Occupational therapists’ experiences of implementing occupation-based practice in neurology, and its impact on professional identity

Abstract

Introduction Facilitating engagement in meaningful occupations underpins occupational therapy intervention. Occupation-based practice, while linked to improved professional identity and job satisfaction for occupational therapists, is challenging to implement, particularly in hospital settings. This study aimed to explore occupational therapists’ perceptions of their role, and facilitators and challenges to implementing occupation-based practice in neurology. Method This qualitative descriptive study included semi-structured interviews with seven occupational therapists working in Australian acute/sub-acute neurology settings. Findings Three themes identified: Conceptualisation versus implementation of occupation-based practice; Use of occupation-based practice impacts role satisfaction; Promoting the profession. Participants described using occupations in their practice as important, however, reported that the challenges of the neurology environment hindered their ability to carry out occupation-based practice. Conclusion This study provides insights into occupational therapist’s perceptions regarding occupation-based practice in neurology settings, finding there is a need for occupational therapists to promote their role and use of occupations in neurology settings, and that occupation-based practice impacts job satisfaction. The study highlights occupational therapists working in neurology settings would benefit from a number of approaches including student interprofessional activities, potential buddy system for new graduates and experienced clinicians, and increased support by the profession to maintain their identity as occupation-based specialists.