INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive review of scientific literature devoted to interprofessional collaboration in occupational therapy as a key approach to organizing modern rehabilitation services. The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing complexity of clinical cases, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and comorbid conditions, and the need to ensure continuous, high-quality, and client-centered care. Under such conditions, isolated professional practice is often insufficient to meet the complex needs of clients, which highlights the importance of implementing interprofessional approaches in healthcare and rehabilitation. The aim of the article is to analyze contemporary scientific perspectives on interprofessional collaboration in occupational therapy, to examine the main models of team interaction, to define the role of the occupational therapist within interprofessional teams, and to identify the benefits and barriers associated with the implementation of interprofessional practice. The study has a review and analytical design and is based on a theoretical analysis of publications by international authors, methodological guidelines, and materials from professional organizations in the fields of healthcare and rehabilitation. The article examines multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary models of collaboration, outlining their key characteristics, similarities, differences, and applicability in various rehabilitation contexts. Particular attention is paid to the interdisciplinary model, which is considered the most appropriate for occupational therapy practice, as it combines the preservation of professional roles with a high level of integration, coordination, and shared decisionmaking. This model supports the holistic understanding of clients’ needs and promotes effective collaboration among healthcare professionals. The findings indicate that interprofessional collaboration contributes to improved quality and safety of rehabilitation services by enhancing communication, integrating professional knowledge and skills, and ensuring consistency of interventions. It reduces the risk of fragmented care, duplication of services, and contradictory recommendations, while increasing client involvement in goal setting and decision-making. At the same time, several barriers to effective interprofessional collaboration are identified, including insufficient communication skills, unclear role distribution, hierarchical organizational structures, and limited opportunities for interprofessional education. The article concludes that interprofessional collaboration in occupational therapy is a complex yet highly promising approach that requires the development of interprofessional education, supportive organizational environments, and a culture of mutual respect and equality among professionals. Strengthening these components is essential for improving rehabilitation outcomes and enhancing client participation and quality of life