Integration of complementary health approaches into occupational therapy practice

Title : Integration of complementary health approaches into occupational therapy practice

Abstract:

Complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) is an umbrella term encompassing numerous practices found outside of traditional medicine such as reiki, therapeutic touch, tai chi, qigong, yoga, acupuncture, acupressure, and meditation (Smith & Coker-Bolt, 2022). These practices are primarily used to reduce or manage symptoms of painful clinical conditions, provide a sense of autonomy, and improve quality of life and overall well-being (Bradshaw, 2017). It is the position of American Occupational Therapy Association that CHAIH may be integrated into a client's occupational therapy plan of care (2017), yet a literature review indicated that occupational therapists continue to underutilize this approach in their work. This poster presents the results of a qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews of 12 occupational therapy experts to gain their personal perspectives and experiences related to their use of CHAIH in their occupational therapy practices. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) benefits of CHAIH, (2) barriers to implementation, (3) education & preparation, (4) effective integration of CHAIH and occupational therapy, and (5) legitimization of CHAIH. Results showed that these experts viewed CHAIH as a natural complement to occupational therapy that can be incorporated into treatment to optimize client benefits. More education is needed to increase the accessibility of integrative health for occupational therapists and to develop competency of emerging practitioners. Future empirical based studies supporting the diverse benefits of various CHAIH modalities will allow it to be recognized as an effective, evidencebased practice. Participants can reflect on how they may use CHAIH in their current practice and overcome barriers to its implementation.

Biography:

Dr. Pat Precin is currently an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Columbia University and a licensed psychoanalyst with a private practice in New York. She is the principal investigator on an NIH grant on trauma informed care and treatment. She and her colleagues run a mindfulness self-compassion course for health care practitioners. Dr. Precin has worked in behavioral health for over 35 years as a clinician, director, managing director, executive director, academician, researcher, and supervisor. She has hundreds of publications and conference presentations, and multiple awards. She earned a PhD in psychology, PsyaD in psychoanalysis, and Master’s in biophysics.