Trends in Occupational Therapy — a worldwide perspective.

Abstract

The article aims to strengthen the development of occupational therapy by identifying some international trends. It is based on the author’s experience in four different countries and supported by references selected from a variety of publications. Nowadays, occupational therapists are not only concerned about cure, but also about optimizing independence in activities of daily living. Moreover, the role of occupation, as both means and end, and its relation to health and lifestile is getting increasing attention. Identifying worldwide similarities helps debate and research into our profession. Therefore, this article calls for sharing of experiences, data and research. Results should be used to meet the demands of health care management and reforms, and should contribute to improve the social position persons with disabilities hold. In this context, the article considers some social, political and economic perspectives as well.