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Introduction: This primary research project applied the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore occupational therapy practice and equipment for activities of daily living from the perspective of the service users and providers. It concentrated on the geographical area of one NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom. Method: An in-depth review of the literature assisted with the development of the main research project. Nine clinical leaders, 10 occupational therapists, and seven service users participated in face to face interviews. The interviews were analysed ideographically before group level analysis. Interpretation of the data and developing themes were viewed through a clinically based occupational therapy lens. Where possible, links to the wider literature are made within the discussion chapter. Findings: Within and across the three patient sub-groups (clinical leaders, occupational therapists and service users) a common link was identified; that of identity. The superordinate themes and sub-themes highlighted the concept of personal and professional identify being affected by the occupational therapists role and ADL equipment. A range of other issues and concerns relating to clinical practice and processes were identified. The overall findings highlighted a range of implications to practice and the need for future research in the area of ADL equipment and occupational therapy practice. Recommendations: A number of recommendations for future primary and secondary research resulted from this research. This includes: a systematic approach to reviewing the national and international literature, extending research to include occupational therapy support staff/other professions and service users, and a closer examination of equipment based outcome measures. Raising awareness of the global impact of ADL equipment within occupational therapy practice and wider will enhance patient outcomes. Conclusions: This original research has explored the experiences of occupational therapists and service users. The findings support the ongoing use of equipment for activities of daily whilst also recognising the need for future research.

This commentary presents a critical analysis of prior published work by the PhD candidate within the field of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a discipline which promotes participation in daily life activities (occupations) across the lifespan, from children with developmental delay to older adults managing the functional impact of chronic disease. The integration of technology and increased cultural diversity among patient populations are two major trends impacting teaching and practice, representing the themes of this commentary. The studies regarding technology highlight effectiveness of specific technologies, perceptions of specialty clinicians regarding technology-based clinical resources, as well as the physical impact of mobile technology use. The studies regarding cultural diversity focus specifically on international service learning (ISL) as pedagogy for the development of cultural competence for future occupational therapists. The collective findings of the studies make a novel contribution to the literature, evaluating the efficacy of a specific app-based technology, analyzing the musculoskeletal impact of mobile technology use, exploring clinician’ perceptions of technology integration in clinical settings, as well as providing support for ISL as a pedagogy for culturally-competent practice.