Ergoterapeuter vil bidra med mer enn formidling av hjelpemidler i arbeidet med personer i livets sluttfase
Peer reviewed, Journal article
Published version
Date
2024Metadata
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Original version
Ergoterapeuten. 2024, 67 (3), 30-40.Abstract
Background: Occupational therapists’ competencies within activity
and participation in palliative care are sought to promote quality of
life of patients and caregivers. Provision of technical aids is, however,
reported by the occupational therapists as their dominant task. Little
is known about the service occupational therapists provide in palliative
care, and what affects the use of occupational therapy competencies.
Aim: To develop a greater understanding of the service occupatio-
nal therapists provide in palliative care in a community setting.
Method: In this qualitative descriptive study, individual semi-struc-
tured interviews were conducted with seven occupational therapists
working in palliative care in the municipal health service. Interviews
were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Occupational therapists describe their role within palliative
care as providers of technical aids. Although provision of technical aids
is important, the informants highlight the occupational therapy profes-
sion’s potential to contribute with other tasks.
Conclusion: Lack of confidence in their own competencies, colla-
borators’ limited knowledge about the profession, and lack of resour-
ces may hamper greater involvement in palliative care. Occupational
therapists appear to be an unexploited resource, and there is a need
to further promote the potential contributions of this profession within
palliative care.