Curriculum Information

This module will develop the skills and knowledge to recognise health, social and environmental issues, and the impact that these have on occupational engagement and participation. The role of the occupational therapist and other professionals in instigating universal and targeted change to a more inclusive and participatory society will be explored in relation to public health, health prevention and reducing health and occupational inequalities and disparities, in individuals, their wider families and communities and populations.

Students will be introduced to the concept of quality improvement and how this links to the Occupational Therapy process and the development of research skills, which will be a key theme throughout the curriculum.

Using live data and considering the health improvement policies and priorities students will be able to identify key health and social care needs, make initial observations, develop questions to ask and develop a health promotion intervention for a chosen population.

The development of early academic skills will be framed in the context of becoming an early researcher, as evidence-based practitioners. The development of communication skills to ensure accessible engagement with a range of stakeholders, including individuals, communities and populations.

Topics will include:

An introduction to sustainable health and social care, including an understanding of current health and social care systems.

Developing early academic skills to communicate findings and enable academic achievement. Utilise qualitative and quantitative research skills to inform evidence-based practice.

Introduction to reflective practice and models of reflection.

The centrality of occupation in enabling and maintaining health and wellbeing across the lifespan.

The evidence-base for occupational engagement that leads to belonging (a sense of connectedness) though doing, being and becoming (Hitch et. Al 2014).

The importance of occupations undertaken with others to wellbeing, self-worth, and community functioning, including looking after own health and wellbeing.

Empowering people to manage their health and wellbeing.

The right to equitable occupational opportunities and choices.

The wider determinants of health and wellbeing - epigenomics, demography, social determinants, choice, cultural influences, inequalities and promoting a more inclusive and participatory society.

Understanding risk and exploring how change in behaviour can impact health prevention.

Prevention, population health and public health data to understand current societal/health/wellbeing challenges.

Integrated health and wellbeing – working inter-professionally to promote health and wellbeing.

The impact of illness on mental, physical and social wellbeing and occupational engagement.

Exploration of public health and wellbeing legislation and implications for contemporary occupational therapy practice e.g.,
Welsh Government (2020) Allied Health Professions Framework for Wales – Looking Forward Together.
Welsh Government (2019) A Healthier Wales: our plan for Health and Social Care
Public Health Wales Long Term Strategy 2018-2030: Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales
UK Allied Health Professions Public Health Strategic Framework.
Exploration of the lived experience, through narrative and personal stories (local, national and international) with consideration of ethics and consent.

Models of health and wellbeing promotion approaches, place-based approaches, strengthening community action, community development and asset-based approaches.

Utilising technology for health promotion and prevention.

Effective communication for promoting health and wellbeing (digital, verbal, written and non-verbal) for different populations

Facilitating behaviour change in the context of personalised care, community education and population engagement using evidence-based approaches such as making every contact count (MECC), motivational interviewing and supporting self-management.

Supporting early personalised care conversations emphasising strengths and assets and the co-production of goals with individuals, families, and wider communities. Obtaining informed consent.

Health education, health protection, public health, delivering sustainable and effective preventative healthcare services locally, nationally, and internationally.

Delivering fair, equitable and inclusive health and wellbeing promotion and prevention programmes.