The Changing Policy Context of Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The work of health care professionals in the United Kingdom is continually influenced by the directions, goals and principles of government and dominant groups in the policy-making process (Ackers and Abbott 1996). For too long many occupational therapists have failed to acknowledge that their work exists within a wider social context. This context controls and rations the resources that support the health and social care system and ultimately affects what occupational therapy is and the way in which occupational therapy is delivered (Øvretveit 1992). For instance, Pringle (1996) suggested that in the 1970s and 1980s occupational therapy had experienced increased autonomy and freedom to define the role and scope of its practice. As a consequence of the recent health service reforms, it is argued that this autonomy and freedom seems to have been progressively undermined. This article aims to stimulate an awareness amongst occupational therapists of the fundamental importance and relevance of an understanding of social policy to their everyday practice.