Report on the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists' Manpower Survey: 1981

Abstract

The following report outlines the findings of the CAOT Task Force established in 1980 to undertake a national manpower survey. With the assistance of Statistics Canada a survey was designed and through CAOT, it was distributed in the Fall of 1981. Although a completed methodology and tabulation were sent to the CAOT Executive in March 1982, an analysis was not completed until November 1982. This report is to inform all participants of the findings, implications and future considerations. The objectives, methodology and problems encountered are described. Unfortunately, most of the objectives were not met. The task of developing an effective survey tool and the process of collecting meaningful data was far greater than anticipated. Such a massive project, which entails money and time, requires professional assistance to reduce ambiguities in the survey forms and computerization to correlate the information. Much of the information received could not be used nor correlated; however, the results do give a brief description of the profile of an occupational therapist to build on in the future. In addition, the experience gained will facilitate future survey development and distribution.