Abstract

ROBINSON, Helen  and  BOTHA, Annali. Quality management in occupational therapy. S. Afr. j. occup. ther. [online]. 2013, vol.43, n.3, pp.8-18. ISSN 2310-3833.

Although quality management is used in occupational therapy in South Africa, no comprehensive description or standardisation of it exists and literature in the context of this topic is scarce. As a consequence of this, 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 indicated that most occupational therapists have some knowledge of quality frameworks. Standardisation of documentation and its auditing appear 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 a proposed quality management framework for occupational therapy in South Africa.

Keywords : Quality management; occupational therapy; audit; minimum standards; professional development.

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