The integration of occupational therapy into primary care: a multiple case study design

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Primary Health Care
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Occupational therapists (OTs) have long been encouraged to expand their roles in primary care, focusing on health promotion and prevention.
• Despite evidence supporting their role, practical implementation in primary care settings has been limited.
• Ontario, Canada's 2010 initiative funding OTs in Family Health Teams marked a significant large-scale integration effort in North America.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the integration process of occupational therapy services within primary care teams.
• To identify the organizational structures and strategies that support this integration.

Main Methods:

• A multiple case study design was employed for an in-depth examination.
• Data were collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and questionnaires across four Family Health Teams.

Main Results:

• Each Family Health Team exhibited a unique structure that influenced OT integration.
• Effective communication, trust, and a clear understanding of the occupational therapy role were crucial for successful integration.
• Strategies like co-location, electronic medical records, and team meetings facilitated integration, though physicians showed less understanding of the OT role compared to other providers.

Conclusions:

• The integration of new professions, such as occupational therapy, into interprofessional primary care teams necessitates explicit strategies and supportive structures.
• Foundational elements for successful interprofessional collaborative practice include mutual understanding of professional roles, trust, and open communication.