Introduction Occupational therapy (OT) theory offers valuable contribution to support professionalization since possessing a unique body of knowledge is essential to define a profession (Cooper, 2012). To utilize theory effectively, it is essential to differentiate between generic and specific theory as knowledge of the core theory helps to form OT identity and action as a practicing practitioner. In this essay, OT theory refers only to philosophy and OT specific models. Frame of references (FOR) will not be included since it can be shared with the other professions (Boniface & Seymour, 2012). The following essay will present on the evolution of OT theory, followed by how theory guides occupational therapist to be occupation-based and client-centred, broadening OT scope of practice. Lastly, it will show how OT theory can guide the future development of OT practice in Singapore. Evolution OT theory is situated within past and present. Given that current practice is guided by contemporary paradigm which has developed over time, it is essential to look into the history of OT. Occupation paradigm. OT was founded in 1917(Barker Schwartz, 2003). Since then, the paradigm has shifted twice, resulting in three different paradigms. Kielhofner (2009) describes the first paradigm as paradigm of occupation that prevailed within occupational therapy from its founding until the 1940s. This paradigm views occupation as an essential part of life and health and focuses on the environment and mind rather than body and impairment. Occupation was seen as a therapeutic tool and a way of achieving dignity for the individual. These values arose due to the influences of social and health care movements of pragmatism, Arts and Crafts movement, and moral... ... middle of paper ... ...ed Health Professions Council. (2013, May 11). About AHPC. Retrieved December 19, 2013, from Ministry of Health Singapore Allied Health Professions Council: http://www.healthprofessionals.gov.sg/content/hprof/ahpc/en/topnav/about_ahpc.html Ministry of Health. (2013). Chronic Diseases . Retrieved December 19, 2013, from Ministry of Health Singapore: http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/costs_and_financing/schemes_subsidies/medisave/Chronic_Diseases.html WFOT. (2012). Definition of Occupational Therapy. Retrieved December 20, 2013, from WFOT World Federation of Occupational Therapists: http://www.wfot.org/aboutus/aboutoccupationaltherapy/definitionofoccupationaltherapy.aspx WHO. (2011). WHO IRIS . Retrieved December 21, 2013, from World Health Organization Institution Repository for Information Sharing: https://extranet.who.int/iris/restricted/handle/10665/3250
The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework defines an occupational profile as “the initial step in the evaluation process that provides an understanding of the client’s occupational history and experience, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs (2014).” During this process the client’s problems and concerns about daily occupations are identified then the client’s main concerns are determined (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). Occupational Therapists strive to be holistic and client-centered, and the occupational profile is one method to ensure treatment takes on these characteristics. During the occupational profile the clients share their priorities based on what is important to them, and the therapist
Though occupation usually refers to a job, a person’s occupation is initially determined by what their everyday life consists of. When a person becomes incapable of performing the tasks that they are expected to do in their everyday life due to developmental delays, physical injury, or psychological problems they are often referred to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists, or OTs, usually have occupational therapy assistants, often called OTAs. The OT gives the OTA a set of objectives to help the patient achieve. Since people go through numerous occupations during the course of their lives, OT’s and OTA’s prov...
Sacket et al, cited in, Duncan, E,A,S, (2006) Foundtions for practice in Occupational Therapy, 4th edition, Elsevier Ltd.
Kielhofner (2009) states “In the late 1940’s and the 1950s, occupational therapy came under pressure from medicine to establish a new theoretical rationale for its practice. Critiques arose from both Medicine and physicians regarding the concepts used in occupational therapy. Based on those comments, occupational realized the immediate need for a new paradigm. As Kielhofner mentioned “Occupational therapist came to believe it would bring occupational therapist recognition as an efficacious medical service and increase its scientific respectabilities
World Health Organization. (1986, November 21). The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Retrieved on February 23, 2013, from http://www.who.int/healthpromotion/conferences/previous/ottawa/en/index1.html.
