Reporting on the WFOT-CBR master project plan: the data collection subproject

Abstract

This data collection subproject is part of the WFOT-CBR master project plan and serves as evidence of the commitment of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) to promote community-based rehabilitation (CBR) as an approach to promote access to occupation for all. This subproject aimed to collect data on the contributions of occupational therapists in CBR with the purpose to promote awareness on CBR within the profession and also to facilitate the development of relevant educational programmes. Responses were received by occupational therapists from the five continents. Findings revealed a polyphony regarding the conceptualisations of CBR and a perceived goodness of fit between occupational therapy and CBR. However, most respondents reported inadequate university education on CBR. It is suggested that CBR should be considered as part of the professional role of occupational therapists and that the profession should develop rigorous guidelines for its practice. Given the inherently dialectical nature of CBR it is also important to network with disabled people’s organisations and communities involved in CBR.