ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 12 > Iss. 4 (2024)
Credentials Display
Beth Ann Walker, PhD, MS, OTR, FAOTA; Jenn Soros, PhD, OTR/L; Abbie Alter, OTD, OTR; Courtney Cummings, OTD, OTR/L; Bridget Downs, OTD, OTR; Kayla Elstien OTD, OTR/L; Irelend Grace Greenwell, OTD, OTR/L; Kyli Luna, OTD, OTR
Abstract
The World Health Organization identifies sexual functions and intimate relationships as a functioning domain in the Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (WHO, 2023). Addressing sexual functions and intimate relationships is a key area of practice for occupational therapists (Walker et al., 2020), and it is important to ensure that occupational therapists are prepared to address this important domain. With the worldwide call to ensure the sexuality and intimacy needs of individuals receiving rehabilitation services are addressed, it is time to establish a new direction for education, practice, and research. This study used a Delphi approach to gather and analyze evidence, engage experts in pivotal dialogue, and make critical decisions to determine priorities for education related to the international practice of occupational therapy in addressing sexuality and intimacy. Findings outline the pedagogy, knowledge, and skills needed to prepare current and future therapists to address the sexuality and intimacy needs of clients worldwide effectively. Global leaders have solidified the role and scope of occupational therapy in addressing sexuality and intimacy and outlined theoretically informed and evidence-based priorities for entry-level and post professional education.
Recommended Citation
Walker, B., Soros, J., Alter, A., Downs, B., Cummings, C., Greenwell, I. G., Elstien, K., & Luna, K. (2024). Mapping the Way Forward: Prioritizing Education for Global Occupational Therapy Practice in Addressing Sexuality and Intimacy - A Delphi Approach. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(4), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2255
Comments
The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.