title: Learning from today's clinicians in vocational practice to educate tomorrow's therapists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In response to the demand for therapists and changes in vocational practice, a needs assessment was conducted to update an occupational therapy educational program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Employing focus groups, interviews and questionnaires, 66 therapists from a wide range of graduating institutions working in vocational practice were asked to: a) identify the essential knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required for vocational practice; b) determine to what extent training is preparing students for vocational practice; and c) make recommendations for curriculum revision and/or for additional curriculum development. Participants and their jobs were profiled together with the challenges and issues of vocational practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was strong agreement among participants regarding what is required to practice effectively but disparate views concerning the extent they were prepared for practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations were given for entry and postgraduate level curricula. Findings were compared to a past community practice survey. Implications for practicums, professional integrity and ethical issues were discussed.
authors.affiliation: Work Function Unit, McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, 1400 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 1CZ. strongs@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Strong
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baptiste
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salvatori
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003479:Curriculum; D004500:Education, Graduate; D026690:Ethics, Clinical; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000639:trends