occupational therapy dissertation ideas

Occupational Therapy Dissertation Writing Guide – Examples and Tips by Experts

Accidents, disabilities and mental health issues affect the lives of millions of people globally. It makes it harder for them to do daily life activities. As an occupational therapist, you will be helping people of all ages so they can live as fully as possible. This subject has grabbed the attention of numerous learners, and so have the research activities. Writing an occupational therapy dissertation provides evidence-based practices in the field. The pertinent research helps to ensure that the treatment you are using works. However, it allows the researchers to explore complex clinical practices.

A report by Statista on January 23, 2024, says that there are 43.1 thousand occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. Another report by Yahoo Finance reports that the occupational therapy software market size is expected to increase by USD 87,435.59 thousand by 2027. The total increase in CAGR in this forecast would be 10.91%.

These facts state the prominent increase in the demand for such practitioners. Many students who enrol in this department need to write an occupational therapy dissertation. This way, they can introduce evidence-based knowledge to the rest of the world. If you are also a researcher who is supposed to write a dissertation sooner after completing research work, this guide is meant for you. Keep reading to learn some expert tips and details, as well as related examples. However, before talking about the topic, we need to know the key ideas of the subject.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is the healthcare profession in which practitioners are trained to improve the mental and physical performance of patients. They will help you to identify the strengths and weaknesses that you face in performing your daily life activities.

Consequently, they can provide practical solutions that help in improving your independence and participation in daily activities. Many techniques and types of equipment are used to operate such practices.

How Do You Write an Occupational Therapy Dissertation? Top 5 Expert Tips

If you are a master’s student, sooner or later, you will have wondered how to write a dissertation. The process is complicated and involves researching, writing, and finally defending it. Writing occupational therapy dissertations demonstrates your mastery of the subject. But how do you write one? Find below insights into the process.

However, if this guide does not address all of your related queries because you are fresher and have not written a dissertation before, then seeking dissertation writing help from an expert can better assist. Professionals can craft customised, quality content that can boost your grades. Now, if you want to give it a shot, some expert tips mentioned below can make the process easier for you.

1. Manage Your Time Effectively

You already know the immense diversity of dissertations for occupational therapy projects. You will be working on it for at least one year. In this span, you have to manage time for data collection, analysis, and writing. So, if you start randomly without making any plan, you are likely not to complete it within the given deadline. ST Cloud State University provides some time management tips for dissertation writing.

Plan and set realistic goals.

Develop your plan.

Start your writing process as early as you can.

Save your time proofreading and editing by strictly following the guidelines.

Work on writing for certain hours of the day and complete specific tasks.

Make a weekly and monthly worksheet.

Prioritise your writing process over any other task.

Limit other activities other than writing.

For instance, if you are about to start your occupational therapy dissertation from scratch, instead of jumping into the writing process, spend some time making a planner. Divide it into various sections, such as when to read the literature, when to review journal articles, and how the editing process should be done. You have to break it into small, manageable tasks that are helpful for staying on track.

2. Specify A Clear Research Question

There are no set criteria for writing your research question. Different disciplines have different requirements and sets of priorities. A good research question in an occupational therapy dissertation should be a mix of the following.

It must be clear and focused to explain what the writer is supposed to convey to the reader.

Don’t make it too broad that it is difficult to bind up in your dissertation. Also, it should not be too narrow, so you can’t write enough on it.

It should not be easily answered in one line, such as yes or no. Instead, it must accompany some details.

You can easily access the related data to compile solid arguments regarding.

Make it critically analytical rather than descriptive.

To craft a good research question, the below 5 steps must be considered.

Know the requirements of your thesis writing.

Choose the topic of your interest.

Conduct thorough research.

Narrow down the topic ideas.

Craft your research question.

Occupational Therapy Dissertation Research Questions

Students are mostly uncertain about choosing their research topic, which is likely to be driven by recent literature. Before you choose any research question, consider your research objectives. Ask yourself why you need to discuss this topic. Considering the storm of information available, it becomes difficult for students to choose a topic.

That’s why we presented important occupational therapy dissertation ideas in the list below, which can help you narrow down the list of topics.

Is minor therapy effective for stroke patients with gait disorders?

What are the common risks associated with ankle sprains in adult athletes?

What are the most prevalent post-hurricane health needs of an elder having chronic health conditions?

Does outdoor physical activity improve the m.h status of an adult who is suffering from clinical depression?

Does pet therapy provide benefits in social interaction?

Which therapy is effective for children suffering from autistic disorder spectrum?

3. Understand The Research Methodology

It is a good idea to understand your research methodology and explain to the reader why you chose it particularly. Generally, there are two approaches to writing an occupational therapy dissertation.

You can either follow up on empirical research or a literature review. Empirical research involves gathering and analysing your collected data using the method of your choice. However, in the literature review, you will compare the existing research methodologies. To carry out empirical research, you will need extensive knowledge of research methods.

Follow the below tips to choose the right research methodology for your study.

Understanding the options available in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods based on the nature of research.

Understand the nature of research objectives.

Consider the existing literature.

Know the disciplinary norms.

Know the limitations of the method.

For instance, when writing on occupational therapy dissertation research projects, you can work following methods:

Formal data structure analysis approach (FDSA)

Grounded theory

Phenomenology.

4. Critically Engage with The Literature

An occupational therapy dissertation writing involves more than citing the sources of information. Rather, it involves critically analysing the information and connecting it to how it relates. Here are some of the steps involved in conducting a critical evaluation of the available sources.

Understand the research objectives that can provide you with the research context.

Review whether the literature is relevant to your research or not

Evaluate the literature research process.

Good literature covers a broad range of sources.

Know the credibility of resources. Check the authority of the author.

Note the publication dates to check the accuracy. Look for the latest data.

Examine whether the literature review covers a wide range of aspects.

Identify the literature gaps and highlight the contradictions and debates in existing literature.

Check whether the data present is organised or coherent.

Look for the potential limitations in the knowledge and address them critically.

Make sure that the data is properly backed up by the referencing.

Verify whether the data aligns with the overall theme of your discussion.

5. Seek Help When You Need It

Finally, if you are still struggling with the occupational therapy dissertation writing, then ask for help when needed. Yes, it’s an independent project, but if it seems difficult, then there is nothing wrong with asking for assistance. Your supervisor will be a great support throughout your research journey. He can provide you with constructive feedback to help you write a good document. Other than this, you can also use a UK-based dissertation writing service .

