An inspiring lecture

The first hour of our 3rd honours school was spent engaged listenning to a scholar from the OT school at AUT. What a research insiration it was listening about the trends and ideas about occupational science and how it is embedded in the occupational therapy literature (backing up or challenging it). Its great to finally meet the person you have heard about and read articles from.

When discussing the definition of occupation it reinforced to me the need to things about what,how, why, where, and when. The form/function and meaning of occupations. Sounds simple i know but thinking about a persons occupation i firstly think of "what it is" then "how they will/use to do it". As a new graduate in a fast paced acute environment i wondered if i do actually analyse why, where or when.. I'm sure i do but it did make me wonder
For ex. A patient who lives alone wants to and is going to return home in a few days - and needs to be able to function independantly and safely with fatigue .. Reflections on what/where/how/when/why
What-showering/bathing
Where-bathroom environment
How-independatly/assistance using aids or not
When-morning/night, before/after breakfast/tea
Why-return home and fx independantly/safely

So i guess by breaking a situation (assessment/treatment) down i do think about these. But i guess the idea that springs to mind is - if someone has been admitted to hospital there circumstances or conditions have changed, and the challenge is some of these questions may be hard to answer in the ward environment (espec how, and when considering the cognitive fx of the person)

On another note - i learnt that within the occupational therapy literature "we" or researchers are drawing on the knowledge of occupational science in order to back up or challenge our ideas.

I thought it was interesting how there has been an expansion of the research methods. The time georaphic method sounded very interesting to me, and i wondered how useful it would have been for my topic. It could be used to track what new graduates do during the day, there everyday life context - could be quite interesting i think. Mite look into this and see what studies have utilised this method for pure interest.

In addition it was very interesting that the topic of biculturalism came up (so important in New Zealand now). With traditional western perspectives of health which isnt enough in our society. Occupations differ emensly between different cultures, and it is so important that we understand why/how they do in order to continue to provide occupational therapy services that are culturally sensitive. So incorporating the individual in the society, their culture and i guess context and their world views. Ive learnt to understand that this is a huge area that requires research understand the impact of culture and meanings of occupation.

To conclude the final point or idea that i got out of the talk this morning was that "occupational therapist help people do well". Students and OT's often struggle to define what we do in a broad enough way to ensure that we are not understating our potential. I think this definition is great as it has enough scope to then further explain the terms "help" and "do well" e.g.how, what are the means etc.