scholarly journals The Concept of Oppression and Occupational Therapy: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis

2021 ◽  
pp. 000841742110511
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Pooley ◽  
Brenda L. Beagan
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Social Structures ◽  
Social Discourse ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Occupational Science ◽  
Intersectional Analysis ◽  
Critical Interpretive Synthesis

Background. Occupational therapy and occupational science literature include growing attention to issues of justice, marginalization, and rights. In contrast, the concept of oppression has scarcely been employed. Purpose. This paper investigates how adding the concept of oppression may enhance occupational therapy approaches to injustice, prioritizing a focus on structural causes, and facilitating conscientious action. Method. A critical interpretive synthesis explored insights from authors who name oppressions in occupational therapy and occupational science literature. In total, a sample of 28 papers addressing oppression, ableism, ageism, classism, colonialism, heterosexism, racism, and/or sexism was selected for inclusion. Findings. Four themes were identified: oppression and everyday doing; effects of structures and power; responding and resisting; and oppression within occupational therapy. Implications. Incorporating oppression within the plurality of social discourse may help occupational therapists to avoid individualistic explanations, attend to relationships between social structures and constrained occupations, frame intersectional analysis, and engage in praxis.

Doing Occupational Justice: A Central Dimension of Everyday Occupational Therapy Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-152
Author(s):  
Antoine L. Bailliard ◽  
Aaron R. Dallman ◽  
Amanda Carroll ◽  
Ben D. Lee ◽  
Susan Szendrey
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Everyday Practice ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Occupational Science ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Occupational Justice

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.

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Their Undergraduate Preparation for the Workplace

1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J Adamson ◽  
Adrienne E Hunt ◽  
Lynne M Harris ◽  
Jill Hummel
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Health Science ◽  
University Education ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Health Science Education ◽  
The University

The health care environment is undergoing rapid change. This has major implications for health science education programmes. The extent to which university education prepares graduates for the requirements of the workplace has become an important issue in the health science literature. The present study investigated the perceptions of 144 graduate occupational therapists regarding the adequacy of their undergraduate education at the University of Sydney in equipping them for the workplace. The findings indicated that occupational therapy graduates perceived significant gaps between the knowledge and skills gained during their undergraduate course and those required in the workplace, particularly in the areas of communication with other health professionals and the general public, knowledge of the health industry and workplace management. This paper considers the implications of workplace requirements and expectations for the occupational therapy course curricula.

Reflections on a Renaissance of Occupation

2000 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Whiteford ◽  
Elizabeth Townsend ◽  
Clare Hocking
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
20Th Century ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Social Practices ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Occupational Science ◽  
Societal Context

At the close of the 20th century, there is a renaissance of occupation in occupational therapy and occupational science. Kielhofner (1992) offers an intraprofessional explanation that the growing interest in occupation recaptures occupational therapy's lost identity. An extraprofessional explanation is that postmodern ideas and social practices have helped to create a societal context in which a renaissance of occupation is welcome. Postmodernism raises questions and awareness of power, diversity, temporality, and situatedness in which normative ideas of occupation as paid work can be challenged. Since occupation is of primary concern to occupational therapy and occupational science, the authors reflect on postmodernism and its influence on a renaissance of occupation in these two fields. These reflections consider what such a renaissance means for occupational therapists and occupational scientists in the 21st century.

Critical reflections on occupational justice: Toward a rights-based approach to occupational opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen R. Whalley Hammell
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Occupational Science ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Occupational Justice ◽  
Definition Of

Background. Occupational justice is cited throughout the occupational science and occupational therapy literatures despite little scholarly attention either to its definition or to how situations of occupational justice are identifiable. Purpose. This paper aims to contribute a critique of occupational justice, explore the concepts of justice and (occupational) rights, and support a capabilities approach to inform rights-based occupational therapy practices. Key Issues. No clear definition of occupational justice or differentiation from social justice exists despite the longevity of the concept, and theorists frequently confuse the concepts of justice and rights. A rights-based focus provides an unambiguous mandate for occupational therapists, with the capabilities approach offering a cross-disciplinary framework to inform rights-based practices. Implications. The concept of occupational rights is consistent with the rights-based focus advocated by the disabled people’s movement, articulated by the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, and affirmed by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists’ position on the centrality of occupation to health, well-being, and human rights.