It’s common for students to be stuffed with research activities and writing on the last days of the semester. Managing both simultaneously becomes nerve-wracking. That’s why it is appreciated that you ask a professional to do the writing job for you so that you can calmly focus on research activities.

Occupational Therapy Dissertation Topics For 2024

In occupational therapy, selecting the dissertation topic is about identifying an area of interest. The topic must be suitable for your domain. The list below provides some of the best occupational therapy dissertation ideas from the latest journals. It will encourage you to choose an appropriate topic for your project.

Evaluate the effectiveness of group therapy in occupational therapy.

Discuss the client-centric approaches in occupational therapy.

Analyse the effectiveness of occupational therapy in chronic pain management.

Assess the employment and independence of people who are deaf and low-functioning.

Investigate the role of occupational therapists in adolescent mental health.

Study occupational therapy in multi-culture context: issues and strategies.

Investigate strategies to manage the problem behaviours associated with dementia.

Occupational Therapy Dissertation Examples

The occupational therapy dissertation writing process is not difficult, especially after this comprehensive guide. However, if you go through the previous samples, you can better comprehend the details that we have described above. The Eastern Kentucky University provides thesis samples written in the department in previous years.

What Do Occupational Therapists Do?

Anyone who intends to consider the future as an occupational therapist has many options. Such practitioners use therapeutic techniques to rehabilitate and maintain the patient’s motor skills. As a result, it will overall increase their professional or daily life activities efficiency. It differs from other healthcare professions, such as nursing or physical therapy. Here, the practitioner is concerned about the whole individual’s well-being rather than treating a particular injury.

What Is the Difference Between PT And OT?

Physical therapy (PT) helps the patient to move their body. It helps them to manage their pain, improve endurance, enhance motion, and develop some gross motor skills. On the other hand, occupational therapy (OT) is solely concerned with improving a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks.

How Is Occupational Therapy Given?

To treat mental and social disabilities, the therapist uses every activity and exercise to do the treatment. For instance, to improve the children’s school performance, they help kids in playing games that consequently aid in enhancing their productivity. The whole therapy is done in three parts.

Evaluation: It helps in accessing the needs of the patient.

Intervention: It involves clients’ engagement in occupations

Outcomes: These results are established by using assessment tools. It describes what clients can achieve after the therapy.

Writing an occupational therapy dissertation is a dire need for many students graduating this year from the Department of Occupational Therapy. After a year of academic excellence, it’s time to introduce some real-time findings in the field. Students conduct research activities to add valuable knowledge to the existing literature. The researched data is presented to the reader by compiling it in a dissertation writing template.

The above context is meant for the same purpose. We have discussed some expert tips so that you can maintain decorum while writing. For this purpose, manage your time, clearly state the research question, choose the best research methodology, critically evaluate the literature, or, if needed, ask for expert help. This way, you can finally come up with the winning document.

Last but not least, if the guidelines are complex or you are busy with other tasks, then seeking help with occupational therapy dissertation from experts is a better option. Their experts will, with their wealth of experience, provide you with original and unique content.

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Occupational Therapy Dissertation Topics

Info: 2964 words (12 pages) Dissertation Topic Published: 17th Aug 2021 in Dissertation Topic

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Tagged: Human Resources

We have provided the selection of example occupational therapy dissertation topics below to help and inspire you.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 1:

A study of the voluntary and working experiences undertaken by undergraduates of occupational therapy prior to their enrolment

A reflective piece of work, this study will involve working with peers as well as those in the first and second year of the occupational therapy course at the university. In analysing the amount of relevant work experience and volunteering undertaken by those presently studying occupational therapy, this dissertation will be able to identify a number of indicators relating to: amount of time, nature of experiences undertaken, expectations of those placements, how prior practice relates to the theory undertaken through study. Accordingly, this is a piece of work that would be ideally suited to someone studying occupational therapy who wishes to pursue an academic career in the field that will involve recruiting and interviewing prospective students of the future.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Christie, B. A., Joyce, P. C. and Moeller, P. L. (1985). Fieldwork experience, Part I: Impact on practice preference. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 39(10), pp. 671-674.
• Tryssenaar, J. (1999). The lived experience of becoming an occupational therapist. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(3), pp. 107-112.
• Wittman, P. P., Swinehart, S., Cahill, R. and Michel, G. S. (1989). Variables affecting specialty choice in occupational therapy. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43(9), pp. 602-606.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 2:

A qualitative study into the psychological effects that accompany limb replacement, with specific reference to how it may affect returning to work

Though there have been significant medical (and aesthetic) improvements in the fields of reconstructive surgery and prostheses in recent decades, along with a plethora of research undertaken on the psychological effects that accompany such surgery, less study has been focused on the psychological impact that such surgery may have on the desire and ability of persons so affected to return to work. Returning to a familiar work environment is the topic of this dissertation hypothesis, a process made even more daunting when there is knowledge that colleagues will be aware that the person returning has been fitted with artificial limbs. Focusing on those who return to clerical work with prosthetic legs, this is a dissertation that qualitatively investigates not only the psychological trauma felt by the amputee but also interviews professionals within HR in the hope of being able to provide ‘best practice’ guidance for individuals and institutions who face such scenarios in the future.

• Burger, H., & Marincek, C. (2007). Return to work after lower limb amputation. Disability & Rehabilitation, 29(17), pp. 1323-1329.
• MacKenzie, E.J., Bosse, M.J., Kellam, J.F., Pollak, A.N., Webb, L.X., Swiontkowski, M.F., Smith, D.G., Sanders, R.W, Jones, A.L., Starr, A.J., McAndrew, M.P., Petterson, B.M., Burgess, A.R., Travison, T. and Castillo, R.C. (2006). ‘Early predictors of long-term work disability after major limb trauma’. The Journal of Trauma vol. 61(33), pp. 688-694.
• Schoppen, T., Boonstra, A., Groothoff, J. W., van Sonderen, E., Goeken, L. N. and Eisma, W. H. (2001). Factors related to successful job reintegration of people with a lower limb amputation. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 82(10), pp. 1425-1431.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 3:

A qualitative investigation into the barriers faced by the deaf and mute in finding meaningful employment within the retail sector

This dissertation topic is inspired by the experience of interacting with a deaf and mute member of staff working in the customer service (returns department) a leading High Street department store and food specialist. Focusing upon both the institutional and personal barriers that deaf and mute people face in securing employment within the retail sector – and the positive and negative experiences that those who do secure such work have enjoyed/endured – this is a dissertation that not only addresses a sensitive area within occupational therapy but will also ensure a thorough knowledge of data protection issues as well as ethical research guidelines. As opportunities for the deaf and mute continue to grow this is a dissertation that should be readily publishable as a consequence of the proposals relating to further integration into the workplace that it should advance.

