Research priorities of the profession.

The Centennial Vision (American Occupa­ tional Therapy Association, 2007) urges the profession to provide evidence support­ ing the efficacy of occupational therapy in six broad practice areas: (1) children and youth; (2) productive aging; (3) mental health; (4) health and wellness; (5) work and industry; and (6) rehabilitation, dis­ ability, and participation. In recent years, the impetus for evidence­based practice has emerged largely from managed care organizations’ denial of services that do not possess efficacy research (Sung et al., 2003). However, the need to demonstrate efficacy of intervention has always been present and stems directly from health care’s contract with society to provide services that are effective and safe (Jette & Keysor, 2002). In accordance with occupational ther­ apy’s societal contract and in an effort to fulfill the mission of the Centennial Vision, the profession must strive to meet five spe­ cific research priorities: 1. Provide evidence for the efficacy of clinical practice 2. Test the reliability and validity of our assessment instruments 3. Examine how engagement in occupa­ tion can promote developmental mile­ stones, health and wellness throughout the lifespan, and productive aging 4. Provide fundamental or basic research information regarding how specific disability experiences affect commu­ nity and social participation—with the intent to ultimately use this informa­ tion to develop clinical guidelines that can be tested for efficacy 5. Explore topical questions (i.e., cur­ rent issues) whose answers will provide direction for the profession’s continued growth and evolution.