Professional Literature: One View of a National Perspective

Content, citation and theme analyses of articles and editorials published during two five year periods (1963-67 and 1983-87) in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal are presented. A comparison of the two publication periods shows that: there has been no increase in the number of journal issues per year, nor in the total number of articles published since 1963. The number of articles in the research category has substantially increased; research appears to reflect the scope of practice. However, the need for a unifying conceptual framework that identifies Australian occupational therapy remains. A broader service network is evident; emphasis on promoting the profession in the wider community and a functional orientation are indicative of the shift that has taken place in marketing occupational therapy services. Recommendations are made regarding issues that relate to areas of professional concern and publication management.