• Wheeler-Scruggs, K. (2002). Assessing the employment and independence of people who are deaf and low functioning. American Annals of the Deaf, 147(4), pp. 11-17.
• Winn, S. L. (2007). Employment outcomes for the congenitally deaf in Australia: Has anything changed? American Annals of the Deaf, 152(4), pp. 382-390.
• Zhang, T. Y. (2007). Deaf-mutes, illiterates, and women. Feminist Media Studies, 7(4), pp. 381-396.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 4:

An investigating the dominant factors that influence mature male students to decide upon a career in occupational therapy

Aware of the historic gender bias towards females within occupational therapy – an observations reinforced by the present gender divide notable upon the Occupational Therapy course at Sheffield Hallam University – this dissertation seeks to interview those male students who have enrolled (and/or graduated) from the course over the last five years. For the purposes of this study, ‘mature’ relates to those who will be 25 or older at the time of graduation. Though this is envisaged as primarily a qualitative study, in which the individual reasons for choosing such a course and career will be recorded from interviews, it would also be possible to undertake this study using quantitative research techniques. Offering an insight into the mind-set of the minority of men who forge a career in occupational therapy this would be an ideal dissertation at either undergraduate or master’s levels.

• Boyd, S. and Hewlett, N. (2001). The gender imbalance among speech and language therapists and students. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 36(S1), pp. 167-172.
• Hocking, C. (2009). The challenge of occupation: Describing the things people do. Journal of Occupational Science, 16(3), pp. 140-150.
• Lockwood, P. (2006). “Someone like me can be successful”: Do college students need same-gender role models?. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 30(1), pp. 36-46.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 5:

Healthy living and lifestyle promotion amongst teenage girls: An evaluation of the extent to which there is a link between deprivation levels and participation

A comparative studying focusing upon the Borough of Tower Hamlets in London and Godalming, Surrey, this is a dissertation that not only looks at the work of occupational therapists engaged in promoting lifestyles amongst school children but also seeks to evaluate the extent to which underlying socio-economic factors contribute to the success of such schemes. Though barely 30 miles separate them, the two areas chosen for comparison are notably different socially, economically and culturally and this difference accordingly provides the researcher with a number of opportunities to really explore the theories that underpin intervention strategies. This is a dissertation that should, in addition to using secondary literature, involve substantial primary fieldwork with schools in the two areas as well as community and youth leaders.

• Cole, F. (2008). Mental health and physical activity: Enabling participation. Occupational Therapy and Mental Health, 4, pp. 277-298.
• Frank, G., Fishman, M., Crowley, C., Blair, B., Murphy, S.T., Montoya, J.A., Hickey, M.P., Brancaccio, M.V. and Bensimon, E.M. (2001). The new stories/new cultures after-school enrichment program: A direct cultural intervention. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(5), pp. 501-508.
• Hardaker, L., Halcomb, E. J., Griffiths, R., Bolzan, N. and Arblaster, K. (2007). The role of the occupational therapist in adolescent mental health: A critical review of the literature. Advances in Mental Health, 6(3), pp. 194-203.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 6:

A generational investigation into perceptions of physical activity leisure time amongst Bangladeshi families in Luton

Focusing upon the sizeable ethnic minority population of Bengalis within Luton, this is a qualitative study that will involve close work with five families across three generations. Recording and evaluating not only pre-existing attitudes to the undertaking of physical activity within leisure time but also measuring how these change during the course of the study (an envisaged six month period), this is a dissertation that will primarily involve primary data. It is envisaged that the researcher will provide the interviewees with education as to the benefits of including physical activity into their existing leisure time patterns as the study progresses and also encourage members of the family to talk openly with each other as to their views. This is, accordingly, a dissertation that has the potential to proffer a range of conclusions and recommendations that will have on-going relevance to both the community in question and the wider profession.

• Chiang, M. and Carlson, G. (2003). Occupational therapy in multicultural contexts: issues and strategies. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(12), pp. 559-567.
• Suto, M. J. (2012). Leisure participation and well-being of immigrant women in Canada. Journal of Occupational Science, (ahead-of-print), pp. 1-14.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 7:

A review of the use of cats as a therapeutic tool within occupational therapy with especial reference to those who have suffered from heart attacks and/or strokes

Building upon existing secondary literature within the field; this dissertation focuses especially upon those who have suffered from heart attacks and strokes. Using qualitative primary analysis – through the conducting of face to face with those ‘in recovery’ this dissertation evaluates the personal responses of those who have been prescribed therapeutic pet therapy as an aid to recovery. This is a dissertation that will require empathy, patience and tolerance whilst collating the data and could, if so required, be further focused onto either a specific geographic location or individual profession.

• Berget, B. and Braastad, B. O. (2008). Theoretical framework for animal assisted interventions-implications for practice. International Journal of Therapy Communities, 29, pp. 323-337.
• Giaquinto, S. and Valentini, F. (2009). Is there a scientific basis for pet therapy? Disability & Rehabilitation, 31(7), pp. 595-598.
• Wells, D. L. (2009). The effects of animals on human health and well-being. Journal of Social Issues, 65(3), pp. 523-543.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 8:

A phenomenological and qualitative study into the benefits of participating in either community choirs or brass bands amongst pensioners with the onset of dementia

Focusing upon Norham (the northern most town to possess a brass band in England) and the community choirs and music groups of Coldstream (the southernmost town of Scotland), this is a dissertation that combines occupational therapy theory with practice in two neighbouring community settings. Using real life experiences and first hand interviews this is a dissertation that will need to ensure that issues relating to confidentiality are adhered to, and would also benefit from further interviews with health professionals in the area. This is a dissertation that could be completed over either a short or longer-term time-frame of observation depending upon the study limitations faced by the individual researcher.

