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Review
. 2021 Jun;88(2):117-130.
doi: 10.1177/0008417421994377. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

What is Professionalism in Occupational Therapy? A Concept Analysis: Qu'est-ce que le professionnalisme en ergothérapie? Analyse de ce concept

Alexandra Lecours, Nancy Baril, Marie-Josée Drolet
Review

What is Professionalism in Occupational Therapy? A Concept Analysis: Qu'est-ce que le professionnalisme en ergothérapie? Analyse de ce concept

Alexandra Lecours et al. Can J Occup Ther. 2021 Jun.

Abstract
in English, French

Background.: Professionalism has been given different definitions over time. These are, commonly theoretical and difficult to operationalize.

Purpose.: This study aimed to provide an operational definition of the concept of professionalism in occupational therapy.

Method.: Based on a concept analysis design, a meta-narrative review was conducted to extract information from 30 occupational therapy manuscripts.

Findings.: Professionalism is a complex competence defined by the manifestation of distinct attitudes and behaviours that support excellence in the occupational therapy practice. In addition, professionalism is forged and evolves according to personal and environmental characteristics. The manifestation of professionalism can lead to positive consequences for occupational therapists, clients, and the discipline, notably contributing to a positive and strong professional identity. Moreover, professionalism is also subject to cultural influences, which leads to variations in its development, manifestations, and consequences.

Implications.: This study offers a contemporary operational definition of professionalism and levers to promote its development and maintenance.

Contexte de recherche.: Le professionnalisme a fait l’objet de différentes définitions au fil du temps. Ces définitions ont souvent été théoriques et difficiles à opérationnaliser.

Objectif.: Cette étude visait à fournir une définition opérationnelle du concept du professionnalisme en ergothérapie.

Méthodologie.: Selon un devis d'analyse de concept, une recension métanarrative des écrits scientifiques a été réalisée afin d’extraire les informations pertinentes de 30 manuscrits.

Résultats.: Le professionnalisme est une compétence complexe, définie par la manifestation d’attitudes et de comportements qui favorisent l’excellence dans la pratique de l’ergothérapie. De plus, le professionnalisme se forge et évolue selon des caractéristiques personnelles et environnementales. La manifestation de professionnalisme peut avoir des conséquences positives pour les ergothérapeutes, les clients et la discipline, en contribuant notamment à l’acquisition d’une identité professionnelle positive et forte. Le professionnalisme est également sujet à des influences culturelles, ce qui entraîne des variations dans son développement, ses manifestations et ses conséquences.

Implications.: Cette étude fournit une définition opérationnelle contemporaine du professionnalisme et des leviers qui permettent de favoriser son développement et son maintien.

Keywords: Attitudes professionnelles; Professional attitudes; Professional behaviours; Professional identity; Professional reasoning; Professional values; comportements professionnels; identité professionnelle; raisonnement professionnel; valeurs professionnelles.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Documents’ selection flowchart.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Antecedents, attributes, and consequences of professionalism in occupational therapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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