ABSTRACT

Objective : This study set up the definition of an occupational therapist and its conception and job scope so thatthe basic job performance ability, problem solving ability, and overall thought ability required in the field for newoccupational therapists can be evaluated and verified, and the systematized knowledge, skills, and attitudesresulting from the above research analyzed. Methods : We conducted a research analysis of the job characteristics, set up the definition of an occupationaltherapist and its conception and job scope, and conducted a job analysis of occupation therapists, targetingoccupational therapy experts and a new group of occupational therapists with less than 3 years of experience,from January 2012 to November 2013. Results : The number of duties increased from five (patient assessment, occupational therapy, education,management, and self-development) to six (consultation, assessment, intervention planning, intervention,education and management, and self-development) in this job analysis, compared to the primary job analysis in2000. The number of tasks also increased from 32 to 37, while the number of task elements was reduced from168 to 131. These results show that the job area of occupational therapy was extended, and the contents of thejob were greatly changed. Conclusion : Based on this job analysis of occupational therapists, we standardized the contents of clinical practiceand made students majoring in occupational therapy receive structured clinical training, reflecting the current job. This study will bring an improvement in the quality of occupational therapy education and a contribution to anexpansion of the area of occupational therapy.