Contextual Factors That Have an Impact on the Transitional Experience of Newly Qualified Occupational Therapists

Abstract

Many newly qualified occupational therapists (NQOTs) experience difficulties when moving into practice, with limited opportunities to co-work with colleagues. In 2005, a preceptorship programme designed to ease these transitional challenges was piloted.

The programme was evaluated using mixed methods within a realist framework in order to understand the contextual factors that have an impact on the transitional experience of NQOTs and their engagement with the programme. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with four pairs of NQOTs and supervisors at 6 and 12 months into the programme. The findings suggest that the demands placed on new practitioners are increasing, with early expectations of autonomy within an interprofessional context. Strategies that assist transition include co-working, role modelling and informal support. The preceptorship programme facilitates the provision of these.

The study highlights the importance of situated learning theories and communities of practice as frameworks to prepare therapists to analyse the complexities of the workplace and to facilitate negotiated access to the multidisciplinary communities.