Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Preparing for the Future:Preparing for the Future:
Current trends, occupational therapy and the role of the
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Claudia von Zweck, PhD, OT (c) May 14, 2007
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Objectives:Objectives:
• Identify current trends• Review implications for occupational therapy• Promote practice strategies • Discuss role of the Canadian Association of
Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
CAOT is the national voluntary professional association for occupational therapists in Canada
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Role of a professional association
• Information and resources• Membership services• Advocacy and representation• Professional standards
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
• Reviews factors influencing practice• Used for monitoring and planning
Environmental ScanEnvironmental Scan:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Factors:Factors:
• P olitical• E conomic• S ocial• T echnological
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Political Priorities:Political Priorities:
Shaped by public opinion
Health Environment
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Political Priorities:Political Priorities:
1. Wait time strategies: - Cancer - Heart - Joint replacements - Diagnostic imaging - Sight restoration
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Accountability measures difficult to implement
Greater recognition of rehabilitation e.g. joint replacement specialty teams
Concern for health problems outside of priorities
Impact:Impact:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Political Priorities:Political Priorities:
2. Collaborative patient-centred care - Promotes active participation of all disciplines - Enhances patient and family-centred goals - Provides communication mechanisms - Optimizes collaborative decision-making - Fosters respect for all professions
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Emphasis on interprofessional educationPromotion of team-based approach (e.g.
primary health care)Potential for increased role of occupational
therapy
Impact:Impact:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
CAOT Interdisciplinary National ProjectsCAOT Interdisciplinary National Projects
Enhancing Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Primary Health CareCanadian Collaborative Mental Health InitiativeOccupational Therapy Primary Health Care Planning ToolAccreditation of Collaborative Practice Education
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Political Priorities:Political Priorities:
3. Health Human Resource Planning: - Shortages reported by many disciplines - Little long term planning - Educating, deploying takes years
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
- Distribution of workforce varies among provinces
- Lags behind other countries e.g. Denmark, Sweden, UK
Occupational Therapy:Occupational Therapy:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
41.1
37.6
37
32.1
31.8
31.1
30.2
28.3
25.3
21.5
34
0 10 20 30 40 50
Quebec
Manitoba
Alberta
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Ontario
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Canada
Occupational Therapists per 100,000 in 2004 (CIHI, 2006)
Occupational Therapists per 100,000
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Provincial Disability Rate (Statistics Canada, 2002) vs Occupational Therapists per 100,000
8.4
30.2
21.5
31.8
25.3
37.6
31.1
37
28.3
41.1
17.1 14.5
14.4
14.3
14.2
1413.5
12.5
12.312.4
32.1
34
05
1015202530354045
Disability Rate (2001)
Occupational therapists per100,000 population (2004)
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
CAOT InitiativesCAOT Initiatives
- National Occupational Therapy Human Resources Plan- National Occupational Therapist Database Project- Government advocacy
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Political Priorities:Political Priorities:
4. Foreign Credential RecognitionImmigration needed for: - Social and cultural diversity - Stimulating economic growth - Compensate for aging and retiring workforce 100% of labour force growth from immigration
by 2012 (Citizenship and Immigration, 2003)
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Workforce Integration Project
- Identified issues influencing the ability of international graduates to work in Canada
- Provided recommendations
Occupational Therapy:Occupational Therapy:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Long wait list to come to Canada
Difficulty accessing information
Failure to meet academic credentialing requirements
Failure to complete academic upgrading Failure to meet language requirements
Problems with passing certification examination
Difficulty understanding Canadian practice
Problems with linking with employers, occupational therapists, and professional resources
Inability to find employment
Discriminatory practices
Reasons for MarginalizationReasons for Marginalization::
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Recommendations:Recommendations:
1. Coordinate and centralize registration requirements and process for working as an occupational therapist
2. Improve national certification examination access, preparation resources and assistance
3. Provide clear and accessible information to help international graduates to work in Canada
4. Increase access to academic upgrading and language training to help international graduates meet registration requirements
5. Help international graduates become linked with employers, occupational therapists and professional resources
6. Advocate for the need for internationally educated occupational therapists in Canada
7. Promote a diverse workforce for quality occupational therapy services
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
- Pan-Canadian Orientation Program to the Health Care System
- Plain language translation and shortening of national certification exam
- Access and Registration Framework Project
Follow-up Projects:Follow-up Projects:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Political Priorities:Political Priorities:
5. Armed Services- Increased commitment to role in armed
conflict - Increased military spending
