Practising occupational therapists’ attitudes towards disaster management

ABSTRACT

The Philippines is prone to different natural and man-made disasters. This concern is addressed by the different agencies engaged in disaster management yet Filipino occupational therapists have not been actively involved. This study aims to explore the attitudes of Filipino occupational therapists towards disaster management. Ten licensed practising occupational therapists enrolled in a Graduate programme participated in one-on-one interviews. Data were analysed through thematic analysis. Themes identified were Challenges in Establishing Occupational Therapy in Disaster Management and Motivators in Establishing Occupational Therapy in Disaster Management. Findings suggest that while Filipino occupational therapists encounter challenges in disaster management, they are motivated to participate as this has significance and meaning, and this presents an opportunity for professional development. Collective actions with sectors, such as the government, policy makers, non-government organisations, and the academe, are important to minimise the challenges and maximise the motivators.

KEYWORDS:

• Occupational therapy
• disaster management
• attitudes
• qualitative interviews

Acknowledgements

The researcher would like to thank all the occupational therapists who took part in the interviews. The researcher acknowledges the support given by the Cebu Doctors’ University – Graduate School and the Velez College – Department of Occupational Therapy.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.