Journal article
Exploring facilitators and barriers to effective practice among new graduate occupational therapists working with children and families: A scoping review
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Vol.73(3), pp.1-19
2026
PMCID: PMC13112326
PMID: 42037555
Appears in UniSC Supported Open Access Outputs
Abstract
Introduction
Over the past three decades, occupational therapy literature has increasingly explored how new graduate occupational therapists transition into different areas of practice. However, limited evidence exists on the facilitators and barriers influencing new graduates' ability to work effectively in paediatric practice. In Australia, more new graduate occupational therapists are working with children and families, particularly in private settings that have expanded following the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In this context, understanding how new graduates develop competence is important for supporting effective practice in paediatric settings. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and synthesise the existing literature on the skills, attributes, facilitators, and barriers that influence new graduate occupational therapists' ability to work effectively with children and young people aged 0–18 years.
Methods
This scoping review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. Databases were systematically searched for studies describing occupational therapists with less than three years of experience working with children and young people. One reviewer screened all titles, with independent screening of an initial sample by a second reviewer to ensure consistent interpretation of the eligibility criteria. Data were extracted using a piloted tool, and included studies were independently appraised for evidence level and quality. Findings were synthesised using conventional content analysis.
Consumer and Community Involvement
This scoping review had no consumer or community involvement.
Results
Of 3040 records identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. Four clusters were identified: (1) preparedness for the role; (2) setting or context matters; (3) support and continuing professional development; and (4) the new graduate experience.
Conclusion
This scoping review provides a greater understanding of the experiences of new graduate occupational therapists working with children and families, and the workforce factors that enable or hinder effective practice and transition into paediatric roles. These findings are particularly relevant to contemporary Australian paediatric practice, where the introduction of the NDIS has influenced aspects of workforce and supervision structures. Findings also highlight priorities for education, supervision, and workforce planning to support new graduate occupational therapists working with children and families.
Details
- Title
- Exploring facilitators and barriers to effective practice among new graduate occupational therapists working with children and families: A scoping review
- Authors
- Amanda Barnes (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastLaura Burritt - University of the Sunshine CoastLaine B Chilman - University of the Sunshine CoastPamela J Meredith - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication details
- Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Vol.73(3), pp.1-19
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1111/1440-1630.70092
- ISSN
- 1440-1630
- PMID
- 42037555; PMC13112326
- Copyright note
- © 2026 The Author(s). Australian Occupational Therapy Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Occupational Therapy Australia. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
- Data Availability
- No new data were created or analysed in this study rendering data sharing not applicable to this paper.
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health - Occupational Therapy; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991226930402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
10 Record Views