Occupational therapy in Australian acute hospitals: A modified practice

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Health Services Research
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Healthcare funding changes in Australia impact occupational therapy practice in acute hospitals.
• This study focuses on the practice challenges faced by occupational therapists in Western Australia's acute care settings.
• It investigates how these therapists are adapting their practice in response to evolving healthcare environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the practice challenges encountered by occupational therapists in Western Australian acute care hospitals.
• To explore the modifications made by these therapists in response to practice changes.
• To understand how occupational therapists maintain relevance and authenticity within acute care.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative grounded theory approach was employed.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 purposively selected acute care occupational therapists.
• Data analysis utilized a constant comparative method.

Main Results:

• Key practice challenges included pragmatic organizational influences on client care and establishing professional identity within multidisciplinary teams.
• Therapist responses involved acting as client advocates, facilitators, and applying clinical reasoning.
• Modified practice emerged as the core category, explaining how therapists ensure continued relevance.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapists in Western Australian acute care settings navigate a complex environment with significant challenges.
• They are implementing modified practice strategies to ensure their unique skills remain pertinent and valuable.
• This adaptation is crucial for maintaining the authenticity and effectiveness of occupational therapy within acute care.