Applicability and clinical utility of the Client-Centred Strategies Framework

Abstract

Background. The Client-centred Strategies Framework consists of strategies for facilitating therapists' application of clientcentred approaches. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of the strategies and the utility of the framework to implement client-centred approaches. Methods. The study used a sequential mixed-methods procedure. The quantitative phase consisted of a survey of 230 Canadian occupational therapists. The qualitative phase consisted of telephone focus groups with a sample of 14 Canadian respondents to the initial survey. Findings. Results indicated that occupational therapists experience challenges in implementing strategies, particularly related to community organizing, coalition advocacy, and political action. Therapists identified multiple factors that influenced the implementation of strategies and ways of incorporating strategies into daily practice. The Client-centred Strategies Framework was viewed as a useful tool for increasing dialogue about occupational therapists' role in client-centred practice. Implications. The results of this study encourage an expanded view of client-centred strategies and the application of strategies to daily practice.