RESUMO
Objective:To understand the development of professional reasoning of occupational therapy (OT) in China from 1986 to 2006. Methods:A search of all OT papers published from 1986 to 2006 in the Chinese Academic Journals database yielded 1,308 papers. Among them, 52 papers were selected for further analysis of professional reasoning. Each was reviewed by three researchers. Thematic analysis was conducted using an interpretive approach. Results:Two themes were identified: ongoing changes and sustaining contexts. Theme one consisted of three changes: from OT being an approach used by various healthcare providers to becoming a separate profession; from simple and superficial (e.g., upper limb exercise) to in-depth and complex professional reasoning (e.g., occupation-based models); and from relying on overseas experience to building on local practice experience. Theme two covered three sustaining practice contexts: insufficient supply of qualified OT, misconceptions of the roles and functions of OT and scope confined to hospital-based rehabilitation for people with physical disability. Conclusion:This paper reported the historical development of professional reasoning in China from 1986 to 2006. Professional issues in early days have continued to influence current practice. We need to work together to sustain the spirit of OT and improve OT professional reasoning in China.