Ableism - a problem within occupational therapy? : A general literature review

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to map, analyze and describe current research on the prevalence and expression of ableism within occupational therapy. Method: A general literature review was chosen as the study design. This method allows for a broad exploratory perspective on the topic. Articles were collected from six databases: AMED, APA PsychInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 12 articles was included: 5 of qualitative design, 6 of quantitative design and 1 using a Mixed Methods design. Results: The analyzed results were categorized into three themes: “Bias and attitudes”, “Patient or professional - experiences of disabled occupational therapists” and “Professional perspectives can uphold ableism”. Conclusion: Ableism is prevalent within occupational therapy, notably through implicit attitudes, both in education as well as clinical practice -towards clients and occupational therapists with disabilities. Education appears to have an impact on the prevalence of explicit bias but not as much of implicit bias. Further research is needed on the prevalence of ableism among practicing occupational therapists, disabled clients’ perspectives, and what can reduce implicit ableism.