Study's full title: Understanding barriers and enablers to maximising occupational therapy’s contribution to residential aged care 

University Affiliation: Griffith University

Ethics Approval/Reference Number: GU ref no: 2023/979

Principal Researcher: Lachlan Pascoe

Supervisor(s): Professor Matthew Molineux, Dr Kim Walder

Authors: Lachlan Pascoe, Professor Matthew Molineux, Dr Kim Walder

Purpose of study: This project aims to understand barriers and enablers to maximising occupational therapy's contribution in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Since significant reform in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, there has been minimal investigation of occupational therapy's contribution to the industry. 

Aged care reform presents substantial opportunity for the profession to practice under occupational therapy's unique philosophy to optimise health and well-being. This project will assist in ensuring this opportunity is being fulfilled by contributing to the evidence base of occupational therapy in RACFs. Of most significance, this research can provide recommendations that have the potential to positively influence the health and well-being of older adults living in Australian RACFs by maximising the contribution of occupational therapy. 

Participation Criteria: You are invited to participate if you: 

Are an occupational therapist who is registered as an occupational therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and have worked in residential aged care for a total of at least six months with your most recent experience within the last two years. 

Are a residential aged care facility stakeholder who has worked in residential aged care for a total of at least six months with your most recent experience within the last two years. 

Are a resident who has resided in a RACF for a total of at least six months with your most recent experience within the last two years. 

A family member of a RACF resident who meets the criteria for resident participation. 

Survey Link: https://redcap.link/30zmo5md 

Contact Details: Mr Lachlan Pascoe | School of Health Sciences and Social Work | Griffith University | T: +61 7 5552 8090 | E: l.pascoe@griffith.edu.au

End date for survey: December, 2025