• Hartwig, R. (2010). Music therapy in the context of palliative care in Tanzania. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 16(10), pp. 499-504.
• Remington, R., Abdallah, L., Melillo, K. D. and Flanagan, J. (2006). Managing problem behaviors associated with dementia. Rehabilitation Nursing, 31(5), pp. 186-192.
• Ridder, H.M.O. (2003). Singing dialogue: Music therapy with persons in advanced stages of dementia: A case study research design. Doctoral dissertation, Institute of Music Therapy, Aalborg University, Denmark.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 9:

An investigation into perceptions of the effects of irritable bowel syndrome amongst judges and their ability to achieve occupational balance and engagement- with specific reference to those sitting upon the Midland circuit

Noting not only the stressful environment in which judges upon the Midland circuit work but also the often debilitating effects of irritable bowel syndrome, this is a dissertation that seeks to offer practical institutional remedies for accommodating the needs of judges with the condition based around Birmingham. In focusing upon this profession, this dissertation synthesis existing secondary literature upon the mechanisms that can be put into place within the work environment to ensure that professionals with the condition can maximise their work output with the unique working environment and expectations of legal professions. Accordingly, it uses primary research to add to the limited body of knowledge presently available on this aspect of occupational therapy and makes a valuable contribution to stress management in a profession in which focus is essential.

• Jolly-Ryan, J. (2009). Promoting mental health in law schools: What law schools can do for law students to help them become happy, mentally healthy lawyers. University of Louisville Law Review, 48, pp. 95-103.
• Wilhelm, K., Kovess, V., Rios-Seidel, C. and Finch, A. (2004). Work and mental health. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 39(11), pp. 866-873.
• Zimmerman, I. M. (2006). Helping judges in distress. Judicature, 90, pp. 10-15.

Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 10:

An investigation into the effects that involvement with a programme of debate can have upon recovering alcoholics and drug users seeking new professional opportunities

Building upon recent media exposure of the success of schemes undertaken by the Cyrenians within the north-east of England in conjunction with the University of Durham (and as featured by Radio Four), this occupational therapy dissertation combines primary and secondary research to evaluate the positive effects that active engagement in programmes that encourage logical thought and clear verbal presentation has upon the ability of those recovering from dependency addictions to secure meaningful employment. This is a dissertation that will require observation of, and interaction with, not only care professionals but also those who teach upon such courses, as well as the clients who participate in such programmes. Ideally, this is a study that should be conducted over no less than six months so as to enable before, during, and after interviews to be conducted and evaluated.

• Bartholomew, N. G., Hiller, M. L., Knight, K., Nucatola, D. C. and Simpson, D. D. (2000). Effectiveness of communication and relationship skills training for men in substance abuse treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 18(3), pp. 217-225.
• Mann, M. M., Hosman, C. M., Schaalma, H. P. and De Vries, N. K. (2004). Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion. Health Education Research, 19(4), pp. 357-372.
• Stoffel, V. C. and Moyers, P. A. (2004). An evidence-based and occupational perspective of interventions for persons with substance-use disorders. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(5), pp. 570-586.

If these example topics have given you some inspiration and you now feel ready to choose a dissertation topic, see our guide to choosing a dissertation topic to help you get started.

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Theses and Dissertations

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Occupational Therapy (Theses and Dissertations)

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Recent Submissions

Parent-infant sleep as co-occupation: a meta-ethnography of parent experiences and perspectives , refining the psychometric properties of the trinity student profile - a self-report measure of occupational performance difficulties within the student role in higher education. , a stakeholders perspective on the 'kickstart to recovery' football programme in a community mental health service , assessment of older adults' decision-making capacity in relation to independent living: the role of occupational therapy , addressing participation with early inflammatory arthritis: insights into the lived experience and exploring a clinical model to address participation restrictions , the 'kickstart to recovery' programme; a quantitative evaluation of a football programme for mental health service users in an irish context , movement matters: developing school-based occupational therapy practice in irish post primary schools. , an exploration of staff's support with adults with autism in occupational engagement in their daily lives , evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of optimal as a self-management intervention for cancer survivors , the development and piloting of 'trinity student profile' : self report measure for students experiencing mental health problems , collaborative approach to handwriting with children with down syndrome , choice and autonomy in everyday life for eight adults with physical disabilities , play / leisure interests of dublin children and their current and earlier motor proficiency , partners in learning: an investigation into a service-learning module for community partners and occupational therapy students , an exploratory study of the effect of a course of wrist and thumb kinesiotm taping on range of motion, quality of movement and function in children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, hemiplegia , the transition to mainstream primary school for children with down syndrome: an exploration of the transition process in an irish context, from the perspective of parents and school staff. .

Home > Communities > College of Health Sciences > OT > OT_ETD

Occupational Therapy Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions Of Practice During The Covid-19 Pandemic And The Impact On Their Mental Health And Well-Being , Victoria Long

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Can You Hear Me Now: Being Deaf and Healthcare Experiences. , Jordan Blackaby

The Horse: A Driving Force for the Lifestyle of Grooms , Nicole Foright

Leaving journalism: Self-identity during career transition for female former Kentucky reporters , Sarah May Heaney

Metacognition and MoHO collide: Creating effective tutor and mentoring programs for college students on academic probation , Rachel Helen Vick

Experiences of Balance Among Novice Occupational Therapists , Mary Nell Wagner

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Enhancing Child Self-Confidence Of Occupational Performance Through The Use Of A Movement Program , Emily Coleman

Examining the Impact on Praxis for Children with Sensorimotor Deficits , Sara Elizabeth Durham

Exploring Parents' Experiences of Raising a Child with Sensorimotor Impairments and Expectations for Leisure Participation , Emily Eicher

The Impact of Sexual Assault on College Students' Daily Occupations: A Phenomenological Approach , Lee Ann Hodge

No One Fights Alone: Exploring Social Participation of Young Adults with Cancer , Susan Blake Hodgson

Exploring the Experiences of Young Adult Rock Musicians Through an Occupational Lens , Brooke E. King

Experiences of Postpartum Women in One Residential Treatment Facility for Substance Use Disorders: A Qualitative Case Study , Rebecca Jo Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Role Of Community Participation In Improving Quality Of Life In Clients With Dementia And Their Caregivers , Mridula Dhamija

