Occupational therapists' perspectives and role with illness-induced trauma from medical conditions
Date
2023
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Abstract
Illness-induced trauma might cause a disruption in an individual's occupational performance. This study examined occupational therapy practitioner's perspectives and role in addressing illness-induced trauma in practice. In this explanatory sequential mixed methods design, twenty-four occupational therapists completed an online survey and ten occupational therapists participated in a semi-structured 1:1 interview. Survey questions asked about their knowledge of illness-induced trauma. Interview questions asked therapists about how they incorporate illness-induced trauma knowledge and trauma-informed care into their practice. Quantitative results showed that the majority of occupational therapists did not receive formal trauma-informed care training, 96% agreed that psychological trauma has a significant impact on rehabilitation outcomes, and 8% agreed that current guidelines for trauma-informed care adequately consider the needs of clients with illness-induced trauma. Qualitative results indicated three major themes: occupational therapy approaches, illness-induced trauma's effect on rehabilitation, and barriers to providing trauma-informed care. Findings suggest that occupational therapy practitioners have a unique perspective on addressing illness-induced trauma and their ability to practice trauma-informed care could support a client's ability to process and heal after a traumatic medical event.
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Rights Access
Embargo expires: 08/28/2025.
Subject
medical condition
trauma
illness-induced trauma
trauma-informed care
occupational therapy