Occupational therapists as healthcare team members: A review of the literature

Abstract

The use of healthcare teams as a method of service delivery is widespread. Most occupational therapists work as part of a healthcare team. There has been a paucity of documented research that has investigated Australian occupational therapists' practice within the context of a healthcare team. The aim of this literature review is to develop a picture of occupational therapists' practice within healthcare teams by considering what is known about healthcare teams and occupational therapists. This picture has been used to suggest the professional and personal characteristics of occupational therapists that influence their comfort within a healthcare team. Recommendations for future research are made.

Development of a distance education palliative care programme for allied health professionals in Australia

“…Much has been written about the differences between multi-and inter-disciplinary teams in palliative care (Ajemian, 1995). The ideal is the interdisciplinary team where there is communication between the health professionals involved and an attempt to coordinate treatment between them (Griffin, 1996). Griffin (1996) discusses the problems that health professionals may have with understanding the skills and responsibilities of their team colleagues because of the influence of stereotypes.…”

“…The ideal is the interdisciplinary team where there is communication between the health professionals involved and an attempt to coordinate treatment between them (Griffin, 1996). Griffin (1996) discusses the problems that health professionals may have with understanding the skills and responsibilities of their team colleagues because of the influence of stereotypes. In the Delphi study (Dawson, 1994), some occupational therapists in major teaching hospitals reported that they could not cover particular aspects of care due to the fact that this was the responsibility of another health professional.…”