In conclusion, occupation can be anything a person does which has a number of objective and subjective factors to consider. Every occupation in how it is performed is unique to the individual at that point in time and can never be performed in that exact manor again (Pierce 2001).
Q2. Describe the unique contribution of occupational therapy as a profession.
Occupational Therapists work alongside a number of other health care professionals and at times these professions can overlap (Rogers, 2005). However, part of what makes Occupational Therapy unique is that their ‘’knowledge is based on the recognition of the importance of occupations within a particular environment to improve performance and the effects of disease and disability’’ (Rogers, 2005 p72). The importance of occupation is central to what occupational therapist do, believe and practise (Creek, 2008). The theory that occupation could aid good health was believed and practiced as far back as the 4th century BC (Peterson, 2008). Also Bruce & Borg (2001 cited in Rogers 2005, p.73) states that ‘’occupational therapists and scholars agree that a relative balance of occupational performance is an essential force influencing the human being’s state of wellbeing’’. An occupational therapist does not cure illness nor do they diagnose ailments but what they do is concentrate on what affects the disability or illness has on the patient and how this will affect the patients ability to perform occupations. Creek (2008) give the example that ‘’the occupational therapist will try and slow down the process of dementia by involving the client in a balanced programme of activities to maintain physical and cognitive functioning, rather than by tackling the disease itself.’’
Occupational Therapy is a client and occupation centred profession and the whole person approach is a crucial part of intervention. An occupational therapist looks at the person as a whole and the environment a person lives in. An occupational therapist takes into consideration all aspects of the patient, Physical and sociocultural dimensions, the patients surroundings, the social settings and the role within that social setting. The psychological affects a disease or disability also has on a client is extremely important. They look at how a patient functioned in the past, the present and what a patient strives to do in the future. It is all of these things which makes each patient different and it is the occupational therapist who recognises that every patient is an individual and no two patients are ever the same in what they do, want or feel.
Another factor which is unique to Occupational therapy is activity analysis. Creek (2008, p.37) states that ‘’core to occupational therapy is activity analysis, adaption, synthesis and application’’ Before a Occupational therapist can implement any intervention they must observe the client, taking the time to get to know the client and gaining a understanding of what that clients wants and feels they can achieve and also as important; whether that client has a realistic view on what he/she can accomplish. Watching the client perform everyday activities and analysing the client’s actions is sometimes the best way to determine which type of intervention to use.
Q3. Reflect upon your independent learning within this module.
Within this module we have covered and learnt about a wide variety of subjects, tools and technology. There have been many sections within this module which I have found extremely useful. Some of the things we have worked on have not only taught me how to be a more productive independent learner but have also taught me a lot about myself as a person, some of which are good and some are not so good but all of these things I can either draw from or work on improving.
The part within this module i have enjoyed the most was the lecture on the history of Occupational Therapy. I feel for me to totally understand something and be able to relate to it I have to have at least a basic understanding and knowledge of where it came from or how it was created. Having finished the lecture on the history of OT I had then continued to research it further and found it very interesting that although occupational therapy does not date back as far as the 4th century BC the idea of using occupation to aid good health goes back as far as the roman times. (Paterson, 2008) See appendix 1.
The journal club is also something which I found very helpful. Having been given the journal to read I was slightly overwhelmed by the terminology used within the journal, this was a real confidence knock for me. It wasn’t until our group had come together to share our thoughts it became apparent that I was not the only person with these same worries. Being able to talk these worries through with others I found a great help and put my mind at ease. (see appendix 2)
Another part which I found very interesting was the learning styles, having completed the Honey and Mumford learning styles questionnaire it had linked me with being a pragmatist. (see appendix 3) I feel this is an accurate interpretation on what kind of learner I am and also my outlook on life.
On a whole I have found the reading around the concept of occupation the most challenging part, reading around a subject I thought I knew where the fact was I knew very little about. Admitting to myself, let alone others that I was wrong is not something I do easily.
This module has been a real emotional rollercoaster for me, going from the excitement of learning new things to the dread of having to get my head around things such as referencing and citing. I have learnt that at times I need to take a step back and manage my time better in order to get the most from independent learning. I need to realise that no matter how much I think I may know about something the chances are I don’t know it all and need to be open to listen and learn further.
References
Krama, P. Hinojosa, J & Royeen, C.B. (2003) Perspectives in Human Occupation: Participation in Life. Baltimore USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Mccoll, A. et al. (2003) Theoretical Basis of Occupation Therapy. 2nd Edition. USA: SLACK incorporated.
Turner, A. Foster, M & Johnson, S.E. (2005) Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction: Principles, Skills and Practise. 5th Edition. China: CHIRCHILL LIVINGSTONE.
Rogers, S.L. (2005) Portrait of Occupational Therapy, Journal of Interprofessional Care, Vol 19 (1) P70-79.
Creek, J & Van, H. (2008) Occupational Therapy and Mental Health. 4th Edition. London: Churchill Livingstone.
Crepeau, E.B. Cohn, E.S & Boyt Schell, B.A. (2003) Willard & Spackman’s Occupational Therapy. 10th Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Appendices
Appendix 1.
Appendix 2.
Author:
Posted Date:
Friday, October 21, 2011 8:30:41 PM BST
Edited Date:
Friday, October 21, 2011 8:30:41 PM BST
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So.... how did everyone find reflection? Hmmm i'm hoping its something we can learn over time as i dont seem to be very good at it! :s
Author:
??????????????
Posted Date:
Thursday, October 27, 2011 11:58:41 AM BST
Edited Date:
Thursday, October 27, 2011 11:58:41 AM BST
Total views:
53 (Your views: 8)
Hi Sarah! :p
I made a note on my slides that it does get easier with practice and should begin to come naturally without having to refer back. But until then Keep using the slides! I haven't really adopted any of the models that we learnt. I just open my diary and write. I usually get everything covered though.
Author:
Posted Date:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 7:48:52 PM GMT
Edited Date:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 7:48:52 PM GMT
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22 (Your views: 8)
Hi, its Q3 which i am dreading! Q1 i thought when we were first given it .... easy! The more i read the more i become confused! :S Q2...... meh! I've not even made a start with that one yet!
I really enjoyed the journal i had to read tho.... although some (most) of it i found hard to understand the general jist of it i got and could relate too.
Happy learning ppl :) x
Appendix 3a.
Appendix 3b.
Pragmatists
Pragmatists learn best from activities where:
• there is an obvious link between the subject matter and a ‘real life’ problem
• they are shown techniques for doing things with obvious practical advantages
• they have the chance to try out and practise techniques with coaching or feedback from a credible expert
• they see a model they can emulate, or examples / anecdotes
• they are given techniques currently applicable to their own work
• they are given immediate opportunities to implement what they have learned
• they can concentrate on practical issues, such as drawing up action plans or giving tips to others.
Pragmatists learn least from, and may react against, activities where:
• the learning is not related to an immediate need they recognise
• organisers of the learning seem distant from reality
• there are no clear guidelines
• they feel people are going round in circles rather than getting to the point
• there are political, organisational, managerial or personal obstacles to implementation
• there is no apparent reward from the learning activity, for example higher grades!
by
sarahdouglas84 (student)
