Understanding the Current Role of School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Addressing Childhood Grief and Loss and Identifying Next Steps to Expand their Current Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was designed to determine how occupational therapy practitioners currently approach their interventions with students on their caseloads who are grieving, as well as to identify what occupational therapy practitioners believe they require in order to expand their current practice as it relates to supporting the needs of grieving students on their caseloads. A qualitative research design was utilized. 10 school-based occupational therapy practitioners participated in the study. Data were collected via semi-structured virtual interviews, using the Zoom platform. Data were collected to understand how occupational therapy practitioners approach their interventions with students on their caseloads who are grieving. Data were also collected to determine what types of resources that occupational therapy practitioners are required to support them in expanding their role as it relates to addressing the needs of grieving students. 10 occupational therapists participated in the study. The results of the study revealed various ways in which occupational therapy practitioners (1) identify a grieving student, (2) provide intervention to grieving students, and (3) obstacles therapists encounter while addressing grief and loss at school. Results from the study also revealed potential ways in which occupational therapy practitioners can be supported to address students on their caseloads who are grieving. School-based occupational therapy practitioners can provide support to the grieving students on their caseloads; however, they require additional support to address barriers and expand their current intervention approaches. These resources may include staff in-services, continuing education opportunities, topical resources about grief-related challenges, and research articles to support their interventions.