Findings from this study enhance our understanding of the natureand meaning of therapeutic relationships as theyare experienced by occupational therapists and underscore the importance of considering the personal contexts of practice. AbstractIn this study, we examine the nature and meaning of therapist-patient interactions from the perspective of the therapist. Qualitative analysis of phenomenalogic data from interviews with occupational therapists affirmed the importance of a sense of "connecting" in these relationships, and the predominance of "helping" and "working together" in forging those connections. The nature of helping, the nature of working together, and the personal nature of these experiences in occupational therapy are examined. Findings enhance our understanding of collaboration in occu-

This research examines the lived experiences of six novice occupational therapists (0-2 years experience) and eight career occupational therapists (> or = 5 years in the everyday practice in adult rehabilitation. The study focused specifically on therapists' experiences of working together with patients and the ways in which these experiences unfolded over the course of therapy. Data were generated using a combination of phenomenological interviews with all 14 therapist-participants (Phase I) and participant observation of four therapist-patient dyads throughout the course of rehabilitation therapy (Phase II). Verbatim transcriptions of all interviews from Phase I and Phase II and field notes from Phase II were analyzed using a narrative approach. The analysis revealed that Finding Common Ground was a shared meaning of working together with patients regarding therapy goals and expectations. Findings suggest that occupational therapists may resist negotiating differences with patients over therapy goals and expectations and instead rely primarily on compatibility as the basis of finding common ground. Findings reveal the importance for occupational therapists to be (1) open to negotiating differences with patients over goals and expectations, (2) aware of the ideologies that may influence their practices, and (3) adequately prepared to deal effectively with the challenging interpersonal aspects of practice.

Very little information is available on the role of occupational therapy in the care of cancer patients who are being actively treated for metastatic disease. To gain information on occupational therapy assessment and treatment procedures, we reviewed the records of 54 adult inpatients who received occupational therapy services during a hospital admission. We found that assessment focused on independent living skills, sensorimotor components, and therapeutic adaptations. Treatment also focused on these areas but placed heavy emphasis on physical daily living skills, range of motion, assistive/adaptive equipment, and energy conservation. These findings indicate that occupational therapy has a unique role in the physical care of cancer patients with metastatic disease.