Competencies for occupational therapy practice in homelessness: A Delphi study

Abstract

Background

Homelessness is growing internationally, and resources to guide occupational therapy practice in this area are needed.

Objectives

To identify competencies needed for occupational therapists to support individuals during and following homelessness.

Material and Methods

We conducted a three-round Delphi study with occupational therapy practitioners and researchers with expertise in homelessness.

Results

Of 35 potential participants, n = 16 participated in Round I, n = 20 participated in Round II, and n = 18 participated in Round III. Participants included occupational therapists and researchers in Canada, United States, Brazil, UK, Ireland and New Zealand. Consensus was achieved on a total of 93 competencies in 10 categories after 15 were eliminated in Rounds II and III. The categories with the greatest number of competencies included occupational knowledge (n = 18), followed by psychosocial competencies (n = 16).

Conclusions and Significance

This study represents the first to identify the competencies needed for occupational therapists working in the area of homelessness. Practitioners and educators are encouraged to view the identified competencies as a guide for the professional development of occupational therapists in this context. Stakeholders consulted for this study were able to communicate in English and situated in middle to high-income countries. As such, the competencies identified in this study only apply to these sociocultural contexts.

Keywords:

• Poverty
• mental health
• social justice
• professional practice
• social determinants of health
• occupational justice
• health professional education

Disclosure statement

The authors claim no financial interest or benefit arising from the direct applications of this research.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists in the form of a Strategic Priorities Grant awarded in 2018.