Quality management in occupational therapy

Abstract

Although quality management is used in occupational therapy in South Africa, no comprehensive description or standardisation of it exists. Literature in the context of this topic is scarce. As a consequence of this problem, the purpose of this study was to describe the extent of occupational therapists’ involvement in quality management. A quantitative study in the form of a survey was carried out. A convenience sample of 80 occupational therapists was surveyed, using a structured questionnaire. Results of the study indicate that most occupational therapists have some knowledge of quality frameworks. Standardisation on documentation and its auditing appears to be one of a number of problems. Another challenge is that occupational therapists may work in relative professional isolation making it problematic to implement quality management. Recommendations were made for occupational therapy practice and further research, as well as recommendations for a quality management framework for occupational therapy in South Africa.