Expanding the foundation of occupational therapy educational research A Canadian initiative

Abstract

In the health professions, it is important to recognise and embrace research that focuses on both the art and the science of education. The occupational therapy literature contains a small and largely descriptive pool of research regarding educational practices. The unsystematic use (or non-use) of research to inform educational practices compromises the quality and effectiveness of professional education. This paper describes a national strategy undertaken in Canada to profile the state of research activity in occupational therapy education, initiate an action plan to address underlying barriers, and build a community of educational researchers. Recommendations are provided for an international response targeted at mobilising broad-based collaboration and knowledge exchange.