Home and Community Occupational Therapy — A Growing Practice Area in the USA

Abstract

Occupational therapists in the USA are moving in to home and community health practice in response to the government’s call for action to public health concerns and changes in health care policies. Professional directions in OT emphasize occupation-based approaches that address social determinants of health and prevention at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The key practice issues that influence community OT, include diversity in communities, sociopolitical realities of partnerships and coalition building, funding challenges, and evidence-based practice for community programs. Selected community OT service models, intervention strategies, and case examples demonstrate innovative practices with creative partnerships to promote health, wellness, and community participation in the citizens of the USA.

Keywords:

• community-based rehabilitation
• health education
• partnership and coalitions