A review of occupational therapy research and development activity in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales

Introduction: A review was undertaken of the College of Occupational Therapists’ 2002 scoping study of occupational therapy research and development activity in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in order to assess the developments in infrastructure supporting occupational therapy research, to highlight opportunities available to occupational therapists and to identify how the College could best support members’ research activities. Method:Within each nation, a literature review and focus group were undertaken. A feature of the research was the opportunity for a student occupational therapist from each country to be involved as co-researcher. Findings: The findings revealed a considerable investment and increase in research capacity developments in all three countries, recognising the need to develop the evidence base to underpin occupational therapy interventions. Barriers to progressing research activity included time and research topic prioritisation, and workplace cultures that did not promote research-related activities. The College of Occupational Therapists was considered to have a key role in influencing policy directions and the launch of the United Kingdom Occupational Therapy Research Foundation was viewed as an opportunity to support occupation-focused research and capacity development. Conclusion: Significant progress reflects the investment in research infrastructure, although further effort is needed to change cultural impacts.