Facilitators and barriers to community occupational therapy in France: Towards broadening the scope of practice of occupational therapists

Abstract

Context. For social, political or economic reasons, some communities are at increased risk of insecurity, social exclusion and occupational injustice. To reduce these situations, it is important to promote their health. Despite their expertise and the potential for occupational therapists to contribute to the promotion of community health, little is known about the development of community occupational therapy, particularly in France.

Objective. This study aimed to identify the elements that enable and impede the development of community-based occupational therapy practice in France.

Method. A qualitative clinical research study was conducted with seven French occupational therapists working in community settings using semi-structured individual interviews.

Results. Aged 23 to 53 years (median=43; semi-interquartile range 7.5), occupational therapists were predominantly female (n=6; 85.7%) with additional training (n=6; 85.7%). Elements enabling the development of community occupational therapy were its novelty, strong compatibility with values of community health, health policies further moving toward community principles, and occupational therapists’ knowledge and skills of this practice.

Conclusion. A commitment toward community-based practice would broaden the scope of intervention of occupational therapists to respond to emerging social issues in France. To eventually implement community-based occupational therapy, it is important to continue studies exploring how these enabling elements can be levers and barriers reduced.

Keywords

Community-based occupational therapy, health promotion, occupational participation