Perceptions of a client-centred approach among Slovenian occupational therapists

Aims: The aim of the study was to explore how Slovenian occupational therapists use a client-centred approach in their current clinical practice. Method: A generic qualitative approach was selected and twelve semi- structured interviews were completed to gain a deeper understanding of the use of a client- centred approach used by occupational therapists in the Slovenian health care system. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and identify the participants' experiences. Findings: The majority of the participants perceived that the use of a client- centred approach was beneficial to the occupational therapy process. While they experienced factors that would facilitate the use of this approach they also identified challenges to implementation in their own practice settings. Their experience of the Slovenian health care system was that it was still strongly influenced by the medical model. Conclusions: All the participants expressed a willingness to incorporate a client- centred approach in their practice. They all identified the motivation of the individual occupational therapist and their willingness to undertake further education as essential. This study will inform and influence the development of this approach in occupational therapy practice in Slovenia.