A Qualitative Pilot Study Of Aging Women’s Physical Activity Experiences In One University Fitness And Wellness Center , Alexis Hobbs

The Deaf Experience in a Hearing Medical World , Sarah Kaylynn Lykins

Experiences Of Non-Traditional Female College Students With Bipolar Disorder , Taylor Lynn Massie

Examining The Lived Experiences Of Families Who Have Adopted Children And Received Occupational Therapy Services , David Simpson

Lived Experience of Collegiate Athletes with Season Ending Injuries , Leah Thomas Thomas

The Lived Experience of Informal Caregivers of Chronic Stroke Patients , Ann Snider Wigginton

The Experience of Adults with Chronic Stroke who have Participated in Occupation-Based or Modified Constraint Induced Interventions as a Part of a Research Study , Ariel Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Occupational Therapists' Perceived Experiences Implementing Response to Intervention (RtI) in Early Education , McKenzie Dawn Katzman

The Experiences of Occupational Therapists Working on Interprofessional Primary Health Care Teams: A Case Study. , Emma Blake McClellan

Individuals who self identify as artists but work in a different career: A cross case analysis , Kelly Lee Price

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Art of Collaboration in Academic and Clinical Partnerships , Kelsey Spencer Bennett

Improving Occupational Performance using Therapeutic Activities on a Geropsychiatric Unit , Brenda L. Cain

The Experience of Inmates Preparing for Reentry Into the Community , Christina A. Eaker

Farmers with Upper-Limb Amputations and Their Daily Routine , Emily Louise Fintel

How Not Being Able to Drive Can Affect Routines and Occupations Related to Transportation , Stedmon Deon Hopkins

Experience Of Occupational Therapists Practicing In Rural Kenya , Picoty Cherotich Leitich

The Occupational Participation of a Family of Children with Disabilities , Kim Steele

The Description of Life Experiences of a Person with Pediatric-Onset Tetraplegia During His Upper Teen and Young Adult Years , Kelsey M. Yarberry

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

A Case Study of One Service Member With Traumatic Limb Loss and the Decision of Whether or not to Return to Duty , Carly Braun

Impact of Disability on Celebration of Wedding Anniversaries , Emily Lemaster

Children with ASD and their Experience of Friendship and Co-occupation , Joshua Eric Line

The Sensory Processing Patterns and Activity Choices of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Case Study , Valerie Miller

The First Ten Years: a Descriptive Analysis of Presentation Abstracts of the SSO: USA, 2002 to 2011 , Amanda Schneider

Expectation vs. Perspective: A personal experience of completing transition from high school to community , Katherine Steinman

Ability and Skill Retraining with Task-Oriented Intervention to Improve Functional Independence in Persons with Stroke , Trista Thacker

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Examining the Occupational Engagement of College Students with Asperger's Syndrome: A Mixed Methodology , Laura Leigh Henley

The Experiences Of An Occupational Therapist Delivering Occupation-Based Practice At A Skilled Nursing Facility , Shannon M. Mattingly

Occupational Therapists' Intervention Approaches in Secondary Transition Services for Students with Disabilities , Elizabeth Kelly Miller

The Lived Experience of Non-traditional Students in the Occupational Science Program at Eastern Kentucky University , Deana Marie Ward

Occupational Therapists' Perception of Their Role in Working With Clients Experiencing Visual Deficits: A Phenomenological Study , Rebekah Katherine Wurzback

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

A Parent Consultation Group For Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methodological Study , Cassandra Catherine Clark

The Culture of a Public School's Approach to Children with ASD: An Ethnographical Study , Lisa McCarthy

Art as Occupation: A Phenomenological Study of Art as a Means of Self-Expression for an Individual Recovering from Severe Physical, Sexual, and Ritual Abuse , Raina Kay Remole

Occupations and Quality of Life of Families with Children with ASD: A Survey , Rebecca Vaughn

Occupational Behaviors And Quality Of Life: A Comparison Study Of Individuals Who Self-Identify As Adult Children Of Alcoholics And Non-Adult Children Of Alcoholics , Emily Layne Vaught

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Occupational Therapy Dissertation Ideas

Occupational therapy (OT) is the part of healthcare that assists peoples who have physical, sensitive and mental issues. In occupational therapy, while selecting a dissertation topic which typically includes detecting an area which is interesting as well as suitable to your domain. Here, we contribute some concepts and support in all areas of Occupational therapy (OT) with the best dissertation ideas by referring from current years reputed journal  that encourages you to choose an appropriate dissertation topic .

• Technological Innovations in Occupational Therapy : We explore in what way the developing technologies like virtual reality, wearable devices, or mobile apps are being utilized in occupational therapy and their capacity which is compared to our traditional practices.
• Occupational Therapy in Pediatric Populations : For children who are affected with developmental disorders like autism or ADHD and their long-term result, we examine certain treatments or tactics in occupation therapy.
• Mental Health and Occupational Therapy : The role of occupational therapy is investigated by us for assisting individuals with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Our main focus must be on specialized treatments or comprehensive approaches.
• Occupational Therapy in Geriatric Populations : We analyse the strength of occupational therapy treatments in aged patients, especially those with conditions such as dementia, arthritis and stroke.
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Occupational Therapy : Based on occupational therapy, we review the consequences of cultural norms and traditions. It involves in what way occupational therapy is accomplished in various countries or in the midst of different populations within a particular country.
• Occupational Therapy in Non-Traditional Settings : In non-clinical applications, the function of occupational therapy is explored by us. Such as workplaces, schools, or community centers and how these settings impact the treatment results.
• Telehealth and Occupational Therapy : By the means of telehealth, particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic environment, we observe the strength, demands and chances of contributed occupational therapy services.
• Occupational Therapy and Chronic Pain Management : In what way the occupational therapy being employed is investigated by us in handling the chronic pain that examines the physical as well as psychosocial conditions.
• Hand Therapy : In hand therapy, we mainly focus on particular methods or approach to the interventions and within occupational therapy a section which handles the conditions that affects the hands and upper bodies.
• Occupational Therapy’s Role in Public Health : Our role in public health is to evaluate how occupational therapists offer extensive public health objectives like enhancing community accessibility, encouraging healthy aging or prohibiting workplace injuries.
• Client-Centered Approaches in Occupational Therapy : The result of client-centered care in occupational therapy is analysed by us and mainly concentrates on how personalized treatment plans impact patient welfare and recovery.
• Effectiveness of Group Therapy in Occupational Therapy : We study the advantages and obstacles of group therapy meetings in occupational therapy as compared to personal therapy sessions.

