Theorising Occupational Therapy Practice in Diverse Settings

Practice theory provides a way of understanding everyday life, but until now its application in occupational therapy has not been much developed. Theorising Occupational Therapy Practice in Diverse Settings draws on practice theory to explore the conditions for occupational therapy practice in a variety of clinical and non-traditional settings.

With examples from around the globe, the chapters of the first section unfold practice theory perspectives of occupational therapy history, the management of occupational therapists in health systems, professional roles and working contexts. A bridging chapter reviews this development and sets out some of the global social phenomena that shaped occupational therapy; including colonialism and social inequality. The authors look forward to where the profession finds itself at present, in terms of social and health needs, power structures, occupational therapy theory and emerging areas of practice. The second section of the book considers how occupational therapists are responding to the challenges facing the profession in relation to issues of access, resources and change. A final chapter reviews how occupational therapy can meet the health-related occupational needs of individuals, communities and populations throughout the 21st century. While acknowledging the complexity of occupational, health and social needs, the book enables readers to relate occupational therapy aims and objectives effectively to pragmatic strategies for dealing with the realities of working in different settings.

With numerous case examples, this is an important new text for students and practitioners of occupational therapy. It is relevant both for those working in, or preparing for, placements in mainstream health and social care services, or in community interest companies, charities and social enterprises.