Occupational therapists have a unique lens in how they interpret and address client’s issues, needs and goals. We use a number of frameworks, and pride ourselves in problem-solving with the bigger picture in mind. Because of this, we often pick up the subtle issues impacting a person’s wellbeing and capacity for occupational participation, performance and engagement, and we’re prepared to explore whatever solutions seem right for that person. Which other profession could have come up with basket-weaving as a successful occupation-based intervention to promote functional wellbeing for returned war veterans? Probably none. OT’s own this area of specialist practice.
As occupational therapists, we listen, we learn, we upskill, we adapt, we deliver, and we help people achieve their goals in whatever way is right for them. The occupational therapists supporting women journeying through perinatal transitions are emulating this practice philosophy. They have important messages to share with us all about what women need from an occupational therapists’ perspective, and I feel such an ethical obligation to respect how participating in this research opportunity offers a platform for their voices to be heard.
More and more, the richness and depth of the case study interviews are inspiring me to reflect on the capacity of occupational therapists to elicit information and uncover underlying issues which impact on maternal wellbeing, which are important, and need to be addressed. The enormity of these factors are coming to light from the case study data, as is the scope and scale of issues impacting women’s wellbeing during perinatal transitions. It made me reflect this morning: If we listen and take on what the OT’s and women are saying, and truly respect these issues as serious, valid and important – and worthy of being addressed under the umbrella of perinatal maternal and child health – do we have the health funding and resources available to address them? It seems like a big ask.
One of my favourite articles about occupational therapy’s economic value and impact on health outcomes for populations is by Rexe, McGibbon Lammi & von Zweck (2013). It talks about how occupational therapy adds value to multidisciplinary teams in a way that is flexible, economically smart, and sustainably viable. I love it.
I often remember the very first article I read by Seefat-van Teeffelen, Nieuwenhuijze, & Korstjens (2011), which recognised women’s needs in maternal health were holistic and challenging for existing healthcare teams to adequately address at times. I’ve learned so much about co-occupations and matrescence, and see how the bio-psycho-social-political-spiritual framework to interpret maternal development enhances occupational therapist’s understanding of life transitions. Now, even more than before, I hold true to the position statement on the place for occupational therapists in maternal health services, and I’m starting now to question:
- How would this role be funded?
- How can women’s holistic wellbeing be recognised, respected and valued enough for it to become a priority?
- How can we measure the outcomes for women receiving input from occupational therapy to demonstrate its worth?
- How will there to be funding allocated to address these needs?
- Where would we fit?
- Would others have to make way for us to be there? And if so, would the costs outweigh the benefits?
There are so many questions building from these case studies.
Again, I thank all of the case study participants for being so generous with the information and experiences they shared with me for this research. I’m blown away by the professionalism, integrity and dedication of these individuals, and I believe in their work. I can’t wait to share what we need to know about the role of occupational therapy in maternal health. It’s pretty impressive, and it’s incredibly important.
References
Doidge, K. (2012). Co-occupation categories tested in the mothering context. (Master of Occupational Therapy). Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand. Full text thesis available from here.
Rexe, K., McGibbon Lammi, B., & von Zweck, C. (2013). Occupational Therapy: Cost-Effective Solutions for Changing Health System Need. Healthcare Quarterly, 16(1), 69-75. Full text available from here.
Seefat-van Teeffelen, A., Nieuwenhuijze, M., & Korstjens, I. (2011). Women want proactive psychosocial support from midwives during transition to motherhood: a qualitative study. Midwifery, 27(1), e122-e127. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2009.09.006
Slootjes, H., McKinstry, C., & Kenny, A. (2015). Maternal role transition: Why new mothers need occupational therapists. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. doi:10.1111/1440-1630.12225
Research & evidence-based practice for OTs in perinatal health, motherhood, and matrescence 