Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy: An Introduction to the Profession

by Bernadette Hattjar

Overview

Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy: An Introduction to the Profession is a comprehensive, introductory text that provides first year students with foundational knowledge of occupational therapy as a profession and the construct of occupation. Due to the broadness of the profession this text identifies basic concepts and areas to novice students and helps inform them of the topics and components they will come across later in their studies.
 
Inside the text, Dr. Bernadette Hattjar provides a general introduction, the historical development of the profession, and a basic review of the three major employment areas- physical disabilities, pediatrics and psychosocial occupational therapy. It also covers the topics of theoretical constructs, legislative and political influences on the profession, the use of adaptive devices in concert with major client groups, and the identification of influential professional individuals. Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy analyzes the historical foundation, philosophical assumptions, ethical issues, core concepts, theories, models and frames of reference that have shaped the profession of occupational therapy.
 
Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy: An Introduction to the Profession will provide entry level occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students with the information and tools they need to better understand, synthesize, and integrate the diverse elements of the profession into professional level courses, where in-depth understanding of these basic concepts occur in education programs.
 
 
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040138076
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/01/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Bernadette Hattjar, DrOT, MEd, OTR/L, CWCE has been an occupational therapist since 1985. Since that time, she has worked in both the clinical and academic settings. Her experience and dedication to the field of occupational therapy moved her to consider what new, fledgling students really needed to know and understand about their field of study. The impetus for writing this textbook was an exercise in taking away, rather than adding information about the profession.

Dr. Hattjar has written and presented to professionals extensively for more than 30 years about a variety of topics including service learning, learning styles, sexuality, legacy-building opportunities, mental health issues, industrial rehabilitation practice, and intervention techniques used for pediatric clients with mental health and behavioral issues.

She has been actively involved in professional associations at the local, state, and national levels and has held the office of responsibility and leadership in these organizations.

For the past 15 years, she has taught master- and doctoral-level students in occupational therapy programs housed at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Dedication Acknowledgments About the Author PrefaceIntroduction Chapter 1 Introduction to the Profession of Occupational Therapy Chapter 2 Practice in Mental Health and Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Chapter 3 Practice in the Physical Disability Arena Chapter 4 Practice in Pediatrics and Work With Individuals Under Age 18 Years Chapter 5 Theoretical Foundation, Frames of Reference, and Practice Models for the Occupational Therapy Profession Chapter 6 Legislation and Its Effect on Current Occupational Therapy Practice: The Past 60 Years Chapter 7 Trendsetters and Significant People in the Profession Chapter 8 Technology and Occupational Therapy Chapter 9 Future Initiatives: Programming for the 21st Century Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Paula M Cook, OTD (Encompass Health)
Description: This introductory level book describes the breadth of occupational therapy, including the various practice settings, diagnoses, pivotal people, brief history, and future direction of the profession. Each chapter provides thoughtful questions for student consideration, reflection, application to their own lives, and imagination for future practice.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide entry-level occupational therapy students with the diverse scope of the profession and a foundation for what they will learn more in depth in their occupational therapy curriculum. The author successfully describes the diversity of the profession in a succinct yet effective way.
Audience: The audience is entry-level occupational therapy students early in their occupational therapy education. Dr. Bernadette Hattjar is well-suited to author this book given her vast experience as a practitioner, educator, and professional association leader.
Features: The author offers a glimpse into mental health, physical disability, and pediatric settings and populations and provides a review of theoretical foundations, frames of reference, and practice models. Examples of assessments are included throughout the book. Notable are the chapters describing legislation, influential people, and the role of technology in occupational therapy. The chapter, "Legislation and Its Effect on Current Practice," is particularly well organized, with a brief chronology of federal issues related to people with disabilities and the professionals that serve them. The summary is enough to give context to practice trends without losing students in policy details. The "Trendsetters and Significant People in the Profession" chapter highlights influential individuals and their unique contributions to the profession. There is a brief chapter dedicated to technology, with examples of how occupational therapists use high, low, and assistive technology throughout practice settings and populations. There are case studies throughout, as well as charts, lists, and inset summaries which provide clear snapshots for readers. Illustrations are minimal. Additional simple illustrations, similar to the few basic ones the book includes, would be a nice supplement. Some of the practice areas listed under the "Specific Emerging Practice Areas" are well established, such as early intervention, school-based practice, and productive aging. Deeper exploration of other emerging areas would be useful. The author looks to future directions of the profession and provides suggestions for how to develop programs in the community.
Assessment: This is a helpful resource for students committed to the profession, new to the field, and unaware of the generous scope of practice within occupational therapy. The book is quite useful in showing students the diverse opportunities that await them. Dr. Hattjar skillfully provides a foundation upon which students can ground future coursework. This comprehensive foundation may also pique an interest previously not considered by students. The case studies and questions make this foundation relevant to readers. Because this book is so comprehensive and concise, it is a wonderful resource for first-year occupational therapy students.

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