What we think about occupational therapy research? Perceptions from a group of academics and students in Chile

Abstract

Scientific research is the basis of knowledge for health disciplines. In occupational therapy has had a growing and priority development, so it is necessary to begin to understand the perceptions of therapists themselves in relation to that topic. To know what is the perception that teachers and students in relation to occupational therapy research descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of teachers and students from a School of Occupational Therapy between September 2015 and January 2016. They were applied a face questionnaire containing: sociodemographic background, academic degree, conducting research related courses, degree of interest in the research in occupational therapy and importance of this, and understanding of concepts related to evidence-based. The data were analyzed descriptively and the open questions by accumulated responses according to categories. 86.5% of people expressed a strong interest in research, 50% knew the concept of evidence-based Occupational Therapy (TOBE), and the most relevant topics that generate interest and importance of the research are to validate and positioning the role of the occupational therapist, and generate knowledge to strengthen practice. In conclusion, both students and teachers refer interest in learning from occupational therapy research and application. It is necessary to incorporate concepts such as TOBE, and strengthen education in undergraduate and graduate research aimed at the profession.