Occupational Therapy Research Priorities in Mental Health

This study used a Delphi survey method to identify research priorities of occupational therapists working in mental health. Twenty-two subjects were initially surveyed for their suggestions regarding research topics they thought were important. These 22 subjects represent a random sample of 12.4% of national OT-Australia membership of occupational therapists working in mental health. After three "rounds" of the Delphi methodology, consensus research priorities were obtained in six areas: research of value to clients (5 topics); research of value to occupational therapists working in mental health (4 topics); research related to providing community care for clients (2 topics); research that facilitates health promotion and disease prevention (6 topics); research that is of value to the profession of occupational therapy (6 topics); and research that is of value to occupational therapy education (4 topics). Implications for occupational therapy practice and re search are discussed.