An exploratory study on the role of occupational therapists in home‐based rehabilitation team

Background Cooperation among rehabilitation team member is essential in home‐based rehabilitation setting. Q‐methodology that can quantitatively analyze the subjectivity of members of the rehabilitation team was used to explore the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in home‐based rehabilitation. Method A five‐step implementation procedure was constructed and applied to categorize the subjectivity of the rehabilitation team members. Representative statements about the role of OTs consisted of 7 areas (52 statements). A total of 34 rehabilitation team members categorized the statements according to their subjective viewpoints, and factor analysis was conducted based on the correlation between people. Result The roles of OTs perceived by members of the home‐based rehabilitation team were formed into five factor. In all factor, views on the role of OTs in helping clients participate in their roles and activities at home were included. These factors included issues and directions addressed in prior literature on the development of occupational therapy. Conclusion In home‐based rehabilitation, OTs must play a professional role in ensuring clients to live fully at home, and cooperate with team members for an effective rehabilitation approach.