Occupational therapists’ perceptions of service transformation towards contemporary philosophy and practice in an acute specialist paediatric hospital

Abstract

Introduction

The acute occupational therapy department at a specialist paediatric hospital in metropolitan Australia is undergoing a service transformation to increase their alignment with contemporary occupational therapy philosophy and practice. The purpose of this study was to explore occupational therapists’ current knowledge and skills regarding contemporary occupational therapy philosophy and practice, and their attitudes and motivation towards a service transformation.

Method

Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight occupational therapists. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic data analysis.

Findings

Four major themes were established: a glimmer of occupation; variability with recognising and articulating the core of occupational therapy; therapists externalising challenges; and the barriers and enablers to the transformation.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that therapists in acute settings are attempting to incorporate contemporary occupational therapy philosophies in practice. Therapists recognised the power of occupation and the benefits of an occupation-based approach, and hence were accepting of the service transformation; although the implementation of occupation-based practice appears to be inconsistent in acute settings. Findings highlight a need to enhance therapists’ knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy. However, therapists did not foresee this as a significant factor, leading to feeling a lack of control and externalising the barriers to service transformation.