Developing awareness of spirituality in occupational therapy students: Are our curricula up to the task?

Abstract

Although spirituality is recognized as an important component of occupational therapy practice, students and clinicians are not well prepared to attend to this area. This study examines the manner and extent to which Canadian occupational therapy education addresses the concept of spirituality. A survey investigating spirituality in occupational therapy curricula was sent to all 12 Canadian occupational therapy programmes, with a response rate of 83%. Results indicate that although all Canadian occupational therapy programmes address spirituality in their curricula, the level of importance attached to the topic is low. Level of satisfaction with the preparation of students to address spirituality in practice is also low. A description of one Canadian occupational therapy programme's curriculum in the area of spirituality is included.