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
- Origin of profession in working with WWI veterans
- Little current involvement of occupational therapy in military health service
Impact:Impact:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Factors:Factors:
• P olitical• E conomic• S ocial• T echnological
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
- Globalizing economy
- Slowing productivity growth
- Demand for accountability
- Increasing competition
Economic Factors:Economic Factors:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Development of international standards e.g. for professional mobility, quality of service
Expected use of evidence in practice
Need to demonstrate value in economic terms
Impact:Impact:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
CAOT InitiativesCAOT Initiatives
- Enabling Occupation II- Revised Profile of Occupational Therapy Practice in Canada- Economic review of occupational therapy
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Factors:Factors:
• P olitical• E conomic• S ocial• T echnological
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
- Dependence on immigration
- Increasing diversity
- Aging population:
- longer lifespan
- more age-related problems
- more demanding for quality of life
- less care-givers
Social Factors:Social Factors:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
1 in 3 Canadian over 65 fall each year
Most frequent cause of injury in older adults
- 90% of hip fractures
- 40% of LTC admissions
20% falls reduction equals:
- 7,500 fewer hospitalizations
- 1800 fewer disabled older adults
- $138 million savings
Falls:Falls:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Tools for Living Well
Post-fall Review
Stable Able and Strong
CAOT Projects:CAOT Projects:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Promoting mobility and
participation of older
adults
Safety of:
- drivers
- general public
Public Health Issues and Older Drivers:Public Health Issues and Older Drivers:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Driving incidents
leading cause of accidental
deaths (65-74 years)
Fatality rate >85 years
9 times 25-65 year olds
Older Drivers:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Build capacity in occupational therapy for:
- Screening
- Driver assessment and remediation
- Complex driving interventions
Impact:Impact:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Expert panel recommendations to ON chief
coroner
Review of Canadian legislation and
jurisprudence
National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in
Older Drivers
CAOT initiatives:CAOT initiatives:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
- Universal design housing
- Low vision interventions
- Retirement planning
Other impact of aging population:Other impact of aging population:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Factors:Factors:
• P olitical• E conomic• S ocial• T echnological
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Continued rapid change
Technological Factors:Technological Factors:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Improved service access
(e.g. telehealth)
Increased information access
(e.g. electronic health record)
More effective interventions
(e.g. assistive technology)
Impact:Impact:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Increased role of occupational therapy: - Implementation (e.g. low vision aids) - Research and design Ethical and privacy issues
Impact:Impact:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
1. Remain aware of the context of your practice:
- Become informed- Understand impact of
PEST factors- Optimize opportunities
(e.g. become involved)
Practice StrategiesPractice Strategies:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
2. Promote quality standards: - Understand expectations of practice - Recognize and address ethical issues - Use continuous improvement approach
Practice Strategies:Practice Strategies:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Regulatory RequirementsRegulatory Requirements
Occupational therapists are regulated health professionals in all ten provinces.
Candidates must meet regulatory requirements to practice and/or use the title "occupational therapist".
Contact information for regulatory organizations is listed on www.caot.ca.
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
National Certification ExaminationNational Certification Examination
Developed and administered by CAOTRequired for entry to practice in most provinces
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Professional Liability InsuranceProfessional Liability Insurance
Protects you as a professionalRegulatory requirement in several provincesProvides payment for damages arising out of the rendering or failure to render professional services
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
3. Engage in life-long learning:
- Understand and address
own learning needs
- Contribute to learning
of others
(e.g. mentoring)
Practice Strategies:Practice Strategies:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development
Webinar presentationsOn-line coursesWorkshopsSelf study series
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
CAOT Annual CAOT Annual ConferenceConference
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
4. Create and use research evidence in practice:
- Define practice based
on evidence
- Promote knowledge translation
(e.g. journal clubs)
- Evaluate cost-effectiveness
Practice Strategies:Practice Strategies:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
5. Promote teamwork skills:
- Contribute as valued
team member
- Demonstrate collaborative
approach based on respect
Practice Strategies:Practice Strategies:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
6. Embrace diversity:
- Address ethno-cultural
issues
- Promote a diverse
workforce
Practice Strategies:Practice Strategies:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
7. Increase awareness of value of occupational therapy:
- Promote the link between
occupation and health
- Ensure understanding
of your role in promoting
healthy occupation
Practice Strategies:Practice Strategies:
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists
Association canadiennedes ergothérapeutes
Questions?Questions?