Health Equity, Aboriginal Peoples and Occupational Therapy

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet E. G. Jull ◽  
Audrey R. Giles

Background. In Canada, Aboriginal peoples are affected by colonial relations of power that result in poor health outcomes. Despite occupational therapists' efforts to work in a safe and competent manner with people experiencing challenges to participating in daily life, Western healthcare models reflect values that often undermine Aboriginal peoples' health and well-being. Purpose. Meaningful, effective, and culturally appropriate healthcare practices cannot be fully implemented by occupational therapists without an ongoing and critical examination of occupational therapy's foundational belief systems. Only a critical examination of these foundational belief systems will enable occupational therapists to take action towards addressing these inequities, which is an important step in moving towards culturally safe care. Key Issues. Canadian health professions, including occupational therapy, have the potential to create positive change at a systems level through the critical exploration of underlying professional assumptions. Implications. To advance dialogue about Aboriginal peoples' health, occupational therapists must engage in exploration of their profession's underlying theoretical concepts or risk participating in the perpetuation of health inequities for already at-risk populations.

2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 94-98
Author(s):  
Susan J. Forwell ◽  
Kathleen M. Zackowski

Occupational therapists (OTs) have a unique and valued role in the health and functional recovery of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). To maximize the benefit of occupational therapy by both health care professionals who refer patients and the patients who use the services, an understanding of the scope of services that OTs offer is essential. This article describes the breadth of the OT evaluation and intervention specific to the treatment of individuals who have MS. As an overriding goal, the OT assists clients in processing the implications of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes and creatively developing strategies to cope with and, when appropriate, minimize the effects of these changes. The occupational therapy process is described, beginning with evaluation and providing guidelines and resources for appropriate client-centered goal setting. The OT and client then discuss intervention that ensures optimal functional outcome and includes symptomatic management, according to the specific functional difficulties and implications and the particular symptoms of each patient. Through discussion, the OT helps each client achieve health and well-being with remedial and compensatory techniques that enable participation in meaningful activities and roles in the home, work, and community. OT services are essential to the appropriate and optimal delivery of comprehensive care and support to individuals with MS.


TRAUMA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 46-53
Author(s):  
V.S. Sulyma ◽  
Yu.O. Filiak ◽  
V.M. Krasnovskyi

Achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupation is the statement that describes the domain and process of occupational therapy in its fullest sense. This definition includes all areas of influence in occupational therapy: type of employment (level of active lifestyle: rest and sleep, education, work, pleasure, social participation), client factors (values, beliefs, spirituality, body functions and structures), skill performance (motor, process and social interaction skills), pattern performance (habits, routines, rituals, roles), environment (cultural, personal, physical, social, virtual). Occupational therapy in military service is difficult in its own way. The main feature is that veterans demand constant monitoring and support. These people are vulnerable to suicide. That’s why occupational therapist should not wait for their self-referral. Members of soldier’s family need to be actively involved in cooperation as well. Practical guidelines of colleagues from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists “Working for the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada” and “A Guidance Document for Occupational Therapists” are most suitable for the implementation in Ukrainian realities. Occupational therapy process starts with an assessment of functioning and disability in relation to a health condition. In Ukraine, an analogue of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 23.05.2018 No. 981) has been identified and introduced, which allows for a comprehensive functional assessment and further steps of planning, monitoring compliance, evaluation of occupational therapy. Primary screening is significantly facilitated by a test system developed by colleagues from different countries, which requires translation into Ukrainian and implementation. It would be appropriate to use a single base of servicemen for their distribution according to the priority of providing care that would optimize the start of occupational therapy. It is necessary to study in detail the long-term experience and advances of developed countries and integrate the promising experience of colleagues in military occupational therapy in Ukraine, which has a chance to become one of the promising specialties with a high level of military service.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Snyder ◽  
Ria Wilson ◽  
Lian Finch ◽  
Brooklyn Gallant ◽  
Chris Landa ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Background: Chronic respiratory diseases are highly prevalent and compromise an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and participate in meaningful life roles. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-established intervention aiming at restoring an individual’s exercise capacity and improving their ability to complete their ADLs. Occupational therapists help individuals engage in meaningful ‘occupations’, improving their health and well-being. Given the concordance in the aims of PR and the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice, occupational therapists appear to be well-suited as key players in PR programs. However, the benefits of adding OT to PR programs have been sparsely reported in the literature and the role of OT in PR has never been synthesized or reported in national and international guidelines. OBJECTIVE Objective: To explore the role of OT in PR programs, the current guideline recommendations for the inclusion of OT in PR programs, the estimated prevalence of OT in PR programs and the reported or anticipated effects of OT interventions in PR programs. METHODS Methods: The review will be conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search will be undertaken in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL to identify and retrieve relevant literature, published in English, French or Portuguese. Gray literature will also be searched from international OT association websites for position statements and guidelines relevant to PR programs. All literature published since the establishment of the effectiveness of PR for chronic respiratory disease in 1994, that explores OT in PR programs for these patients will be included. Search results will be exported to Covidence for title, abstract, and full text screening, by two independent reviewers. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a pilot-tested template including: the number of PR programs including OT (specifically from surveys), the purpose of the study, the study design, patient characteristics, respiratory conditions included, PR components, OT role, outcomes, and results. Findings will be presented using a narrative summary, supplemented by figures and/or tables. Key themes will be displayed in an infographic or schematic. RESULTS Results: The study was initiated in January 2021 and registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) in February 2021, prior to title and abstract screening. Data collection, analysis and drafting of the manuscript will occur throughout 2021, with expected publication in 2022. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: The results of this scoping review will help healthcare professionals improve patient care by broadening their understanding and awareness of the role of OT in PR programs. This role clarification may help to inform program development, clinical decision making and will serve to optimize the delivery of multidisciplinary care for patients in PR programs, ultimately improving patient outcomes. CLINICALTRIAL International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): OSF Registration Identifier: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZH63W


