WFOT update

Associate Professor Emma George, 1st Alternate Delegate

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) promotes excellence in education by developing and maintaining standards for occupational therapy education worldwide. In 2022, the WFOT conducted an education survey with 98 member organisations responding and providing feedback on entry level education standards, competency frameworks and transitioning occupational therapy education from diploma to degree level where applicable. Consistent with the Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists (WFOT 2016), in Australia, occupational therapists are required to have at least a Bachelor level qualification. Globally, there remain 15 countries where the minimum required standard of entry-topractice is a Diploma (WFOT 2022), and not all programs are approved by the WFOT. In 66% of these countries, degree level education is already available and the WFOT advocates that member organisations support the transition to degree level training.

Results of the education survey were discussed at the 2022 Council Meeting (attended by WFOT Australian delegates Adam Lo, Emma George, and Lynette Mackenzie). It was outlined to delegates that nearly all organisations have a plan to transition diploma level to degree level training to align with the minimum standards, and that there was support from governments, educators, and professional bodies to facilitate this transition. Importantly, it became clear that the transition process takes time and deregulation of diploma level occupational therapists could be devastating in some regions if therapists and providers were to lose their professional position. Lobbying and advocacy within countries, including the promotion of degree level training and awareness of competency requirements are important strategies for the WFOT in the future.

In January 2023, the WFOT published a new public statement on ‘Transitioning from Diploma-Level Occupational Therapy Education’. The statement reiterates the survey results and focus group discussion held at the Council Meeting. Strategies identified to address factors impeding transition to degree level education include:

• Engaging in lobbying and awareness raising

• Adopting a competency framework

• Creating opportunities for upgrading

• Seeking out collaborative partnerships

As a member of WFOT, OTA plays an important role in these discussions. Across the Asia Pacific region, we provide support to our neighbours and seek opportunities for collaboration through the work of the Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Regional Group. OTA delegates Adam Lo and Lynette Mackenzie both serve on the regional executive team. There is a strong commitment from all country delegates for best practice, supporting the minimum standards for education of occupational therapy and the growth of our profession.