Knowledge Gaps Regarding Indigenous Health in Occupational Therapy: A National Survey

Abstract

Background. There is a need for the occupational therapy profession to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action and work towards supporting the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Purpose. (1) To determine the knowledge gaps of occupational therapists about Indigenous health and (2) to create recommendations to address identified gaps and inform responses from the profession. Method. A national needs survey was created and distributed to occupational therapists across Canada to determine the knowledge of occupational therapists about Indigenous health. Survey results were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings. Data collected from 364 survey responses informed six distinct themes representing knowledge gaps of occupational therapists related to Indigenous health as follows: lack of foundational knowledge, power relations, lifelong learner, need for appropriate tools/approaches, respectful collaboration, and environmental influences. Implications. The project offers insight into the role of the occupational therapy profession in the process of reconciliation. Insights are focused on decolonizing occupational therapy practice, building trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and the provision of appropriate training for occupational therapists to engage in culturally safer practices.