According to your interests and particular needs of your research, consider these ideas which are relevant to you. This is very crucial in selecting a topic which not only contributes to the field in addition to that, it must coordinate with your future objectives and area of interest. Keep in mind that, discuss with our guides or mentors for assistance and extract feedback from us for enhancements on your selected topic.

Occupational therapy dissertation Topics

There are several dissertation topics based on occupational therapy. But you face trouble while selecting a specific topic. So, we are here to provide some potential occupational therapy dissertation topics which are classified by the area of interest that provides you the clarity on your topic selection. The below listed are some of the examples that we have created by using our massive resources and our top writers.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

• The effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving fine motor skills in children with developmental disabilities.
• The impact of sensory processing disorders on children’s participation in daily activities and the role of occupational therapy in addressing these challenges.
• The role of occupational therapy in promoting self-care skills and independence in children with chronic illnesses.
• The effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving functional outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The impact of occupational therapy interventions on the social-emotional development of children with ASD.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy

• The effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• The role of occupational therapy in promoting self-regulation and emotional coping skills in individuals with mental health conditions.
• The effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving cognitive functioning in individuals with mental health conditions.
• The role of occupational therapy in facilitating social engagement and participation in community activities for individuals with mental health conditions.
• The impact of occupational therapy interventions on the overall quality of life of individuals with mental health conditions.

Physical Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy

• The effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving upper extremity function in individuals with stroke.
• The role of occupational therapy in promoting balance and mobility in individuals with neurological impairments.
• The effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving pain management and function in individuals with chronic pain conditions.
• The role of occupational therapy in facilitating safe and independent home reintegration for individuals with physical limitations.
• The impact of occupational therapy interventions on the social and emotional well-being of individuals with physical impairments.

Occupational Therapy Practice and Education

• The impact of different occupational therapy intervention models on patient outcomes.
• The role of technology in occupational therapy practice.
• The effectiveness of different occupational therapy education models.
• Factors that influence the occupational therapy workforce.
• The future of occupational therapy practice.
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Occupational therapy research projects, our research active academics are developing or furthering knowledge in occupational therapy which can be implemented into practice or education..

Below are some examples of the ground-breaking projects our academics have completed or are currently working on:

Total number of results: 44

Writing in the digital age: Keyboard versus pen in adolescents

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in Fabry disease

Understanding the role of temperature on muscle function in older adults

Functional trajectories of people with chronic critical illness

Parenting across cultures in contemporary England

Can SmartSocks™ help deliver care to people with dementia living in care homes?

Individual-level stroke risk prediction after risperidone treatment in dementia

Developmental coordination disorder

Physical activity and McArdle disease

When reading misfires: the case for letter confusability

Protect mental health COVID-19 study

Using mindfulness to reduce schizophrenia vulnerability

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100 Most Influential OT Research Articles

• Post date --> January 4, 2024
• Sticky post

Learn how we review the most influential occupational therapy research. And, see our 2024 list of the most influential OT-related journal articles.

How OT Potential helps you keep up with new research

Approximately 1,000 research articles containing OT are published EACH YEAR. That means roughly 5,000 articles have come out over the past five years!

As busy clinicians, we obviously don’t have time to keep up on all of the evidence. But, we do owe it to our patients to stay on top of the most influential research. 

In our membership community, The OT Potential Club , we find and review the most influential research for you. In our two week rotation, we first share a written review of the research and give you space to discuss it. Then the follow week, we release an episode of the OT Potential Podcast , where we invite an expert guest to help us pull out actionable takeaways. These episodes are AOTA approved courses.

See the process in the video below. You can also sign up for a free trial to see our platform !

See sample journal article reviews and take 2 free CEU courses Sign up for our OT Potential Club free 5-day trial.

How we select OT research to review

Each year to determine the most influential research for us to review we generated a list the 100 most influential OT-related journal articles from the past 5 yeras.

We team up with a research librarian to make this happen. 

For our 2024 list, we searched the Scopus database for articles published from 2019-2023 that had “ occupational therapy ” included in either the title, abstract, or keywords. (By the way, Elsevier’s Scopus is the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature.) Then, we ranked the list by the number of times the articles had been cited in other journal articles.

The articles with green check marks have already been discussed in the OT Potential Club , and we will continue to work through this list throughout 2024.

To see research we’ve reviewed from past years’ lists check our article, research in the OT Potential Club .

The 100 most cited OT articles from the past five years

✅ = already reviewed in the ot potential club and featured as ceu course on the ot potential podcast.

