Integrating and Enhancing Occupational Therapy Programs Climate and Sustainability Education

TitleIntegrating and Enhancing Occupational Therapy Programs Climate and Sustainability Education
Faculty/College/UnitMedicine
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2024
Project Summary

The ongoing climate crisis and sustainability are increasingly recognized as critical factors that significantly impact health and necessitate fundamental considerations in related education and healthcare practices. This two-year initiative seeks to comprehensively integrate climate change and sustainability topics into the Occupational Therapy (OT) curricula at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The project encompasses a wide array of subjects, including foundations of climate science, sustainability, changing occupations, recycling, food insecurity, climate migration, disaster management, emergency preparedness, inter-generational Issues, and interdisciplinary approaches. The first year is dedicated to curriculum assessment, material development, and pilot testing, while the second year focuses on full integration, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The program aims to enhance existing clinical practice, promote multidisciplinary learning, and encourage community engagement and OT research in related to climate change. The initiative will prepare future occupational therapists to actively contribute to sustainability efforts and better address the climate-related challenges within their practice.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2024/2025
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorBen Mortenson
Year 1: Funded Amount25,000
Year 1: Team Members

Ben Mortenson, Head / Professor, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine
Farrukh A. Chishtie, Climate and Sustainability Course Content Developer / PhD Student