The effect of the use of discretion on occupational therapists' professional identity

Grant, Aimee 2013. The effect of the use of discretion on occupational therapists' professional identity. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 76 (9) , pp. 409-417.

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Abstract

Introduction: In the United Kingdom, one strand of New Labour’s welfare reform agenda was the introduction of the Condition Management Programme. In many areas of the United Kingdom, occupational therapists took a leading role in service delivery. This research article examines occupational therapists’ use of discretion within the programme and its effect on their professional identity. Method: In-depth face-to-face interviews were undertaken with 13 staff members employed by the Condition Management Programme, including six occupational therapists. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti 6 software as a data management tool. Findings: Within Condition Management Programmes, managers had a large amount of freedom in service design and created a service staffed in the majority by occupational therapists.While some decisions were made as part of a multidisciplinary team, occupational therapists were allowed considerable clinical autonomy in delivering the service. The impact of this autonomy on their professional identity is discussed. Conclusion: As a central part of the Condition Management Programme service, occupational therapists and other allied health professionals were allowed considerable autonomy. Concurrently, occupational therapists reported a strong professional identity. There is a need for further research within mainstream National Health Service departments to examine how discretion affects professional identity.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Publisher:	College of Occupational Therapists
ISSN:	0308-0226
Funders:	ESRC
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 May 2016
Date of Acceptance:	13 June 0004
Last Modified:	27 Mar 2020 02:27
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/89245

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