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Experiences and perspectives of Australian occupational therapists on environmental sustainability: A qualitative
Jessica Watt1, Tenelle Hodson1,2, Amelia Di Tommaso3
1Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Griffith University, Griffith, Queensland, Australia.
Introduction:
Climate change and the unsustainable exploitation of Earth's natural environment pose threats to health and wellbeing. There is growing evidence outlining the potential of occupational therapy to address issues of environmental sustainability and climate change. Research investigating the perspectives and experiences of occupational therapists, particularly those practicing within Australia, is in its infancy. The aim of this research was to explore such perspectives and lived experiences, with a focus on climate change and environmental sustainability.
Methods:
This exploratory, qualitative descriptive study involved a total of 13 occupational therapy clinicians and academics who were conveniently recruited via an online advertisement. Data were gathered through three online focus groups guided by a semi-structured schedule. Braun and Clarke's six-step method for thematic analysis was used to guide data analysis.
Consumer And Community Involvement:
There was no consumer or community involvement.
Findings:
Four main themes were identified: conflicting values: personal versus professional; the value of an occupational therapy lens; small steps towards a bigger picture of environmental sustainability; and the challenges for occupational therapy in a material world.
Conclusion:
This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the potential and reality of environmental sustainability in Australian occupational therapy practice. The findings highlight that although occupational therapists perceive environmental sustainability as a pertinent and important matter, knowledge about existing resources, how to implement environmental sustainability into practice, and the profession's role in relation to climate change remains low. Despite occupational therapists' intention to have an impact and influence in their workplaces, the findings highlight that a broader, future-focused, and profession-wide examination of the part occupational therapy could play in addressing environmental sustainability and contributing to further reducing the impact of climate change is required. Future research could build upon and investigate the effectiveness of specific strategies for incorporating environmental sustainability explored within this research.
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