Introduction: Occupational participation is foundational to the inception, growth and identity of occupational therapy. Yet there are barriers to providing occupation-based practice in various settings and health systems. This session will present key global learning from authoring a book about occupation. Concepts related to occupational science, occupation-based practice, education, and future directions will be discussed.
Objectives:
- Discuss research-based information on key concepts of occupation for occupational therapy
- Consider global perspectives of occupational science and occupational therapy and implications for higher education settings
- Present future directions implementing emerging technologies in occupational therapy
Approach: This presentation will include insights and practical applications of evidence-based concepts from occupational science as it interfaces with iccupational therapy and future science predictions. The presenter will include current research, experience, and educational and practice-based examples.
Practice Applications: There are wide differences in perception and application of occupation-based practice. Local and global understanding, educational practices, and justice-based considerations contribute to variations in the delivery of occupational therapy. Continued discourse facilitates multiple ways of knowing and collective understanding of current and future directions for our profession.
Conclusion: With the changing face of global health care and emergence of new technologies, occupational therapists must respond to the times while holding to the core occupational tenets of our profession. Collaborative work across regions, practice areas, and professional roles will continue to grow our profession for decades to come.