Occupational Therapists' Experiences of Assessments With Indigenous Peoples: A Storytelling Approach

Background. Occupational therapists have a responsibility to strive for culturally safer assessments with Indigenous Peoples. Purpose. Explore occupational therapists' approaches related to culturally safer assessment strategies with Indigenous Peoples, including their perspectives, recommendations, and challenges. Method. Occupational therapists working with Indigenous Peoples across Canada were invited to participate in online surveys and virtual storytelling groups. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Member checking and collaboration with Indigenous project members consolidated final themes. Findings. Forty-three participants completed surveys and 16 participated in storytelling groups, with three distinct themes emerging: importance of building relationships, the complex nature of obtaining consent, and how systemic barriers negatively affect occupational therapists' capacity to provide culturally safer assessments. Findings are presented in a composite conversation between an occupational therapist and an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. Conclusion. Despite systemic pressures towards efficiency and standardized approaches, occupational therapists are attempting efforts towards culturally safer assessments by advocating for occupation-based, culturally relevant, and flexible assessment processes that respect the autonomy of Indigenous service recipients. Future research could explore the current state of curricula related to assessment practices with Indigenous Peoples in Canadian entry to practice occupational therapy programs and perspectives from Indigenous occupational therapists and service recipients.