A qualitative investigation of influences on occupational therapists' research involvement in Ireland.

Summary: Occupational therapists (OTs) want to use the best evidence to help their patients. To do this, they need to be involved in research. But is it easy for them to do? A study in Ireland talked to 15 OTs in small groups to find out. The OTs said they really want to do research to learn new skills and help patients more. However, they face big roadblocks. Their workplaces are often too busy just putting out daily fires, leaving almost no time for extra projects. In the end, the heavy workload and lack of support make it too hard for most OTs to do research, even though they want to.