By Catherine George, ElizabethMary Thomas, Grace Elizabeth Muppidi, and Reema Samuel
Want to learn more about the growing practice of occupational therapy in India? Read this knowledge summary to explore challenges and lessons learned, from the importance of decolonizing OT theories to cultural humility within the profession.
Riya Shah
Read this article to learn about the role occupational therapists can play in the lives of 2SLGBTQPIA+ older adults! This article covers health disparities experienced by this community and reflexivity as a healthcare provider.
A central component of occupational therapy (OT) education is the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills on clinical placements. Students typically participate in several placements, each under the full-time supervision of an occupational therapist. Approximately 5% of placements in Canada are classified as role-emerging placements (REPs) (1). In REPs, the placement setting is an organization that does not have an occupational therapist on staff. Two students work together to independently carve out a role for occupational therapy for the organization’s clientele over the course of the placement. While this role varies according to the nature of the organization, common components include the development of group treatment programs, the creation of educational resources, and the administration of equipment assessments, such as assessing a client with mobility needs for a walker. A professional employee of the organization supervises the students on-site, while a registered occupational therapist outside of the organization provides around eight hours of mentorship per a week.
REPs provide a range of potential benefits to students, the target organization, and the profession of OT as a whole. Through REPs, students and professors are able to initiate placement opportunities that facilitate student development of unique and timely skills. By definition, these placements fill healthcare gaps by providing OT services to clients who would otherwise have limited or no access to the profession (1,2). The increased use of REPs has led to an increase in both student willingness to work in non-traditional settings such as not-for-profit organizations and has also added to a number of new job opportunities in such settings (2). Successful REPs through the University of Alberta have resulted in the establishment of permanent OT services at both the Bissell Centre, a not-for-profit organization that supports low-income and homeless Edmontonians, and Henwood Treatment Centre, a residential addictions treatment centre in Edmonton (1).
Summer Hart
The overrepresentation of individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system has been well-documented, however, correctional services are often ill-equipped to address this topic. Through an exploration of relevant research, this article calls for an expanded role of occupational therapy within Mental Health Courts and elucidates what this re-envisioning can entail.
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