Poster presentation 

3rd International Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability Conference, London.

Evidence Based Practice (EBP) has been embraced by the profession of occupational therapy but was not widely used in Namibia.  A research study aimed to evaluate whether a collective teaching / learning approach could enable a group of Namibian occupational therapists envisage the positive change EPB could bring to their practice and the profession.  The Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability was used to consider the process of individuals’ professional growth during this research.

Nine occupational therapists in Namibia were selected for action research.  As part of the research their participation illustrated aspects considered within the VdTMoCA that led to professional growth; positive response towards the opportunity, an intention to develop, active engagement and exertion of maximum effort in order to acquire knowledge and skills to increase competence.

Conclusion: The study enabled the participants to build a vision for EBP in Namibia and the process resulted in their professional growth.  A Model of Growth and Empowerment was developed as part of the research process, and comparison between this and the VdTMoCA confirmed the elements that led to change. Recommendations were made for the implementation of EBP for education, practice and research in Namibia.