Ethical Considerations and Standards of Practice: Integrative Health in Occupational Therapy
Complementary Health and Integrative Health (CHAIH) products and practices are frequently employed by the general public to alleviate symptoms and manage various illnesses and diseases.
The field of occupational therapy adopts a holistic, client-centered approach that supports the integration of CHAIH into practice (AOTA, 2017). However, it is essential to consider ethical and practical implications before implementing holistic practices.
Is Integrative Health Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy?
Yes. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) approves the use of complementary health and integrative health (CHAIH) products and practices by competent occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to prepare and enhance participation and engagement in occupation by persons, groups, and populations (AOTA, 2017).
What are the Criteria for Legally Implementing CHAIH into the Plan of Care?
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association:
“Occupational Therapy Practitioners are required to obtain the requisite training, credentials, or licensure for all CHAIH included in the occupational therapy plan of care” (AOTA, 2017).
“OTPs are required to practice in accordance with federal and state laws, relevant statutes, regulations, and payer policies” (AOTA, 2017).
“Incorporating CHAIH into occupational therapy interventions necessitates awareness of additional regulatory requirements for practice, such as licensure or certification in the scopes of practice for licensed CHAIH professions, and of how the CHAIH approach integrates into the occupational therapy plan of care (AOTA, 2017).
“The risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of occupational therapy interventions including CHAIH must be disclosed to clients as part of client-centered, evidence-based practice (AOTA, 2017).
What are the Criteria for Ethically Implementing CHAIH into the Plan of Care?
The Occupational Therapist must ensure the selected CHAIH is congruent with the client’s cultural practices, priorities, or needs and that they positively affect health, well-being, and participation in daily activities.
The selected CHAIH must align with the client’s health perspectives, be safe to use, and be within the scope of occupational therapy practice (AOTA, 2017).
What is the Process for Implementing CHAIH into a Client’s Plan of Care?
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) states, incorporating CHAIH into occupational therapy interventions must must be done in the context of an overall occupational therapy process and plan of care.
Must perform an initial evaluation that begins the collaborative process of exploring the client’s characteristics and goals and identifying occupational performance deficits.
An intervention plan is established and implemented to address identified goals and targeted outcomes that support improved performance and enhanced participation in desired occupations.
The client’s progress is monitored and progress toward achieving their goals is reviewed (AOTA, 2017).
The CHAIH Interventions Approved by AOTA
Preparatory Methods and Tasks: Guided Imagery, Yoga for stress reduction prior to ADLs, and Deep breathing.
Occupations: Mindfulness or meditation for pain reduction
Activities: Standing yoga poses and Tai Chi for standing balance during occupations (AOTA, 2017).
Reference
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2017). Occupational therapy and complementary health approaches and integrative health. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(Suppl. 2), 7112410020. https://doi. org/10.5014/ajot.2017.716S08.