Occupational therapists have long recognized the need to do research and to publish, yet there continues to be a strong oral tradition within the profession among clinicians. This commentary discusses the possible origins of that tradition and the factors that maintain it. The reluctance to publish by clinicians has strong implications for the profession in terms of its status. In addition it impedes the sharing of potentially innovative and important practice information. Some of the fears and concerns held by occupational therapists regarding publishing are considered and an invitation is issued to therapists to share their wealth of clinical knowledge through publication.
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