Curricula

Objective

Aim of the course:
The aim of the course is finding out where and how societal decision-making relevant to occupational therapy services takes place and how an occupational therapist can influence it. The evaluation and development of occupational therapy services are examined from the perspectives of a person-centered approach, the operating environment and consideration of service systems, with the aim of promoting clients’ equal access to services.

Competencies:
Ethics
Advocacy and service promotion
Responsibility and occupational justice

Learning Outcomes:
You know how to apply and use professional ethics guidelines in societal advocacy relevant to occupational therapy and promote all clients’ equal access to occupational therapy. You understand the role and position of occupational therapy in the service system and organisations. You recognise the decision-making processes related to the organisation of occupational therapy services. In advocacy and development work, you work in a person-centered manner together with clients. You take equality, non-discrimination and cultural sensitivity into account and defend clients' right to fulfil their occupational needs. You take on a proactive and innovative role in continuous evaluation and development of occupational therapy services. In development work, you account for changes in the operating environment and cost awareness, and inform networks and decision-makers of the outcomes.

Content

Processes and levels of societal decision-making relevant to occupational therapy services, including the national, regional and organisation levels. Occupational therapist’s possibilities and means of influencing decision-making, taking responsibility and fairness into account. An occupational therapist’s role in promoting occupational justice and accessibility of services. Accounting for a person-centered approach, the operating environment and service systems and cost awareness as the basis for evaluating and developing services. Communicating and disseminating information about the outcomes of development work on different communication channels.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Pass
You apply and use professional ethics guidelines in societal advocacy relevant to occupational therapy and promote all clients’ equal access to occupational therapy. You understand the role and position of occupational therapy in the service system and organisations. You recognise the decision-making processes related to the organisation of occupational therapy services. In advocacy and development work, you work in a person-centered manner together with clients. You take equality, non-discrimination and cultural sensitivity into account and defend clients' right to fulfil their occupational needs. You take on a proactive and innovative role in continuous evaluation and development of occupational therapy services. In the development work, you account for changes in the operating environment and cost awareness, and inform networks and decision-makers of the outcomes.