Interviews, Focus Groups, and Questionnaire Data on Anatomy Education in UK Occupational Therapy, 2018-2021

Fielden, Kelly (2026). Interviews, Focus Groups, and Questionnaire Data on Anatomy Education in UK Occupational Therapy, 2018-2021. [Data Collection]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Service. 10.5255/UKDA-SN-858504

Data description (abstract)

This dataset was generated as part of the author’s PhD studies exploring the topic of anatomy within occupational therapy in the United Kingdom (UK).

The study was motivated by the author’s transition into academia as a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, following clinical experience as a paediatric occupational therapist in both Australia and the UK. The author had also completed their occupational therapy education in Australia. This background prompted an interest in how anatomy is taught within UK higher education institutions and the value attributed to anatomical knowledge within the profession.

A review of the literature identified that most research on the topic originated from the United States of America (USA), highlighting a gap in UK-based evidence. Consequently, the PhD study aimed to explore the role and value of anatomy within occupational therapy education and practice in the 21st century.

Topic objectives included, to explore the perspectives of students, lecturers, occupational therapy practitioners and experts in the profession on the value of anatomy education within occupational therapy; to investigate what role anatomy knowledge holds within 21st century occupational therapy practice in relation to the contemporary paradigm and to consider the potential implications and guidance for anatomy education in UK-based occupational therapy programmes.

The primary study utilised a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology, incorporating semi-structured interviews to gather data from participants in four categories (occupational therapy students, practitioners, lecturers, and profession experts). 8 participants were interviewed in each category, with N=32 in total.
Prior to the main study, an initial, exploratory scoping study utilising 2 x online focus groups (N=2; N=3) was conducted. In addition, a baseline questionnaire was utilised to gather preliminary perspectives on the topic from those within the occupational therapy profession in the UK. This data was utilised to inform and guide interview question development for the primary study as appropriate.

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