Elaine Judith Amaba, Catherine Joy Escuadra, Ji-Eun Choi, Sun-Joung Leigh An
{"title":"The Occupational Challenges and Responses of International Graduate Students in South Korea: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Elaine Judith Amaba, Catherine Joy Escuadra, Ji-Eun Choi, Sun-Joung Leigh An","doi":"10.1155/oti/6967523","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/6967523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Humans, as occupational beings, are inherently driven to achieve mastery and adaptation. This drive is evident in international graduate students who face unique academic and sociocultural challenges when adapting to unfamiliar environments, such as South Korea. These challenges can hinder their occupational participation, yet there is a notable gap in the literature addressing the specific occupational issues faced by international students in this context. <b>Aim:</b> This study is aimed at exploring the unique occupational challenges encountered by international graduate students in Korea and their general adaptive responses, analyzed through the lens of the occupational adaptation (OA) model. Additionally, this study proposed interventions for educational institutions and occupational therapy practitioners to support students in achieving OA. <b>Method:</b> A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Systematic searches across global (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) and Korean (RISS and KISS) databases identified qualitative studies published in English or Korean over the past 10 years. ChatGPT-4 assisted with data extraction, which was reviewed for accuracy. Study characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis identified key themes related to occupational challenges. <b>Results:</b> The review identified 3 articles and 6 dissertations exploring the occupational challenges of 59 international graduate students in Korea. Most participants were master's students, primarily from China, Uzbekistan, and Laos. Two main themes emerged: (1) the hierarchical nature of Korean culture, which impeded academic and social engagement, and (2) the fast-paced lifestyle, which disrupted occupational balance. These challenges led to stress, isolation, and reduced participation, affecting role competence and quality of life. While students attempted adaptive strategies, they were often insufficient, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. <b>Conclusions:</b> International graduate students in Korea faced significant pressure to achieve mastery in a demanding environment. Culturally sensitive interventions, combined with strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle redesign, can improve stress management, self-advocacy, and occupational balance, leading to greater academic success.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6967523"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11996278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association Between Muscle Activity of Upper Limbs and Respiratory Parameters During Functional Performance in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.","authors":"Ching-Yun Chen, Chieh-Hsiang Hsu, Sheng-Han Tsai, Cheng-Feng Lin, Yu-Chen Lin, Hsiu-Yun Hsu, Chiung-Zuei Chen, Li-Chieh Kuo","doi":"10.1155/oti/3023322","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/3023322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Few studies have examined the activity of the accessory inspiratory muscles as well as respiratory function simultaneously in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while performing activities of daily living (ADLs). This cross-sectional study is aimed at understanding the differences in the demands for respiratory expenditure and activity of the upper limbs and accessory inspiratory muscles during functional performance in individuals with and without COPD. <b>Methods:</b> Thirteen patients with mild to moderate COPD and 10 healthy adults were enrolled. All participants were asked to complete the requested ADL tasks involving upper limb elevation while recording activities of muscles of the accessory inspiratory muscles, as well as respiratory expenditure via the Delsys Trigno electromyography and Ultima CardiO2 system, respectively. <b>Results:</b> Muscle activity of the pectoralis major (PM) in the COPD group was significantly higher than that in the non-COPD group during washing both sides of the head (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and storing 2- and 4-kg objects on a shoulder-height shelf (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Ventilatory inefficiency and metabolic expenditure were significantly higher during the storage of objects at head height in the COPD group. A positive correlation was observed between sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and metabolic/ventilatory expenditure in the non-COPD group. However, muscle activity of the upper trapezius was significantly correlated with metabolic/ventilatory expenditure in the COPD group. Higher PM muscle activity and ventilatory inefficiency in the COPD group were found during performing ADLs involving upper limb elevation. <b>Conclusions:</b> Individuals with COPD demonstrated increased accessory inspiratory muscle activity, reduced ventilatory efficiency, and higher metabolic expenditure during ADLs involving upper limb elevation compared to healthy controls. The PM in the COPD group was the major accessory inspiratory muscle for performing ADLs involving upper limb elevation. These findings could inform recommendations for individuals with COPD to adjust their strategies for upper limb elevation while performing ADLs. Training of the larger accessory inspiratory muscles in rehabilitation programs has also been considered to enhance ADL performance in individuals with COPD. <b>Trial Registration:</b> ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04146948.