Occupational therapy practices among unemployed people in Finland

Unemployment is known to have effect on occupational well-being and thus is issue of relevance and importance to occupational therapy. However, knowledge about occupational therapy practices among unemployed people in the Finnish context is scarce.

This study aims to explore the various ways occupational therapists work among unemployed people, and how this work could be further developed.

The study followed a phenomenographic approach. Data was gathered combining focus group discussion and interviews.

The ways of working among unemployed were identified as Assessing, Coaching and Collaborating. Practices could be further developed by Adapting to new ways of working, Increasing awareness of occupational therapy and Advocating for better opportunities to participate in working life.

The results imply that occupational therapists in Finland engage with unemployed people's situation at late stages of unemployment, limiting the integration of occupational perspective in current services. Therapists wish to advocate but are simultaneously acting as gatekeepers, emphasizing the need for preventive and collaborative approaches. Study suggests that occupational therapists may contribute to bridging health, social, and employment services. Further research including client perspectives is needed to expand the profession's role and effectiveness in addressing the situation of unemployed people.