Occupational therapy in communities, society and international contextsLaajuus (6 ECTS)

Objective

Students recognise topical challenges to health and well-being in Finnish society. Students are able to take needs and change expectations stemming from society and communities into account in their work. They are capable of influencing decision-makers and citizens at a social level in order to bring about occupational equality. They command occupational forms that may be used therapeutically in communities. Students build up their knowledge of cultures and cultural sensitivity. Students have means to relate to and work therapeutically with clients from different cultural backgrounds. They are familiar with the challenges to health and well-being in Finnish society. They take interest in international activities.

Content

• Introduction to sociology and anthropology 2 cr.
o Influence of culture on client relationships and therapeutic formulation of occupation
o Cultural identity, values, attitudes and prejudices
o Relating to different cultures in everyday working communities
o Empowerment
• The Residential Environment Impact Survey (REIS) method 1 cr.
• Therapeutic occupation in communities
• Politics and how to influence in society

• Occupational justice and deprivation and their effects on human health and well-being 2 cr.
• Challenges to health and well-being in Finnish society
Optional studies from the following, for example:
o poverty
o unemployment
o domestic violence
o social exclusion
o integration of immigrants, ageing, etc.
o coping at work amidst prolonged careers
o addictions (intoxicating substances, the Internet, etc.)
o mental health problems and exclusion
o national diseases
o multiple problems
o adequacy of services with the changing age structure

• International opportunities for occupational therapy 1 cr.
• European occupational therapy

Qualifications

Prerequisites:
Human beings in their environments
Therapeutic occupation in self-care, instrumental activities of daily living and play; or
Therapeutic occupation in productive (study, work) and leisure activities
Therapeutic occupation in groups 1

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students master professional concepts, and they justify their choices using the comprehensive knowledge base, based on the client’s needs. Students assess systematically the prerequisites and consequences of their own actions.

Students act independently and professionally aiming at goals set to them in their operating environment as well as apply working methods appropriately and safely.

Students work according to professional ethics as well as commit themselves to the group, enhancing its functioning.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students master professional concepts and make choices together with the client using the comprehensive knowledge base. They also assess and develop their own functioning systematically.

Students act independently and professionally aiming at goals set to them in their operating environment. They also apply working methods flexibly and safely.

Students work according to professional ethics considering the characteristics of various situations, and in their work they commit themselves to the code of professional conduct.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students master professional concepts and make choices together with the client using the comprehensive knowledge base, in changing environments. They also assess their own functioning and produce knowledge to develop their operating environment.

Students act independently and professionally and develop their working and operating environments together with other actors.

Students work according to professional ethics considering the characteristics of complex and unpredictable situations. Their work develops and renews professional procedures and practices.