OT 920 - Global Health Policy:Role of Ot Ldr

3 Credits

This course provides an in-depth analysis and framework for understanding global health policy and the impact on social, political, and economic systems and context. Students examine the research, evidence, and theory in global health policy and implications for occupational therapy advocacy and leadership practices to inform new policy initiatives. An examination of the role of government, private, and non-profit entities in the United States and abroad is explored. Rationale as stated above for OTs role in global policy adocay and leadership: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Strategic Framework (2021) promotes leadership for occupational therapists in order to “advance occupational therapy practice, education, and research through standard setting and advocacy on behalf of its members, the profession, and the public.” According to the AOTA, “federal policies and legislation support occupational therapy’s role in shaping social contexts and environments to facilitate health, well-being, and participation in occupations. Understanding these policies is important to achieving the best outcomes for clients” (2023). The WorLd Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) through its official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), focuses on a “vision for healthy people in alignment with the WHO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for ending poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, tackling climate change and promoting health” (2018).

Prerequisite: OT 900
Credit Type Code: Letter Grade