An international study of the professional resilience strategies used by early career occupational therapists

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The transition into health professions is associated with a range of workplace challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate the strategies early‐career occupational therapists use to mitigate occupational stressors and maintain professional resilience. Method Data were analysed from a cross‐sectional survey that investigated the professional resilience strategies used by early career occupational therapists. Consumer and Community Involvement Author CS was an early career occupational therapist while completing the research. Results Valid responses were received from 499 occupational therapists from 29 countries. The most used strategies were maintaining a belief in the value of occupational therapy (83.1%), having a supportive home life (82.7%), reflecting on positive outcomes (81.5%), pursuing career‐building opportunities (76.6%), and using informal professional support networks (75.2%). The following were associated with considering leaving the profession: People unsatisfied with their role χ 2 (4, 486) = 67.7, p < 0.001; role not valued by team members χ 2 (4, 485) = 30.5; p < 0.001; inability to maintain a work/life balance χ 2 (4, 485) = 27.9, p < 0.001; pressure to work outside of role χ 2 (4, 485) = 26.5, p < 0.001; inability to control workload χ 2 (4, 485) = 20.4, p < 0.001; inability to use occupational‐based practices χ 2 (4, 485) = 19.0, p < 0.001; investing too much energy χ 2 (4, 485) = 18.2, p = 0.001; poor relations with colleagues χ 2 (3, 485) = 17.0, p < 0.001; lack of understanding own role χ 2 (3, 485) = 15.3, p = 0.002; lack of skills χ 2 (3, 485) = 9.5, p = 0.02. Conclusion A range of professional resilience strategies is used by early career occupational therapists. Shifts in organisational culture and policies can support the implementation of professional resilience strategies to support their occupational therapy workforce during the transition to practice. Professional organisations and entry‐level programmes can also embed resources to prepare graduates for early career challenges. The adoption of these strategies at an individual, organisational, and policy level may assist in extending career longevity.