Survey of occupational therapy practice in Hong Kong in 2004

Background: In order to meet the future challenges of the new healthcare-services system in Hong Kong, there is a rising need to understand the scope of occupational therapy (OT) practice within the local context. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey of 518 occupational therapists (OTs) in Hong Kong was conducted in 2004. Objective: To describe the profile and scope of OT practice in Hong Kong. Methods: A standardised questionnaire was sent to all OTs registered under the Occupational Therapists Board, as defined by the Special Supplement No.4 to Gazette No. 42/2003, published by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The OTs were requested to submit the completed questionnaires to the research team. Descriptive data were then collected for analysis. Results: Of the 1,018 questionnaires that were sent out, 518 OTs responded (50.9%). Results indicated that 412 (81.6%) OTs had more than 5 years of clinical experience, 246 (47.5%) OTs had a Master's degree, and 178 (34.4%) reported that stroke was the most common type of treated condition. Other areas of OT practice were also described. Conclusions: This survey provided the most recent and clear profile and scope of OT practice in Hong Kong. Four areas of OT practice which require extra attention were identified, and four strategic plans to ensure a sustainable development of OT in future are proposed.