Occupational therapists in emergency departments: A qualitative study

Introduction Globally, occupational therapists are establishing their role in emergency care, especially in emergency departments. This practice development merits investigation due to its nascence and the challenges that face emergency department professionals. A qualitative study examined the lived experience of occupational therapists in emergency departments to contribute to knowledge and inform practice development. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis framed the research methods. Nine occupational therapists were purposively recruited with experience of emergency departments. Individual, semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview transcripts were analysed line-by-line and interpreted using interpretative phenomenological analysis methods. Findings Theme one: On the Factory Floor' captured the experience of working in emergency departments. They were perceived as ordered environments, but nonetheless could be unpredictable, even chaotic. Theme two: A Stranger in a Strange Land' encapsulated what it was like to enter and establish a new role in the emergency department. The emergency department brings considerable personal and professional challenges, but it can offer rewards, especially enjoyment, recognition and being valued. At the time of the study, the participants were discovering how they might acculturate. Conclusion Occupational therapists are establishing their presence in the emergency department; professional identity is forming and the practice paradigm requires further consideration.