• Listen to the podcast: Parkinson Disease Evidence Review with Brandy Archie
• Listen to the podcast: Cerebral Palsy and OT Evidence with Iona Novak
• Listen to the podcast: Rheumatoid Arthritis and OT with Cheryl Crow
• Listen to the podcast: OT and Psoriatic Arthritis with Duana Russell-Thomas
• Spinocerebellar ataxia (2019) Nature Reviews Disease Primers
• Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) Pain
•   Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process-Fourth Edition (2020) American Journal of Occupational Therapy
•   American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (2019) Arthritis Care and Research
• Outpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Synchronous Telemedicine; A Survey Study of Patient Satisfaction with Virtual Visits during the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020) American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Secondary Fracture Prevention: Consensus Clinical Recommendations from a Multistakeholder Coalition (2020) Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
• Long-Term Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery, Treatment, and Survivor Care (2019) Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health
• Cerebral palsy in children: A clinical overview (2020) Translational Pediatrics
• Listen to the podcast: Depression in Neurodegenerative Diseases with Rachel Wiley
• Listen to the podcast: Pediatric OT Evidence Review with Michelle DeJesus
• Pediatric Teleheath: Opportunities Created by the COVID-19 and Suggestions to Sustain Its Use to Support Families of Children with Disabilities (2021) Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
• Listen to the podcast: Virtual Reality and OT with Christopher Gaskins
• Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in covid-19 – a prospective observational cohort study (2021) ERJ Open Res
• Emerging health challenges for children with physical disabilities and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic: The ECHO French survey (2021) Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
• Cerebral palsy: An overview (2020) American Family Physician
• Complex regional pain syndrome: a narrative review for the practising clinician (2019) British Journal of Anaesthesia
• Social Isolation – The Other COVID-19 Threat in Nursing Homes (2020) JAMA – Journal of the American Medical Association
• Listen to the podcast: CIMT and OT with Catherine Hoyt
• Assessment of Emergency Department and Inpatient Use and Costs in Adult and Pediatric Functional Neurological Disorders (2021) JAMA Neurology
• Canadian guideline for Parkinson disease (2019) CMAJ
• A systematic review of ayres sensory integration intervention for children with autism (2019) Autism Research
• Professional identity: A concept analysis (2020) Nursing Forum
• Sepsis-associated encephalopathy and septic encephalitis (2021) Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
• Diagnosis and management of functional neurological disorder (2022) BMJ
• Listen to the podcast: OT for Spasticity in Adults with Scott Thompson
• Elements virtual rehabilitation improves motor, cognitive, and functional outcomes in adult stroke (2019) Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
• Clinical Neurorestorative Therapeutic Guidelines for Spinal Cord Injury (2020) Journal of Orthopaedic Translation
• Immersive Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy for Upper Limb Recovery after Stroke: A Pilot Study (2019) American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Best-evidence for the rehabilitation of chronic pain part 1: Pediatric pain (2019) Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Developmental delay: Identification and management at primary care level (2019) Singapore Medical Journal
• Occupational therapy consensus recommendations for functional neurological disorder (2020) Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
• One year in review 2019: Systemic sclerosis (2019) Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
• Personalized medicine for patients with COPD: Where are we? (2019) International Journal of COPD
• Association of Geriatric Comanagement and 90-Day Postoperative Mortality among Patients Aged 75 Years and Older with Cancer (2020) JAMA Network Open
• Immersive Virtual Reality for the Management of Pain in Community-Dwelling Older Adults (2019) OTJR Occupation, Participation and Health
• Nonpharmacological Interventions to Improve Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life (QoL) in People With Dementia (2020) Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology
• Occupational therapy for people with dementia and their family carers provided at home (2019) BMJ Open
• Decade of progress in motor functional neurological disorder: Continuing the momentum (2021) Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
• Management of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (2020) Frontiers in Endocrinology
• Multiple sclerosis management during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) Multiple Sclerosis Journal
• Parent perspectives of an occupational therapy telehealth intervention (2019) International Journal of Telerehabilitation
• Breast cancer in adolescent and young adult women under the age of 40 years (2021) JCO oncology practice
• Effects of telerehabilitation in occupational therapy practice: A systematic review (2019) Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Awareness and current knowledge of Parkinson’s disease: a neurodegenerative disorder (2019) International Journal of Neuroscience
• Cognitive reserve and age predict cognitive recovery after mild to severe traumatic brain injury (2019) Journal of Neurotrauma
• Cognitive training for people with mild to moderate dementia (2019) Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
• Physical Rehabilitation in Critically Ill Children: A Multicenter Point Prevalence Study in the United States (2020) Critical Care Medicine
• Quality of life and its related factors for adults with autism spectrum disorder (2019) Disability and Rehabilitation
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Is a Team Sport: Institutional Survival Benefits of a Formalized ECMO Team (2019) Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
• Motor learning in neurological rehabilitation (2021) Disability and rehabilitation
• Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of the progressive ataxias (2019) Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
• Construct validity, test-retest reliability, and the ability to detect change of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in a spinal cord injury population (2019) Spinal cord series and cases
• Telerehabilitation During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Outpatient Rehabilitation Settings (2021) Physical Therapy
• Loss in services precedes high school exit for teens with autism spectrum disorder (2019) Autism Research
• Construct validity of a revised version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (2020) Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Telehealth for the provision of occupational therapy: Reflections on experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) International Journal of Telerehabilitation
• Treatment patterns in children with autism in the United States (2019) Autism Research
• Stroke self-management and the role of self-efficacy (2021) Disability and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy in the promotion of health and well-being (2020) The American Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Toward a theory-based specification of non-pharmacological treatments in aging and dementia (2020) Alzheimer’s & Dementia
• Efficacy of Virtual Reality Combined With Real Instrument Training for Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2019) Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Relationships between job satisfaction, burnout, professional identity and meaningfulness of work activities for occupational therapists working in mental health (2019) Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
• Potential benefits of music playing in stroke upper limb motor rehabilitation (2020) Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
• Evaluation of pelvis postural systems in spinal cord injury patients: Outcome research (2020) Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
• A review of interprofessional training wards: Enhancing student learning and patient outcomes (2019) Medical Teacher
• Effects of virtual reality-based planar motion exercises on upper extremity function, range of motion, and health-related quality of life (2019) Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation
• What is the threshold dose of upper limb training for children with cerebral palsy to improve function? A systematic review (2020) Australian occupational therapy journal
• Listen to the podcast: OT, Plagiocephaly, and Cognitive Outcomes with Amirra Condelee
• COVID-19 and Cerebrovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Perspectives for Stroke Management (2020) Frontiers in Neurology
• The use of augmented reality for rehabilitation after stroke: a narrative review (2020) Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology
• Listen to the podcast: Pain and OT with Irvin Eisenberg
• Flexor tendon rehabilitation in the 21st century: A systematic review (2019) Journal of Hand Therapy
• An intervention to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver burden in dementia: Preliminary results from a randomized trial of the tailored activity program–outpatient version (2019) International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic literature review informing the EULAR recommendations for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (2021) RMD open
• Patient satisfaction with telehealth in rural settings: A systematic review (2020) International journal of telerehabilitation
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with cerebral palsy (2020) Developmental medicine and child neurology
• Enhanced recovery after surgery trends in adult spine surgery: A systematic review (2020) International journal of spine surgery
• Impact of Sarcopenia on Adverse Outcomes after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (2019) Journal of the National Cancer Institute
• Optimal Terminology for Services in the United States That Incorporate Horses to Benefit People: A Consensus Document (2021) Journal of alternative and complementary medicine
• Improving the quality of life of people with advanced respiratory disease and severe breathlessness (2019) Breathe
• Comparative efficacy of interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia: Systematic review and network meta-analysis (2021) BMJ (Clinical research ed.)
• Listen to the podcast: OT & Smart Home Tech Adoption with Carol Chiang
• Contributing to social transformation through occupation: Experiences from a think tank (2019) Journal of Occupational Science
• Moving from cultural competence to cultural humility in occupational therapy: A paradigm shift (2020) The American journal of occupational therapy
• Virtual reality in neurorehabilitation: An umbrella review of meta-analyses (2021) Journal of clinical medicine
• Recommendations for the Nonpharmacological Treatment of Apathy in Brain Disorders (2020) The American journal of geriatric psychiatry
• Evidence-based practice implementation in stroke rehabilitation: A scoping review of barriers and facilitators (2020) The American journal of occupational therapy
• Treatment of neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve and brachial plexus traumatic injury (2019) Neurology India
• Cultural competency and the reproduction of White supremacy in occupational therapy education (2020) Health Education Journal
• Rural-urban disparities in health care costs and health service utilization following pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (2019) Health services research
• Listen to the podcast: OT and CRPS with Megan Doyle
• Interventions to improve upper limb function for children with bilateral cerebral palsy: a systematic review (2019) Developmental medicine and child neurology
• Re-imagining occupational therapy clients as communities: Presenting the community-centred practice framework (2019) Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy
• Occupational therapy, everyday life and the fabric of life: Theoretical-conceptual contributions for the construction of critical and emancipatory perspectives (2020) Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional
• Hyperphosphatemic Tumoral Calcinosis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, and Challenges in Management (2020) Frontiers in Endocrinology
• Early versus delayed mobilization for in-hospital mortality and health-related quality of life among critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2019) Journal of intensive care

