Managed Care: Opportunities and Challenges for Occupational Therapy in the Emerging Systems of the 21st Century

Overall, occupational therapy seems reasonably well situated to prosper in a cost-conscious environment of the future. But the profession's standing in the next century will depend on its ability to build on its strengths and assist in cost containment by avoiding unnecessary or duplicative services and by fostering versatility through the education of generalists. Above all, the profession must recognize that patients will measure quality in terms of results and satisfaction related to the impact of their health on their everyday lives.