Education of Occupational Health Providers in Family Health

Occupational therapy professionals focus on the occupational health of individuals, families, and populations. Occupational therapy is an evidence-based health discipline that maximizes health and [Page 383]well-being through engagement in occupation despite illness, injury, disability, or economic or social circumstances. Family health is an essential aspect of occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages across the life span as well as families, organizations, and populations to promote health, functioning, and participation in life activities.

This entry provides a brief historical context of occupational therapy practice and an overview of the centrality of occupation in the lives of individuals and families. Further, the focus of family care and current trends in working with families in occupational therapy are described in terms of how these ...