2021 ◽  
pp. 16-19
Author(s):  
Amitabh Kishor Dwivedi

INTRODUCTION: Spirituality has risen as of considerable recent interest in occupational therapy. Spirituality and occupational therapy is associated with the holistic, person centred approach to care in order to restore a sense of well-being and recognise individual coping strategies. Despite current global economic challenges and healthcare recongurations, there appears to be a professional drive not to return to a reductionist model of care delivery. The purpose of the study is to understand views of Occupational therapist on integrating spirituality in Occupational Therapy practice in India. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative pilot study endeavoured to understand views of Occupational Therapist on integrating spirituality as a domain of practice in Occupational Therapy in India. STUDYDESIGN:The study design of this study is a cross-sectional, qualitative narrative study design. METHOD: The qualitative descriptive study included twenty participants (n=20) who are expert in the eld of Occupational Therapy (Age mean ± SD 44 ± 9.88, in Years) with major inclusion criteria of minimal ten years' experience, were recruited for this study by using non-probability convenient and snow ball sampling method. The study was conducted with Occupational Therapist working in private and public sectors in India. The in-depth semi-structured interviews with senior Occupational Therapists were conducted to explore themes which covered views of Occupational Therapist on Spirituality as a domain of practice in Occupational Therapy in India RESULT: The themes which are generated as result of this study highlight the views of Occupational Therapists on integration of spirituality as domain of practice in occupational therapy in India. CONCLUSION:This study explored the current practices of spirituality as domain in occupational therapy in India.


1989 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Mirkopoulos ◽  
Barbara Quinn

The following report prepared by a task force of employers and consumer groups underlines the need to develop strategies to meet current shortages and future requirements for occupational therapy manpower. Increasing demand for occupational therapy services is in response to an increase in service programs funded by the Ministry of Health, changing philosophies of care and management for the disabled, and a clearer understanding of the role of the occupational therapist in the physical and mental well-being of the disabled. This trend is expected to continue over the next five years and place additional stress on an already exhausted supply of manpower. The data used for forecasting manpower requirements in this report were that of Hospital Statistics, Table 8B and Ontario Home Care Programs statistics. By 1990–91, given the rate of growth in these two sectors, projected attrition and projected output from educational programs, an additional 1048 occupational therapists will be required over and above available resources at that time. Strategies must be put into place to offset the impact of this occupational therapy manpower shortage in Ontario. Considerations in the development of strategies are briefly discussed and suggestions are made to address this problem both in the short and long term.


2008 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 2-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gelya Frank ◽  
Pamela Block ◽  
Ruth Zemke

A profession exists that shares interests with medical anthropology and applied anthropology to promote health and well-being through everyday activities, meaningful routines, and social participation. The profession is occupational therapy. Increasing numbers of anthropologists have professional credentials as occupational therapists, or work with occupational therapists, and collaborate also with disability studies scholars and activists. They share a mission is to define and clear new pathways to health, well-being, and social justice.


2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen R. Whalley Hammell

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Joseph Hynes ◽  
Alia Harb

Purpose Work is good for one’s health and well-being. Work for people with disabilities should be encouraged because it is therapeutic and improves participation in the society, leading to better health outcomes. It develops interpersonal relationships and enhances life quality. Work is an aspiration for many people with intellectual disability. Within research literature, there appears to be a lack of research into the experience of occupational therapists in Ireland who refer adults with intellectual disabilities to supported employment services. The purpose of this paper was to explore the experience of Irish occupational therapists who refer adults with intellectual disabilities to supported employment services. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with four occupational therapists recruited through the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Themes that emerged were as follows: occupational therapy participants did not directly refer adults to supported employment but received referrals; occupational therapy roles included assessments, task analysis and development of client’s skills are major components of current practice; pragmatics involved factors that facilitate and challenge; and future roles. Originality/value This paper contributes to occupational therapy practice knowledge by providing a perspective on supported employment in Ireland. Occupational therapists should continue to work in the area of supported employment to support social inclusion and enable participation. Further research with occupational therapists working in this field is required to inform practice.


1992 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 148-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie Fossey

This article outlines the need to develop a body of research in occupational therapy which, firstly, supports the theoretical base of the profession and, secondly, enables occupational therapists to define the scope of their practice and their contribution to the promotion of health and well-being in society. It proposes the study of human occupation as a focus for research, from which greater knowledge and understanding of occupations and their significance for health could be gained. Further, the dimensions and research potential of this field are explored.


2002 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Krupa ◽  
Debbie Radloff-Gabriel ◽  
Elizabeth Whippey ◽  
Bonnie Kirsh

Occupational therapists can play a valuable role on Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT). ACT is a widely disseminated, community based model of service delivery for individuals with severe psychiatric disabilities and high support needs. This paper discusses the generalist and specialist functions of occupational therapists within ACT. It is argued that occupational therapy addresses the occupational health and well being of ACT clients by intervening at three levels: the individual, the program and the community. This occupational focus is consistent with the ACT goal of enhancing community adjustment and quality of life. The paper concludes with a discussion of the opportunities and the constraints that face occupational therapists working within ACT.


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