Mapping the Occupational Therapy workforce
Results from the national YoCuenTO survey in Colombia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25214/25907816.1956Keywords:
human resources, Occupational Therapy, workforce diversityAbstract
The characterization of the Occupational Therapy workforce is essential for human resource planning in healthcare. In Colombia, the lack of updated data hinders the assessment of professional distribution and the identification of priority development areas. This descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed the composition and distribution of occupational therapists in the country through the national YoCuenTO survey, obtaining 748 valid responses. Findings indicate that 89,8% of respondents are women, with an average age of 38,2 years, concentrated in Cundinamarca (44.4%), Valle del Cauca (11.8%), and Nariño (8.3%). In terms of employment, 65.4% work in the private sector, 21.8% in the public sector, and 12.8% in a mixed sector, while 57,75% practice in more than two areas, with health (91.7%), education (28%), and work and occupational health and safety settings (19.5%) being the most prominent. Additionally, a critical shortage of resources in health, community, education, and mental health was reported. The results highlight the need to strengthen information systems and promote professional association participation for effective workforce planning.
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