Putting occupation into practice: occupation as ends, occupation as means

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Clinical Practice
• Professional Identity

Background:

• Occupational therapy struggles to maintain occupation as its core intervention.
• This challenge is linked to professional identity issues and manifests as component-driven practice.
• Practice is often narrowed to basic activities of daily living, deviating from holistic occupation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose "occupation as ends" and "occupation as means" as practical solutions.
• To guide occupational therapists in treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
• To merge remediation and adaptation within occupational therapy sessions.

Main Methods:

• Investigating the historical context of "occupation as ends" and "occupation as means."
• Analyzing the utility of these concepts for therapeutic problem-solving.
• Presenting a case example demonstrating their application in evaluation and treatment.

Main Results:

• The concepts of "occupation as ends" and "occupation as means" offer a framework for client-centered practice.
• These concepts help therapists integrate remediation and adaptation strategies effectively.
• Application of these concepts aids in articulating the unique value of occupational therapy.

Conclusions:

• "Occupation as ends" and "occupation as means" are vital for maintaining occupation at the center of practice.
• These concepts enhance clinical decision-making and professional identity in occupational therapy.
• Utilizing these frameworks strengthens the expression of occupational therapy's distinct expertise.