An occupational therapist working in the community: A road that goes beyond the profession

Occupational therapy provides rehabilitation services to people with disabilities. The aim of therapy is to increase the independence of individuals in self-care, work, and leisure. Occupational therapists serve clients with different conditions, ranging from physical, psychiatric to developmental disabilities. Under the global health care development, occupational therapy now focuses on community-based rehabilitation, which emphasizes providing service in the natural environment of the clients. In addition, more occupational therapists work in primary health care area, serving the public by providing primary and secondary prevention, as well as client's empowerment programs. To ensure high quality health care service is provided, occupational therapists work in close collaboration with other health care professions. Moreover, therapists are required to participate in training and research programs actively, in order to upgrade the clinical knowledge as well as practice.