Introduction. The occupational therapy profession’s aim to facilitate socially acceptable and healthy occupations is challenged, due to the risk of leaving out occupations significant to our clients. The concept of unilluminated occupations (UO) has been developed shed lights to this dilemma and provide an understanding, that incorporates all occupations significant to our clients.
Objectives. To translate and explored Danish occupational therapists’ (OTs) attitudes and beliefs on the concept of UO.
Methods. A survey developed in the USA was translated into Danish and distributed to OTs across Denmark, including questions on the Danish wording of the concepts, establish through a content validity index. Data from the survey was subjected to a descriptive analysis. Qualitative data from the survey was expanded in individual and group in-depth interviews, and subjected to an inductive, hermeneutic analysis.
Results and conclusion. The respondents agreed that OTs must include examining the purpose and meaning of UO, however without having a responsibility to support performing these UO. The applied translation was deemed relevant in Danish. The qualitative analysis revealed different experiences and strategies and highlighted the importance of the therapist-client relationship for the outcome of the intervention to be successful. Means to handle the dilemma were requested.
Significance to the Occupational Therapy profession
Although the OTs were positive towards examining and acknowledging their clients’ UO, no clear consensus when addressing UO in interventions was seen. Further research might shed light on ways to approach UO both in assessment and intervention. The Danish terms appeared relevant to encompass UO.