Abstract
Recent changes in the philosophy and structure of the National Health Service give greater emphasis to the prevention of ill health within locally defined communities. Occupational therapists, by virtue of their unique philosophy, have an opportunity to influence primary care strategy and practice by highlighting the links between environment, occupation and health.
The recent changes in the structure of the National Health Service are described and the philosophy of occupational therapy is discussed in relation to these changes. This description provides the basis for recommendations as to how occupational therapists can work to build a recognition of the fundamental importance of adaptive occupation to individual health and, hence, to health at a community and population level. Working at a community and population level will require occupational therapists to strengthen links with health promotion and public health in order to help promote health through meaningful occupations within local settings.
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