Abstract
Occupational therapists (OTs) are members of emergency departments (ED) teams, but the nature and scope of their practice is not well known. In 2007, a first descriptive study of OT practice in Quebec’s ED was published, in which authors documented the various aspects of the practice. In 2013, data were updated with a second survey. Then in 2018, individual interviews with 6 key informants were conducted, to further describe the professional practice of OTs in ED. Through the newsletter and the Website of the professional association, all OTs were contacted but only those working in ED were invited to respond (either by fax, mail, online or in person). Questionnaires covered the general context of practice, nature of interventions, assessment tools used, theoretical framework and the satisfaction of working in ED. Statistical descriptive and content analyzes were carried out. Results show the emerging and heterogeneous nature of this practice. OTs are working in ED as members of interdisciplinary teams. They spend over 90% percent of their time with older adults and the requested assessments covered — in order of frequency — cognitive abilities assessment, daily activities, safety upon return home, dysphagia and mobility. The sharpest change between the results of the two surveys suggests that in 2013, OTs use more diversified and more often standardized tools. In 2018, they are present in more regions of Quebec, compared to 2007 data. They also confirmed the clinical utility of OTs in ED for the assessment of the functional status.