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3023322"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143765664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Digital Mirror Therapy and Action Observation Therapy for Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Yu-Wei Hsieh, Meng-Ta Lee, Ya-Ching Hsu, Kai-Yu Wu, Chih-Chi Chen","doi":"10.1155/oti/8741362","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/8741362","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> This study is aimed at testing the immediate and retained treatment efficacies of digital mirror therapy (DMT) and digital action observation therapy (DAOT) on clinical outcomes in chronic stroke patients, in comparison with dose-matched, active control rehabilitation (CR). <b>Methods:</b> Nineteen patients were randomly assigned to the DMT, DAOT, or CR for 3 weeks. Outcome measures, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment, Motor Activity Log (MAL), and visual analogue scale of the EQ-5D-5L, were conducted at preintervention (T0), postintervention (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2). <b>Results:</b> There were no significant differences among the three groups on the outcomes at different time points. However, in the DMT group, scores were significantly higher on the FMA-UE and the CAHAI at T2 than at T0; in the DAOT group, those on the FMA-UE and the quality of movement subscale of the MAL were significantly higher at T2 than at T0. In the CR group, scores on the FMA-UE and the CAHAI were significantly higher at T1 than at T0. <b>Conclusions:</b> Both DMT and DAOT had retained treatment effects on motor function. DMT and DAOT might be feasible as alternative intervention strategies for chronic stroke patients. <b>Trial Registration:</b> ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04441190.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8741362"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11949601/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding Occupational Therapists' Job Satisfaction Through an Ecological Lens-A Qualitative Scoping Review.","authors":"Brodie Dupre, Nasim Salehi","doi":"10.1155/oti/3268526","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/3268526","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the critical role of occupational therapists in healthcare, there has been limited focus on understanding their job satisfaction compared to other health-related disciplines. This gap is significant as job satisfaction among occupational therapists profoundly influences employee morale, client care, and organizational dynamics. This study explored factors influencing occupational therapists' job satisfaction through an ecological lens to enhance their work environments, promoting both personal and professional growth. A scoping review of qualitative evidence was conducted from 1921 to 2024 via CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, and AMED, including 10 qualitative articles. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. Four key themes were identified impacting job satisfaction including humanistic values driving professional fulfillment, professional identity and recognition, workplace structural barriers, and advocacy and strengthening approaches. Although occupational therapists find their job rewarding and fulfilling because of its client-centered care, they confront challenges particularly with professional recognition, career identity, and limited support. To enhance their job satisfaction, a more system-level ecological approach is required to enhance the leadership approaches, mentorship, communication channels, and collaboration opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3268526"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Expanding Knowledge and Integration of Occupational Therapy in Vietnamese Healthcare: A Study of Educational Interventions and Cultural Relevance.","authors":"John R Patro, Jacqueline Daniel, Aiden Darcy","doi":"10.1155/oti/5812871","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/5812871","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Occupational therapy (OT) is an emerging healthcare profession in Vietnam, with limited awareness and understanding among local healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study is aimed at assessing the impact of an educational intervention designed to improve HCPs' knowledge and attitudes toward OT in Vietnamese healthcare settings. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 13 participants from Da Nang Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Hospital and Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital, representing various healthcare disciplines. The intervention included a series of journal club sessions focused on the principles, scope, and culturally relevant applications of OT. Quantitative data from pre- and postintervention assessments revealed significant improvements in HCPs' general knowledge of OT, its practice areas, and goals, with statistical significance observed in multiple domains. Qualitative data collected through field notes and reflective journals provided additional insights into HCPs' evolving perceptions of OT's role in holistic and mental healthcare. Notably, the study highlighted cultural factors, such as family involvement in patient care, which align with OT's client-centered approach but may also pose challenges in the integration of OT services. Barriers to OT adoption, including resource limitations and institutional support, were identified, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy and resource allocation to sustain the progress achieved through the intervention. The findings suggest that culturally tailored educational programs are essential for the effective integration of OT in Vietnam and similar contexts. This research contributes to the global understanding of OT's role in diverse healthcare environments, providing a framework for expanding OT services in emerging regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5812871"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11928214/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143694202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marie Abu Itham, Serene Kerpan, Robert Balogh, Meghann Lloyd
