Occupational therapists’ perspectives on knowledge transfer in clinical practice in the Free State, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The transfer of all types of knowledge in occupational therapy practice is complex, and there is little agreement globally on  the most important types of knowledge that inform clinical practice. This study aimed to uncover the perspectives of occupational  therapists in the Free State, South Africa on knowledge transfer in clinical practice.

Methodology: Q methodology was used to collect  data from 14 occupational therapists utilising Q Method Software.

Results: Factor analysis revealed two factors with eigenvalues of  greater than 1. Factor 1 had an eigenvalue of 2.97, and factor 2 had an eigenvalue of 1.48. These two factors were constructed from six  and five participants’ Q Sorts respectively, with the highest factor loads for factor 1 and factor 2. Thematic content analysis of these two  factors identified two themes, namely: client-centred philosophy and practice informed through clinical reasoning.

Conclusion: The  strategic use of Q methodology presented empirical evidence of the transfer and utilisation of all types of knowledge in clinical practice in  the Free State, South Africa. The results indicated the transfer of propositional, procedural, personal, and client knowledge strengthens client-centred practice and manifests in clinical reasoning. Furthermore, the results indicate an interdependence between  the types of knowledge, meaning that it is important that therapists utilise all types of knowledge and not rely on only one form of  knowledge when they work with patients to promote well-being.