Occupational therapy: what does this look like practised in very remote Indigenous areas?

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Rural and Remote Health
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• Occupational therapy in remote settings, particularly those with Indigenous populations, necessitates adapting traditional practice models.
• Service delivery in these areas often involves fly/drive-in visits due to the lack of onsite therapy services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore similarities and differences in occupational therapy practice across four very remote contexts.
• To identify effective adaptations and resources for occupational therapists working cross-culturally in remote settings.

Main Methods:

• Comparative observational study across four very remote settings (Australia, Canada, USA).
• Author's travel and direct observation of occupational therapy teams.

Main Results:

• Therapists utilize adaptations like cultural liaisons, interpreters, and client/family-directed care.
• Selective use of standardized assessments and relationship-building are crucial.
• Broader scope of practice and increased use of technology are reported in remote settings.

Conclusions:

• Adaptations are essential for culturally safe and relevant occupational therapy in remote Indigenous communities.
• Flexibility, cultural humility, and relationship-centered approaches enhance practice.
• Technology plays a vital role in supporting and supplementing remote occupational therapy services.