Chapter 7 Occupational Science: The Study of Occupation Valerie A. Wright-St Clair, Clare Hocking

Learning Objectives After reading this chapter, you will be able to: Apply an occupational science evidence-based practice way of thinking about day-to-day practice; Interpret the difference between basic and applied occupational science knowledge underpinning practice; Analyze the observable and phenomenological aspects of occupations;

Learning Objectives (cont.) Begin to synthesize occupational science knowledge from diverse studies in order to consider how occupational therapy practice might serve individuals, communities and society well; and Evaluate how well your own practice is guided by the existing and emergent basic and applied occupational science knowledge.

Occupational science Occupational science -- explores the complexities of human engagement in occupations As a basic science it is aimed at building knowledge about the: form, function and meaning, of what people do; occupational nature of being human; including the observable and phenomenological aspects of occupation

The Observable Aspects of Occupation This view assumes that observable truths exist with regards to the occupational nature of humans; that is: we know truths by gathering data through our senses; they can be seen, touched, heard or measured; quantitative research methodologies are employed

The Phenomenological Aspects of Occupation This view assumes many truths (or multiple realities) about the occupational nature of humans; that is: people experience their own subjective, contextual realities of occupations; qualitative research methodologies are used to study the phenomenological aspects of occupation

The Substrates of Occupation Substrates are the human capacities required to engage in activities that have form, function and meaning. form; function; and meaning

Substrates of Occupation (Continued) Form of an occupation is its observable features; e.g. sequence of actions in doing an occupation Function of an occupation is what it achieves; e.g. volunteering for a local service may achieve integration into the community Meaning is the significance of an occupation and what is expressed through doing; e.g. personal, societal, cultural and historical expressions

Peoples’ Experiences of Occupation Research provides understanding of occupation through ideas Ideas can be accessed by asking individuals about their lived experiences Ideas can be interpreted from: peoples’ stories about engaging in occupations; and observations of people doing occupations

The Occupational Nature of Being Human People’s engagement in occupation is active, purposeful, temporal and meaningful

Occupational Science as an Applied Science provides a knowledge base informing what to do given occupational disruption; has the capacity to be a comprehensive translational science; Is designed to systematize knowledge about occupation especially in relation to health and well-being

Systematizing Occupational Science Knowledge Is a set of ‘rules’ for research Is optimizing knowledge Is a translational process Relys on ‘best’ evidence

Systematizing Occupational Science Knowledge Is a methodical, rigorous way of developing a disciplined, coherent set of ‘rules’ or methods for application of research knowledge in practice

Systematizing Occupational Science Knowledge Is about identifying, developing, analysing, and optimizing knowledge for use

Systematizing Occupational Science Knowledge Is a translational process; transforming scientific understandings to practice knowledge, aimed at resolving real-world concerns

Systematizing Occupational Science Knowledge Fits with the call for occupational therapists to use ‘best’ evidence to guide everyday practice

Blueprint for a Translational Science Research Program This 7-step research process was developed by colleagues at the University of Southern California: Step 1: Identify the Practice Problem Step 2: Identify the Intervention Needs Step 3: Develop the Intervention Step 4: Test the Intervention Step 5: Evaluate the Cost-Effectiveness Step 6: Study Why the Outcomes Were Produced Step 7: Develop the Theory

Conclusion Occupational science should take centre stage informing occupational therapy practice Knowledge about people’s occupations, capacities and drive have always informed occupational therapy The future of evidence-based occupational therapy lies in occupational science’s emergent capacity as an applied science