WHAT IS EMERGING PRACTICE?

Starting, beginning, appear, rise up,surface, develop, grow are all synomyms of emerging, there are many more. Emerging practice is all about new avenues and opportunities where occupational therapists can use their skills to make a difference to their clients lives. Emerging practice is a relatively new development within the profession. These oportunities and avenues have come about in many ways due to the changing nature of the world and society today. Emerging practice will meet new and growing needs of communities and individuals. An occupational therapists' shared belief in the use of occupational engagement to promote health, well-being and full participation in life makes them the perfect candidate for filling many of these emerging roles (Fidler 2000). Examples of emerging practices include ergonomic consultation, driver rehabilitation and training, health promotion for aging communities, and vocational welfare-to-work services (Johansson, 2000). Emerging practice will provide scope to utilize the many skills that an occupational therapist has to offer, and transfer these to other practice areas and employment opportunities where previously an occupational therapist may not of been considered. Occupation is central to occupational therapy. Although occupation is a universal experience, occupational therapists need to consider the risks and opportunities of exploring new roles and maintaining existing services.(Letts 2011) Potential rewards of emerging practice may include increased understanding of the profession by others and opportunities for new development of the occupational therapy profession, improving clients' quality of life, and acting as change agents in communities and for certain populations (Holmes & Scaffa, 2009). This blog will look at the following emerging practices: ergonomic consultation, driver rehabilitation, community development, and occupational health and safety.

REFERENCES:
Fidler, G. S. (2000). The issue is: Beyond the therapy model: Building our future. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 54(1), 99–101.

Holmes, W. M., & Scaffa, M. E. (2009). The nature of emerging practice in occupational therapy: A pilot study. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 23, 189-206. doi:10.1080/07380570902976759

Johansson, C. (2000). Top 10 emerging practice areas to watch in the new millennium. OT Practice, 5(7), 6.

Letts, L. J. (2011). Optimal positioning of occupational therapy, Muriel Driver Memorial Lecture 2011. Canadian Journal Of Occupational Therapy, 78(4), 209-219. doi:10.2182/cjot.2011.78.4.2