Occupational therapy is in a unique position to perceive and comprehend the complexity of global issues by looking at its various aspects from a client-centric perspective. The globe is presently undergoing immersive changes as a result of global pandemics, political issues, and technical difficulties. Food insecurity and the advancement of information and communication technology are important challenges that relate to occupational therapy. In the upcoming years, occupational therapy practice is anticipated to be significantly impacted by these global issues.
Hunger and food insecurity are intricate, diverse issues with several root causes and much more complicated effects. As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens food insecurity on a national and international scale, occupational therapists will play a crucial role in reducing the consequences of food insecurity (Juckett & Robinson, 2019). Occupational therapists can assist social workers in resolving this problem by ensuring that vulnerable clients have access to community services. By tailoring school meals and lunches, occupational therapy may also address food insecurity for kids with irregular eating patterns in schools and early intervention programs (Juckett & Robinson, 2019). By making changes to the school or college cafeterias to lessen noise and visual stimulation, it can assist in addressing environmental distractions.
International and national research on the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the health sector over the past ten years have mainly shown how useful and beneficial these technologies are. During the diagnostic and intervention phases, interaction and active engagement between the occupational therapist and the person with a disability are crucial components of developing a therapeutic connection that may be bolstered with the use of ICT (Reitz & Scaffa, 2020). Occupational therapists can utilize these technologies primarily for professional growth, research, administration, and interaction with other professionals and clients (Juckett & Robinson, 2019). ICT could, in some instances, be the only means for occupational therapists to deliver medical care to patients in light of the ongoing pandemic and its theoretical continuance.
In the upcoming years, a principal focus for this field will be the use of occupational therapy in public health to preserve or enhance patients’ health-related quality of life, which entails participating in worthwhile activities during community-based occupational therapy. I envision the advancement of occupational therapy within the framework of the emergence of communication technologies. Their usage will support the establishment of good practices on an international level based on regional accomplishments. Occupational therapy is anticipated to grow in importance over the next ten years, possibly ranking among the most crucial aspects of healthcare.
It is critical for occupational therapists to concentrate on the spread of technology in diverse communities, especially in those that, for a variety of reasons, lack proper access to medical treatment. Additionally, all practitioners must be acquainted with the most recent technological developments and ready to put their expertise to use, supporting individuals’ full involvement in important daily activities. By collaborating more closely with the most vulnerable groups and more profound work on the school and college levels, I would like to alleviate food insecurity.
References
Juckett, L. A., & Robinson, M. L. (2019). The occupational therapy approach to addressing food insecurity among older adults with chronic disease. Geriatrics, 4(1), 22. Web.
Reitz, S. M., & Scaffa, M. E. (2020). Occupational Therapy in the Promotion of Health and Well-Being. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(3), 7403420010-14. Web.