Edinburgh Napier University

  A recent study by Maclean & Breckenridge (2015) explored the use of occupation-focused language by occupational therapists in physical health care settings. Analysis of therapists’ language revealed that conceptual models not only shape but are shaped by practice language.

The purpose of this workshop is to explore the extent to which participants value and use occupation focused language in their practice contexts. Utilising a precept of appreciative inquiry (Cooperrider & Srivastva, 1987), where generating collective visions and actions are essential in guiding change (Trajkovski et al, 2013), powerful questions will be used to positively guide participants’ engagement and discussion during the workshop. Consequently, the objectives of this workshop are:

1. To explore the extent to which occupation is described by participants, in their own words, as central to their delivery of practice.
2. To explore and consider the ways in which occupation-focused language can align, or has synergy, with the experiences of practice.
3. To consider ways in which occupation-focused language can be used by participants to explain and discuss people in occupational terms.

The workshop would have a maximum of twenty people. Following an initial presentation outlining the purpose of the workshop, participants will be divided in to four groups of five. Each group will discuss the powerful questions set, informed by the objectives of the workshop, with group feedback closing the session.

The intended participants for this workshop would be students, practitioners and researchers interested in understanding the centrality of occupation-focused language to the delivery of practice.