Ways to Retain or Reactivate Occupational Therapists

The previous paper (Bailey, 1990) reported on the reasons for leaving occupational therapy in a sample of 696 therapists. This follow-up paper discusses the reasons given and suggests ways to retain or reactivate therapists. The issues addressed include child rearing; geographic location; feeling professionally out of date; excessive paperwork; lack of pay and promotional opportunities; returning to school; stress; disillusionment; type of caseloads; illness; desire for more status, autonomy, and challenge; and lack of in-service training and continuing education.