This article discusses the basic understanding of what occupational therapy is and what it the Occupation is defined as “activites of everyday life, names, organized and given meaning by individuals and a culture” (Association, 2006). This article also discusses the historical aspects of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy was founded by many different professionals with different backgrounds, that came together to share the same idea about how occupational therapy should be and the importance of activites for a person. This article also talks about different types of services that occupational therapy offers. Occupational therapists and assistances can work in many different settings.
Townsend & Polatajko (2007) state that “Occupational therapy is the art and science of enabling engagement in everyday living, through occupation; of enabling people to perform the occupations that foster health and well-being; and of enabling a just and inclusive society so that all people may participate to their potential in the daily occupations of life”.
...e-based knowledge to inform the therapy practice. It also assists with furthering the therapist’s knowledge of humans as occupational beings as well as the relationship between occupation and health.(Yexer ,1993) introduced occupational science as a fundamental science supporting occupational therapy, with an aim to refocus the provision of therapy back to occupation. Hence, occupational science provides the therapists with support, justifies the meaning and uniqueness of the profession and distinguishes occupational therapy from other professions. In addition (Wilcock, 2001), also emphasises that occupational science might be another way to avoid the possible failure of the occupational therapy as a practice. With a strong research background, occupational therapists could make a contribution to medical science, which may challenge it from a different standpoint.
Occupational therapy was based off of psychology; we evolved from treating mentally ill patients with isolation as an efficient treatment plan. We must never forget we are known to be “the art and science of helping people do the day-to-day activities that are important and meaningful to their health and well being through engagement in valued occupations” (Crepeau, Cohn, & Schell, 2008). To other professional disciplines this article explains the difference between each of us, yet can also express our relation to one another. The basic goal of all therapeutic disciplines is to better our clients life, through physical, speech or occupational therapy. Every discipline targets different goals, may it be body mechanics, reducing a stutter or buttoning a shirt, at the end of the day our clients well being may it be through science, art or both is all that matters. To the occupational therapy field this article means progress for what we do. Reading this article today in the year 2015 did not seem like old information to me, it is still relevant, I am proud that our field is not only evolving with contemporary time but it is also maintaining its
There are numerous guidelines and models used to assist Occupational Therapy (OT) practitioners in practice. A prevalent frame of reference used is the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). MOHO was written in part by Gary Kielhofner with contributions from two other authors. According to the MOHO article, this frame of reference’s main emphasis was to interrelate various themes of occupational therapy behavior into a framework that could be used as a guide for practice. Additionally, it’s a tool used by practitioners to shape how its theory is functional and can be applied to clients and their occupations. This model was initially an outline submitted in an unpublished master’s thesis in 1975. After further revision and experimentation of research, it was then published five years later.
Occupational therapy made its first appearance in a modern-day setting during the 18th century; however, occupational therapy dates back to 100 BC. The United States medical system adopted occupational therapy in the 19th century. In 1910, occupational therapy became a realized profession. Then, the main focus was working with individuals to get them to a fully functional state. Around 1930, standards of practice were developed for occupational therapists (OT’s). The career continues to evolve and change as new illnesses and disabilities arise. Even with all the changes, the main focus remains intact: helping people.
During a literature search to find an operational definition for the concept “frames of reference (FOR)” within occupational therapy (OT), the AOTA’s 2nd edition of the book “Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process” delivered no specific definition despite it’s stated purpose to “present a summary of interrelated constructs that define and guide occupational therapy practice” (AOTA, 2008).
Cole, M. B., & Tufano, R. (2008). Applied theories in occupational therapy: A practical approach. Thorofare, New Jersey, United States of America: Slack Inc.
Kahn, Ali S.. "Public Health Matters Blog." Public Health Matters Blog RSS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 May 2011. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. .
Occupational Therapy is to help people from all ages to improve their activity and daily living independently. OT has been around 100 years per AOTA. OT has been through many changes, polish, adjustment, and different names throughout history. The three major events that had influenced on OT are World War I, WWII, and Rehabilitation Movement. Many regulations like ADA or Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975 also played an important role to increase awareness of OT. (O’Brien, 2018)