Factors affecting occupational therapists’ decision to join their regional professional association.

• Autores: Angelica N Reyes, Cary A. Brown
• Localización: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, ISSN 0008-4174, Vol. 85, Nº. 3, 2018, págs. 222-231
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Voluntary occupational therapy organizations fill an important role. However, recruitment and retention can be problematic. Little is known about factors influencing occupational therapists to join/maintain membership in professional associations. Purpose. This study investigated factors influencing occupational therapists’ decision to join/remain members of their association. Method. An electronic survey was carried out and data were analyzed using SPSS software and manual categorization of open-ended comments. Findings. Two hundred and fifty-four therapists responded. Generation of new ideas, opportunities for professional development, self-improvement, maintenance of standards, improvement of the profession, and discounts on equipment/educational opportunities were significant factors in deciding to join the organization. The factors perceived as priorities varied in relation to participants’ year of graduation. Implications. More-customized strategies, reflecting priorities that vary during a therapist’s career path, may need to be employed to best address recruitment and retention across the range of therapists’ needs and goals.