Occupational therapy managers’ perceptions of challenges faced in early intervention service delivery in South Australia

Authors: Boshoff, Kobie; Alant, Erna¹; May, Esther²

Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Volume 52, Number 3, September 2005 , pp. 232-242(11)

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Abstract:

This article reports on the results of the first phase of a doctoral study aimed at investigating the change processes occurring in occupational therapy service delivery in the field of early intervention in South Australia. The change management process was utilised as the framework for development of the study. The first phase focused on exploring the current status of service delivery in South Australia, as the first step in the change management process. Data was collected from 14 occupational therapy managers by means of an initial questionnaire, an online focus group, followed by a short questionnaire. Results illustrate a number of challenges faced in service delivery related to the nature of services (such as the intensity of specialist intervention), and service delivery aspects (such as inadequate staffing levels and long waiting lists). Recommendations are made for lobby groups, practice and further research.

Keywords: change; early intervention; online focus groups; paediatric services; questionnaires; service delivery

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2005.00495.x

Affiliations: 1: University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa 2: School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Publication date: 2005-09-01