title: A case against generalisation of mental health occupational therapy in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In 2009, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists International Advisory Group on Mental Health conducted a global survey that yielded data on mental health occupational therapy practice. The Australian dataset reflected aspects of the current situation of the Australian mental health occupational therapy workforce. Of particular interest were resource availability, workforce recruitment and retention, and perception of the future of mental health occupational therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a cross-sectional survey design, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered electronically over a one-month period. Manual analysis indicated themes common to mental health occupational therapists across a framework of professional areas.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings suggested that role blurring negatively affected workforce retention. Workforce recruitment and retention were complicated by resource shortages. Some Federal Government initiatives were perceived as only partially beneficial to the profession.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Survey respondents believed that mental health occupational therapy was a potential growth area particularly where occupational therapy specific skills were retained.
authors.affiliation: Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, The Australian National University, Eggleston Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia. dagmar.ceramidas@anu.edu.au
authors.forename: Dagmar M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ceramidas
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008603:Mental Health; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010563:Personnel Turnover / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D024382:Professional Role; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000078329:Workforce