Clinical decision making within occupational therapy: a critical reflection of providing palliative care for a patient in the community

Abstract

Clinical decision-making within occupational therapy is a complex and dynamic process shaped by numerous scientific, narrative, professional, ethical, legal and personal factors. By reflecting on these factors and by developing metacognition of one's own reasoning pathways, biases, and heuristics, patient-centred and balanced clinical decisions can be made. This reflective case study examines the factors underpinning an occupational therapist's clinical decision making for a man with terminal cancer. A critical reflective model is used in this article to provide structure and to ensure critical consideration of the case. Implications for practice aim to serve as inspiration for others to reflect on their own journey, and personal action points are detailed to develop the author's own clinical decision-making.