First Appointments: A Survey of Influencing Factors

Abstract

This article is based on a survey into factors influencing the choice of first appointment in occupational therapy. The questionnaire covered social, personal and work factors, influences during training, and geographical area, as well as job satisfaction and reasons for wishing to change posts. The results showed that, although work considerations were important, the location of a first post was largely determined by personal factors. They also showed that most occupational therapists were happy with their choice of first post. The implications of the survey for district occupational therapists, heads of department, occupational therapy schools, and students are discussed.