Understanding the Occupational Deprivation of Refugees: A Case Study from Kosovo

2005 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Elizabeth Whiteford
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Occupational Science ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Over Time

Background. Occupational deprivation as a concept has been presented and discussed in the occupational therapy and occupational science literature for the past several years. The discussion to date, however, has been largely exploratory and theoretical in nature. Purpose. This article represents the author's attempt to further understandings of occupational deprivation as a lived experience through research undertaken with Kosovar refugees living in Australia. Method and Result. The article focuses on the story of one of the participants of the study which is presented as a case study to illuminate aspects of occupational deprivation as a process occurring over time. The case study is interwoven with interpretive commentary, which serves to highlight key issues as to how occupational deprivation may be experienced by groups of people in different cultural, historic and societal contexts and how it may therefore be addressed by occupational therapists. Practice Implications. The article concludes with reflections on future directions with respect to both further research and professional action. In particular, the focus of professional action is oriented to a population-based approach.

Occupational Justice—Colonial Business as Usual? Indigenous Observations from Aotearoa New Zealand

2021 ◽  
pp. 000841742110058
Author(s):  
Isla G. Emery-Whittington
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Occupational Science ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Indigenous Perspectives ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Occupational Justice ◽  
Business As Usual

Background. Western ideologies and systems of occupation and justice are implicated in the colonization of indigenous peoples worldwide. Yet, colonialism, racism, and privilege are minimally acknowledged and examined within occupational therapy and occupational science literature, as evidenced in uncritical development of notions of “occupational justice.” Purpose. First, to open a discussion of how and why theories and approaches to justice have developed as they have in Aotearoa New Zealand. Second, to further a burgeoning field of Indigenous perspectives and critiques of colonial theorizing within the profession, while highlighting local Indigenous justice frameworks including Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Matike Mai Aotearoa. Key Issues. Colonialism is minimally examined in occupational justice approaches and promotion. Implications. Honest examination of colonialism alongside Indigenous justice frameworks can advance critical praxes of decolonising occupation and re-connect occupation with justice and equity.

A Worthwhile Collaboration: Integrating Optometry and Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Children

2020 ◽  
pp. 221-236
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
The Body ◽  
Collaborative Practice ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Visual Deficits ◽  
Vision Deficits

Background: Vision deficits are highly prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders including those with motor delays, learning and reading difficulties, and maladaptive behaviors. These deficits can interfere with their participation and performance in everyday life activities and therefore, require a comprehensive approach to therapy. As such, optometrists and occupational therapists are an optimal team to provide interprofessional collaborative care, reported in research as best practice, in the treatment of these children. However, little is known about the long-called-for collaboration between these professions. The purpose of this study was to explore factors and implications associated with a collaborative practice between optometrists and occupational therapists in the co-management of vision deficits in the pediatric population. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was employed to explore perceptions of collaborative practice among teams of optometrists and occupational therapists in the remedial care of children with visual deficits. Following IRB approval, co-located optometrists and occupational therapists were recruited for this study. Semistructured interviews served as the primary data collection tool to investigate the factors and implications of collaborative practice. Results: Eleven professionals provided informed consent and took part in this study, including five occupational therapists and six optometrists. Following thematic analysis, four overarching themes emerged including 1) professional boundaries, 2) co-located, integrated practice, 3) professional growth, and 4) improved patient care. Participants indicated that although barriers exist, exercising humility, upholding patient-centered focus, maintaining mutual respect, communicating frequently, and co-location were factors that enable collaboration. Positive outcomes related to both the provider and the patient were further highlighted supporting the interprofessional collaboration between these professionals. Conclusions: The findings of this qualitative study add to the body of evidence underpinning interprofessional collaborative practice. Furthermore, this study supports the coordination of care, through optometry and occupational therapy collaboration, in the treatment of visual deficits in children with special needs.

