Learning to Love the Questions

Occupational engagement: some assumptions to inform occupational therapy

Abstract Occupational engagement has been conflated with other concepts, such as participation, active occupational performance, and therapeutic engagement. This critical review will discuss occupational engagement as a unique concept that describes a form of involvement in doing that does not require performance and foregrounds the subjective-affective and cognitive experiences of doing. We present some attributes of occupational engagement and the implications for the lack of clarity of this concept within the literature. The difference between occupational engagement and therapeutic engagement is discussed by comparing the foundational tenets of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E). Through one illustrative narrative, we discuss how occupational engagement can be understood as a phenomenon that is not performance-dependent and has different levels of engagement. To conclude, we point out some assumptions about occupational engagement that can inform occupational therapy research and practice.

A scoping review of time-use research in occupational therapy and occupational science

BACKGROUND

Time use is a defining interest within occupational therapy and occupational science. This is evident through the range of contributions to the disciplinary knowledge base. Indeed it has been suggested that time-use methods are amongst the most established research techniques used to explore aspects of human occupation. However, the extent and nature of such activity in occupational therapy and occupational science has not been examined to date.

AIM

This study sought to map the extent and nature of time-use research in occupational therapy and occupational science journals and the extent to which studies explored the relationship between time-use and health.

METHOD

A scoping review method was used.

RESULTS

Sixty-one studies were included. Scandinavian countries contributed the largest number of studies (n = 16, 26%). While time-use diaries were used most frequently (n = 30, 49%) occupational therapists and occupational scientists have developed a range of data-collection instruments. Forty-nine studies (80%) focused on time-use in clinical or defined population sub-groups. Ten studies (16%) included an empirical examination of the relationship between time-use and health.

CONCLUSION

Future research should examine time-use and health amongst well populations across the lifespan and in different parts of the world.

Using population-Level Time Use Datasets to Advance Knowledge of Human Activity, Participation and Health

Time use is of enduring interest to occupational therapists and occupational scientists. However, occupational researchers have yet to exploit fully the potential of large population-level time use datasets. A brief overview of the historical development and current activities within time use research internationally is presented. Whilst acknowledging the challenging nature of this type of research, the authors explore some of the opportunities offered by the secondary analysis of large time use datasets for occupational therapy and occupational science researchers who seek to advance knowledge of human activity, participation and health.

Questioning: a critical skill in postmodern health-care service delivery

Occupational therapists can no longer rely exclusively on biomedical frameworks to guide their practice and facilitate clinical problem-solving. A postmodernist perspective of health and well-being underlines that the illness experience is not a linear, cause-and-effect equation. Rather, life experiences are constructed through a myriad of social, cultural, physical and economic contexts that are highly unique to each individual. In other words, the assumption that 'one-size-fits-all' is as flawed in health care as it is in clothing design. This paper contributes to the growing discussion of health care within the postmodern context of the twenty-first century through first presenting a brief discussion of emerging postmodern thinking and application within the profession, followed by a rationale for the need to scrutinise prevalent modernist assumptions that guide decision-making. Finally, the paper introduces the method of Socratic questioning as a critical tool in successfully carrying out this scrutiny in an empowering and respectful manner for all stakeholders.

A model of mentorship in occupational therapy: the leadership of a. Jean ayres

Over a period of 30 years, Dr. A. Jean Ayres conducted and disseminated research related to the theory and practice of sensory integration. The Center for the Study of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction was established to promote Ayres' research with 66 faculty members recruited by 1982. To describe how Dr. Ayres may have influenced the occupational therapy profession, a survey was conducted to document the scholarly/leadership productivity of Sensory Integration faculty. Of the 66 faculty members, 48 were located and sent survey packets. The return rate was 79% (n = 38). Respondents documented their productivity in eight categories and answered 18 questions about their leadership qualities. Ninety-seven percent of respondents indicated that Ayres had professionally influenced them. Fifty-one percent of respondents had doctorate degrees with 78% reported having academic teaching experience. This group of 38 professionals had produced 438 peer-reviewed articles, 707 nonpeer-reviewed publications, and 265 grants. Ayres' legacy is continued with the scholarly work of the Sensory Integration faculty who received professional mentorship.