Understanding sustainability: Perspectives of Canadian occupational therapists

Abstract

Background. In 2012, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists released a position statement on sustainability and sustainable practice, urging occupational therapists to address the global environmental sustainability crisis in practice. However, there is a lack of research exploring sustainability within occupational therapy practice in Canada. Purpose. This study examined perspectives of Canadian occupational therapists on addressing social, environmental, and economic sustainability in personal and professional lives. Method. This mixed-methods, exploratory study recruited 81 Canadian occupational therapists through professional associations to complete an online survey. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and directed content analysis and guided by the Transtheoretical Model of Change. Findings. Canadian occupational therapists are in the preparation stage of change. Although sustainability issues and barriers toward sustainable practice are recognised, there is a discrepancy between personal values and professional actions. Implications. Further exploration is needed into realistic targets of change and feasible methods of incorporating sustainability into occupational therapy practice.