A European Journal of Occupational Therapy

1
A European Journal of Occupational Therapy

• Jennifer Creek Hetty Fransen
• Free-track session 23 september 2005
• 10th Annual Meeting ENOTHE - Vienna

2
Question

• Is there a need
• for a
• EUROPEAN
• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
• JOURNAL
• ?

3
Objectives

• To discuss whether the project is a reasonable
  one
• To put forward views on the format of the journal
• To identify the way forward

4
Rationale (1)

• Domination in OT by ideas and theories from North
  America, UK and Australia
• but
• OT practice should be localised, contextualised
  and culturally appropriate

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Rationale (2)

• No single approach can be applied across Europe
• There are common issues and themes
• Theories developed in one country need critical
  analysis and modification to be relevant within
  another country

6
The voice of European OTis developing!

• Evidence is shown by
• the work of ENOTHE and COTEC
• The OT journals published in different countries
• The increase of OT textbooks in different
  European languages

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We see a place for a European Journal of OT

• To share experience and knowledge
• To capture developments in theory and practice
  across Europe

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Ideas about the purpose of the journal (1)

• Sharing good practice
• Disseminating information about the work of
  ENOTHE and COTEC
• Presenting theory developments for critical
  comment and discussion
• Identifying a European approach to occupational
  therapy
• Debating current issues and events thathimpact on
  OT development and practice

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Ideas about the purpose of the journal (2)

• Publishing research findings
• Presenting the service user perspective on OT
• Giving a voice to new and emerging movements
  within the profession
• Affirming the positive aspects of OT in europe
• Including the views of OT from all European
  countries
• Making the link with other therapists with
  similar interests

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Discussion questions(1)

• The need for a European Journal of OT?
• What would be its purpose and functions? Should
  it include a mixture of research and practice?
• The relationship with COTEC and ENOTHE?
• What language or languages should the journal be
  published in?

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Discussion questions (2)

• How should the editorial board be constituted?
• Who should publish the journal
• How can a new journal be financed
• How many times a year should it be issued?

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The way forward?

• Outcomes
• A small work group
• A larger support group
• Adresses for correspondence
• Jennifer Creek jennifer_at_creek152.fsn.co.uk
• Hetty Fransen h.fransen_at_gnet.tn