scholarly journals Occupational therapists’ experiences of enabling people to participate in sport

2020 ◽  
pp. 030802262097394
Author(s):  
Deborah Bullen ◽  
Channine Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Local Populations ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health And Social Care

Introduction In response to growing demands on health and social care services there is an emphasis on communities addressing the needs of local populations to improve lives and reduce inequalities. Occupational therapists are responding to these demands by expanding their scope of practice into innovative settings, such as working with refugees, the homeless and residents of nursing homes, and within sport and leisure environments. The benefits of sport are widely acknowledged, and this paper argues that occupational therapists could play a pivotal role in enabling people to participate. Method This qualitative study drew on a phenomenological approach and used interviews and thematic analysis to explore five occupational therapists’ experiences of enabling people to participate in sport. Findings Findings revealed that participants demonstrated the uniqueness of occupational therapy when enabling people to participate in sport and practised according to their professional philosophy. There were opportunities to reach wider communities and promote the value of occupational therapy by collaborating with organisations, but there were also challenges when working outside of traditional settings. Conclusion The study emphasises the unique skills occupational therapists can bring to this setting. It highlights opportunities to expand their practice, to forge new partnerships in sports and leisure environments, and to address the national inactivity crisis.

Promoting Occupational Therapy Mental Health Research: Proceedings From the 2017 AOTF Mental Health Planning Grant Collective

2021 ◽  
pp. 153944922110054
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Gutman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Therapy Services

Although occupational therapists were once integrally involved in mental health practice, the percentage of therapists presently working in this clinical area is low. In 2017, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation convened a planning grant collective (PGC) to generate research to support populations with serious mental health challenges. The PGC’s primary mission was to identify key research areas in which occupational therapists and colleagues could work collaboratively to demonstrate evidence for occupational therapy services supporting mental health community participation. Participants included 21 members from six professions and three program officers from federal funding establishments. The PGC identified seven overarching research concepts, three broad areas of research inquiry, and eight possible studies addressing occupational therapy’s contribution to research promoting community participation and health outcomes for people with mental illness. This article provides a summary of the PGC proceedings so that researchers can collaboratively implement identified research topics.

scholarly journals The developing role of occupational therapists in school-based practice: Experiences from collaborative action research in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 375-386
Author(s):  
Debbie Kramer-Roy ◽  
Denise Hashim ◽  
Nighat Tahir ◽  
Areeba Khan ◽  
Asma Khalid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Collaborative Action Research ◽  
School Level ◽  
Collaborative Action ◽  
School Based

Introduction Occupational therapists around the world increasingly seek to support the participation of children with disabilities and special educational needs in mainstream education. Contemporary school-based occupational therapy practice is progressing from an individual, impairment focus towards collaborative, universal interventions at the whole class and whole school level. Participation-focused practice and collaboration is particularly important, but uncommon, in low-resource contexts such as Pakistan. Methods This article reports on collaborative action research that developed the role of occupational therapy in inclusive education in Karachi, Pakistan. A research team consisting of occupational therapists and teachers worked with five local primary schools, using the action research cycles of plan–implement–observe–reflect to develop practical strategies, materials and inclusive lesson plans to facilitate the participation of all children in all school-based occupations. Findings Support from school management and interdisciplinary collaboration were crucial for implementing change. In addition, strategies like inclusive lesson planning were found to benefit all children in class. Collaborative action research led to increased professional confidence in the teachers and occupational therapists, and skill development through developing a resource guide, running workshops and presenting at (inter)national conferences. Conclusion Collaborative action research was an effective means to develop the occupational therapy role in inclusive education practices in Pakistan, develop culturally appropriate educational resources, and upskill local therapists and teachers.

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