Reflection as a means to foster client-centred practice.
BACKGROUND
Client-centred practice embraces important concepts about partnership and justice that promote client participation in meaningful occupations. It is important to understand how occupational therapists can engage in and continue to develop client-centred practice within the constraints of everyday settings.


OBJECTIVE
An action research study was undertaken by a group of four occupational therapists to describe insights gained, and to show the effectiveness of participation in reflective education to help foster client-centred practice.


RESULTS
The six main insights generated by the group involve: congruence, understanding the potential, environmental factors, personal factors, expectations, and lifelong learning.


CONCLUSIONS
Although actual change to daily practice was limited, group members felt the reflective group discussion provided them with a launch pad to start a journey toward more client-centred practice. This may be the key to moving beyond simply changing the face and language of occupational therapy practice toward a deeper understanding and implementation of client-centred practice to improve client outcomes. Suggestions are provided for implementing reflection to help continue to develop your own practice.
Duggan
Ruth
R
Dalhousie University. Ruth@CornerstoneOT.com
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends; D004493:Education; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010551:Personality; D016896:Treatment Outcome