Occupational Therapy Roles in an Indigenous Context: An Integrative Review.

Occupational Therapy Roles in an Indigenous Context: An Integrative Review. Can J Occup Ther. 2020 Jun;87(3):200-210 Authors: White T, Beagan BL Abstract BACKGROUND.: Indigenous peoples experience health inequities linked in part to lack of access to culturally-relevant health care. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) calls on all health professionals, including occupational therapists, to reduce health inequities through improved work with Indigenous communities. PURPOSE.: This integrative review of the literature explores how occupational therapists can improve their work with Indigenous peoples. KEY ISSUES.: Communication and building relationships are central to effective work with Indigenous communities, along with reciprocity regarding knowledge exchange. Issues surrounding service provision are a significant concern, yet improvements are unlikely to be effective unless therapists can critically examine the (mainstream) Western cultural assumptions that infuse the profession and their own practices. IMPLICATIONS.: Though nascent, there are identified directions for occupational therapists to meet the TRC's calls for more competent health care. Researchers should explore best ways for therapists to critically interrogate taken-for-granted professional assumptions mired in Western colonialism. PMID: 32539540 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Tags: Can J Occup Ther Source Type: research