Exploring Canadian occupational therapists' understanding of and experiences in community development.
BACKGROUND
Occupational therapists are increasingly recognizing the importance of working with communities as a way to enhance health and well-being. Such work can occur through community development, a community-driven process in which communities are supported in identifying and addressing their health priorities.


OBJECTIVE
This paper presents the qualitative findings of a study that explored the experiences of occupational therapists in Canada working in community development including how they understand community development and how they designed their role in this field.


METHODS
Occupational therapists working in community development shared their experiences and understanding of community development during 12 interviews.


RESULTS
The results of this study describe the iterative, reflexive process occupational therapists have undergone in coming to establish their role in this field.


CONCLUSIONS
Recommendations are made regarding the preparation of future occupational therapists and for supporting those currently working in this field.
Lauckner
Heidi
H
School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. 1hl7@queensu.ca
Pentland
Wendy
W
Paterson
Margo
M
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011361:Professional Competence; D012922:Social Change