Occupational therapy in carceral settings: Qualitative study of practitioner experiences and perspectives
Authors:
Saloni Patel, OT/s, Mary Alicia Barnes, OT, OTD, Lisa Jaegers, OT, PhD, FAOTA
Abstract:
Rationale: Scant evidence exists regarding occupational therapy in carceral settings. Objectives: To explore how occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) navigate evaluation, intervention, and role delineation. Methodology: Qualitative study using phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches, through semi-structured interviews with seven OTPs with average experience of 16 months, representing four practice settings. Themes identified by two independent coders who analyzed data with consensus by third researcher. Findings: Four themes emerged: managing contextual challenges, interpersonal professional relationships, evidence-based care, and client-focused care. Practitioners applied various frames of reference, utilized self-report and observation evaluation methods, and implemented holistic interventions. Conclusion: Understanding and supporting value of therapeutic relationships, activity/occupational performance analysis, and foci of OT domains/processes in direct/indirect roles can further define and highlight distinctive nature of OT within the carceral state.
Key Words:
Occupational Therapy, Carceral State, Qualitative Study