Research and bibliographic production on occupational therapy: contributions to the debate on parameters for the evaluation of brazilian academic production

Abstract

This study characterized the bibliographic production (2001 to 2007) of research groups, coordinated by occupational therapists, included in CNPq Directory of Research Groups. Seventeen research groups were identified, 12 of which in public institutions. There was an increase (68%) of participants in the groups (2000 to 2007). The groups sum 48 PhDs, 12 of which are linked to graduate programs stricto sensu. The researchers published 21 books, 159 book chapters and 348 papers. It is noticeable the predominance of articles published in national journals; 146 (41,7%) of those were published in journals classified as National B, 16 (4,6%) as National A. The articles published in journals classified as international circulation represent 21,7%, with 54 (15,5 %) International C, 11 (3,1%) International B and 11(3,1%) International A. The groups' researchers were responsible for 153 (57,7%) of the 265 papers published in the occupational therapy journals, an important fact for the maintenance of these periodicals. Papers are visibly spread throughout a great number of national journals, which divulge the area, but it makes it harder for the consolidation of occupational therapy journals. The positive changes support the evaluation of the contributions of Brazilian authors to the area; and better qualify the bibliographical production and research in occupational therapy.