professional image

1. Introduction: This blog entry is my reflection on how we as occupational therapists undermine our own profession by failing to reflect deeply on and analyse the global repercussions of some of the mundane decisions we make. The example used for this reflection is conflict with social workers, but it could just as easily have been any one of several other situations that occur routinely during my working day. One of my seniors expressed to me on several occasions that she did not feel able to deal with global issues, and those are the responsibilities of managers and the College of Occupational Therapists. This argument could only stand if we were actually applying the standards set by the College of Occupational Therapists to our work. Some of us would like to think we are, but are we really? When was the last time you studied them with a view to scrutinising your own work? If we do not apply the standards set by the College of Occupational Therapists, how can we expect the British Association to protect us?

1. Introduction:
During my short career in health and social care, I have seen people rushed into hospital by ambulance, treated with major surgery and kept alive against great odds in intensive care. I have seen people rehabilitated by physiotherapists and speech and language therapists and cared for by nursing staff. I have seen social workers speaking to patients to ensure their care needs are met in the community. What is it all for? Why do we work so hard to keep people alive? The answer to this question must lie in the meaning of life. What is the meaning of life? This blog entry briefly explores the meaning of life and extrapolates from it reasons why occupational therapy is an essential component of quality care. It reflects on evidence that occupational therapy is currently undervalued and suggests a radically different professional image for the future.