Challenges to occupational therapy practice in palliative care : future implications for education and supervison

Introduction: Research states that occupational therapists working in palliative care feel underprepared to work in this area due to a lack of understanding of their role. This has been found result in role ambiguity and work challenges, such as stress and burnout. To improve future service provision, research needs to explore how to better prepare therapists for practice. Objectives: (i) To identify perceived challenges and enablers when working with people living with a life-limiting illness; (ii) To identify the skills, knowledge and educational requirements therapists perceive to be important when working with this client group; and (iii) To identify supervision patterns of occupational therapists working with the client group. Methods: A national survey of Australian occupational therapists working with people with a life-limiting illness was completed. Recruitment occurred over a one-month period in April 2012, using a purposive, snowball sampling technique. Descriptive data was analysed using SPSS and qualitative analysis of the findings was completed using grounded theory methods. Results: 144 occupational therapists identified challenges and enablers. The main challenges identified by therapists were service and caseload demands. Enablers included job satisfaction, family, a supportive workplace, and the diversity of the role. Therapists’ perceptions of the skills and knowledge required for competency, and their supervision patterns of therapists are also described. Conclusion: These findings can enable future therapists to be better prepared for palliative care practice and findings can be used to develop curriculum for students and competencies for therapists.