Health and Occupational Therapy

Health promotion is the use of discipline specific techniques to assist people in achieving their health related goals. As an occupational therapist it is their job to have a holistic approach to health promotion while giving that client, or population their maximum health and quality of life. There are many different approaches that can have a negative impact on an individuals health like not being able to engage in occupations that can cause health issues known as occupation deprivation along with not being able to participate in occupations due to socioeconomic status, gender etc referred to as occupational apartheid. Therefore helping clients to engage and participate in these activities will increase or hopefully create a healthier lifestyle for them. As healthcare providers its best to think of healthy people 2020 and 2030 which is aimed to helping achieve a long healthy life. Healthy lifestyles are hard to understand to some individuals because they have limited health literacy. This is due to the fact that some individuals reading levels and understanding of healthcare is very low. Therefore its best to simplify health terminology, along with clear explanations, while asking questions to make sure the client understands the best approaches and techniques to live a full, healthy life.
As occupational therapist engage in helping a client live a healthy lifestyle they have the possibility to improve patient satisfaction and quality of care because they are client centered. While helping keep the cost per capita down, OT's are innovative and they think creatively to adapt to clients needs on the spot. Along with adapting they promote advice and the correct referrals so the client can live as independently as possible without returning to the hospital because they were taught and understood health literacy. Overall, it is best to understand that an occupational therapists' role in health promotion is important to not only prevent an injury or disease before it happens but also to limit the struggles of a disease already present. Health promotion not only is beneficial to clients, but also other healthcare providers and even family members.