The role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands: experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists and rehabilitation health workers

INTRODUCTION: In most Western countries occupational therapy is well established as a crucial aspect of overall health care; however, in low-middle-income countries it is still an emerging profession. This article investigates the role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands by examining the experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists (OTs) and other rehabilitation health workers who have worked there. METHODS: Using a qualitative research design, participants were recruited using purposive sampling, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews, diary entries and observations of an occupational therapy setting in the Solomon Islands. Ten participants were interviewed. RESULTS: A significant role in health-promoting practices was revealed through the various tasks undertaken by OTs in the Solomon Islands, including influencing health policy and practice broadly through advocacy and education. Challenges relating to geography, cultural, language and resource barriers, and professional practice issues were identified. Implications for practice were drawn from the data including the need for culturally safe practice, pragmatism, creativity and practising across disciplinary boundaries. CONCLUSIONS: Results illustrate a clear role for occupational therapy in promoting health and sustainability of rehabilitation therapy services in the Solomon Islands, which also have relevance throughout Pacific island nations.