Definition of Occupational Therapy
Read more at wfot.org about where and how Occupational Therapists work.
Where do OT’s work in Sweden?
Nine out of ten occupational therapy practitioners in Sweden, work for health and hospital services. They work in a variety of settings including geriatric care, disability, and physical illness hospital care, in primary care, in regional hospital care, with social services caring for those with learning disabilities, in adult and paediatric rehabilitation, in psychiatric in-patient and out-patient care, assistive technology centres, penal institutions and at the Labour Market Institute. Occupational therapists base their work on scientific and proven methods and a large store of clinical experience to promote their patients' ability to lead a meaningful and purposeful life in accordance with their occupational needs and wishes, and in relation to the demands of the environment where they live. The Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists helps to facilitate and uphold occupational therapy's important role within health care in Sweden.
Professional duties for OT's in Sweden
Occupational therapists are placed under the supervision of the National Board of Health and Welfare. The purpose of this supervision is to superintend quality and safety of medical care and to prevent the risk of injury to patients.
The Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists has developed Competence Descriptions for Occupational Therapists. The purpose is to clarify for employers, politicians and the general public what demands they can place on occupational therapists practicing their profession.
The members of the association are, in reference to the statues of our association, obligated to work according to our Code of Ethics. The Quality Policy is the base of continuing improvement of the occupational therapy field. These both documents constitute important support for occupational therapists during education and competence development.
A new Quality Policy was decided in November 2021 at the General Assembly. An English translation will be available.