Professional identity
Professional identity
Report
Figure 1 : Illustration capturing the workshop discussion .
practising in alignment with one ’ s core beliefs and fostering a sense of belonging .
While delegates acknowledged the need for flexibility in the current climate , a key finding was that a strong professional identity supported them in adapting to new situations . This suggests that a clear sense of purpose and core values can empower occupational therapists to remain resilient and adaptable in the face of change .
The importance of professional identity
The second question was : Why is professional identity important to you and your practice ? The discussion highlighted the importance of a strong professional identity . With delegates stating it acts as a safeguard , offering clear professional boundaries and supported clinicians in navigating their scope of practice .
Additionally , it fosters a valuable support network . This aligns with the research by Ashby , Alder and Herbert ( 2016 ), who found that a robust professional identity functions as a protective factor .
It enhances resilience , career longevity , and equips practitioners to navigate challenges such as role ambiguity and limitations in implementing occupation-based practice .
What are the challenges ?
The third question was : What challenges does our professional identity face in today ’ s health and social care settings ?
The workshop highlighted the critical link between a strong and consistent professional identity for occupational therapists and achieving optimal outcomes . A weak identity poses significant risks , potentially hindering recognition of the profession ’ s unique contributions .
One key challenge identified is the struggle for effective self-promotion . This can lead to a lack of recognition from other healthcare professionals , managers , policymakers and the public .
Consequently , occupational therapists may face challenges in securing appropriate remuneration for their expertise .
Additionally , a weak professional identity can hinder the profession ’ s ability to compete effectively in the healthcare marketplace . This can lead to encroachment by other professions into traditional areas of occupational therapy practice ( Turner and Knight 2015 ; Wilding and Whiteford 2008 ).
The workshop delegates also discussed the evolving professional landscape , with the emergence of new roles and a potential blurring of boundaries . This can create confusion about the specific skillsets and expertise offered by occupational therapists ( AOMRC 2020 ).
Furthermore , participants noted how these developments , coupled with the pressure to be ‘ good problem solvers ’, lack of occupational therapists and time , can contribute to professional burnout or missed opportunities .
Addressing the challenges
The fourth and final question was : How can we address these challenges ? The workshop underscored the importance of fostering a strong and well-defined professional identity for occupational therapists .
Delegates identified a clear need to proactively promote the profession . This included the collective sentiment of ‘ shouting about what we do ’ and ‘ making ourselves visible ’ to a wider audience .
Ideas for achieving this included exploring strategies for recruitment , research and publications , and actively engaging with the occupational therapy community to make our collective voice stronger .
Calling for RCOT to continue advocating for national recognition of the valuable work occupational therapists perform , and to support and collaborate with occupational therapists to achieve these goals , delegates felt this should focus on meeting their development needs , ensuring their continuous growth and expertise .
Together , occupational therapists can create a more unified front , effectively communicating the profession ’ s distinct value and ensuring continued recognition within the ever-changing healthcare landscape .
34 OTnews November 2024