An occupational therapy community development practice process.

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Community development
• Health sciences

Background:

• Limited research exists on the Canadian Practice Process Framework (CPPF) application in occupational therapy's community development (CD) practice.
• Occupational therapists play a role in community development, yet their specific practice processes are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the community development (CD) practice processes undertaken by Canadian occupational therapists.
• To explore the practical application of occupational therapy principles within community development initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Interpretive description methodology was employed.
• Data collection involved initial and follow-up interviews or focus groups with occupational therapists in CD practice.
• Content analysis was utilized for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Eight occupational therapists identified a five-element practice process: community familiarization, initiation/planning, developing occupational opportunities, approach review, and sustainability efforts.
• The described process was less discrete than the Canadian Practice Process Framework (CPPF).
• Key knowledge, skills, and less tangible attitudes/approaches essential for community engagement were highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapists' community development practice involves a dynamic, multi-faceted process.
• The study underscores the need for specific competencies, including interpersonal skills and adaptive approaches, for effective community development by occupational therapists.
• Findings suggest a need to refine or expand existing frameworks like the CPPF to better encompass occupational therapy's role in community development.