Empowerment and occupation: A new perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 281-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen R. Whalley Hammell

Background. The idea of empowerment permeates the occupational therapy literature yet has received little critical reflection from occupational therapy’s theorists. Purpose. This paper aims to explore the concept of empowerment and highlight a recent definition that resonates with occupational therapists’ core values. Key Issues. Empowerment is generally understood to be a process of bestowing power and giving ability to someone deficient in both. However, a new definition provides a framework for understanding how empowerment might enhance people’s capabilities. Implications. The World Bank’s depiction of empowerment fits well with occupational therapists’ beliefs in the importance of the ability and opportunity to “do,” providing a framework for action. This framework focuses on people’s capabilities: their freedom—or opportunity—to choose what they wish to do and to be and their ability to act on these wishes. Moreover, the World Bank’s assertion that empowered people have freedom of both choice and action suggests empowerment is a relevant concept for occupational therapists.

Author(s):  
World Federation of Occupational Therapist - WFOT ◽  
Kátia Maki Omura ◽  
Gonçalo Carreteiro

O presente manuscrito trata-se de uma tradução do posicionamento da Federação Mundial de Terapeutas Ocupacionais (WFOT) sobre o atendimento em telessaúde, esclarecendo as definições, os seus desafios e estratégias, trazendo o esclarecimento sobre questões éticas e legais sobre a modalidade de atendimento não presencial, além de destacar a abordagem centrada no cliente como estratégia profissional. AbstractThe present manuscript is a translation of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) position statement on telehealth care, clarifying definitions, challenges and strategies, bringing clarification on ethical and legal issues regarding non- in person health care, in addition to highlighting the client-centered approach as a professional strategy.Key words: Telehealth; Occupational Therapy; Client-centredness in occupational therapy. ResumenEl presente manuscrito es una traducción de la declaración de posición de la Federación Mundial de Terapeutas Ocupacionales (WFOT, por sus siglas en inglés) sobre atención de telesalud, aclarando definiciones, desafíos y estrategias, brindando aclaraciones sobre cuestiones éticas y legales relacionadas con la atención de salud no en persona, además de destacar al cliente enfoque centrado como una estrategia profesional.Palabras clave: Telesalud; Terapia ocupacional; terapia ocupacional Centrado en el cliente.   


2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-152
Author(s):  
Antoine L. Bailliard ◽  
Aaron R. Dallman ◽  
Amanda Carroll ◽  
Ben D. Lee ◽  
Susan Szendrey

Background. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) state that occupational justice is part of the domain of occupational therapy and that occupational justice is “an aspect of contexts and environments and an outcome of intervention” (AOTA, 2014, p. S9). Key Issues. Despite the increasing focus on justice in the occupational therapy and the occupational science literature, many practitioners in traditional settings do not see its relevance to their everyday practice (Galvin, Wilding, & Whiteford, 2011) or have difficulty envisioning how to enact a justice-informed practice. Purpose. This paper demonstrates how occupational justice is germane to all settings of occupational therapy, and how it can be enacted at micro, meso, and macro levels of occupational therapy practice. Implications. We argue that occupational therapy is a justice-oriented profession at its core and will discuss how occupational justice can be enacted at all levels of practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
Asnat Bar-Haim Erez ◽  
Eynat Gal

Background. Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome of occupational therapy practice. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the individual throughout their lifespan and may substantially affect QoL. Measuring QoL of people with ASD presents a challenge and a debate whether to use general versus disability-specific adapted measures. Purpose. This paper aims to (a) revisit the construct of QoL and discuss specific dilemmas pertaining to its measurement, and (b) discuss implications to the assessment of QoL in individuals with ASD while highlighting the potential contribution of occupational therapy to the development of measures. Key Issues. We suggest adding the domain of accessibility into QoL assessments, including, physical, sensory, social, and cognitive aspects, and to use disability-specific QoL measures. Implications. The paper presents a call for occupational therapists to be involved in developing specific ASD disability-oriented measures that consider the unique characteristics of the disorder and environmental supports.


