A recent survey by the American Occupational Therapy Association revealed that nearly 40% of those polled stay on top of the latest evidence and research via conferences and courses. While this is good news, an unfortunate trend in many facilities is the cutting of the continuing education budget.
Previous researches related to examining the barriers to accessing continuing education have cited cost, time, and courses not being offered at reasonable location/times. (See Dysart & Tomlin). Dysart and Tomlin further state that “If the occupational therapy community determines that increasing evidence-based practice among clinicians is a desirable goal, then mitigating these specific barriers may be one effective means of achieving it” (p.282).
The new trend of continuing education via distance learning is a one of several unique ways therapist can overcome these boundaries. The obvious expenses that are controlled for include travel and housing (which in many cases outweigh the cost of the course). In addition, many distance learning programs provide the participant with a generous amount of time related to course completion.
Dysart, A. M., & Tomlin, G. S. (2002). Factors related to evidence-based practice among U.S. occupational therapy clinicians. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 275–284.
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