Need help accessing these articles?

As you can see, each of the articles in our list is hyperlinked for your convenience—and I’m always surprised by how many research articles are free! However, if you find one that is not free, you can also see if it’s available via your AOTA membership in AJOT or via ProQuest with your NBCOT membership. You can read more about these options in our blog post on where to find OT research .

All that being said, some articles you may simply have to purchase. 

Resources derived from our OT research list

As we spend time exploring this research, we’ll continue to systematically pull information that is helpful for OTs. Check out these other blog posts, which incorporate information we find in our research:

• Helpful List of OT Journals
• List of OT Assessments
• OT Documentation

We hope this list fills you with excitement for occupational therapy—and the research that is driving it. And, we hope you consider joining us in our favorite corner of the internet…the OT Potential Club . 🙂

13 replies on “100 Most Influential OT Research Articles”

Thanks for taking the time to research and share these articles, I live by and truly believe that Team Work Makes a Dream Work! I look forward to our club and please count me in 🙂 One way that I would keep up with the latest and greatest was having mini lunch time discussions with my therapy pals. We would switch off who was responsible to bring in an article and share what we learned but most importantly how we can apply it. I think if more DOR could get behind these groups this would make big impacts in our daily practices. Look forward to your next blog! Aloha <3

Hey Monica!!

I am so excited to hangout with you in the OT Potential Club, and talk about ways to apply new research! I agree that lunch time journal clubs are such a great tool for departments. Hopefully the OT Potential Club will make preparing content for these even easier!

Thank you so much for all your support! (And please send some of your warm weather to those of us in the Midwest!)

As a future OT student, I’m curious if you have any insight into the following question. As I read about advancements in childhood development research, it strikes me that OT’s are often not included in these discussions. For instance, I went to a Brookings Institution panel on "A prescription for play" ( https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2018/08/21/a-prescription-for-play/ ) and it would have been great to have an OT on the panel since they work "on the ground" with children. As neuroscience continues to break ground on new issues related to childhood development (i.e. the brain and trauma), why aren’t OT’s being included in these discussions? Is it because they are considered practitioners and not researchers?

Hi Laura, You’ve stumbled onto a huge problem here, and it isn’t specific to OT. One often cited study showed that it takes about 17 YEARS for new medical knowledge to be adopted into practice (and even then only a fraction of best practices actually get adopted.) There is clearly a disconnect between academia and practitioners on the ground. To solve the complex challenges of today and the future, we certainly need new tools and bridge builders to help us shorten this gap!

Thanks – this is helpful to know. And I’m glad it’s just a problem with OT, because it had me wondering what the issue was.

*it’s not just

Hi Laura. As Sarah stated, you’ve stumbled upon a huge problem, that I think IS specific to occupational therapy. The medical and research communities (and general community for that matter) remain under-educated about the existence and value of the occupational therapy profession. We very rarely have a seat at the table, as you recognized. Occupational therapy, though being around for over 100 years, continues to be quite insulated. Although this is changing! In my opinion, AOTA has never done an excellent job of marketing us OUTSIDE the occupational therapy community, and thus hasn’t had the skillset to teach us how to market ourselves. This is a challenge I continue to struggle with but am working solidly towards addressing.

A few strategies I use are to always identify myself as an "occupational therapist," instead of an "OT" and I work in the field of "occupational therapy". I also don’t refer to PT in my definition of what occupational therapy is. A third way I do this is to have an elevator pitch of what occupational therapy is ready at all times.

Hope this helps answer your question 🙂

Love, love, love this post and the list!! Ever an inspiration, Sarah!

Ahhh! Thank you! I am consistently inspired by the OT community and can’t wait to hang out with OT practitioners in the OT Potential Club!

I wish there were more exert articles about OT in Mental Health, such a great need for mental health supports now-a-days!

It’s awesome.. Am amazed. I was able to conduct my research problem.

Oh wow! I’m so glad to hear that! What was your research problem?

Thanks for sharing these articles, they are so useful. 🙂

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Occupational Therapy

• Database and Journal Searches
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• Data & Statistics
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Tips for Choosing a Topic

• Make sure you understand the assignment. Ask questions if you are unsure.
• Choose a topic that interests you.
• Brainstorm. On a sheet of paper, write down every idea that comes to mind. Even ideas that seem ridiculous can spark a great paper topic.
• Once you have selected a topic, write a summary of it in three or four sentences or explain it to a friend or classmate. If it takes you less than three sentences, then your topic may be too narrow. If it takes you more than three or four sentences, your topic may be too broad.       

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis is the central idea/argument of a piece of writing with the entire work developing and supporting the idea.  Though sometimes unstated, a thesis should always govern a paper.  It usually appears as a thesis sentence somewhere in the paper, primarily in the opening paragraph.

What is a strong thesis statement?

Building a thesis statement.

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