A congruent model for health promotion in occupational therapy

The BELE program: The development of a holistic interdisciplinary health-promoting program enhancing work-life balance among female employees working in human service organizations in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Despite an increase in work-life balance literature, the development of successful support to help employees manage their work -life balance is slow. Moreover, there are few interventions with a comprehensive approach to workplace health promotion focusing on work-life balance.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to present the development and building blocks of a holistic interdisciplinary health-promoting program, the BELE program, to enhance female employees working in human service organizations health and well-being with a focus on work-life balance.

METHODS

The planning and development of the program was done through an intervention mapping and research circles methodology.

RESULTS

The planning- and development process of the program resulted in a theoretical framework, and a program structure with a program content. The intervention program was named "The Balance in Everyday Life Empowerment program" (BELE program).

CONCLUSIONS

The BELE program adds to the existing body of work-life balance knowledge, so far often based on a conflict approach. Interventions focusing on a comprehensive approach to health and work-life balance with a salutogenic approach are rare. Furthermore, the integration with occupational therapy and health promotion in a workplace health promotion framework is innovative. In a previous study, the BELE program has shown that it enhances women's well-being and balance in their everyday life.

Valeurs liées à la profession d’ergothérapeute : les répertorier pour les définir

Description.

Des imprécisions et des confusions conceptuelles caractérisent les écrits sur les valeurs liées à l’ergothérapie.

But.

Répertorier des valeurs liées à l’ergothérapie, proposer des énoncés qui les définissent et procéder à leur validation de contenu.

Méthodologie.

Une recension des écrits ( n = 52) et la consultation d’ergothérapeutes ( n = 26) ont permis de documenter et de définir une série de valeurs. Le répertoire issu de ces démarches a été soumis à un test de fonctionnalité auprès d’ergothérapeutes ( n = 5), puis présenté à des ergothérapeutes détenant une expertise en éthique ( n = 6) pour en évaluer la validité de contenu des définitions des valeurs.

Résultats.

Le répertoire proposé comprend 33 valeurs suivies de leur définition que les experts ont jugées claires et représentatives des réalités qu’elles désignent. Les résultats montrent que le répertoire est considéré comme exhaustif.

Conséquences.

Cette étude a permis de répertorier et de définir des valeurs qui constituent des idéaux susceptibles de guider la pratique ergothérapique et de soutenir les revendications ainsi que les compétences culturelles et éthiques des ergothérapeutes.

Professional competence in a health promotion program in the Netherlands

Health promotion for senior citizens ('seniors') is an increasingly important factor in health and welfare policy, having important implications for occupational therapy. The health promotion program 'Healthy and Active Aging' originated in the US, has been modified and adapted to the Dutch context and has been implemented in community contexts. This study aimed to generate an in-depth understanding of the Healthy and Active Aging program and to use this knowledge to inform professional practice. A naturalistic case study methodology was followed, using document analysis, observations, interviews and a group interview as data gathering methods. Data were analyzed and interpreted using narrative analyses. In this specific case, a small group of women joined the program. During 10 sessions, the participants explored the meaning of everyday activities for their self-perceived health and well-being. The key experience reported by the participants and professionals related to the positive ambience within the group, the emotional recognition among the participants and the responsive guidance of the professionals. This case showed how the framework of the program can be modified and tailored to the wishes and needs of the participating seniors. The group facilitators chose a subtle, responsive manner to support and motivate the participants.

Preparing for community development practice: A Delphi study of Canadian occupational therapists

Background.

Increasingly, community development is recognized as an important process for occupational therapy practice. However, occupational therapists working in community development report feeling unprepared.

Purpose.

This study aimed to identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences that occupational therapists need for practice in community development.

Method.

Using the Delphi technique, the researchers developed statements from the Round 1 ( n = 8) responses of occupational therapists involved in community development practice or scholarship. Rounds 2 ( n = 14) and 3 ( n = 12) sought to establish consensus among the occupational therapists on the areas of focus.

Findings.

Participants rated the importance of 64 statements grouped into 11 domains. After three rounds, researchers eliminated six statements by analyzing the median, interquartile range, and percentage of agreement. Participants reached consensus on 58 statements.

Implications.

Many of the competencies identified were relevant to all areas of practice, while others were specific to community development, suggesting a need for specialized education and training in this area. The results provide information that can be used to enhance the preparation of occupational therapists for practice in community development.

