Ergotherapeutische Betätigungsziele in der Pädiatrie - welche Faktoren beeinflussen deren Vereinbarung in Deutschland?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In the course of professionalisation of occupational therapy in Germany, the orientation on occupation is regarded as a chance for the profession to establish its position in the health system. However functional concepts of treatment and goals of body functions are mainly employed in occupational practice. It is the aim of this paper to analyse possible factors which are influencing the occupational orientation within the therapeutic goal agreement of the paediatric occupational therapy. METHOD: Within the framework of a qualitative research six paediatric occupational therapists who were familiar with the occupational orientation were interviewed. The interviews were analysed with the help of deductive, theory-orientated categories by means of a qualitative content-analysis according to Mayring with the technique of content structuring. RESULTS: The identified possible factors of influence are to be found in the basic social conditions of therapist and client. They cover legislation, job politics, interdisciplinary cooperation, therapeutic understanding of one’s role and therapeutic knowledge, person-related factors of the therapist, child- and family-related factors and change in circumstances. CONCLUSION: Occupational oriented goals are influenced by a number of factors, which have an effect on the relation of therapist and client. This results in consequences in job politics and affects each therapist in respect of its professional experience and each client concerning its environment and community.