Barriers to occupational therapy practice in wellness.

Wellness programs are intended to increase the wellbeing of society and as a consequence reduce health care costs. Occupational therapy writers have urged therapists for the past two decades to move into wellness-related programming, yet current practice trends reflect only minimal involvement in wellness. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to wellness practice, components of occupational therapy philosophy and practice that can promote wellness, and wellness concepts which can be incorporated into patient therapy sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three occupational therapists, two related health professionals and two former patients, all of whom have made contributions in wellness programming. A summary of the barriers to occupational therapists, entry into wellness is presented. Also, recommendations are provided on how occupational therapists can expand their holistic approach to include wellness concepts in all areas of practice.