Occupational therapy: Addressing performance and participation issues for military personnel, Veterans and their families

Abstract

Occupational therapists bring a distinctive perspective to the health and well-being of military personnel and Veterans. Occupational therapy’s emphasis on participation, finding meaning and purpose in activities, time use and life balance offers clients the chance to go beyond a focus on symptoms and impairments and examine their performance and experiences in the context of their daily lives. This perspective is well suited to trends emerging within the government departments responsible for military personnel, Veterans and their families, and this special feature of Occupational Therapy Now highlights several ongoing initiatives in the area.