Abstract
Working together with acute occupational therapists in a regional and rural setting, towards an occupation centred tomorrow
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Vol.66, p.61
Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition “Together Towards Tomorrow” (Sydney, Australia, 10/07/2019–12/07/2019)
07/2019
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Abstract
Introduction
Occupational therapists employed in acute adult physical settings in a regional area report challenges implementing occupation centred care. The dominance of the bio-medical model combined with discharge pressures have reportedly created challenges to implementation of occupational therapy philosophy potentially leading to reduced job satisfaction, poor inter-professional communication and adverse impacts on patient care. A quality improvement project occurred in 2016 at the central regional hospital. An initial assessment template incorporating occupation centred theory was developed and trialled. Supporting tools were also developed for point of care. Results from the quality activity showed potential for improvements using occupation centred approaches in the acute setting.
Objectives
The purpose of this paper is to extend findings from the quality activity to acute occupational therapy staff across the regional and rural health service and investigate the uptake, impact and acceptability of the change by occupational therapists and other stakeholders.
Method
The study incorporates an action research study design using quantitative and qualitative methods pre- and post- implementation. Research tools include a questionnaire, medical chart audit, focus group discussion and content analysis of transcribed initial interviews by occupational therapists.
Results
The project has commenced with data collected from September 2018 – March 2019. Preliminary data will be presented, alongside a description of the service development strategies that were implemented.
Conclusion
This study forms an investigation of the uptake, acceptability and impact of utilising occupational therapy models in acute physical care settings in a rural and regional context. Findings may be applied to similar contexts. It is anticipated that use of occupational therapy models in these settings will enhance staff retention and satisfaction due to alignment with occupational therapy philosophy, improve colleagues understanding of the occupational therapy role resulting in appropriate and timely referrals, and improve outcomes for consumers via addressing occupations as integral to health.
Details
- Title
- Working together with acute occupational therapists in a regional and rural setting, towards an occupation centred tomorrow
- Creators
- Marguerite Bennetts - Darling Downs Health (Queensland, Australia)Anna Tynan - Darling Downs Health (Queensland, Australia)Linda Furness - Darling Downs Health (Queensland, Australia)Maree Penney - Darling Downs Health (Queensland, Australia)Amanda Goodwin - Darling Downs Health (Queensland, Australia)
- Publication Details
- Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Vol.66, p.61
- Conference
- Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition “Together Towards Tomorrow” (Sydney, Australia, 10/07/2019–12/07/2019)
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons, Inc
- Identifiers
- 991013242061002368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Abstract