Mapeo de la fuerza laboral en Terapia Ocupacional

The characterization of the occupational therapy workforce is essential for human resource planning in healthcare. In Colombia, the lack of up-to-date data makes it difficult to assess professional distribution and identify priority areas for development. This descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed the composition and distribution of occupational therapists in the country using the YoCuenTO national survey, obtaining 748 valid responses. The findings indicate that 89.8% of those surveyed are women, with an average age of 38.2 years, concentrated in Cundinamarca (44.4%), Valle del Cauca (11.8%), and Nariño (8.3%). In terms of employment, 65.4% work in the private sector, 21.8% in the public sector, and 12.8% in the mixed sector, while 57.75% work in more than two areas, notably health (91.7%), education (28%), and occupational safety and health (19.5%). In addition, a critical shortage of resources in health, community, education, and mental health was reported. The results highlight the need to strengthen information systems and encourage union participation for effective planning in the profession.