Therapists to Therapy Assistants: Experiences of Internationally Educated Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

IF 1.6 3区医学 Q2 REHABILITATION

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie Pub Date : 2024-05-27 DOI:10.1177/00084174241255467

Zeal Kadakia, Ana Lopez, Maheen Shahid, Ashley Theoret, Ronessa Dass, Shaminder Dhillon, Jasdeep Dhir, Tara Packham

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: In Canada, internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) and occupational therapists (IEOTs) may work as occupational/physical therapy assistants (OTAs/PTAs) while pursuing Canadian licensure. This experience presents personal and professional opportunities and challenges. Purpose: We explored a) the barriers and facilitators experienced by IEPTs and IEOTs working as OTAs/PTAs while pursuing licensure in Canada and b) how might their professional identity changes during this period. Methods: In this cross-sectional qualitative study, we sampled IEPTs and IEOTs working as assistants using online focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis of data was used to generate themes. Findings: Fourteen IEPTs or IEOTs participated reporting barriers including financial impacts while working as an OTA/PTA, discrimination, and challenges completing licensing exams. Facilitators while working as OTA/PTAs included social support, acculturation with Canadian systems, and career opportunities. Changes to professional identity encompassed accepting a new identity, reclaiming their old identity, or having a strong sense of identity within a healthcare profession. Participants advocated for bridging programs and modifications for examination processes for IEPTs and IEOTs to improve their experiences while pursuing licensure in Canada. Conclusion: Increased advocacy is needed to address the current experiences of IEPTs and IEOTs working as OTA/PTAs after migration.

查看原文本刊更多论文

从治疗师到治疗助理：受过国际教育的物理治疗师和职业治疗师的经验。

背景：在加拿大，受过国际教育的物理治疗师（IEPTs）和职业治疗师（IEOTs）可以在取得加拿大执照的同时担任职业/物理治疗助理（OTAs/PTAs）。这种经历给个人和职业带来了机遇和挑战。目的：我们探讨了 a) IEPTs 和 IEOTs 在加拿大考取执照期间作为 OTAs/PTAs 工作所遇到的障碍和促进因素，以及 b) 在此期间他们的专业身份可能发生的变化。研究方法：在这项横断面定性研究中，我们通过在线焦点小组对担任助理的 IEPT 和 IEOT 进行了抽样调查。我们对数据进行了反思性主题分析，以生成主题。研究结果14 名 IEPTs 或 IEOTs 参与了研究，并报告了他们在担任 OTA/PTA 时遇到的障碍，包括经济影响、歧视和完成执照考试时遇到的挑战。在从事 OTA/PTA 工作时的促进因素包括社会支持、与加拿大制度的融合以及职业机会。职业身份的改变包括接受新身份、恢复旧身份或在医疗保健职业中有强烈的身份认同感。学员们主张为 IEPTs 和 IEOTs 制定衔接计划并修改考试程序，以改善他们在加拿大取得执照的经历。结论：需要加强宣传，以解决IEPT和IEOT移民后作为OTA/PTA工作的现有经历。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie REHABILITATION-

CiteScore

2.80

自引率

11.10%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy was first published in September 1933. Since that time, it has fostered advancement and growth in occupational therapy scholarship. The mission of the journal is to provide a forum for leading-edge occupational therapy scholarship that advances theory, practice, research, and policy. The vision is to be a high-quality scholarly journal that is at the forefront of the science of occupational therapy and a destination journal for the top scholars in the field, globally.