2016 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 306-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ted Brown ◽  
Jeffrey L. Crabtree ◽  
Joe Wells ◽  
Keli Mu

Background. Currently, Canada and the United States are the only two countries that mandate entry to the occupational therapy profession at the master’s level. There was a recommendation considered by the American Occupational Therapy Association that by 2025 all education programs would move to the clinical doctorate level. In August 2015, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education made the formal decision that for now, the entry-level qualification for occupational therapists in the United States will remain at both the master’s and clinical doctorate levels. Purpose. This article presents an overview of the types of doctorates available, the pros and cons of moving to the clinical doctorate, and some potential questions that will need to be considered. Key issues. Is the next step in the educational progression of occupational therapy in Canada the entry-level clinical doctorate? What are the potential implications for the profession, our clients, and funders? Implications. Further discourse and investigation of this issue is needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Somaya H. Malkawi ◽  
Nisrin S. Alqatarneh ◽  
Elaine K. Fehringer

Background. Occupational therapy’s origins draw from Western culture, values, and beliefs which may impact the application of traditional occupational therapy practice in non-Western cultures. Purpose. This study explored how occupational therapists in Jordan facilitate occupational therapy practice within Islamic Eastern culture. Method. A phenomenological approach was used in this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eleven occupational therapists that work in Jordan and have at least two years of experience. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis methods. Results. Three central themes emerged: impact of Jordanian culture and Islamic beliefs about independence and disability on occupational therapy practice, the therapists’ notions of ideal occupational therapy practice vs. daily reality, and challenges posed by workspace and the availability of equipment. Conclusion. This study highlights the growing need to translate and expand the core values of occupational therapy to align with cultures in non-Western countries and cultures.


1994 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 162-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R Wilson

This paper was given as a keynote address to the 11th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 17–22 April 1994, London; it was illustrated with slides. Through discussion of personal experiences of practising occupational therapy in a variety of situations in Uganda, the author stresses the importance of allowing the profession to develop naturally from within its cultural context and concludes with some observations about the nature of occupational therapy as it emerges in Uganda. The purposes of this paper are to outline the development of occupational therapy as a rehabilitation profession within the context of the total rehabilitation of a nation; to explore the concept of occupational therapy as it emerges in the unique culture and environment of Uganda; and to identify aspects of occupational therapy in Uganda that can enhance the understanding and practice of occupational therapy worldwide.


2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Liu

Background. While occupational therapy’s inception was from the Arts and Crafts movement and the moral treatment movement with war veterans, the profession has evolved to requiring a professional entry-level master’s degree to practice, and involves complex relationships with clients across the life span. Throughout history, a consistent impact of each industrial revolution has been the loss of jobs to automation. This consequence is even more profound today with the exponential growth of innovations and automation. Purpose. The objectives of this article are to (a) set the context by reviewing the evolution, or five eras, of occupational therapy in Canada; (b) present what is meant by the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”; and (c) examine the technological innovations faced by occupational therapists and our clients as we enter the “sixth” era of occupational therapy in Canada. Key Issues. Although occupational therapy, as a profession, has low risk for automation, a great number of our clients will not be able to reskill fast enough to keep up with job market requirements. Telerehabilitation, the Internet of Things, virtual reality, 3-D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles are challenging ways occupational therapists provide services to clients. Implications. It is recommended that occupational therapists engage with disciplines beyond current typical connections, as our expertise is called upon to advocate for ourselves and our clients who are end users of these technologies.


2005 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 298-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Ann McColl ◽  
Mary Law ◽  
Sue Baptiste ◽  
Nancy Pollock ◽  
Anne Carswell ◽  
...  

Background. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is an outcome measure designed to assess performance and satisfaction with occupation. It was developed to coincide with the occupation-focused, client-centred Canadian Model of Occupational Performance. Purpose. The COPM has been a feature of the occupational therapy landscape for approximately 15 years and has pervaded the consciousness of occupational therapists around the world. In this paper, we examine issues associated with application of the COPM in targeted clinical and non-clinical situations. Results. The paper suggests considerations required to ensure that the highest quality of information is derived from the COPM in all situations. Practice Implications. Although the paper emphasizes the centrality of the client-centred approach, it also demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the COPM to different situations, clients, settings and purposes.


1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (10) ◽  
pp. 456-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia Finlayson ◽  
Jeanette Edwards

Over the past 20 years, the world has seen a slow but steady shift in thinking about illness and wellness and about what constitutes health and health care. Concepts such as primary health care, disease and injury prevention, disability postponement, health promotion and population health are the focal points of this shift. In order to contribute in this evolving health environment, occupational therapists need to understand this terminology and make the link between these concepts and their philosophy and skills in enabling health through occupation. To contribute to this understanding, the objectives of this paper are to review the history of occupational therapy as it relates to recent shifts in thinking about health and health care, to define and describe briefly the relevant health and health care terms and concepts, and to illustrate the existing and potential links between the practice of occupational therapy and these health and health care concepts.


2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Corr ◽  
Leonie Siddons

This paper introduces the key issues that occupational therapists need to cover when selecting outcome measures for their workplace. It indicates the properties required for a standardised tool and describes how data are usually collected and analysed. Consideration is given to the advantages and disadvantages of using a standardised tool to measure the outcome of occupational therapy.


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