Abstract
Client advocacy refers to various expressions of taking a stand such as representing and supporting the interests of clients end of populations with special needs, informing them of their rights in particular situations, making sure they have all the necessary information to make an informed decision, safeguarding their rights, and promoting legislation, policy and social awareness that may affect care and quality of life through education and public activism. The purpose of the present study is to examine situations in which occupational therapists identify the need for their involvement on behalf of clients, and identify factors that affect their behaviour when they protect, represent or inform clients about their rights. In-depth ethnographic interviews were conducted with 12 Israeli registered occupational therapists representing a variety of professional specializations and work settings. From the analysis of the results three main themes were identified as follows: a) the interviewees view themselves as 'guardians of morals' in relation to personal, professional and social misconduct, b) occupational therapists become advocates when mediation is needed to represent clients' functional abilities, and c) the role of client advocacy is affected and shaped by occupational therapists' perceptions and experiences of the interdisciplinary team.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 207-215 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy |
Volume | 64 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1997 |
Keywords
- Client advocacy
- Patient care team
- Qualitative methods
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Occupational Therapy