Students' perceptions of human dignity in occupational therapy education

T Mthembu; M Badenhorst; K Basson; N Munnik; J Noort; L Purdy

doi:10.7196/

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Published: Mar 19, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7196/

Keywords:

Human dignity, perception, occupational therapy students, education

T Mthembu

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1140-7725

M Badenhorst

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Northside Hand & Upper Limb Clinic, Brisbane, Australia

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7136-0293

K Basson

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Momentum Corporate, Disability Claims, Cape Town, South Africa

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7609-9966

N Munnik

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Akeso Stepping Stones, Cape Town, South Africa

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9313-7490

J Noort

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Rehabilitation Consultants in Melbourne, Australia

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3577-3116

L Purdy

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Lindsay Scott Inc (Workability), Cape Town, South Africa

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9170-6474

Abstract

Background. Human dignity is a fundamental constitutional right essential to occupational therapy (OT) education and practice, aligning with the graduate attributes of Ubuntu, human rights and ethics. However, little is known about its integration into OT education at universities.

Objective. To explore how OT students perceive human dignity in OT education.

Methods. A qualitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted with 30 purposively selected OT students from first to fourth year. The study involved four focus group discussions (FGDs), which were audiotaped, transcribed and thematically analysed through an iterative and credible process.

Results. Participants seemed to grapple with understanding human dignity but knew it was part of human rights and OT. Two major themes were identified: students’ perceptions of human dignity and the notion of human dignity as a central concept left on the side.

Conclusion. The findings are relevant for curriculum transformation and integration of human dignity into OT education. They can be used to equip undergraduate OT students with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their understanding of human dignity, human rights and advocacy for clients in cases of rights violations. Participants noted that while human dignity was an omitted concept in the classroom, clinical supervisors provided significant learning opportunities for them to learn about human rights. Students’ willingness to expand their knowledge of human dignity enabled them to apply and integrate existing policies and legislative frameworks such as the Bill of Rights and the Batho Pele principles into their learning.

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Students’ perceptions of human dignity in occupational therapy education. (2025). African Journal of Health Professions Education, 17(1), e1521. https://doi.org/10.7196/

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Vol. 17 No. 1 (2025)

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Forum

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Author Biographies

T Mthembu, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

Senior Lecturer
University of the Western Cape
Occupational Therapy
Bellville, Western Cape 7535
SOUTH AFRICA

M Badenhorst, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Northside Hand & Upper Limb Clinic, Brisbane, Australia

Michelle’s work history and experience consist of working in a Government Hospital in South Africa, as well as a Medico-legal private practice. She moved to Australia in 2021 where she worked in NDIS sector with a variety of conditions and ages before moving into hand therapy.

K Basson, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Momentum Corporate, Disability Claims, Cape Town, South Africa

I am a Disability Claims Assessor for Momentum Corporate. I graduated from University of the Western Cape in 2017 with a Bachelors in Science degree in Occupational Therapy. I am passionate about the Insurance industry and how Occupational Therapist can make a mark within the disability claims process.

N Munnik, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Akeso Stepping Stones, Cape Town, South Africa

I am currently employed at U-Turn Homeless ministries as an Occupational Therapist. I have a diverse range of skills and love being part of the process of facilitating change within the greater community.

J Noort, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Rehabilitation Consultants in Melbourne, Australia

I am originally from Cape Town and graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of the Western Cape in 2017. Since then, I have gained extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation and currently work as an occupational rehabilitation consultant in Melbourne, Australia

L Purdy, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Lindsay Scott Inc (Workability), Cape Town, South Africa

Occupational therapist, the majority of my work consists of providing treatment and case management for patients with injuries on duty. I liaise and negotiate with their employers regarding their return to accommodate or normal work duties, and facilitate the safest but swiftest return to work.

How to Cite

Students’ perceptions of human dignity in occupational therapy education. (2025). African Journal of Health Professions Education, 17(1), e1521. https://doi.org/10.7196/

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References

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T Mthembu, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

M Badenhorst, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Northside Hand & Upper Limb Clinic, Brisbane, Australia

K Basson, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Momentum Corporate, Disability Claims, Cape Town, South Africa

N Munnik, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Akeso Stepping Stones, Cape Town, South Africa

J Noort, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Rehabilitation Consultants in Melbourne, Australia

L Purdy, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Lindsay Scott Inc (Workability), Cape Town, South Africa

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