Occupation as described by academically skilled occupational therapists in Sweden: a Delphi study

The aim of this study was to continue the process of exploring and understanding the concept of occupation in a Swedish occupational therapy context and from an expert perspective. Thirteen eligible occupational therapists active in Sweden, all academically skilled and who had published articles concerning the concept of occupation or activity, were invited to take part in the study. Eight were willing to participate representing different parts of Sweden. A three-round Delphi study was conducted in which the participants reflected on 46 statements derived from a core category and five categories concerning the concept of occupation, extracted from previous studies in this project. The participants gave 124 comments on 44 of the 46 statements. Results revealed new statements, mainly concerning the intentional aspect of occupation and occupation in a structural hierarchy. Comments also contributed with rephrased statements promoting clarity. A total of 54 statements were then ranked on a four-point Likert scale of which 47 reached consensus among participants. Seven statements were not supported to a level of consensus. Four of them dealt with how and if values and individual judgements influence what are viewed as occupations. To continue the developing process, studies in occupational therapy praxis have to be performed.