Queen's University : Occupational Therapy

School of Graduate Studies
2011-2012 Academic Year

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Occupational Therapy

OT-821

Occupational Therapy Theory, Process and Professional Practice

This course introduces the central construct of occupation, the relationship of occupation to health and well-being, models of occupation, processes of occupational change, and the historical development of occupational therapy theory. The course will examine occupational therapy practice in the context of the Canadian health care system, enablement and client-centered practice, professional identity and governance, professional ethics and the evolving public/private sector. The stages of the occupational therapy process and legitimate occupational therapy skills will also be introduced.

OT-823*

Disability Theory

This course introduces the concepts of disability, citizenship and societal participation. Conceptual frameworks of disability and issues and implications of disability will be discussed along with Canadian health and social policies relating to people with disabilities.

OT-825*

The Lived Experience of Disability

In this fieldwork course, pairs of first year students meet with a volunteer from the Kingston community who has a disability. The goal of this unique learning relationship is to improve students' understanding of disability and facilitate their embracing the concept of client-centred practice whereby a client's life experiences are acknowledged and they become partners in the occupational therapy process.

OT-841*

Socio-cultural Determinants of Occupation

This course will examine the social and cultural nature of occupation. Students will analyze the relationship between occupation and such socio-cultural components as values and belief, time use, roles, habits, expectations and norms and explore how occupational therapy interventions based on this understanding could lead to changes in occupation. This course will also examine contemporary views of spirituality in occupation. The importance of occupations to society will also be addressed.

OT-842*

Environmental Determinants of Occupation

This course will focus on the creation of healthy environments that enable client-centred occupations. Students will examine factors within the physical, social, cultural and institutional environments that affect occupation and how environmental modifications can lead to changes in occupation. They will gain experience with the knowledge and skills critical to effecting environmental change.

OT-843

Physical Determinants of Occupation

Weight = 8 credit units

This course will introduce students to the study of movement of the human body as it relates to occupation. It will have an emphasis on biomechanics and the components of the motor system as determinants of motor performance in occupation. Evaluation methods and modalities used in physical rehabilitation will be studied. The course will also focus on the application of physical rehabilitation methods used in occupational therapy practice by understanding musculo-skeletal conditions and occupational therapy interventions at the level of impairment and activity limitations.

OT-844

Cognitive-Neuro Part I

This course emphasizes the neuro-physiological organization of motor behaviour, sensory-motor integration, and the dynamic nature of the central nervous system. This course will provide a foundation for evaluating occupational performance from perception to action. It will focus on evaluation and intervention approaches for cognitive-perceptual and motor control problems at three levels: impairment, strategy and function. Attention will be given to secondary motor performance problems.

OT-845

Psycho-emotional Determinants of Occupation

This course will focus on the psycho-emotional determinants of occupation as a framework for understanding how humans are inherently motivated for occupations. The intrinsic factors and learned responses associated with occupation will be examined and students will apply and evaluate applications of psycho-emotional theory in contemporary occupational therapy practice.

OT-846

Determinants of Occupation I

Weight = 8 credit units

Students will complete two full-time (6-8 week) fieldwork experiences (OT-846 and OT-847) for practical professional experience. These courses will provide the opportunity within a practice setting to demonstrate the integration of OT skills with current OT theory and relevant supporting scientific knowledge.

OT-847

Determinants of Occupation II

Weight = 8 credit units

OT-848*

Cognitive-Neuro Part II

Using knowledge of human development and systems theory, this course builds on Cognitive-Neurological Determinants - Part I by providing students with the foundational knowledge to understand human development and to identify factors influencing performance and participation for children and adolescents who experience atypical development. Evaluation and intervention approaches at the level of impairment, activity limitations, and participation restrictions will be explored by considering the context of service provision and the diverse roles of Occupational Therapy practitioners in collaboration with families and other service providers.

OT-851

Therapeutic Relationships

This course focuses on the development of communication skills within the context of client-centred occupational therapy practice. The critical elements of the therapeutic relationship will be developed through interviewing and assessment strategies. This course will make extensive use of supervised video taping, and interaction with community volunteers through the Clinical Education Centre. In addition, students will gain experience in professional communication skills.

OT-852*

Group Theory and Process

This course will examine group theory, process and application to occupational therapy practice. It will focus on groups both as a means to enabling occupational therapy change and as a means for working effectively in a complex health care system. Laboratory sessions will facilitate the development of effective techniques in group leadership and participation.

OT-853*

Coaching and Counseling for Occupational Change

Weight = 4 credit units

This half course consists of both theoretical background preparation and practical experiential learning opportunities to introduce occupational therapy students to selected talk- based interventions available for enabling occupational fulfillment and change (coaching, counseling and psychotherapy).

OT-854*

System’s Level Communication

The first part of this course will be devoted to the theory and practice of knowledge transfer and diffusion. Laboratory sessions will focus on strategies to: influence and change public attitudes to disability, communicate about professional practice, and transfer knowledge about evidence based practice. The second part will be devoted to the theory and practice of advocacy and negotiation. Laboratory sessions will address strategies to pursue systems level changes that will ultimately enhance occupation.

OT-861*

Community Development Applied to Occupational Therapy

This course critically examines the theoretical foundations and processes of working with communities through community development in order to enable occupation at the community level. Theories of community development, the process of engaging with communities, and skills required for community development will be explored as they pertain to occupational therapy. This course lays the theoretical foundation for the community development fieldwork placement, OT-862*.

OT-862

Community Development

Weight = 6 credit units

This fieldwork course will allow students to explore opportunities for the development of occupational therapy services in potential settings within the community.

OT-871*

Advanced Clinical Reasoning

Weight = 4 credit units

This course provides opportunities for students to develop advanced clinical reasoning skills applicable to all areas of occupational therapy practice. Based on the occupational therapy process, students will develop skills of critical thinking and inquiry.

OT-875*

Advanced Professional Practice

This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to acquire an advanced understanding of the roles, rights and responsibilities incumbent with becoming an Occupational Therapist.Particular attention will be given to the legal and ethical parameters of practice, professional contributions and responsibilities within complex and changing environments and career development as advanced healthcare professionals.

OT-877

Advanced Practice

Weight = 8 credit units

The objective of this final fieldwork experience will be for students to consolidate professional practice skills necessary to function as autonomous, independent, reflective practitioners, who are able to cope with and be part of the changing health-care environments.

OT-898

Critical Enquiry Project

Students will acquire critical enquiry skills through learning modules and completion of a critical enquiry proposal or project. Learning modules include: developing research questions; searching literature; appraising research evidence; qualitative and quantitative research designs; program development and evaluation; and ethics in research. Students develop a critical enquiry proposal or project which addresses a relevant clinical/investigative question in a specific area of interest. Students present their proposals at an appropriate forum and in a final written report. Weight = 2.0 (12 units).

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