Exploring the nexus between health promotion and occupational therapy: synergies and similarities

BACKGROUND

The similarities between health promotion and occupational therapy have been recognized. Both are based on perspectives that share a goal of enabling individuals and populations to improve control over their health. Consequently, it is logical that the principles of health promotion complement the practice of occupational therapy.

PURPOSE

This paper highlights the affinity between occupational therapy and health promotion, and discusses ways in which health promotion principles can be incorporated into occupational therapy practice.

KEY ISSUES

Some Canadian occupational therapists may be unaware of the current discourse in health promotion and, thus, may not be incorporating its principles into practice. Steps are warranted to expand the current knowledge and practice of therapists to include health promotion, with specific attention to providing services for the population.

IMPLICATIONS

Incorporating health promotion principles into occupational therapy perspectives will facilitate the implementation of the domains of practice within the occupational therapy profile. This paper highlights how the principles of health promotion can impact practice at the individual and community level.

“Do-Live-Well”: A Canadian framework for promoting occupation, health, and well-being

Background.

Occupational therapists can bring a unique and valuable perspective to the national dialogue on health promotion. Current approaches have a narrow focus on diet and exercise; a broader focus on occupation has the potential to enrich understanding regarding forces that contribute to health and well-being.

Purpose.

A new “Do-Live-Well” framework will be presented that is grounded in evidence regarding the links between what people do every day and their health and well-being.

Key Issues.

Elements of the framework include eight different dimensions of experience and five key activity patterns that impact health and well-being outcomes. Personal and social forces that shape activity engagement also affect the links to health and well-being.

Implications.

The framework is designed to facilitate individual reflection, community advocacy, and system-level dialogue about the impact of day-to-day occupations on the health and well-being of Canadians.

Childhood toxic stress: a community role in health promotion for occupational therapists

People who experience the toxic stress of recurrent traumatic events in childhood have a higher risk for mental and physical health problems throughout life. Occupational therapy practitioners have a remarkable opportunity to be involved in addressing this significant public health problem. As health care practitioners already situated in the community, we have a responsibility to lead and assist in establishing and implementing occupation-based programs and to nurture the links between the child welfare system and existing intervention systems. In this article, we review the current research on toxic stress and recommendations made by other health care disciplines and offer strategies for occupational therapy practitioners to begin a dialogue on this critical, emerging issue.

Promoting an occupational perspective in public health

Background

Although the value of occupation for health and well-being is fundamental to the occupational therapy profession, this view is not well recognized in the field of public health.

Purpose

In this article, we argue that occupational therapists have a unique and valuable perspective to bring to the field of public health, particularly with respect to the importance of occupational engagement in promoting the health and well-being of Canadians.

Key Issues

There are many compelling reasons for public health advocacy, including the need to increase awareness of the health benefits and risks of occupational engagement for individuals and communities. Challenges that lie ahead, however, include issues related to terminology, the complexity of occupation, the need to consider multidimensional outcomes, and diversity of evidence.

Implications

To move forward, the profession of occupational therapy in Canada needs to position health promotion messaging in a way that clearly captures the complexity and value of occupation and resonates with Canadians of all ages and abilities.

Optimal Positioning of Occupational Therapy

Background. Occupation is central to occupational therapy. Although occupation is a universal experience, occupational therapists need to consider the risks and opportunities of exploring new roles and maintaining existing services.

Purpose. I propose three questions to guide the optimal positioning of occupational therapy services. First, how proximal is occupation in the role? Second, how strong is the evidence to support occupational therapy in the role? Third, is the timing right for change? These questions are applied to the role of occupational therapy in primary health care.

Key Issues. Occupation is proximal and the evidence is emerging to support an occupational therapy role in primary health care. Reforms make timing ideal.

Implications. If we focus on the underlying principles of primary health care reform, the potential for an emerging role in primary health care is optimal. The same three questions can be used to transform and optimally position occupational therapy.

Re-Examining Concepts of Occupation and Occupation-Based Models: Occupational Therapy and Community Development

Background. A growing body of literature supports the role of occupational therapists in community development. Using a community development approach, occupational therapists respond to community-identified occupational needs. They work to build local resources and capacities and self-sustaining programs that foster change within the community and potentially beyond. Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to highlight some key issues related to occupational therapy practice in community development. Key Issues. The definitions and classifications of occupation focus primarily on the individual and fail to elaborate on the shared occupations of a community. As well, occupation-based models of practice are not easily applied to occupational therapy practice in community development. Implications. In order for occupational therapy to articulate its role in community development, greater heed needs to be given to the definition and categorization of occupation, occupation-based models of practice, and their application to communities.