{"title":"Active Play as a Window Into the Worlds of Twins and Triplets With Autism.","authors":"Marie Abu Itham, Serene Kerpan, Robert Balogh, Meghann Lloyd","doi":"10.1155/oti/4415279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/4415279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Research indicates that play can facilitate communication and emotional connection for children with autism and their parents. Currently, there is no research exploring the perceptions that parents of twins and triplets with autism have regarding their children's play, despite these parents' unique opportunity to observe and interpret the play behaviours of multiple same-age, same-diagnosis children raised in the same home environment. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the value that parents of twins and triplets with autism place on active play. <b>Method:</b> The researchers used purposive sampling to recruit abroad sample of mothers (<i>N</i> = 9) of twins and triplets with autism aged 4-11 years old. Participants took part in one semistructured online interview with the researcher which was then thematically analyzed. <b>Results:</b> One central theme emerged from our analysis. This theme is entitled active play as a \"window into a child's world\" and contains five subthemes: (1) parent perceiving child's strengths and weaknesses in active play, (2) parent facilitating active play experiences, (3) parent perceiving child's intrinsic motivations for active play, (4) parent interpreting child's active play behaviours, and (5) active play experiences as a medium for parent/child communication. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest that parents value active play because it affords them opportunity to observe their children's characteristics through their active play behaviours (e.g., strengths and weaknesses) and use what they have learned to facilitate new active play experiences that encourage overall development. Through active play, parents also practice communicating verbally and nonverbally with their child.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"4415279"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11985235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144043414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Circus Use by Occupational Therapists: A Collective Case Study.","authors":"Jill Maglio, Carol A McKinstry, Tracy L Fortune","doi":"10.1155/oti/1220112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/1220112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Circus use by occupational therapists is an emerging practice area with limited evidence. <b>Purpose:</b> The study is aimed at exploring occupational therapists' current use of circus and identifying the potential for broader applications addressing both individual and community needs. <b>Method:</b> Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit eight circus-using occupational therapists to participate in this collective case study. Semistructured interviews yielded qualitative data, which were coded and thematically analyzed. <b>Findings:</b> Circus is being used primarily to address performance capacity limitations but with an awareness of its potential to address broader community and sociopolitical needs. Analysis yielded two distinct \"cases.\" The first, <i>individual-focused circus</i>, exemplifies how circus is used to address performance capacity, while the second, <i>community-focused circus</i>, describes current and envisaged future circus use as community development. <b>Conclusion:</b> There is potential to move toward a more occupation-focused and community-driven use of circus in sociopolitical contexts. Further exploration is needed into the therapeutic benefits of circus use by occupational therapists. The inclusion of educational content that builds students' capacity to adopt community development approaches in practice, alongside enhanced understanding of collaboration benefits between occupational therapists and \"activist\" disciplines, is paramount, if we are to address occupational injustices and promote occupational rights.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"1220112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11985241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dini Fajariani, Natsuka Suyama, Yoko Yamanishi, Supaluck Phadsri, Dwi Ayu Komariyah, Yuko Ito
{"title":"Analyzing Occupational Performance of Children With Handwriting Difficulties: Parent and Teacher Experiences and Perspectives.","authors":"Dini Fajariani, Natsuka Suyama, Yoko Yamanishi, Supaluck Phadsri, Dwi Ayu Komariyah, Yuko Ito","doi":"10.1155/oti/8882049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/8882049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Handwriting is a crucial skill for elementary school students that involves complex subskills, including visual coordination, motor planning, cognitive abilities, and self-regulation. To inform intervention plans and support occupational performance and participation, occupational therapists use occupational profiles and performance analysis to assess children's strengths, weaknesses, handwriting performance, and school and personal contexts. <b>Objective:</b> This study is aimed at identifying and assessing the characteristics, as perceived by parents and teachers, that both facilitate and impede the improvement of children's handwriting. <b>Methods:</b> We employed a qualitative approach with inductive content analysis and collected data via semistructured individual interviews following purposive sampling of parents and teachers (<i>N</i> = 8) in Indonesia. The initial and subsequent interviews lasted 30-60 min and 20-40 min, respectively. <b>Results:</b> We analyzed the results based on two themes: (1) client factors that enhance handwriting abilities and (2) environmental factors that contribute to improving handwriting abilities. Psychological well-being, cognitive abilities, and motor performance significantly influenced handwriting skills. Children with poor emotional control, boredom, lack of age readiness, and memory difficulties often struggled with writing. Additionally, underdeveloped fine motor skills contributed to impaired handwriting abilities. