampato, T. R., Hall, M., Fong-Lee, D., & Finlayson, M. (2025). An Environmental Scan of Preparation for Occupational Therapy Intraprofessional Collaboration in Ontario. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (1). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol9/iss1/9
Creative Commons License
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