Competencies for occupational therapy practice in homelessness: A Delphi study

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy practice
• Global health challenges
• Social determinants of health

Background:

• Homelessness is a growing global issue requiring specialized resources for occupational therapy.
• There is a need for guidance on how occupational therapists can effectively support individuals experiencing and recovering from homelessness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and define the essential competencies for occupational therapists working with individuals affected by homelessness.
• To establish a foundational understanding of the skills required for this specialized area of practice.

Main Methods:

• A three-round Delphi study was conducted with occupational therapy practitioners and researchers.
• Participants were international experts in the field of homelessness and occupational therapy.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 93 competencies across 10 categories.
• Key competency areas include occupational knowledge (18 competencies) and psychosocial skills (16 competencies).
• 16 competencies were eliminated after rounds II and III.

Conclusions:

• This research is the first to outline competencies for occupational therapists in homelessness.
• The identified competencies can guide professional development and educational programs.
• Findings are applicable to middle to high-income countries where English is spoken.