A critical exploration of the development of occupational therapy in Poland and Latvia: A comparative case study

Abstract

Occupational therapy is not established in every country worldwide. It is important to learn what is needed to establish it in a country where it does not exist. The aim of this study was to identify the key elements required for occupational therapy to be successfully instituted as a profession countrywide. A cross-comparison of two case studies was used to identify the contextual characteristics required to establish occupational therapy countrywide. The data collected for two cases, Poland and Latvia, were analysed thematically. Cross case analysis identified four themes – focus on higher education, support from others, vision with action and sustainability – which constitute the components required to establish occupational therapy countrywide. Research into this subject is limited; therefore, this study, while not definitive, makes a contribution to understanding the key components needed for occupational therapy to become established countrywide. This knowledge can be used by those developing occupational therapy in other countries.

Keywords:

• Education
• Leadership
• Professional association
• Research
• Continuing professional development
• Cross case analysis

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the anonymous participants who kindly gave their time and shared their expertise. We acknowledge, with thanks, the contribution of Paulina Aleksander-Szymanowicz and Aneta Bac from the Academy of Physical Education in Kraków. This review was completed in partial submission of a BHSc in occupational therapy at York St John University and is a Students as Co-Researchers (SCoRe) project.