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our findings have significant implications for occupational therapists. It highlights the impact of motor-related and external factors on handwriting abilities in children. The study suggests that occupational therapists can tailor interventions to children's needs by understanding parents' and teachers' perspectives. Additionally, it underscores the importance of collaboration between parents, therapists, and teachers in improving handwriting skills and emphasizes the critical role of siblings and peers in enhancing children's handwriting performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8882049"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11985230/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144021898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Supporting Occupational Therapists in Predischarge Home Visit Decision-Making: Development and Evaluation of a Decision-Making Support Tool.","authors":"Tammy Aplin, Maureen Godfrey, Liana De Michele, Amelia Hoffman, Claire Palmer, Christine McCormack, Courtney Halin, Michelle King, Jacqueline Nix, Amy Eldridge, Sally Eames","doi":"10.1155/oti/2296340","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/2296340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> With little evidence to guide practice, the decision to conduct a predischarge home visit poses challenges for occupational therapists. This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of a newly developed support tool for home visit decision-making on therapists' confidence, ease, and accuracy in decision-making and stakeholders' satisfaction in the communication of the decision and examining its clinical utility and reliability. <b>Method:</b> The predischarge home visit decision-making support tool was trialed by occupational therapists from five facilities across an Australian metropolitan health service. Using a pre-post study design, therapists completed a purposefully developed questionnaire on decision-making practice including ease and confidence in decision-making. Accuracy of decision-making was also evaluated using case studies. Clinical utility and reliability data was also gathered. <b>Results:</b> While therapists' confidence and ease in decision-making did not change with use of the tool, accuracy in decision-making improved regardless of therapist's experience in home visiting. The interrater reliability of the tool was moderate, with a Fleiss' kappa value of 0.51. Good internal consistency was demonstrated with the removal of one item (<i>α</i> = 0.83). Clinical utility was supported with therapists rating the tool as timely and easy to use. <b>Conclusion:</b> The developed tool offers therapists a reliable tool to support clinical practice, by providing guidance in clinically reasoning the decision to conduct a home visit.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2296340"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11985242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144046860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gemma Keep, Rosalind Bye, Clyde Eriksson, David Lim
{"title":"Occupational Therapists' Career Planning, Development, and Progress: An Australian Mental Health Perspective.","authors":"Gemma Keep, Rosalind Bye, Clyde Eriksson, David Lim","doi":"10.1155/oti/3901634","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/3901634","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Mental health occupational therapy is an expanding workforce due to the increasing demand for services in many countries, including Australia. Due to the nature of the role, therapists can experience unique challenges that impact retention and wellbeing, consequently affecting career progression. It is, therefore, important to understand career planning and development for mental health occupational therapists to ensure their professional needs are addressed, which would also benefit service sustainability. This study is aimed at understanding the perspectives of mental health occupational therapists within the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District on career planning, development, and progression. This health district spans urban and regional areas and has recently introduced a new career framework underpinned by Benner's career planning model. The practical implications of this study are significant, as the insights gained will inform the development of strategies and policies that support the career progression and wellbeing of mental health occupational therapists, ultimately enhancing the quality and sustainability of service provision in this field. <b>Method:</b> In this qualitative descriptive study, seven occupational therapists shared their perspectives through semistructured interviews. The data were transcribed verbatim, and an inductive qualitative content analysis was employed. <b>Results:</b> Three categories and seven subcategories were identified. The health district career framework was found to be beneficial to support career planning and development, with a few adjustments suggested by participants. <b>Conclusion:</b> Having a career framework offers a structured approach to support career planning, development, and progression for mental health occupational therapists.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3901634"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11985222/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143993416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}