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Research Article
Issue Date: January 1982
Published Online: January 01, 1982
Updated: April 30, 2020
Order and Disorder in Medicine and Occupational Therapy
Joan C. Rogers
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Joan C. Rogers, Ph.D., OTR, is Associate Professor, Department of Medical Allied Health, Division of Occupational Therapy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • This paper was presented at the AOTA Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, April 15, 1980 (Research Forum, sponsored by the AOTF).
    This paper was presented at the AOTA Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, April 15, 1980 (Research Forum, sponsored by the AOTF).×
Article Information
Professional Issues / Features
Research Article   |   January 01, 1982
Order and Disorder in Medicine and Occupational Therapy
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 1982, Vol. 36, 29-35. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.36.1.29
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 1982, Vol. 36, 29-35. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.36.1.29
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Abstract

Professional practice is based on knowledge of order, disorder, and change. The meaning of these concepts in medicine and in occupational therapy is compared to clarify the differences in orientation between the two disciplines. The negative influence of the biomedical model on occupational therapy theory and practice is illustrated. The development of a taxonomy of levels of performance in occupation to serve as a basis for referral to occupational therapy and for theory building is suggested.