Cathrine Arntzen1,2, Unni Sveen3,4, Cathrine Hagby5, Tore Bonsaksen3,6, Anne-Stine Dolva7, Sissel Horghagen8. 1. a Department of Health and Care Sciences, Centre for Care Research, North, UiT , The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway. 2. b Division of Rehabilitation Services , University Hospital of North Norway , Tromsø , Norway. 3. c OsloMet , Oslo Metropolitan University , Oslo , Norway. 4. d Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway. 5. e NAV Norwegian Assistive Technology Center in Buskerud County , Drammen , Norway. 6. f Faculty of Health Studies , VID Specialized University , Sandnes , Norway. 7. g Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences , Norway. 8. h Health Science , Norwegian University of Technology and Science , Trondheim , Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Profound changes in municipal health services, are calling for new models for community-based occupational therapy services. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore how Norwegian occupational therapists position themselves in relation to the tasks delivered. METHOD: Focus group interviews were conducted with ten community-based occupational therapists. Systematic text condensation was then used in the data analysis. RESULTS: Norwegian occupational therapists description of professional practices can be constructed into four ideal types; being 'the all-rounder', 'the provider of assistive device', 'the fire extinguisher', or 'the innovator'. The ideal types can help us understand more of the content and dilemmas that community-based occupational therapists encountered in their daily practice, and the priorities they make during these encounters. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Community-based occupational therapists positioned themselves in different ways, and some of these positions were considered to be more favourable than others. The therapists struggled between 'traditional' occupational therapy tasks and new ways of delivering occupational therapy services. The study reveals similarities and differences between rural and urban occupational therapy practice. The ideal types can help community-based therapists to reflect on their own practice and empower them to be more in keeping with the OT's objectives and preferences.
BACKGROUND: Profound changes in municipal health services, are calling for new models for community-based occupational therapy services. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore how Norwegian occupational therapists position themselves in relation to the tasks delivered. METHOD: Focus group interviews were conducted with ten community-based occupational therapists. Systematic text condensation was then used in the data analysis. RESULTS: Norwegian occupational therapists description of professional practices can be constructed into four ideal types; being 'the all-rounder', 'the provider of assistive device', 'the fire extinguisher', or 'the innovator'. The ideal types can help us understand more of the content and dilemmas that community-based occupational therapists encountered in their daily practice, and the priorities they make during these encounters. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Community-based occupational therapists positioned themselves in different ways, and some of these positions were considered to be more favourable than others. The therapists struggled between 'traditional' occupational therapy tasks and new ways of delivering occupational therapy services. The study reveals similarities and differences between rural and urban occupational therapy practice. The ideal types can help community-based therapists to reflect on their own practice and empower them to be more in keeping with the OT's objectives and preferences.
Keywords:
Primary care; assistive devices; health care services; occupational therapy practice; qualitative study
Authors: Tore Bonsaksen; Unni Sveen; Anne-Stine Dolva; Sissel Horghagen; Else Merete Thyness; Cathrine Hagby; Cathrine Arntzen Journal: J Prim Care Community Health Date: 2018 Jan-Dec