The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the factors influencing the clinical reasoning of twelve occupational therapists from different clinical settings. Four of the participants were PhD students, five participants had Master's Degrees and the remaining three participants had Bachelor's Degrees in Occupational Therapy. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Information obtained from these interviews were then coded and classified into specific themes and sub themes. Data analysis revealed three themes: socio-cultural conditions, individual attributions and environmental conditions. Results indicate that the patient's beliefs about their disease and occupational therapy services influence the clinical reasoning process of OTs. In addition, results found that therapists confidence in their abilities as well as their clinical experience is necessary when making clinical decisions. This study suggests further qualitative and quantitative research is needed in this area, especially with occupational therapists in other clinical settings.
started by kelseyanne44 on 26 Jul 15
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154286/