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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6684-0446

Publication Date

6-30-2024

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore Ethic of Care (Gilligan, 1936; Noddings, 1984) in an occupational therapy (OT) setting and to determine if empathetic and relational care can provide greater patient outcomes. Ethic of Care (EoC), originally established by Gilligan (1936), is a moral orientation towards care that has been applied in the areas of education, nursing, sports coaching, and other popular professions (Fisher et al., 2017; Gano-Overway et al., 2009; Knust & Fisher, 2015; Lachman, 2012; Newton et al., 2007; Noddings, 2005; Schools, et al., 2020), but has not been widely researched in the field of OT. Thus, this paper intends to examine previous research on EoC and the relationship between a caregiver and recipient to find similarities to compare within the practice of OT. Occupational therapists have a unique responsibility of assisting and educating patients on how to live more independently (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2011). The relationship fostered between a therapist and patient has the potential to become a motivating factor during the rehabilitation process (Maclean, 2000). Fisher et al., (2019) expanded on the cyclical nature of care which occurs when there is positive intervention by the caregiver and favorable acceptance to care by the recipient. However, that care must be received; therefore, how care is felt and perceived by patients is also explored in this paper. In addition, the relationship between a Christian worldview and the implementation of care will also be explored in order to address the role of faith in the holistic rehabilitation of the patient. Finally, based on the theoretical framework of EoC, this paper will demonstrate that care can have a significant positive effect on patient success in an OT setting.

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