Re‐engaging in our role with communities: The coupling of occupational therapy and community development

Abstract

Introduction: A growing number of occupational therapists are re-engaging in work with communities and populations to advance a social justice agenda. To assist in this endeavour, many are coupling occupational therapy and community development theory, as reflected in the social occupational therapy field. Social occupational therapy practitioners work with groups of people who do not necessarily have a health diagnosis or illness but who nonetheless experience occupational issues due to structural barriers within society. Practitioners work across micro-and macro-levels to not only alleviate symptoms of these issues but also to transform their root causes.Although community development is a logical partner to assist such practice, there are inherent tensions in the coupling of these disciplines. This study aimed to explore what theory occupational therapists were using from occupational therapy and community development to guide them in their social occupational therapy practice. Methods: This study employed a collaborative and participatory qualitative research method. Four occupational therapy community development practitioners each participated in two one-on-one dialogical interviews with the first author. These were transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis. Findings: Findings were grouped into two themes: (a) Occupational therapy and community development -synergies and tensions, and (b) Of the profession but not in it. Findings highlighted the theoretical shortcomings of occupational therapy for community development practice, theoretical tensions between the two disciplines, and the 'underground' nature of occupational therapy community development practice. Conclusion:Practitioners should be supported by the occupational therapy profession to be effective community development practitioners, capable of advancing the profession's vision of social justice. Future research should explore methods to support practitioners to navigate tensions between occupational therapy and community development, and bring this practice 'above ground'.

The role of Occupational Therapy in community development to combat social isolation and loneliness

“…Indeed, occupational therapists can offer these stimulating activities and understand the value of occupations serving as a conduit to foster connectedness to the broader community while affirming the worth of the individual (Hammell, 2014; Lauckner et al, 2019). Therefore, occupational therapists should be supported to further develop their skills and knowledge to increase roles within community development (Irvine-Brown et al, 2021). Regrettably, restrictive delivery parameters, inadequate funding for population health initiatives and limited community development curriculum serve as barriers to community development practices being included as mainstream Occupational Therapy roles (Gillen and Greber, 2014; Hyett et al, 2016; Scaffa and Reitz, 2013).…”

“…Asset-based approaches, which analyse and utilise the strengths of an individual, the environment and community where people live and function, are inherent within the standards of Occupational Therapy practice (Royal College of Occupational Therapists, 2021). Therefore, occupational therapists should be supported to further develop their skills and knowledge to increase roles within community development (Irvine-Brown et al, 2021).…”

Perceptions of occupational therapists in the United Kingdom on the applicability of the reflective framework for community development in occupational therapy

“…This may be due to a lack of guidance in the required processes, limiting capacity and confidence to engage in such roles (Lauckner et al, 2007; Leclair, 2016). Irvine-Brown et al (2021) observed that occupational therapists may apply a medical and individualistic lens while trying to address social justice issues with communities, leading to inappropriate and ineffective interventions. These may ameliorate the symptoms of social inequalities for some individuals, but they do not address the underlying root causes or empower community groups.…”

International community of practice: learning from experiences of community development and social occupational therapy

“…More recent approaches to community development emphasise social change, collective action, and mutual respect (Gilchrist & Taylor, 2022) and challenge practitioners to configure themselves as a resource for the community, valuing local knowledge and addressing structural oppression (Freire, 1972). Community development is used by occupational therapists and occupational scientists globally in pursuit of social justice and change (Irvine-Brown et al, 2021). Social occupational therapy, which was developed in Brazil in the 1970s, focuses on social issues by advocating for actions also beyond the healthcare system to address human rights and social justice through social inclusion and participation.…”