School of Health Professions Institute of Occupational Therapy Capacity building in European Master of Science Program in OT – Perspectives from Swiss employers Franziska Wirz, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences Introduction Since 2008 Switzerland is part of the consortium of the European Master of Science in OT (EUMScOT) Program. It is actually the sole Master program in Switzerland.  Majority of employers feel, that BSc graduates also dispose of general and basic research skills. However for special research positions, the expected research expertise is to lead research projects independently including the search for funding. Aim From the point of view of the commissioner of the evaluation study, it was of interest, what perspective German speaking Swiss OT employers have on the capacity building and the use of the newly gained competences at EUMScOT alumni’s workplaces and other OT workplaces. The Evaluation study was formative and focused on potential improvement of the program. Method Conducting a document analyses and literature search, the term «capacity» was defined for further use in the evaluation study. The competences of the EUMScOT were clustered and transferred in an everyday language of OT employers in Switzerland. Six employers selected by defined criteria were chosen for semi-structured interviews. Parallel to this process a focus group of experts in the field supported the evaluator (e.g. definition of criterion and data interpretation). Findings  Majority of the employers value positive influence on person’s professional identity.  Task, hierarchy and salary are mentioned as relevant.  Area of conflict between need for general expertise in OT and for a specific expertise including interdisciplinary linking.  Difficult for OT employers in general practice to recognize added value in respect to the broadening of OT competencies.  University of Applied Sciences and University Hospitals appreciate the competencies for specific tasks and added value is recognized as soon as transfer into work field takes place.  International linkage due to the EUMScOT program is seen very positive.  Majority mentions Intercultural competencies as highly relevant, especially when graduates have deep understanding of the theme. Zurich Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts www.zhaw.ch Conclusion Most employers value the actual process of professionalization within occupational therapy in Switzerland. They recognize the positive influence of the EUMScOT on the person’s professional identity, especially seen from a political perspective. This point of view is partially conflicting with further results. Missing specific tasks and shortage in financial resources are an influencing factor related to the appraisal of relevance and added value of the acquired competencies. To further strengthen the impact of the program, practice partners could help to implement new competencies in the field. Innovation management is still highly relevant and should be added to the curriculum. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended to present the competencies in a way that is relevant for practice and easy to understand. Contact Franziska Wirz, [email protected]