Occupational Experiences of Refugees and Asylum Seekers Resettling in Australia: A Narrative Review

Development of the Refugees and Asylum Seekers Occupational Satisfaction (RASOS) Assessment Tool

The objective of this study was to develop an occupation-centered and client-centered assessment tool for refugees and asylum seekers. A preliminary tool outline was produced based on a literature review, while considering previous published tools' strengths and limitations. A qualitative study was undertaken via focus groups to improve on the tool's design and adequacy for its purpose, resulting in the creation of a pilot version of the tool. Convenience sampling included 8 Greek and Cypriot professional and student occupational therapists with experience in the field, 8 international expert occupational therapists, 4 laypeople, 4 humanitarian professionals, and 5 refugees and asylum seekers. Basic qualitative content and thematic analysis led to topics regarding tool modifications that concerned categorization, formation/structure, wording, administration, and assessment scale. Corresponding tool revisions ensued. This study led to the development of the pilot version of the Refugees and Asylum Seekers Occupational Satisfaction (RASOS), which can also be used to identify underlying personal and environmental factors that contribute to self-perceived low satisfaction. A future quantitative study is required to establish the psychometric properties of the tool.

Occupational multi-level responsiveness: Describing the skills used by occupational therapists working with children seeking asylum in Australia

BACKGROUND

Children seeking asylum face occupational deprivation and human rights violations. No research has investigated how occupational therapists work with child asylum seekers. The World Federation of Occupational Therapists promotes the Canadian Model of Client-Centred Enablement (CMCE) for occupational therapists working to promote human rights.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

This research investigates use of CMCE skills to investigate skills occupational therapists use when working with child asylum seekers in Australian immigration detention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Interpretive description guided this investigation and purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 occupational therapists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Occupational multi-level responsiveness, an overarching practice skill, involved keying into individual, family and socio-political levels to respond to occupational injustices. A wide array of practice skills extending beyond the CMCE framework were used in a nuanced and interwoven manner spanning multiple levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational multi-level responsiveness described occupational therapists working across macro-, meso- and micro-levels.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding and enacting occupational multi-level responsiveness may support occupational therapists to plan and implement effective strategies when tackling occupational injustices. The skills identified may be applicable to other complex socio-political fields of practice. More research is needed. Further research should also investigate the occupational experiences of children seeking asylum. KEY POINTSOccupational therapists working with child asylum seekers in Australia take a multi-level approach, responding to individuals, families and socio-political structures.A three pronged approach to implementation of the occupational therapy practice process could support multi-level responsiveness to enhance practice that addresses occupational injustices.CMCE skills are not exhaustive and therapists discussed using other skills beyond those listed in the CMCE. Additional skills reflected humility and efforts towards more equal relationships between therapists and clients.

Occupation's Role in Inclusion of Spanish-Speaking Older Adults in a Senior Center

Occupation-based literature has not explored the specific community-level occupational processes that support inclusion or exclusion of Latine older adults in senior centers. This study examined occupation at the community level and its role in the inclusion or exclusion of older adult Spanish speakers in a senior center community. In addition, it sought to examine potential roles for occupational therapy practice in this realm. A 6-month ethnographic study used interviews, observations, document review, group mapping activities, and collaborative analysis to explore occupation of a senior center as the community and staff welcomed older adult Spanish speakers. Being culturally proactive, considering values and interests, offering regular activities, and cross-group doing together encouraged cohesion and communal habits of inclusion. These tailored modes of community occupation benefit Spanish-speaking older adults. Occupational therapy practitioners have opportunities to utilize tailored community occupations to support community inclusion and cohesion for this population.

The experience of meaning and value in occupations for forced migrants seeking asylum, and factors that facilitate occupational engagement: A meta-ethnography using a strength-based approach

Introduction

Asylum-seekers face significant barriers to meaningful occupation, leading to negative health and wellbeing outcomes. This study provides a strength-based approach to enhance understandings about the meaning of occupation for those seeking asylum.

Method

A systematic search of the literature identified seven qualitative research studies. A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise the findings.

Results

Examination of the selected studies generated three third-order interpretations as follows: keeping busy as a coping mechanism; maintaining continuity with past life by preserving identity, roles, values and culture; and building a new future with a drive to be a productive member of society. The study also identified factors that support meaningful occupational engagement during asylum.

Conclusion

This study shows that occupations are essential to existence for asylum-seekers. They help preserve identity and life-continuity; help people make sense of disorder in their life; and provide opportunity for reflection, leading to motivation toward goal-directed occupation. Finally, engaging in occupation helps people adjust and cope with trauma. The study highlights that a lack of meaningful occupations may limit the long-term benefits of occupational engagement while seeking asylum. Recommendations are made for further research to challenge restrictive policies and promote the rights and wellbeing of this population.