Case management is a component of managed healthcare and is defined as a "collaborative process which assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet an individual's health needs, using communication and available resources to promote quality, costeffective outcomes" 1: 792. Case management originated in the 19 th century in the provision of services for impoverished people, followed by coordinated services in the 1970's, targeted towards people with mental health problems and deinstitutionalisation 2. Case management has been used and applied in various settings such as public health, mental health, social services and the insurance sector; and in the health care setting is generally driven by a nurse case manager 3. A range of health care professionals are designated as the case manager depending on the setting and the nature of the case. Occupational therapists are showing an interest in case management and are being challenged to adopt this role in order to succeed in the current health care environment 4. In this context case management in South Africa is being employed by occupational therapists within different areas of practice such as the insurance sector and health consulting as an approach to manage long term incapacity and disability in the workplace. A need for this service is likely to increase considering the upsurge in disability claims, incapacity and absenteeism in South Africa 5. Furthermore, the incidence of sick leave in South Africa has risen continuously over the past decade and sickness-related absenteeism has increased four-fold since 2007 6. Case management is further being utilised within the Road Accident Fund to aid motor vehicle accident vic

Job satisfaction is a well-known concept and is defined as the attitude of a worker towards his or her job, often expressed as a pleasurable response of liking and disliking the work itself, the rewards (pay, promotions, recognition) or the contexts (working conditions, colleagues)1. Whilst there have been international studies investigating the level of job satisfaction of occupational therapists, there are currently no studies carried out to date in South Africa. From a perusal of some of the international studies2-5, it appears as though the major contributor to job dissatisfaction is poor working conditions with factors supporting job satisfaction including enjoyment experienced from teamwork, that is, working with other occupational therapists and colleagues from other health backgrounds, client interaction and interpersonal relationships with co-workers, work that is challenging and rewarding, autonomy, reasonable workload, high quality supervision, and equitable salaries and a sense of pride and achievement when therapeutic goals are achieved. Anecdotal evidence from occupational therapists reveal that they appear to be dissatisfied with their jobs. This study was therefore positioned as a pilot study that may identify whether occupational therapists are satisfied with their jobs, but will also serve in creating a platform for further research and development in the professional discipline of occupational therapy.

Introduction. The Kawa Model is a conceptual occupational therapy model of practice that uses the metaphor of a river as a medium to support the exploration of self, life events, and environment. In this study, the Kawa Model was used by occupational therapy students during a practice placement in a remote community setting as a tool to support learning, build self-awareness, and promote reflection on personal and professional development. Method. The study used an exploratory qualitative research design. Six student participants were purposively recruited and orientated to the use of the Kawa Model at the beginning and throughout their remote community practice placement. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data which were analysed thematically using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Findings. Analysis of the student transcripts revealed three overarching themes: self-awareness, the development of personal and professional skills, and working with metaphor. All students identified the model as a reflective tool that enhanced their understanding of their student selves in a remote setting. The students described the growth of various professional skills including communication, goal planning, and confidence. Whilst initially students found the metaphor challenging to fathom, throughout their placement, they found it impactful for comprehending their development of self. Conclusion. This study revealed that the students’ self-awareness and personal and professional development were influenced by their engagement with and application of the Kawa Model. Repeated engagement with the Kawa Model enhanced the students’ journey of personal and professional skill development.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational Engagement is an inextricable component of life and is considered essential to human survival. Doing an occupation that is positively perceived (such as dance) can lead to the experience and expression of meaning which then enhances quality of life. This study aimed to explore the meaning that undergraduate Occupational Therapy students studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal attach to dance as an occupation METHOD: The study followed an exploratory qualitative research design with purposive sampling. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect data which were analysed thematically RESULTS: Five themes emerged: Centre stage (an exploration of factors motivating engagement); On Pointe (beneficial effects of dance); My Solo Dance Experience (the individual's journey whilst engaging); It Takes 2 to Tango (exploring the role of relationships) & Dancing to the Beat (exploring time available for engagement). The hidden complexities of 'meanings' attached to the occupation of dance emerged which were experienced as subjective and multi-dimensional CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the meanings attached to dance were based on individual experiences with the occupation, others and the environment. Engagement in the occupation of dance (doing) enhances personal growth (becoming) and becomes a part of the individual (being Keywords: doing; being; becoming; belonging; occupational engagement; occupational balance; occupation; dance; meaning