Focus Groups are considered committees of OT AUSTRALIA NSW, as
identified under clauses 82-85 of the OT AUSTRALIA NSW Articles of Association.
They are established to support members from similar practice or interest areas,
or who work in similar geographic areas.
Joining a Focus Group
When you complete the membership renewal or application form,
you are asked to nominate which focus groups you would like to join.
You can select more than one. You are also asked for your preferred
email/mailing address to which information about these groups can be sent.
Complete these sections carefully.
Should you wish to amend your selection at any time or if your
contact details change, please do not hesitate to contact OT AUSTRALIA NSW.
Minutes of meetings and agendas will be emailed or posted to you.
In addition they can also be accessed, as a member, on the website.
OT AUSTRALIA NSW is beginning to place back-copies of meeting
minutes on the website so you will be able to read about the previous
activities of the various groups.
Focus Group objectives:
Focus Group objectives generally include:
- To provide a support system for members interested in similar areas of
occupational therapy practice.
- To support research, innovation and continuing education programs in the
area of practice in which the Focus Group functions.
- To respond and contribute to relevant documents/policies/literature on
behalf of OT AUSTRALIA NSW as requested.
- To inform and work with OT AUSTRALIA NSW on any political and industrial
issues which are affecting the profession.
Aims of Focus Groups
The specific aims of any given Focus Group are a matter for each Focus Group
to determine, but may include:
- Promoting evaluation improvements in current occupational
therapy practice, for example, to facilitate evidenced based practice
in a particular area.
- Fostering relationships between occupational therapy and other health
professions.
- Providing a forum where issues of concern can be discussed, reviewed and,
if necessary, acted upon.
- Encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct in the practice of
occupational therapy.
- Discussing the need for the development of relevant publications, documents
or guidelines with the Executive Director.
- Providing education and informing the development of the annual CPD Calendar
of Events.
Cost
Focus groups are free to members. Occasionally a group may organise an
event such as a CPD workshop and these may attract a fee in order to cover
presenter, venue and other costs.
Further Information
Each focus group has a chairperson or link person. Their contact information
is placed in the Occupational Therapist Newsletter every other month and is
on the OT AUSTRALIA NSW website. You are encouraged to contact the focus
group chairperson or link person for further information, comments or
suggestions about the focus group.
Focus group information is also included on the website. General information
about each focus group is included under Professional Development, while focus
group discussion, minutes and agendas are located in the Discussion Board area.
OT AUSTRALIA NSW hopes you enjoy and benefit from participating in these groups.
