Understanding professional identity in occupational therapy: A scoping review

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Walder, Kim
Bissett, Michelle
Molineux, Matthew
Whiteford, Gail
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2021
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A strong professional identity helps occupational therapists maintain professional values and thrive when facing work-related challenges and opportunities including generic, blurred or emerging roles, funding pressures and a push for outcome evidence. A scoping review will build understanding of professional identity and how to maintain it in such circumstances. OBJECTIVES: To scope what is currently understood of professional identity in occupational therapy and factors which influence ability to maintain this and adapt in challenging work environments. METHODS: Using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework three databases were searched using the terms 'occupational therap*' and 'professional identity'. Data extraction and thematic analysis highlighted the extent and nature of current literature and mapped key concepts. RESULTS: 89 papers were included. Professional identity was revealed as a multidimensional construction. Four themes emerged: developing a shared ontology, embracing the culture, enacting occupational therapy, and believing in occupational therapy. Factors which influenced development and maintenance of professional identity included occupation-centred practice, ontological reflexivity, linking theory to practice and professional socialization. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The enhanced understanding of professional identity and factors which preserve or enhance it can help the profession identify how to position itself to remain resilient and adaptive in an ever-changing environment.

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Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy

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This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in the Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 07 Oct 2021, copyright Taylor & Francis, available online at: https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2021.1974548

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This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.

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Subject

Allied health and rehabilitation science

Occupational therapy

Profession

adaptation

occupation-centred

ontology

role

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Walder, K; Bissett, M; Molineux, M; Whiteford, G, Understanding professional identity in occupational therapy: A scoping review, Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2021, pp. 1-23

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