A phenomenological study of the art of occupational therapy

Abstract

If research evidence is to guide practice, the literature must reflect the art as well as the science of Occupational Therapy practice. The purpose of this research was to provide insight into the phenomenon of professional artistry and its meaning to Occupational Therapists. A phenomenological approach was used to collect data from three Occupational Therapists using in-depth interviews. Moustakas's method was employed to analyze the data. Interview data described practitioners' views of professional artistry of Occupational Therapy practice, how it developed, and how it was manifested in different roles. Analysis demonstrated that professional artistry formed the very heart of Occupational Therapy through a key role in the establishment of therapeutic relationships, which in turn imparted deep satisfaction to the Occupational Therapists' practice.