Status of Practice in Mental Health: Assessment and Frames of Reference

Educational orientation and clinical practices for Australian mental health occupational therapists were surveyed to determine theoretical approaches and assessment procedures used. Questionnaires were sent to clinicians and educators to estimate current differences and similarities between educational content and clinical practice. Combined results indicate the need for increased effectiveness in teaching conceptual theories of occupational therapy, more structured classroom and fieldwork learning experiences, and improved instruction in and application of assessments by clinicians.