Practical Actions Shaped by the Internal Structures of Occupational Therapists’ Professional Identities

Abstract

Background: This study aims to consider the internal structures of the professional identities that occupational therapists construct in clinical settings and to explore the differences of practices resulting from these structures. Methods: In completion of this study, a qualitative methodology based on a grounded theory approach was employed. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with 30 practicing occupational therapists in Japan. First, the internal structures in the participants' professional identities were identified and typified. Second, the participants' actions in their practices were analyzed. Results: We identified three types of internal structures of professional identities. One type focused on their knowledge and skills, whereas the second type placed more emphasis on empathizing with their clients. The third type showed flexibility, and therapists with this internal structure switched between various approaches, depending on situations. The internal structures that influenced therapists' practices were informed by six properties. Conclusion: Three types of professional identities and six properties were identified in the study. Of the three types of professional identities, the therapies of those whose typology was consistent with flexibility are expected to be the most beneficial for clients. Comments

Professional identity research in the health professions—a scoping review

“…Forty-five studies (28%) were concerned with the political, social and healthcare reforms and advances. This included the impact on professional identity (35 or 22%) (Bertin & Pantalone, 2019 ; Blomberg, 2016 ; Bludau, 2017 ; Bochatay, 2018 ; Brunton, 2017 ; Carpenter & Platt, 1997 ; Cascón-Pereira et al, 2016 ; Currie et al, 2010 ; Dahl & Clancy, 2015 ; de Meis et al, 2007 ; Feen-Calligan, 2012 ; Frechette et al, 2020 ; Furtaw, 2004 ; Gent, 2017 ; Gomaa, 1999 ; Handy et al, 2020 ; Hendrikx, 2018 ; Hurley, 2009 ; Iglesias & De Bengoa Vallejo, 2011 ; Kyratsis et al, 2017 ; Larsson et al, 2009 ; McMurray & Pullen, 2008 ; Mishra et al, 2012 ; O’Shea & McGrath, 2019 ; Ocek & Vatansever, 2014 ; Piil et al, 2012 ; Porter & Wilton, 2019 ; Sanders, 2019 ; Snelgrove, 2009 ; Takashima & Saeki, 2019 ; Thompson, 2005 ; Thomson et al, 2014 ; Vincifori & Molinar, 2014 ; Wiles & Vicary, 2019 ; Zufferey, 2012 ), the role of professional identity in adjusting to these reforms or advances (8) (Bertrand, 2009 , 2010 ; Dadich et al, 2015 ; Deppoliti, 2003 ; Franco & Tavares, 2013 ; Gregg & Magilvy, 2001 ; Hammond et al, 2016 ; Wright, 2007 ) as well as the broader impact of political and social reform on recruitment and retention of health care workers through professional identity effects (2) (Allen, 2011 ; Deppoliti, 2008 ).…”