Eagers, Jackie, Franklin, Richard, Broome, Kieran, and Yau, Matthew (2021) A framework to guide occupational therapy scope of practice in the transition from work-to-retirement. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 68 (Suppl. 1). p. 160.

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Abstract

Introduction: Work provides identity and shapes life, making the transition from work-to-retirement a major life event. Retirement precipitates a change in occupations people engage in. Occupational therapists are in a position to work within the work-to-retirement space. However, there is a paucity of literature on the occupational therapy scope of practice in the work-to-retirement transition.

Objective: To explore the scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition in Australia.

Method: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with Australian occupational therapists (n=14). Participants were recruited through special interest groups, the research teams’ network, social media and snowballing. Thematic analysis was used to explore the data.

Results: Occupational therapists currently enable engagement in meaningful occupation in the transition from work to retirement within the home, workplace and community using a variety of tools (models, assessments and approaches). However, most services are provided through the course of other work occupational therapists engage in, e.g., occupational rehabilitation, limiting service provision.

Practice Implications: A framework structured around who, what, when and where is provided to guide the application of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition. Enablement skills are applied and contextual influencers are acknowledged. The work-to-retirement transition is situated both within its own unique practice area and within other occupational therapy practice areas.

Conclusion: Occupational therapists have the skills and expertise to work within the work-to-retirement transition space. The proposed framework assists in articulating the scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition.

Item ID:	79417
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	1440-1630
Copyright Information:	© 2021 Occupational Therapy Australia. Copyright of individual abstracts remains with the authors.
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2023 22:53
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420104 Occupational therapy @ 100%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2003 Provision of health and support services > 200301 Allied health therapies (excl. mental health services) @ 50% 20 HEALTH > 2005 Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) > 200502 Health related to ageing @ 50%
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