Enabling Strategies: Working with Communities & Populations

Abstract

This subject extends students’ understanding of the inter-relationship between social determinants and the health and well-being of people, communities, and populations. Students will explore the principles of health promotion and community development in the context of occupational therapy practice. Students will build on their knowledge of diversity within communities, Australian … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject extends students’ understanding of the inter-relationship between social determinants and the health and well-being of people, communities, and populations.

Students will explore the principles of health promotion and community development in the context of occupational therapy practice. Students will build on their knowledge of diversity within communities, Australian history and Indigenous Australian culture, in order to design programs for communities and/or populations that are meaningful and culturally responsive.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Social model of health;Social determinants of health and equity principles;International health promotion conventions;Equity and the politics of health care;Racism and discrimination, stigma and stereotyping, power and privilege;Indigenous health promotion, community development and building partnerships;Community profiles, needs assessment and consultations;Program development, implementation, and evaluation;Trauma … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Social model of health;
Social determinants of health and equity principles;
International health promotion conventions;
Equity and the politics of health care;
Racism and discrimination, stigma and stereotyping, power and privilege;
Indigenous health promotion, community development and building partnerships;
Community profiles, needs assessment and consultations;
Program development, implementation, and evaluation;
Trauma informed care and practice; and
Culturally safe practice.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

prepare and present a researched argument about a contemporary community health, population and/or social issue that makes connections between the issue and the social determinants of health;

design an occupation-based community program that is based on the principles of health promotion and community development and cultural responsiveness;

justify how design decisions for a community program reflect the principles of health promotion, community development, and cultural responsiveness;

collaboratively develop and write clear and measurable goals that integrate information gathered during the assessment process;

analyse a health promotion and/or a community based program for cultural responsiveness and identify if strategies used have been developed respectfully, and in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and

reflect on their own cultural responsiveness and how this influences personal and professional decision making.

Assumed knowledge

Knowledge of and skills in professional decision-making and critical thinking as applied to various client-based scenarios; understanding of and ability to apply key theoretical models, research and theories related to occupational therapy practice; understanding of person-centred practice. Understanding of the role of occupational therapy and group work in the field of psychosocial health and wellbeing; knowledge of the benefits of group work in contemporary practice; knowledge and skill in professional reasoning and occupation-focused group work in a variety of group therapy programs; client/patient engagement skills

Enrolment restrictions

Students must be enrolled in Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or Bachelor of Occupational Therapy(Honours)