Ep 8: Occupation Based Practice (Part 2): Insights from the Perspective of Newly Qualified Occupational Therapists
The Passion Occupational Therapy PodcastShow Notes
Season 1: Episode 8
Occupation Based Practice (Part 2): Insights from the Perspective of Newly Qualified Occupational Therapists
Welcome to Episode 8 of our Occupation Research Series! In this second installment, we delve into the fascinating insights from the research article by Di Tommaso, A., Wicks, A., Scarvell, J., and Isbel, S. (2019). Titled "Experiences of occupation-based practice: An Australian phenomenological study of recently graduated occupational therapists" published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy.
Our focus centers on the perspectives of recently graduated occupational therapists as they navigate the terrain of occupation-based practice. Unpacking three vital themes—enacting occupation-based practice, the perception of occupation as a luxury, and the experience of "it's more of a confidence thing"—this episode provides a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by new graduates.
Whether you're an OT student, a recent graduate, a supervisor, mentor, or a business owner within the field, this insightful episode offers valuable support. The research discussed unfolds essential learning points for all, contributing to the continuous growth and excellence of our remarkable profession. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the occupation-based practice journey!
More from The Passion Occupational Therapy Podcast
In this episode of the Passion Occupational Therapy Podcast, Parish sits down with Chris Antartis from Rebel Recruitment, a specialist in allied health recruitment across Australia.
When Storm Menzies broke her dominant hand, she quickly discovered just how inaccessible the beauty world can be. That moment sparked an idea and eventually, ByStorm, a brand reimagining beauty tools through an inclusive and adaptive lens. In this episode, we dive into Storm’s inspiring journey from a background in health sciences to becoming a founder and innovator. She opens up about the challenges of designing adaptive beauty tools, the stigma surrounding assistive products, and her mission to make inclusivity the norm, not the niche. We also explore how occupational therapists can play a powerful role in shaping accessibility, not just in clinical settings, but in industries like beauty, design, and product development.
Ever had a client ask, “Why are we doing this?” and you froze? Or maybe your supervisor challenged a recommendation, and you stumbled over your explanation? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving deep into what clinical reasoning really is, why so many struggle with it, and how to build the confidence to explain your decisions with clarity and conviction. We’ll unpack: Why clinical reasoning feels so hard (and what it’s NOT).
For over two years, I’ve been living through a journey I never expected, one that has tested me mentally, emotionally, and physically, and transformed my life in ways I’m still processing.
🧠 Episode Summary: In this episode, Parish is joined by Justin from WheelieWorx as they bust common myths about wheelchairs, from the idea that “all wheelchairs are basically the same” to whether power assist makes users “lazy.” Together, they explore the clinical, functional, and human elements of wheelchair prescription, and how important it is for OTs to develop genuine confidence and clarity in their clinical reasoning. You’ll hear real talk from two OTs with different perspectives and lived experience in the wheelchair space, and why it’s so important we move away from the “tick-a-box” approach to scripting.