Looking Back to Move Forward: Canadian Occupational Therapy In Public Health, 1914–2019

Abstract

Background. Decades of literature demonstrate that occupational therapy is well-suited to collaborate with public health due to overlapping views of health. However, there has been little collaboration between these professions with few examinations of why they remain distinct. Purpose. This study examines historical events that have led to the present-day separation of occupational therapy and public health. Method. This narrative review and thematic analysis of the scholarly, archival, and grey literature was conducted to examine the development of both fields. Findings. Fifty texts were analyzed revealing four themes: the influence of structural and social forces; professional, societal, and institutional hindrances; potential for a shared vision; and next steps for integration. These themes highlight historical barriers to collaboration and provide evidence that occupational therapy could benefit public health. Implications. Collaboration between occupational therapy and public health has many potential benefits, however new approaches to bridge the divide are needed to advance collaboration.