Exploration of Occupational Therapy Practice in Intellectual Disability in Québec
Regard sur la pratique ergothérapique en déficience intellectuelle au Québec : une enquête exploratoire
Creators: name: Rahimaly, Sarah
name: Gauthier-Boudreault, Camille
name: Dubé-Bergeron, Emmanuelle
name: Gagné, Gabriella
name: Lavallée, Aurélie
name: Mercier, Anne-Sara
name: Couture, Mélanie
Publisher: name: Communauté pour l’Avancement de la Recherche Appliquée Francophone en Ergothérapie (CARAFE)
Year: 2023
Subjects: Ergothérapie, Déficience intellectuelle, Motif de référence, Outil d’évaluation, Méthode d’intervention
Occupational therapy, Intellectual disability, Reason for referral, Assessment tool, Method of intervention

description: Introduction: The main difficulties currently encountered by occupational therapists working with clients with intellectual disability (ID) include the lack of knowledge of their roles and evidence-based practice specific to this field. Although this area of practice falls within the expertise of occupational therapy, the current practice is characterized by a low degree of involvement, limited resources, and a low sense of confidence towards evaluation and intervention.
Aim: This study aimed to provide an overview of occupational therapy practice amongst people with ID aged 6 to 30 years old.
Method: Data were collected using an online bilingual questionnaire completed by Canadian occupational therapists. The questionnaire included 26 questions targeting the occupational therapy practice setting, as well as the challenges related to assessment and intervention.
Results: 57 occupational therapists completed the questionnaire. The results highlight that occupational therapists mainly use assessment tools that are not specific enough for people with ID as well as intervention methods that are not standardized and tailored to the needs of this clientele.
Conclusion: This study suggests a lack of evidence supporting occupational therapy practice with people with ID. There is a need for mobilization in order to improve this area of practice, in regard to the publication of evidence, the design of assessment tools and intervention methods, as well as the recognition of the role of the occupational therapist.
description: Introduction : Au Québec, le développement de la pratique de l’ergothérapie en déficience intellectuelle est en pleine émergence au regard du nombre d’ergothérapeutes engagés dans l’offre de services destinée à cette clientèle. Néanmoins, les écrits et les outils liés à l’ergothérapie au Québec dans ce domaine restent limités pour soutenir les ergothérapeutes dans l’accomplissement de leur plein potentiel professionnel.Objectif : Cette étude vise à brosser le portrait de la pratique de l’ergothérapie auprès des personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle au Québec.Méthode : L’enquête utilisant un questionnaire en ligne, diffusé aux ergothérapeutes par le biais de leur association professionnelle, comprenait des questions liées aux motifs de référence en ergothérapie, aux stratégies d’évaluation et aux méthodes d’intervention utilisées, ainsi qu’aux défis rencontrés dans la pratique.Résultats : Un total de 53 ergothérapeutes a rempli le questionnaire. Les participants travaillent dans divers contextes de pratique et répondent à une variété de demandes de consultation, principalement en lien avec le soutien à l’autonomie. Les ergothérapeutes utilisent plusieurs outils d’évaluation, mais notent un défi concernant la standardisation et l’utilisation des valeurs normatives. Les ergothérapeutes agissent majoritairement à titre de consultants et constatent un accès limité à des formations pour soutenir leur développement professionnel.Conclusion : Bien que les rôles de l’ergothérapeute soient multiples, il semble qu’une faible implication de ces professionnels soit observée dans plusieurs sphères de vie des personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle. Divers champs d’exercices de l’ergothérapie resteraient à développer au Québec, notamment dans le soutien aux transitions de vie, auprès des personnes présentant des incapacités significatives, et dans l’inclusion socioprofessionnelle.
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Introduction: In Quebec, the occupational therapy practice in intellectual disability is in full development with regard to the number of occupational therapists involved in services intended for people with an intellectual disability. Nevertheless, scientific literature and professional tools related to occupational therapy specific to this context remains limited to support occupational therapist in achieving their full potential.Aim: This study aims to explore the occupational therapy practice amongst people with an intellectual disability in Quebec.
Method: This survey using an online questionnaire, distributed to occupational therapists through their professional association, included closed and open-ended questions related to reasons for referral in occupational therapy services, currently used assessment strategies and intervention methods, as well as challenges encountered by occupational therapists.Results: A total of 53 occupational therapists completed the survey. Participants work in many practice settings and respond to a variety of consultation requests, primarily related to support of autonomy in daily activities. Occupational therapists use several assessment tools, but identify a challenge regarding the standardization and the use of normative values. Occupational therapists mostly act as consultants and report limited access to training supporting their professional development. Conclusion: Although the roles of occupational therapist are multiple, a limited involvement of these professionals is noted in several life domains of people with an intellectual disability. Various fields of expertise still need to be developed in Quebec, notably in the support during life transitions, in interventions with people with significant disabilities, and in socioprofessional inclusion.