Curriculum Information

This module will provide an understanding of the foundations on which contemporary occupational therapy theory and practice is built and delivered. Through developing an understanding of 21st Century health and social care, key legislative and policy frameworks and drivers for change, students will begin to understand the breadth and nature of occupational therapy practice.

By developing the students' analytical skills in relation to individual, group, community and population occupational engagement and participation, students will begin to understand the complexities and relationships of the interactions between person - environment - occupation and performance.

Starting with reflection on their own valued occupations or occupational goals, students will begin to analyse the physical, temporal, and psychosocial aspect of occupational participation/engagement.

Case studies and workshops looking at typical occupations across the life cycle (young person, adult, and older person) placed within local, regional, and international real-world contexts will be used to explore people, communities and populations, to examine the requirements for occupational engagement and performance.

An understanding of the American Occupational Analysis Framework (AOAF) and other occupational analysis frameworks will be used to ensure a person centred and holistic occupational therapy approach to begin the assessment and planning journey.

Topics include: -

The history, milestones and turning points of the profession (nationally and internationally) that informs contemporary practice.

An understanding of modern Health and Social Care provision and practice. The place of occupational therapy and allied health professionals in primary, secondary, tertiary and 3rd Sector care.

The philosophy of Occupational Therapy and the importance of person-environment occupation and performance.

Introduction to Occupational Science and its application within occupational therapy practice and the promotion of occupational justice towards an inclusive society.

Exploration of people as occupational beings throughout the life cycle, starting with self-reflection on own occupations (including intrinsic and extrinsic impacting factors and characteristics of the activity) and moving towards understanding others, communities, and populations. The impact of unconscious bias will be explored.

An introduction to creativity and play, and the importance for health and wellbeing.

An introduction to models of reflection and the use of reflection to inform practice.

Exploration of the environment in which young people, adults and older adults perform and participate in occupations. These extrinsic factors will enable students to identify difference in social support, economic systems, cultures, and values, built environment and assistive technology and the natural environment, and the impart that these have on occupational performance, participation, and quality of life for individuals, groups, and communities.

Exploration of personal intrinsic characteristics that promote occupational performance, participation, and wellbeing across the life cycle, including:
Physiological
Psychological
Motor
Sensory/Perceptual
Cognitive
Spiritual
Exploration of major transitions across the life cycle,

This module will integrate understanding gained from the biopsychosocial foundation module.

Occupational Analysis as a tool to understand the demands to occupation participation and performance.
Use of occupational analysis frameworks to record the analysis of a chosen individual’s occupational performance thus beginning to develop observational, interviewing and reporting skills.

Awareness of the importance of always working in the best interest of the service user, building professional relationships and gaining informed consent prior to assessment.

Record keeping and recording the outcomes of occupational analysis, understanding the need for confidentiality.