Research Article  |   April 2018
Occupational Therapy and Primary Care: Updates and Trends
Ashley D. Halle; Tracy M. Mroz; Donald J. Fogelberg; Natalie E. Leland
Author Affiliations
  • Ashley D. Halle, OTD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Primary Care Residency & Services, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; halle@chan.usc.edu
  • Tracy M. Mroz, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
  • Donald J. Fogelberg, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
  • Natalie E. Leland, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Article Information
Advocacy / Health and Wellness / Education of OTs and OTAs / Professional Issues / Health Policy Perspectives
Research Article   |   April 2018
Occupational Therapy and Primary Care: Updates and Trends
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 2018, Vol. 72, 7203090010p1-7203090010p6. doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.723001
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 2018, Vol. 72, 7203090010p1-7203090010p6. doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.723001
Abstract

As our health care system continues to change, so do the opportunities for occupational therapy. This article provides an update to a 2012 Health Policy Perspectives on this topic. We identify new initiatives and opportunities in primary care, explore common challenges to integrating occupational therapy in primary care environments, and highlight international works that can support our efforts. We conclude by discussing next steps for occupational therapy practitioners in order to continue to progress our efforts in primary care.