Toward a dialogue in international consultancy in occupational therapy with Japan as a reference

The customs and cultural attitudes that determine occupational therapy practice cannot be transferred from one culture to another. However, the technology of occupational therapy can be transferred. The international consultant is responsible for such a technological transfer. The consultee is responsible for assimilating technology and creating a culturally appropriate treatment practice. Technological transfer in industry demonstrates that divergent cultural applications of the same technology are possible, that the autonomy of the consultee is of primary importance, and that government support of the consultation effort is crucial. Current practice and expectation in international occupational therapy consultation is examined. The author concludes that fluency in the language of the host country is a questionable expectation, and that short-term workshops by teams of therapists should supplement the traditional individual long-term consultancy. Japan is used as a reference for discussion.