History and Evolution of Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Overview

The Emergence of Occupational Therapy - 1900s to 1920s

?    Occupational therapy dates back to the pre professional age. 1900s - 1920s
?    OT as a practice that is really not that old. In the grand scheme of things. 
?    In the 1900s in the 1920s, OT stand from arts and crafts movement, as well as the moral treatment movement 
?    The influence of leisure pursuits at that time
?    Ways to increase  leisure productivity through like the concept of using your hands and your minds together
?    The moral treatment movement is looking at the movement toward actually involving patients more within their care. 
?    The first history is looking at what occupation is with that strong focus on leisure as well as starting to become client centered,  already at the origin of OT.

?    The arts and crafts movement being a big part of OT history is probably also OT are often thought of as only being able to do, arts and crafts
?    It was looking beyond just medicine and focusing more on a sense of mental achievement, as well as a sense of being productive
?    OT is really focused on being productive, leading meaningful productive lives 
?    Tasks that you're doing with in your daily life
?    OT had its roots in TV sanatoriums,  mental hospitals, as well as military hospitals
?    There was originally no official training for an OT during World War One. 
?    This was switched to a six-week program and then a three-month course at the University of Toronto. 
?    A little bit of training at that time but it didn't really take much in order to be an OT.

?    Some of those really OT wanted to establish some form of an identity and cohesion
?    OT  tends to have a bit more of a richer history than PT
?    OT have spent a lot of time trying to find an identity, trying to form some sort of bond within the profession
?    The worlds of OT are so different in so many different areas
?    Back in the 1920s. The interior of society of occupational therapist was established to try to form, some form of identity and cohesion in some way to kind of inform the general public, of what they are and what they do
?    The first university program was initiated at UT in 1926
?    In this time that's when the Canadian Association of occupational therapists was established
?    During this time, you're seeing OT progressing in areas that work and the training that they have
?    Their progression to include vocational training, industrial diagrams and clinical workshops.

OT and the Arts and Crafts Movement

?    This is particularly set up to assist newly discharged patients to readjust and develop a tolerance for work.
?    A big focus on the productivity role of individuals and then specializations in the areas of TV pediatrics and psychiatry. 
?    World War Two
?    Tuberculosis
?    At this point the OT are actually allowed on the front lines as the military side benefit of OT work
?    In this time the OT, you’re addressing orthopedic and neurological issues as well as the psychiatric conditions of returning soldiers 

?    There was the first special courses in OT
?     It was developed into an 18-month program at Queens University, and then between 1950 and 1970, 20 OT programs were initiated. And the length of the program increased to four years
?    1970
?    This is what you're seeing that any of the combined OT, PT courses are being separated. 
?    1970 is the time when you really see a distinction between OT and PT. 
?    There are still a lot of issues separating OT and PT. But a lot has happened in the past and that continues to happen to try to show them as two very distinct and different professions. 

?    In the 1980s and the 1990s, you're looking at increased guidelines towards self-regulation, focus on research, focus on developing theories and models of practice 
?    That shift towards more of an evidence based framework
?    1986, was the first creation of the Master of Science program in occupational therapy at the University of Alberta. 
?    1987, you’re seeing a shift from more of that medical model to more of a community based practice and Health Promotion model.

?    1984, this is when OT had to begin formally registering 
?    This is when formal registration began
?    1990s, you stated to see a growth within areas like the auto sector and private practice as well
?    In the 2000, you’ve seen the impact of technology and equipment on the development of OT, increased focus on communication, client centered, practice on the demand for evidence to validate services, etc.
?    2008, when you require a master's degree in occupational therapy
?    After 2008, you need to complete a four-year bachelor's program, and you must complete the two year, master's degree in occupational therapy in order to be able to write the national exam
?    It is a form of therapy that encourages rehabilitation through the performances of activities, required in daily life. 
?    It is a therapy that helps to solve the problems that interfere with a person's ability to do the things that are important to them. 

?    It is to help people to lead productive and satisfying lives, and the focus is on occupations
?    What is OT now?
?    It is a form of therapy or rehab
?    The focus is on performing activities required in daily life.