Indigenous Peoples and Occupational Therapy in Canada: A scoping review

Abstract

Background. Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) necessitate critical reflection and urgent action to improve occupational therapy with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Purpose. This scoping review aims to synthesize the literature related to Indigenous Peoples and occupational therapy practice, research, and education in Canada, and appraise empirical research using adapted Indigenous Health Research criteria. Method. A scoping review was conducted across published academic and grey literature with additional appraisal of empirical studies. Findings. A total of 6 themes emerged from 47 articles spanning from 1970 to 2020: recognizing colonial history, responding to the TRC, participating in personal and professional reflection, identifying Western ideologies, engaging in partnership in practice, and recognizing social and systemic barriers. Empirical studies met appraisal criteria inconsistently. Implications. To meaningfully engage in reconciliation, the profession of occupational therapy must generate Indigenous-led and relevant research, critically transform curricula, and address tensions between themes in practice.

Knowledge Gaps Regarding Indigenous Health in Occupational Therapy: A National Survey

“…Some health districts (e.g., British Columbia and Manitoba) have mandated cultural safety training for healthcare professionals working with Indigenous Peoples ( Robinson-Settee et al, 2021 ). Occupational therapy programs at Canadian universities have undertaken initiatives to address the TRC and implement cultural safety curriculum; however, only four programs have published about their curriculum changes in response to the TRC ( Bauer et al, 2022 ). Most respondents who participated in training did so through their workplace.…”

“…An empirical understanding of the current knowledge of practicing occupational therapists will contribute to the growing body of literature within the profession related to occupational therapy and Indigenous health in Canada ( Bauer et al, 2022 ; White & Beagan, 2020 ). Since the inception of this project in 2018, there has been a substantial increase of published research in this area ( Bauer et al, 2022 ). However, there has not been a study identifying the present knowledge gaps of occupational therapists in Canada.…”

Rapid Reviews to Support Practice: A Guide for Professional Organization Practice Networks

“…Two or more relevant databases are often searched for rapid reviews with the following databases most commonly cited: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library ( Abou-Setta et al, 2016 ; Polisena et al, 2015 ; Tricco et al, 2015 ). Additional databases that are commonly used within Occupational Therapy reviews and should be considered include CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycInfo (e.g., Bauer et al, 2022 ; Marcotte et al, 2020 ; Wallis et al, 2020 ). Further, involving subject matter experts and healthcare librarians with experiences in reviews can aid in the efficient development of a comprehensive search strategy ( Dudden & Protzko, 2011 ; Lefebvre et al, 2019 ).…”