A survey of post-registration research students in occupational therapy

In 1999, the College of Occupational Therapists' Research and Development Board was expanded. Two new members were appointed to represent post-registration research students. As little was known about this constituency of the membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists, the Research and Development Board approved a study of post-registration students. The aims were to identify the needs of post-registration research students in occupational therapy and to develop an action plan based on the findings.

A survey was conducted. The response to the questionnaire was varied: some respondents felt very isolated within their studies whilst others felt well supported. There was general agreement that it was helpful to be in contact with other occupational therapists actively involved in research. A consultation process based on the findings of the survey was carried out to develop an action plan. This process also produced varied results, which made it difficult to make specific recommendations other than that a network was wanted.

At the Research and Development Board meeting in August 2000, the action plan recommended by the post-registration research student members, in which the main recommendation was to set up a post-registration research student network, was approved.