School-Based Occupational Therapy Practice: Perceptions and Realities of Current Practice and the Role of Occupation

The purpose of this study was to explore how school-based occupational therapists describe current practice including the role of occupation. Participants included 16 occupational therapists currently practicing in the schools. Data were collected via an interview. The methodology used in this study was a mixed qualitative design based on multiple-case study analysis and grounded theory. The participant interviews were analyzed for themes. The results indicate that school-based practitioners have a high level of satisfaction with their job. Participants report a belief that the natural context of the school supports occupation, and occupation is a strong influence during the intervention process as well as the overall daily practice of the school-based practitioner. Teams are also reported to strongly influence current practice.