OCCU 5003: Dimensions of Professional Practice
Institution: Dalhousie University
Key Topics Covered:
What is clinical reasoning?
What is critical thinking?
Methodologies for implementation
Definition:
Schell & Schell (2008): "The process used by practitioners to plan, direct, perform and reflect on client care."
AOTA, Boyt et al. (2014): "Same definition emphasizing planning and reflection."
Young et al. (2020): "Reflective thinking or reasoning in managing clinical problems."
Guides Practice: Provides structure for effective clinical practice.
Encourages Best Practices: Promotes the use of theory and evidence-based practices.
Enhances Problem Solving: Increases effectiveness in addressing client challenges.
Supports Client-Centered Care: Fosters self-reflection and critical thinking.
Improves Safety: Decreases misunderstandings and misdirections in care.
Professionalism: Enhances autonomy, competence, and accountability.
Identifies Knowledge Gaps: Helps clinicians recognize areas needing further development.
Antecedents and Attributes:
Scientific evidence-driven
Professional ethics-driven
Practical context-driven
Client's narrative-driven
Scientific Evidence-Driven:
Based on hypothesis formulation and testing;
Focus on systematic information gathering;
Important for novice practitioners.
Professional Ethics-Driven:
Emphasizes 'what should be done' over 'what could be done';
Manages complex issues and ethical dilemmas;
Engages in self-reflection and dilemma analysis.
Practical Context-Driven:
Considers time, space, and economics in therapy;
Integrates practical considerations into intervention recommendations.
Client’s Narrative-Driven:
Focuses on the meaning of occupations;
Encourages client and family participation in care.
Description of Steps:
Description: Understand the characters and goals.
Observe: Identify contributing factors and client reactions.
Link to Knowledge Base: Recognize existing knowledge and gaps.
Hypothesis: Analyze cues and interpretations.
Implement: Decide on actions and responsibilities.
Evaluate: Assess the outcomes versus expected results and client feedback.
Alice:
87-year-old with right hemiparesis after a stroke;
Experienced extensive therapy but struggles with basic activities;
Desires to return to swimming, highlighting the importance of valued occupations.
Definition:
An engaged process for examining beliefs and knowledge;
Challenges dominant ideologies and power structures.
Core Characteristics:
Involves questioning assumptions;
Not merely problem-solving or reasoning.
Interpretation: Categorize and clarify meaning.
Analysis: Examine ideas and identify arguments.
Inference: Query evidence and draw justified conclusions.
Evaluation: Assess credibility and quality of arguments.
Explanation: State results and justify methods.
Self-Regulation: Engage in self-monitoring and correction.
Literature Review Questions:
Assess arguments and supporting evidence;
Identify theoretical perspectives and underlying assumptions.
Clinical Practice Questions:
Evaluate messages and evidence presented to clients;
Reflect on power dynamics within client interactions.
Clinical Scenario:
Anja's experiences with Jude, a client with a complex case;
Issues with attendance resulting in discharge per clinic policy.
Clinical Reasoning: Enhances decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
Critical Thinking: Challenges problematic assumptions, guiding effective professional interactions.
Reflection: Identifying gaps in knowledge aids in professional development and future practices.
Topic: Professional Boundaries