Rowe, Sarah-Jayne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3589-0165, Sugarhoodb, Paul and Stewart-Lord, Adele (2026) Exploring the work readiness of new graduate occupational therapists for acute physical hospital practice in the UK. In: Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional (Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy). Special Issue (2026): WFOT Congress 2026 - Book of Abstracts, 34 . Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil, p. 1894. ISSN 2526-8910

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Abstract

Introduction/Rationale: Many new graduate occupational therapists commence their careers in acute physical hospitals. The acute hospital is known to be a fast paced and challenging environment, however the preparedness of new graduate occupational therapists for working within this setting remains unclear.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore new graduate and senior occupational therapists’ experiences and perceptions of the work readiness of new graduate occupational therapists for acute physical hospital practice in the UK.
Methods/Approach: A focused ethnographic approach was employed to recruit participants at two National Health Service (NHS) acute hospitals in the UK. New graduate occupational therapists (n=11) and senior occupational therapists (n=11) were recruited through purposive sampling. Data was collected through observations and semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results/Practice implications: Four themes were generated from the data: 1) complexity of the role; 2) education versus practice; 3) being autonomous; and 4) diversity of communication. The findings of this study highlighted areas of practice that new graduate occupational therapists were most and least work ready for within the acute hospital.
Conclusion/Significance to the occupational therapy profession: Challenges with work readiness were faced by many new graduate occupational therapists practising in acute physical hospitals. Greater inclusion of acute contexts and perspectives in pre-registration occupational therapy education may enhance the work readiness of new graduates for acute hospital practice. The findings of this study highlight the need for greater collaboration between education providers and acute hospitals regarding occupational therapy pre-registration curriculum content and the nature of what is expected of new graduate occupational therapists upon qualifying.

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Title of Proceedings:	Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional (Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	occupational therapy, acute hospital, work readiness, pre-registration education
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Professional Workforce Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	10 Sep 2026 14:55
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/54389

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