ERG220 Enabling occupation

Contents and structure

The course emphasizes the understanding of occupation and enabling participation through the following topics: Housing assessments and adaptations, workplace health, and hand injuries and splint making. The relevance of cultural awareness within occupational therapy and these topics will also be considered.

The course comprises three modules of 2-4 weeks for each module. Through the themes listed below, theoretical frameworks and occupational interventions are addressed:

• Housing, housing adjustments and independent home living
• Workplace health, workplace assessment and workplace adjustments
• Hand injuries and splint making

Theories and topics of relevance within this course may be the biomechanical model, the sensory integration model, the anatomy of the hand, rehabilitation of the hand, ergonomics, welfare technology, universal design (design for universal accessibility), building regulations and culture.

Learning Outcome

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:
The student...

•  has broad knowledge of the premises/conditions for enabling occupation
• can discuss the characteristics of and importance of occupational therapy for the society
•  *can account for user participation, guidance, communication, ethics and building of relations
• has broad knowledge of the living environment, universal design and adaptations of the surroundings
• has broad knowledge of technology and assistive devices, and how they can enhance or be a barrier in regards of activity and participation
• can discuss how ergonomics and workplace adaptations is related to disability, health and work participation
• has broad knowledge of the importance/significance of work to health and identity
• has knowledge of and can apply up-to date knowledge of the health and welfare system, legislations, and guidelines when assessing and suggesting adaptations of living environments and workplaces
• know the anatomical and functional background of the hand

Skills:
The student can...

• choose and perform activity analysis and Intervention Process Models relevant to the assessment of hand function, living environments and workplaces
• apply professional knowledge in adjustments of the design of surroundings and living environments in order to enhance independence, health and quality of life
• use professional knowledge of ergonomics in assessment of and adaptation of workplaces
• reflect upon the relation between health and work and the significance of inclusion of individuals and groups in work settings
• *find and refer to relevant legislation and political guidelines relevant for housing adjustments and workplace health
• apply relevant knowledge of anatomy in assessments of activity performance and function after hand injuries
•  conduct/carry out interventions for persons with hand injuries, including making selective handsplints
• *exercise clinical reasoning and ethical practice when meeting/collaborating with clients and relatives, and treat them with respect and empathy

General qualifications:
The student can…

• discuss different viewpoints of welfare technology and collaborate with others in using welfare technology
• has knowledge of and can reflect upon consequences of digitalisation in regards of housing adaptations
• respect and discuss human rights and the significance of cultural diversity in activity performance, and reflect this understanding in professional practice in order to ensure equal services to all service-users
• Use anatomical knowledge of the hand to explain functions of the hand

Entry requirements

The course is open to students from institutions with which the education has entered into an agreement. The students must have passed the first year of the study.

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge from ERG200, ERG210 and ERGP2.

Teaching methods

The course emphasises the use of practical approaches to enhance the students’ skills relevant to the three modules. The practical part of the course will take place both at the University and in the society (at workplaces and within homes of students or citizens). As part of the workplace module, the students will both do an assessment of a workstation (at the University) and an assessment of an optional external workplace.

The course includes group work, practical workshops in SimArena, written assignments and seminars. Learning methods which actively involve the students will be applied, in addition to digital learning resources. Assignments can be placed in clinical settings.

A workload of 40 hours studying per week is expected.

Compulsory learning activities

The following learning activities must be passed for the student to present oneself to the exam:

1. Attendance of 80% at student active and experience-based teaching. This includes group work, workshops, seminars, supervision, excursions and experience-based teaching
2. Written group report on housing adjustments, 1500 words +/-10 %. This assignment comprises a practical housing assessment and suggestions to housing adjustments
3. Written group assignment on workplace assessment, 1500 words +/- 10 %. Report on workplace assessment delivered as an attachment (700 -1000 words)
4. Written group assignment within the field of hand injuries, splint making and occupational therapy, 2000 words +/-10%
5. Attend seminar where international students have exam presentations. Norwegian students will give oral feedback on the presentations.

The assignments must be handed in as one document using Canvas, approximately 2 weeks prior to the oral exam.

Assessment

Oral exam 
Individual oral examination of 20-25 minutes. The oral exam will deal with themes from the mandatory assignments.

Time and place for the exam, see Studentweb.

Grading scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

New exam
Students who fail (grade F) will have a new oral exam.

Examination support material

Paper copies of the presentation Powerpoint can be utilized

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• BER205 - The challenge of enabling occupation - Reduction: 10 studypoints
• BER312 - Aktivitet og deltaking som samfunnsansvar - Reduction: 5 studypoints