Optimal Positioning of Occupational Therapy

BACKGROUND: Occupation is central to occupational therapy. Although occupation is a universal experience, occupational therapists need to consider the risks and opportunities of exploring new roles and maintaining existing services. PURPOSE: I propose three questions to guide the optimal positioning of occupational therapy services. First, how proximal is occupation in the role? Second, how strong is the evidence to support occupational therapy in the role? Third, is the timing right for change? These questions are applied to the role of occupational therapy in primary health care. KEY ISSUES: Occupation is proximal and the evidence is emerging to support an occupational therapy role in primary health care. Reforms make timing ideal. IMPLICATIONS: If we focus on the underlying principles of primary health care reform, the potential for an emerging role in primary health care is optimal. The same three questions can be used to transform and optimally position occupational therapy.