Introduction to Occupational Therapy

In accordance with the student-centered pedagogical model, we have opted for a methodology with a theoretical and a theoretical-practical component. Expositive, interrogative and demonstrative methods will be the most used in theoretical classes. The use of  expository and interrogative methodologies will make it possible to explain the theoretical concepts and their framework, as well as to gauge the students’ mastery of them throughout the course.
In the theoretical-practical classes, demonstrative and active learning methodologies will be used, through proposals for activities to be carried out in the classroom, such as carrying out bibliographical research and preparing content on a topic chosen by the students, and promoting interaction and collaboration between students. Promoting student interaction and collaboration is fundamental throughout the course, but this first curricular unit is the first opportunity for them to learn to interact as future professional colleagues, which is why the dynamics proposed by the teachers will take this into account. The combination of these methodologies allows the learning process to be aligned with the pedagogical model centered on the student and oriented towards the development of professional skills in the area of Occupational Therapy.

Students who obtain a minimum grade of 10 (ten) points, rounded up, are considered to have passed this course unit.
Continuous assessment:
Written work (individual) literature review (40%); Work (group) (40%); Oral exam presentation of the work (20%)
Normal/resit/special exam period: Written work (individual) (70%) and oral exam (30%)
In accordance with the Academic Regulations for the 1st Cycle of Studies of the School of Health Technology of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, available for consultation at https://www. estesc.ipc.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Regulamento-Academico-1o-Ciclo_ESTeSC_-Homologado_signed_20230720.pdf

Describe the history of Occupational Therapy (OT), recognising the evolution of its areas of practice over time. Identify the professional framework of OT in Portugal, Europe and worldwide. Understand the regulation of the profession, including mandatory requirements for its practice, and be familiar with the professional Code of Ethics. Recognise the main areas of practice of Occupational Therapy in Portugal, the associated professional terminology and the framework for OT practice. Use generic professional language appropriate for communication with professional and non-professional audiences. Effectively apply information and communication technologies. Conduct bibliographic research, selecting databases and scientific journals of reference in OT. Collaborate and interact in a group context, both in person and in virtual environments. Base professional practice on up-to-date and scientifically relevant bibliographic references.

History of Occupational Therapy: Changes in social paradigms and the conceptualisation of health. Professional practice: from traditional to emerging contexts. Structure and regulation of the profession at national, European and international level; Legislation relating to professional practice; Professional associations; OT Code of Ethics. Introduction to the framework of OT practice: Domain: occupations, contexts, performance patterns, performance competencies and client factors and their dynamic interrelationship; Introduction to the occupational therapy practice process The International Classification of Functioning and its applicability in OT practice Introduction to evidence-based practice in Occupational Therapy; Bibliographic research techniques: narrative, systematic, integrative, bibliometric and state-of-the-art; Bibliographic referencing standards, reference management; Databases, Boolean operators and identification of reference scientific publications.

NAO