Er det regionale skilnader når det gjeld kommuneergoterapeutane i Noreg?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify similarities and differences between the four health regions in Norway, with regards to the characteristics of occupational therapy staff working in the municipal health services. A cross-sectional study was performed where occupational therapists working in the municipalities were invited to fill out an online survey about the context of their work, work relationships within and outside the profession, competence level, participation in research, development projects and demographic characteristics. A total of 561 occupational therapists participated in the study. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and differences between groups were analyzed with Chi-Square tests and one-way analysis of variance. The results showed unexpectedly that overall, the differences between health regions were small and not statistically significant regarding age, gender composition and competence level of the occupational therapists. However, we found differences between the health regions regarding the professional background of the occupational therapists’ line manager; the number of occupational therapists in the same work unit; the proportion having served as fieldwork supervisor during the preceding year; and perceived influence on the service goals of the unit. More research is needed to explore how such differences may influence occupational therapists’ practice and perceptions of their practice.