The role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands: experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists and rehabilitation health workers

H Boseto; Marion Gray; Ruth Langmead

doi:10.22605/RRH5376

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The role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands: experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists and rehabilitation health workers

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

The role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands: experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists and rehabilitation health workers

H Boseto, Marion Gray and Ruth Langmead

Rural and Remote Health, Vol.19(4), 5376

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22605/RRH5376

PMID: 31630527

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Abstract

community based rehabilitation

developing countries

health promotion

occupational therapy

Solomon Islands

Introduction: In most Western countries occupational therapy is well established as a crucial aspect of overall health care; however, in low-middle-income countries it is still an emerging profession. This article investigates the role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands by examining the experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists (OTs) and other rehabilitation health workers who have worked there. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, participants were recruited using purposive sampling, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews, diary entries and observations of an occupational therapy setting in the Solomon Islands. Ten participants were interviewed. Results: A significant role in health-promoting practices was revealed through the various tasks undertaken by OTs in the Solomon Islands, including influencing health policy and practice broadly through advocacy and education. Challenges relating to geography, cultural, language and resource barriers, and professional practice issues were identified. Implications for practice were drawn from the data including the need for culturally safe practice, pragmatism, creativity and practising across disciplinary boundaries. Conclusions: Results illustrate a clear role for occupational therapy in promoting health and sustainability of rehabilitation therapy services in the Solomon Islands, which also have relevance throughout Pacific island nations.

Details

Title: The role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands: experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists and rehabilitation health workers
Authors: H Boseto (Author) - Ecological Solutions-Solomon Islands (ESSI), Solomon Islands
Marion Gray (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health & Sport Sciences
Ruth Langmead (Author) - Curtin University
Publication details: Rural and Remote Health, Vol.19(4), 5376; 8
Publisher: Australian Rural Health Education Network
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.22605/RRH5376
ISSN: 1445-6354
PMID: 31630527
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451407102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

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