Rehabilitation in a municipal setting: A qualitative study of occupational therapists’ contribution to acquired brain injury rehabilitation
Abstract
Introduction: As a consequence of the Norwegian coordination reform, patients now spend less time in
hospital and are sent back to the municipality earlier than before. Studies show that occupational therapists
experience acquired brain injury (ABI) patients a complex working field, and in some situations the
occupational therapists fail to believe in their own professional expertise.
Objective: The goal of this study was to explore how the professional expertise of occupational therapists
working with ABI rehabilitation in a municipal service provision is understood.
Material and Methods: The study had a qualitative approach where 5 focus group interviews with municipal
coordinating units of rehabilitation and 1 mono-professional focus group interview with occupational
therapists working in municipal service were conducted. Data were analysed using systematic text
condensation.
Findings: The occupational therapists working in a municipal service have a diverse base of knowledge
and label themselves as rehabilitators with multiple collaboration partners. The occupational therapists’
holistic view and area of expertise within environmental adaptation, compensatory aids, and cognition are
valuable in the municipal setting.
Concluding remarks: The study indicates that the occupational therapists in municipal service practice
within several fields of expertise. The occupational therapists area of expertise within compensatory aids,
environmental adaptation, and cognition are valued in ABI rehabilitation in a municipal setting. Their
professional expertise which is based on a practical synthesis of knowledge enable the occupational
therapists to cross boundaries in the interprofessional collaboration, where they contribute to the
rehabilitation process as rehabilitators with a wide holistic view.
Description
Master i rehabilitering og habilitering