Chapter 5: A Global Perspective of Occupational Therapy

  • What is Context?

    • Context = environment + situation around a person (social, physical, political, etc.).

    • Context changes what people can do, what’s important, and what resources they have.

    Why Culture & Context Matter in OT

    • Treating everyone the same = ignoring differences (not fair).

    • OTs must observe people in their real environments instead of making assumptions.

    • Example: Mealtime looks different in every culture—don’t assume one way is “right.”

    Culturally Responsive Care

    • Means being fair, respectful, and adapting care to people’s backgrounds.

    • Steps:

      1. Be aware of your own culture.

      2. Learn about others.

      3. Use skills that fit the client’s culture.

      4. Work in diverse settings.

      5. Respect multiculturalism.

    • Case Example (Thomas & Maria):

      1. Thomas learns about Maria’s Dominican culture.

      2. He adapts therapy (female therapist, family input, cooking routines).

      3. Result = care that matches her life.

    Education & Global Learning

    • Immersion & service-learning = going abroad or working in communities to learn firsthand.

    • Benefits: self-awareness, problem solving, new ideas, respect for different cultures.

    • Example: Helmet safety in Morocco done by youth = creative cultural solution.

    Teamwork (Interprofessional Education)

    • Different health workers team up for better results.

    • Everyone has a role—shared goals help clients more.

    • Example: Refugees need multiple supports (social workers, OTs, nurses, etc.).

    International Fieldwork

    • Students can train in other countries (with WFOT standards).

    • Challenges: language, cost, time zones, cultural adjustment.

    • Reflection (journals, discussions) helps process the experience.

    Global OT Practice

    • WFOT (World Federation of OT) = supports OT worldwide.

    • Key issues: funding, access to healthcare, telehealth, pandemic response.

    • Must balance independence vs interdependence values across cultures.

    • Models (MOHO, PEO, CMOP-E): all show that culture shapes how people do occupations.

    Occupational Justice

    • Everyone deserves the right to do meaningful activities.

    • OTs fight for equity (fairness), inclusion, and access to resources.

    • Recognize racism, poverty, and social barriers as health issues.

    Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in a Global World

    • OT decisions = mix of research + client needs + therapist experience.

    • Research may be limited in some countries → OTs must adapt evidence to culture.

    Study Activities

    • Learn about a culture outside your own.

    • Talk to someone from another country about health/disability.

    • Explore OT in another country.

    • Take cultural sensitivity tests and work on improving.

    👉 Main Idea:

    OT must respect culture & context, adapt care to each person’s life, and fight for fairness so everyone can do meaningful activities.