AN EXPLORATION OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND IT IS IMPACT ON THE PRACTICING OF FAMILY CENTERED PRACTICE IN KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA: QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) is completely young and new in the middle east, es- pecially in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the globalisation of the Saudi Arabian healthcare system has opened chances and opportunity of new healthcare services such as occupational therapy. The aims of this project are to explore the current situation of occupational therapist and it is impact on the Family Centered Practice (FCP) approach. Methodology: The project has adopted the Qualitative methodology with phenomenological approach. in order to achieve the aims, Saudi occupational therapists were selected via convenience sampling and seven semi structured one to one interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and the themes were identify using thematic analysis framework Braun and Clark’s (2006). Findings: Four themes were identified using thematic analysis. firstly, gaining an understanding of FCP from university occupational therapy programmes of Study; secondly, centralisation of paediatric occupational therapy facilities and resources in the KSA; thirdly, low awareness for occupational therapy and its role in FCP; and finally, the barriers to FCP in the Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The low number of occupational therapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is low and the availability of training centered for improve the occupational therapists’ services is limited. Furthermore, the projected gained insight into the current understanding of family centred practice and it is relatively poor for Saudi occupational therapists.