Client Centeredness and Health Reform: Key Issues for Occupational Therapy

Area of Science:

• Healthcare delivery
• Occupational therapy
• Patient-centered care

Background:

• Health reform emphasizes patient-centered care delivery.
• Occupational therapy has a history of client-centered practice.
• Patient-centered care presents challenges and opportunities for occupational therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare conceptualizations of client-centered and patient-centered care.
• Describe current measurement of client-centered and patient-centered care.
• Discuss implications for occupational therapy's research, practice, and education.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis.
• Comparison of client-centered and patient-centered care models.
• Examination of measurement tools for patient-centeredness.

Main Results:

• Distinct conceptualizations exist between client-centered and patient-centered care.
• Current measurement of patient-centered care is evolving.
• Occupational therapy must adapt its frameworks to align with patient-centered care.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy is well-positioned to contribute to patient-centered care.
• Further research is needed to refine measurement and practice guidelines.
• Educational and practice adjustments are necessary for occupational therapists to thrive in patient-centered healthcare systems.