Eleanor Clarke Slag e Lectureship , 1984 : Transfortnation of a Profession ( model , theoretical ; occupational therapy ; philosophy ; values )

The 1984 Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture was presented by Elnora Gilfoyle at the Annual Conference of the Amencan Occupational Therapy Association on iVlay 10, 1984, Kansas City) Jl1lSS oun . During the past few decades occupational therapy has been in a state of identity cnsis where the reality of occupational therapy and its proper place within health care systems is being questioned. Our profession must also question its value system, dimensions of practice, and educational requirements. In examining our place within health care systems, the profession must consider the current biomedical model, future trends for medicine, and the renaissance of the feminist movement. Our crisis should be recognized as a necessary im petus for the evolution that is underway. This crisis is our opportunity, not our pathology (I, p 25). Occu pational therapy is in a period of transformation, a period of paradigm shift, which is a shift in ways of thinking about old concepts. Paradigm shifts are similar to upward spirals that transform perceptions of the present into new perspectives. During a paradigm shift, an evolution takes place, a move from one form of unity through a phase of disunity and on to reintegration at a higher level (2, p 28). The disunity phase of an identity crisis can become positive in an emerging culture by shifting perspectives from static structures to perceptions of dynamic change. vVhen we view evolution from the perspective of dynamic change, crisis becomes transformation (l, p 71). For example, as we question our philosophical base from a perspective of dynamic change, crisis over therapeutic media and methods will lead to new perspectives of occupation and occupational. As we question our allegiance to medicine, new perspectives regarding practice dimensions will be transformed from the medical model to a model of healthfulness where patients influence their own state of health. As we question competencies needed to enter professional practice, requirements and organization of our ed ucational process will be transformed to prepare independent health professionals. Occupational therapy's paradigm shift, as a transformation process, will evolve into new understandings of the value of occupation and the patients' occupational process in promoting