CREATING A THINK TANK FOR OCCUPATION-BASED SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Summary of the Workshop: The convenors of this workshop recognise the context of contemporary Europe, including: • The hardening political climate • The economy and the limitations to health and social care provided by... [ view full abstract ]

Summary of the Workshop:
The convenors of this workshop recognise the context of contemporary Europe, including:
• The hardening political climate
• The economy and the limitations to health and social care provided by state organisations
• Expanded understandings of health that incorporate the impact of social determinants on inequalities of health
• Societal and cultural changes including demographics and the ageing population
• The increasing mobility of populations including that of refugees
• The strengthening of social accountability by citizen participation in practice, education and research (although with considerable regional and cultural variation)

We also recognise the beginnings of a shift within occupational therapy education, practice and research towards addressing these challenges. As a result we see the need for critical analysis and conceptual development that will provide coherent foundations for ongoing developments around occupation-based social transformation.

The objective of the workshop is the development of a think tank to work on these issues. This workshop will be an initial forum for interested people to engage in discussion and debate, and to prepare an agenda for the ongoing work of the think tank, with final output a publication.

Critical questions will be introduced by the convenors, which participants may use to guide debate.

Maximum number of participants: 20

Brief description of intended participants: This workshop is suitable for those wishing to engage in such conceptual development addressing current and future challenges in education, practice and research.