The use of spirituality in occupational therapy practice : an appreciative inquiry

Abstract

Spirituality has been identified as vital to client-centred, holistic occupational therapy (OT) practice. Attending to mind, body and spirit are essential for health and wellbeing. Spiritual beliefs have a significant impact on everyday routines and habits and give meaning and an additional dimension to everyday activities. Occupational therapists recognise the potential to make spirituality tangible through the use of deeply meaningful occupations. Many occupational therapists avow that they are unclear on how to integrate spirituality into treatment. They lack the confidence, knowledge and skill to address spirituality. Many argue that preparation for such a role should be embedded in the curricula. This study aimed to explore how spirituality is being addressed in OT practice by educators and clinicians in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative research design using Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as an approach was conducted. The participants’ understanding of spirituality, their current successes, and their wishes concerning spirituality, as well as recommendations on how to address spirituality in OT were investigated. Purposive sampling resulted in a total of 24 participants. Data was collected by means of an AI workshop that consisted of self-report, AI interview schedules and focus group inquiries. Data was analysed through thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged from this study, namely 1) understanding spirituality as a construct, 2) client-centred practice/approach, 3) envisioned practice enablers of spirituality, and 4) nurturing spirituality within the therapist. Participants clearly articulated how spirituality is defined and understood in their practice. Current successes in spirituality were attributed to client-centred practice. Strategies to address, sustain and implement spirituality in education and practice were identified. These findings may contribute to the current discussion on spirituality in OT. Literature on the utilisation of the AI approach in OT and in healthcare is limited, thus this study may also serve to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.