Date Presented 04/05/2025
The dynamics of interprofessional collaboration in universal design, revealing benefits and challenges, were examined in a qualitative study. OT involvement in design projects can enhance inclusivity and a holistic approach to design.
Primary Author and Speaker: Anisha Carr
Contributing Authors: Sonia Lawson
PURPOSE: Universal Design (UD) is a comprehensive approach to design aiming to create environments and products usable by individuals with diverse abilities (Aslaksen et al., 1997). Despite the ideal alignment between OT practice and UD principles, OTs are often underutilized in UD projects (Watchhorn et al., 2021). To address this gap, the barriers to interprofessional collaboration in UD were examined within 5 professions of UD team.
DESIGN: A qualitative phenomenological design with purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from the fields of architecture, contracting/building, interior design, industrial design, and occupational therapy.
METHOD: Sixteen virtual, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The analysis of data followed the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a method aimed at exploring the depth and meaning of participants’ experiences.
RESULTS: The following themes and sub-themes were extracted from an analysis of all interview transcripts. Factors Influencing UD Implementation (Lack of demand/interest, systemic barriers, the need for personalization, cost and aesthetics). Dynamics and Challenges of Interprofessional Collaboration (Belief in collaboration, disconnect between professionals, payment) Relevance to Occupational Therapy (Therapeutic use of self, challenges OTs can help to solve, challenges in the availability of work).
CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need to both foster overall interprofessional collaboration and to specifically integrate OTs in UD project, highlighting barriers that limit interprofessional collaboration in accessible residential design.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Integrating OTs into UD projects can enhance the design of inclusive environments and advance the field of occupational therapy by demonstrating the critical role of OTs in improving occupational performance and usability.
References
Aslaksen, F., Bergh, S., Bringa, O. R., & Heggem, E. K. (1997). Universal design: Planning and design for all.
Watchorn, V., Hitch, D., Grant, C., Tucker, R., Aedy, K., Ang, S., & Frawley, P. (2021). An integrated literature review of the current discourse around universal design in the built environment - is occupation the missing link?. Disability and Rehabilitation, 43(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1612471
