Decision-making in Occupational Therapy

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Abstract

In this subject students will develop knowledge of models, theories and frames of reference that underpin occupational therapy practice, identify decision points and considerations, practise making and justifying clinical decisions about practice scenarios, and reflect on the decision-making process. Students will contextualise decision-making as integral to their future professional practice and learn how different types of knowledge, models of practice, professional concepts, and ethical frameworks inform the professional decision-making process. Students will develop skills in making informed and respectful decisions to facilitate occupational participation across the lifespan and in a range of contexts. Factors including client goals, clinical and research evidence, legal and ethical requirements, and the practice and social contexts will be considered in relation to the decision-making process.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics: Occupational therapy practice concepts, professional reasoning, and decision-making;Occupational therapy models, theories and frames of reference to guide professional decision-making;Australian legal requirements relevant to occupational therapy when making decisions;Ethical challenges including maintaining professional boundaries, conflicts of interest, professional competence, managing resources, and power imbalance;Client … For more content click the Read More button below.

The subject will cover the following topics:

Occupational therapy practice concepts, professional reasoning, and decision-making;
Occupational therapy models, theories and frames of reference to guide professional decision-making;
Australian legal requirements relevant to occupational therapy when making decisions;
Ethical challenges including maintaining professional boundaries, conflicts of interest, professional competence, managing resources, and power imbalance;
Client and context considerations in relation to professional decision-making in occupational therapy practice;
Reflection on practice to inform current and future reasoning, decision-making, and service improvement; and
Occupational justice.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

describe and apply models, theories and frames of reference relevant to working with individuals, groups, and/or communities;

reflect on and describe the rationale for practice decisions to clients and/or relevant others;

demonstrate the application of models, theories, frames of reference and professional decision making to a range of clients and contexts;

demonstrate an understanding of legal considerations and requirements relevant to occupational therapy practice;

identify ethical challenges and apply a suitable process to justify professional decision making; and

describe issues of occupational justice and how these influence occupational therapy practice.

Assumed knowledge

Content from OCC104 & OCC105 is assumed knowledge.

It is recommended that OCC200 is completed concurrently with OCC220. Otherwise it is strongly recommended for students on an alternate pathway, that OCC200 is completed before OCC220.

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)