Introduction / Rationale: Change is a constant in the global society today. With ever increasing technological capabilities, healthcare complexities and borderless access to others, it's imperative for occupational therapists and occupational therapy asisstants to understand change models and how to apply them to everyday work experiences. In addition, OT leaders need to drive change to be on the cutting age of innovation to best meet occupational needs of a diverse community of clients.
Objectives: 1. Understand categories of change in multi-cultural societies today 2. Identify traditional and innovative models of leadership and change processes 3. Apply current change models to relevant case examples. Methods / Approach: This session will provide an overview of change factors that occupational therapists are faced with in work environments today. Traditional and contemporary change process models will be shared, with examples of application to occupational therapy settings. International literature review highlights will be reviewed that emphasize how leadership has shaped change within occupational therapy and how future drivers of change will create innovative opportunities for therapy successes in a variety of cultures. Themes will be identified for success change makers for the audience to be able to apply key principles of transformational change that will keep the profession on the cutting edge. Case examples will be provided.
Results / Practice Implications: It is imperative that change be accepted, understood and managed well, for occcupational therapists to manage change effectively. Results of key studies will indicate the strategies for effective change management.
Conclusion: Occupational therapists who manage change effectively, and even drive change, will make a significant difference in the profession.