An exploration into the role of Scottish Paediatric Occupational Therapists in addressing the Occupational Needs of Parentally Bereaved Children

Abstract

Childhood is the time from birth to age 18 years old, ideally where a child lacks any significant responsibilities, is innocent and protected, and encouraged to grow, develop and flourish. Within the United Kingdom, statistics suggest that a high number of children are directly impacted by parental bereavement and that their ability to cope within the home and educational environments may be disrupted as a result of this significant event. Thus the need for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate and timely support is of great importance. The literature review component of this dissertation will consider current research in relation to childhood bereavement services presently available to children and their effectiveness. Additionally, the literature review will discuss the present occupational therapy role for children in these circumstances and explore the future role of occupational therapy for this client group. Occupational therapy is a profession which seeks to gain a holistic understanding of an individual, valuing participation in a variety of activities as containing significant influence over an individual's health. However, at present in the United Kingdom, occupational therapy practice and literature in relation to parentally bereaved children appears to be relatively sparse. A qualitative research proposal originating from a phenomenological design will utilise in-depth semi-structured interviews in order to gain an understanding of Scottish community paediatric occupational therapists' perceptions and experiences of parentally bereaved children and their needs. The research proposal aims to support the expansion of a very limited occupational therapy perspective in relation to parentally bereaved children.