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Implementation of occupation-centred practice by occupational therapists in acute adult physical settings: A mixed method study in a regional and rural health service
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Implementation of occupation-centred practice by occupational therapists in acute adult physical settings: A mixed method study in a regional and rural health service

Marguerite Bennetts, Linda Furness and Anna Tynan
Australian occupational therapy journal, Vol.72(2), pp.1-15
04/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70002
PMID: 40090870

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Abstract

acute adult physical hospital occupation-centred practice occupational therapists occupational therapy models
Introduction: Occupational therapy is underpinned by the belief that occupation facilitates health and wellbeing. However, evidence suggests that occupational therapists encounter challenges to implementing occupation-centred practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake, acceptability and impact of a workplace intervention designed to enhance occupation-centred practice of occupational therapists in an acute adult physical context. Methods: A concurrent mixed methods study using a pre-post design was employed. The setting was a regional and rural health service in Queensland. Data were collected using an online survey of occupational therapists' knowledge, attitude and confidence regarding occupational therapy models, an audit of medical charts and focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were presented using descriptive statistics, and discussions were thematically analysed. Consumer and Community Involvement: No involvement. Results: Survey results revealed minimal difference between pre- (n = 8) and post- (n = 8) interventions. The medical chart audit (pre = 40, post = 28) revealed an increase in occupational language over medically based language. Four themes were identified from the qualitative data (pre = 5, post = 6): change in theoretical awareness and acceptance of occupational therapy models; facilitators for adoption of occupational therapy models in the acute setting; what it takes: the qualities and efforts required of individuals; and enhanced professional identity. The themes revealed that participants varied in their knowledge and implementation of occupation-centred practice pre-intervention and could feel constrained by the workplace context. Post-participants recognised that actively practising occupation centredness impacted positively on their practice. Conclusion: Participation in an initiative to increase occupation-centred practice resulted in changed behaviours and beliefs for occupational therapists in this study. Participants recognised that their individual contribution and the concerted efforts of their occupational therapy peers led to increased professional identity and understanding of occupational therapy contribution in the acute adult physical setting.

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