The Perceived Role of Occupational Therapists in Climate Change

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Therapy
• Climate Change Impacts

Background:

• Climate change poses significant global health risks, including increased mortality from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) projects thousands of additional deaths annually due to climate change between 2030 and 2050.
• A notable gap exists in understanding the role of occupational therapists in addressing climate change, especially within Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceived role of occupational therapists in climate change and climate action.
• To gather perspectives from Canadian occupational therapists and international experts on this topic.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing interpretive description methodology.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 occupational therapists, including 4 research experts.
• Thematic analysis used to analyze interview data.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged regarding the interplay between climate challenges and actions faced by occupational therapists.
• Findings emphasize the necessity of supporting therapists' personal struggles with climate change.
• The study underscores the importance of integrating climate actions into clinical practice and occupational therapy curricula.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapists are grappling with the personal, clinical, and professional implications of climate change.
• Integrating climate change and climate justice into occupational therapy education and professional advocacy is crucial.
• The findings provide valuable insights into occupational therapists' perceptions and roles in addressing climate change within the Canadian context.