Occupational therapists as expert witnesses on work capacity
Author(s)
Allen, Shelley
Ownsworth, Tamara
Carlson, Glenys
Strong, Jenny
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2010
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the particular challenges for occupational therapists during their cross-examination as an expert witness on work capacity. Methods: Grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse data. Interviews were conducted with 31 participants with direct experience of occupational therapy work capacity assessments. Of these, 19 were occupational therapists, six were medical specialists and six were lawyers. Results: All participant groups perceived that maintaining one's credibility in the witness box was of paramount importance. The occupational therapists identified 11 strategies ...
View more >Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the particular challenges for occupational therapists during their cross-examination as an expert witness on work capacity. Methods: Grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse data. Interviews were conducted with 31 participants with direct experience of occupational therapy work capacity assessments. Of these, 19 were occupational therapists, six were medical specialists and six were lawyers. Results: All participant groups perceived that maintaining one's credibility in the witness box was of paramount importance. The occupational therapists identified 11 strategies that barristers may use to challenge their credibility as an expert witness. Conclusions: The three professional groups proposed practices that maintain occupational therapists' credibility as expert witnesses on the work capacity of personal injury claimants.
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View more >Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the particular challenges for occupational therapists during their cross-examination as an expert witness on work capacity. Methods: Grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse data. Interviews were conducted with 31 participants with direct experience of occupational therapy work capacity assessments. Of these, 19 were occupational therapists, six were medical specialists and six were lawyers. Results: All participant groups perceived that maintaining one's credibility in the witness box was of paramount importance. The occupational therapists identified 11 strategies that barristers may use to challenge their credibility as an expert witness. Conclusions: The three professional groups proposed practices that maintain occupational therapists' credibility as expert witnesses on the work capacity of personal injury claimants.
View less >
Journal Title
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
Volume
57
Issue
2
Subject
Clinical sciences