Values of Occupational Therapy: Quebec Occupational Therapists—Key Findings (2016)

Objective

This study aims to thoroughly investigate and articulate the fundamental professional values held by Canadian occupational therapists, with particular emphasis on the distinct perspectives of French-speaking practitioners located in Quebec. Understanding these values is crucial for reinforcing professional identity, guiding ethical decision-making, and ensuring culturally congruent and effective practice within diverse Canadian healthcare settings.

Methods

A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 26 occupational therapists. These interviews allowed for an in-depth exploration of individual experiences and perspectives, generating rich narrative data. The collected narratives underwent rigorous hermeneutic analysis, a qualitative methodology rooted in philosophical hermeneutics. This interpretive approach focused on understanding the meanings and interpretations embedded within the therapists' discourse, providing a deeper insight into their lived values and professional ethics. This method is particularly valued in human sciences for its capacity to uncover complex layers of meaning beyond surface-level observations.

Results

The in-depth analysis of the therapists’ discourses systematically identified sixteen key professional values. These included:

  • Autonomy: Respecting the client's right to self-determination and choice in therapy, empowering them in their recovery process.

  • Human dignity: Upholding the inherent worth and respect for every individual, irrespective of their condition or background.

  • Occupational participation: Facilitating engagement in meaningful life roles and activities, which is central to overall well-being and recovery.

  • Social justice and equity: Advocating for fair access to occupational opportunities and addressing systemic barriers that may hinder participation.

  • Professionalism: Adhering to high standards of conduct, knowledge, and expertise in all aspects of practice.

  • Holism: Considering the physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of a person, acknowledging their interconnectedness for comprehensive care.

  • Partnership, environment, or ecological approach: Emphasizing collaboration with clients and recognizing the profound influence of environmental factors on an individual's occupational performance.

  • Quality of life: Enhancing clients' overall well-being and satisfaction with life outcomes through targeted interventions.

  • Solicitude: Demonstrating genuine care, compassion, and concern for clients, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust.

  • Honesty: Practicing truthfulness and transparency in all professional interactions, including communication with clients and colleagues.

  • Integrity: Maintaining strong moral principles and ethical consistency in professional actions and decisions.

  • Health: Promoting and restoring the optimal physical and mental well-being of clients, aligning with the primary goals of healthcare.

  • Creativity: Employing innovative and adaptable approaches to problem-solving in practice, tailoring interventions to individual client needs.

  • Professional autonomy: Exercising independent judgment and clinical decision-making within the scope of practice.

  • Effectiveness: Striving for optimal, evidence-based outcomes and ensuring interventions are impactful and beneficial.

  • Spirituality: Acknowledging and integrating clients' spiritual beliefs and values into therapy where relevant, recognizing its role in holistic well-being.

Conclusions

The findings from this study largely align with and corroborate results from other empirical research conducted on occupational therapy values internationally, thereby strengthening the collective understanding of the profession's ethical foundations. The comprehensive articulation of these values holds significant implications: it can substantially reinforce professional identity among practitioners, providing a clear framework for their roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, this deepened understanding is instrumental in fostering highly ethical, culturally sensitive, and contextually appropriate professional practices, particularly vital in a multicultural nation like Canada, and specifically within the unique linguistic and cultural context of Quebec.

Keywords

Ethics, occupational therapists, occupational therapy, ontological axiology, phenomenology, professional identity, professional values