The use of validated work stress and resilience assessment tools: A mixed method study of their applicability and understanding in the OT workplace

Introduction This study analyses the applicability of validated work stress and resilience assessment tools to the OT workplace, and OT’s understanding and experiences of the meaning of work stress and resilience, to inform current OT leadership and management approaches to work stress and resilience. Method The study utilises mixed quantitative and qualitative methods involving a self-completed online questionnaire (n=36), the completion of 3 standardised work stress assessment tools, and further qualitative semi structured interviews (n=15) with thematic analysis of the transcriptions. Findings Findings from the mixed methods data indicated divergence in between the results from the validated tools the OTS actual experiences of resilience. Quantitative data indicated participants’ as having a ‘normal’ level of self-efficacy and resilience in the workplace with many of the stressors being reflected as positive and motivational pressures rather than harmful stress. However, findings from the qualitative data related negative experiences that system constraints and demands are having on participants’ self-efficacy, professional identity, integrity and consequently resilience. Conclusion The findings highlight 3 key interrelated issues which inform currents OT leaders and managers’ use of validated work stress and resilience tools, towards the development of a service resilience framework to better meet the needs of the OT workforce