The current and future contribution of occupational therapy and occupational science to transforming the situation of forced migrants: Critical perspectives from a think tank

Abstract

This paper reports on the collective ideas of the occupational scientists and therapists who attended the "Refugees -Addressing Key Social Issues" think tank at the Occupational Science Conference held in Hildesheim (2017). Forced migration is recognized as a prevalent issue in today's society. Forced migrants face many occupational challenges, which are being exacerbated by restrictive migration policies. This paper outlines the discussions held during the think tank and presents an occupational perspective of forced migrants' needs, followed by a desired vision of what an occupationally just world would look like for forced migrants, and future directions to guide occupation-based social transformation.

Exploring the Role of Occupational Therapy and Forced Migration in Canada

“…As a means of continuing to enhance occupational principles and practices, we propose greater critical reflexivity by drawing on Ramugondo’s (2015, p. 488) concept of occupational consciousness: an “ongoing awareness of the dynamics of hegemony and recognition that dominant practices are sustained through what people do every day, with implications for personal and collective health”. In this way, occupational therapy has much to learn with and from occupational science at the forefront of critical research (Huot et al, 2020; Trimboli et al, 2019; Suleman & Whiteford, 2013) and practitioners with lived experience of displacement and/or actively engaging in collaborations with forced migrants. For occupational therapists working in forced migration, critical reflexivity and occupational consciousness means advocating for greater representation through recognition of the professional credentials of practitioners with lived experiences of (forced) migration, increasing knowledge of systemic issues related to migration, and nurturing networks focusing on meaningful partnerships.…”

“…These external factors may encompass fear of persecution, targeted oppression, or war/conflict as in the case of refugees 3 , asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons. Forced migration also describes displacement due to development projects, economic crises, and climate change (Trimboli, Rivas-Quarneti, Blankvoort, Roosen, Simó Algado, & Whiteford, 2019). While controversial, we use the term forced migration to capture the myriad complex experiences of involuntary mobility 4 .…”

The experience of meaning and value in occupations for forced migrants seeking asylum, and factors that facilitate occupational engagement: A meta-ethnography using a strength-based approach

“…Existing occupational science research has demonstrated how displacement impacts upon human occupation and has helped guide occupational therapy practice (Trimboli et al, 2019). Research has focused on: the impact of being excluded from work (Burchett & Matheson, 2010); challenges relating to resettlement (Mirza, 2012, Mayne et al, 2016 and the experiences of living in a refugee camp (Darawsheh, 2019).…”

“…Traditional occupational science theory risks perpetuating predominantly western-centric ideas about what occupations are considered meaningful or valued, particularly regarding the over-simplistic categorisation of occupations into domains of productivity, leisure, and self-care (Hammell, 2009). Research that reflects diverse cultures (Hammell, 2017) and conveys the perspectives of marginalised groups is needed to enable occupational therapists to provide effective, client-centred interventions (Trimboli et al, 2019). Beyond identifying barriers to participation, understanding the meaning of occupation during the asylum-seeking experience and the factors supporting engagement, can pave the way for strength-based approaches that draw upon the resilience and capabilities of people from forcibly displaced communities.…”

“…This study makes a strong case for occupational therapy in supporting people affected by displacement and trauma and for further research about ADL and suitable interventions for this population. Similarly, Trimboli et al (2019) emphasised the suitability of occupational therapy for addressing the needs of forced migrants. As the profession builds a united stance for helping displaced people, further research could be instrumental to lobby for the improvement of conditions and treatment of this population and argue the case for provision of occupational therapy.…”