Implementing Partnering for Change in Quebec: Occupational Therapy Activities and Stakeholders' Perceptions

Background. The occupational therapy school-based Partnering for Change (P4C) model has mostly been documented in Ontario. Purpose. This implementation study describes the implementation of P4C in two Quebec elementary schools (P4C-Q), as well as therapy practices, their impacts, factors perceived to influence implementation, and recommendations. Method. A sequential mixed-methods design was applied. Therapists (n=2) completed daily journals, describing activities by P4C-Q level. Therapists and other school-stakeholders (n=11) participated in semi-structured interviews, analyzed through a content analysis framework. Findings. Daily journals illustrated that the majority of therapy time was spent on activities targeting the entire classroom, and on collaboration with educators. Interviews illustrated how coaching was used across different practices and the impact of these practices for schools (e.g., capacity-building) and children (e.g., increased functioning), and highlighted how relationship-building is key to facilitating the implementation of this model. Implications. Lessons learned may be helpful for others implementing P4C in their own contexts.

Automated summary

This study documented the implementation of the P4C model in two Quebec elementary schools, including therapy practices, impacts, influencing factors, and recommendations. The findings highlighted the focus of therapy activities and the importance of relationship-building in facilitating the implementation of this model. Lessons learned may be beneficial for others implementing P4C in different contexts.