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Occupation: the keystone of a curriculum for a self-defined profession
1Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
Summary
This study proposes an occupation-centered curriculum for occupational therapy to foster a more integrated profession. This approach aims to enhance professional autonomy and improve services for clients.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Therapy Education
- Curriculum Development
- Professional Practice
Background:
- The field of occupational therapy requires a forward-thinking approach to education.
- Current curricula may not fully integrate practice, scholarship, and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an occupation-centered curriculum as a foundation for occupational therapy education.
- To foster a more integrated and autonomous profession.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the 'idea of occupation'.
- Development of a practice-oriented rationale for curricular design.
- Formulation of recommendations for curriculum integration.
Main Results:
- An occupation-centered curriculum can unify practice, ideas, scholarship, and education.
- This model enhances autonomy for both the profession and its recipients.
Conclusions:
- Implementing an occupation-centered curriculum is crucial for future-oriented occupational therapy practice.
- This approach supports a self-defined and robust professional identity.