Trajectories, perceptions and concerns of occupational therapists in the State of São Paulo in the scope of occupational therapy practices in the hospital

Abstract

This paper aims to present the trajectories, perceptions and concerns of occupational therapists and teachers of occupational therapy in hospitalar programs. It represents some of the results of research whose objective was to ascertain the perceptions and representations of these professionals on the hospital practice of occupational therapy. Twenty-three occupational therapists and / or occupational therapy faculty in university hospitals of the State of Sao Paulo were interviewed through semi-structured questions. The results show that, for those interviewed, the work of occupational therapists in the hospital is promising; their performance contributes to the reduction in hospital stay, complications, sequelae, and readmissions. The interviewees state that the occupational therapist provides differentiated listening, taking in a wider sense the needs of individuals under care. Regarding the difficulties, they point out the hybridity of the theoretical and methodological approaches used, the invisibility and devaluation of work and lack of organization of the profession. Drawing on Bourdieu's reflections, the paper concludes that occupational therapists in the hospital still have little symbolic and economic capitals and, to compensate for the current condition, they need to go through the development of cultural capital, investing in continuing education, and of social capital, by promoting greater social organization among those who work in hospitals.