Occupational Therapy Roles in an Indigenous Context: An Integrative Review.
Can J Occup Ther
; 87(3): 200-210, 2020 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32539540
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.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Indians, North American
/
Occupational Therapy
/
Communication
/
Professional Role
/
Cultural Competency
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
/
Systematic_reviews
Aspects:
Equity_inequality
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Can J Occup Ther
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article