When I was at my second clinical affiliation following an entry-level
masters OT education program I was faced with this issue. To put it in
context of time, it was about 10 years ago. I was asked by my clinical
instuctor (an OT practicing for 4+ years, and I'm paraphrasing her), "what
is the most important part of what we as OTs do?" Just getting out of the
books and in the "real world" I answered to the effect that is is important
for us to identify the meaningful aspects of the persons life, helping them
to be capable of accomplishing purposeful and meaning life activies
(occupations as the present synonym). Her response to me was as if I had
not learned a thing from her. She replied to the effect the we as OTs need
to help people to "function".
I believe that most OTs primarily understand function while the reimbursers,
etc. know nothing about occupation. I used the term "synonym" above when
equating my 10 year old "purposeful and meaningful activities" to
"occupations". I believe OT is far more than "function", yet through
functionality one may be capable of completing "purposeful and meaningful
activities". The language to me is ambiguous. The potential outcomes are
gifts of life.
I don't see this ambiguity as being new to OT, but part of our existence.
As I practice more I find a greater appreciation for helping a person become
"functional". It is in how we direct that intervention and guide that
development process in the client that we discover whether or not we are
considering "occupation" or "meaningful/puposeful activities". Is
"occupation" the outcome or part of the guiding process? What about
"function"?
It is important that we as OTs can have ongoing discussions (potentially
like this one) to help develop these concepts within the profession.
Academia and practicing professionals across our ever more fragmented
"identity crisis" need to share a common language. From this process we can
share the importance of these concepts not only among ourselves, but with
other professionals, payers, etc.
My long-winded two cents.
Aaron Eakman
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Carson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 9:54 AM
Subject: Occupation versus function
> Do you guys think that our profession should primarily communicate to
> other professionals, reimbursers and among ourselves using
> occupational terminology or functional terminology.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ron
>
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