Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Professional Misfits: “You’Re Having To Perform . . . All Week Long”, Brenda L. Beagan, Kaitlin R. Sibbald, Tara M. Pride, Stephanie R. Bizzeth

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy professes commitment to equity and justice, and research is growing concerning the experiences of clients from marginalized groups. To date, almost no research explores the professional experiences of therapists from marginalized groups. This qualitative study explores how exclusion operates in the profession among colleagues.

Method: Grounded in critical phenomenology, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 occupational therapists who self-identified as racialized, disabled, ethnic minority, minority sexual/gender identity (LGBTQ+), and/or from working-class backgrounds. Iterative analysis was conducted using constant comparison and employing ATLAS.ti for team coding.

Results: Across identity groups, four processes of exclusion …

Addressing Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions In Older Women, Amanda Scott, Kristen Digwood, Rachel Teslow, Allyson Bloom

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Women’s pelvic health has become an emerging practice area for occupational therapy in recent years. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that 24% of women in the United States are impacted by pelvic floor disorders (2008). As the general population ages, older women’s health has become a pivotal topic for occupational therapists to include as part of a comprehensive plan of care. Occupational therapists must acquire deeper knowledge related to pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. Developing a deeper understanding of the types of pain and urinary incontinence in older women facilitates efficacy and efficiency in the delivery of occupational …