Upon completion of the course students should have the ability to:

• describe theory construction
• critically analyse the construction of theories, frames of references and models within occupational therapy and occupational science
• demonstrate thorough knowledge on the evidence process and evidence-based practice within health and welfare.

• critical review and problematise different theories, frames of references and models within occupational therapy and science
• critically discuss theories, frames of references and models in occupational therapy and occupational science from individual, group, societal and global perspectives
• identify, apply and critically discuss relevant concepts related to the evidence process and evidence-based practice and evaluation with the purpose of generating evidence within occupational therapy and occupational science
• critically discuss possibilities and limitations of the evidence process as well as evidence-based practice and evaluation with the purpose of generating evidence
• systematically integrate and synthesise theory and evidence in own practical work or area of interest, and argue for own conclusions
• show clarity and logic in disposition and linguistic stringency in written documentation.

• reflect on own professional responsibility, autonomy, and learning needs related to integrating occupational therapy and occupational science theory and evidence to own practical work or area of interest
• critically review and evaluate own achievements and identify what one needs to develop with respect to theoretical argumentation and application to evidence-based practice.

Module 1. Occupational therapy and occupational science theories, 2.5 credits
- frames of references and theories
- occupational science
- occupational therapy


Module 2. Theoretical concepts and theory construction, 4.5 credits
- theory construction

Module 3. Evidence-based practice, 2.5 credits
- evidence-based practice

Module 4. Synthesising and integrating theory and evidence, 5.5 credits
- synthesis and integration of all content listed above

The course is given as a web-based course. Learning activities include online learning resources, discussions, critical reviews, and seminars.

Undervisningen bedrivs på engelska.

The applicant must hold the minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, 180 credits or equivalent from a recognised university, and have passed the courses Occupational therapy, theory, 7.5 credits and Occupational therapy, evidence-based practice, 7.5 credits (or the equivalent). Proof of English proficiency is required.

Kursen bedöms med betygen A, B, C, D, E, FX eller F.

Module 1. Occupational therapy and occupational science theories, 2.5 credits
A synopsis, written in a pair or group; and participation in a seminar.

Module 2. Theoretical concepts and theory construction, 4.5 credits
A peer review, written in a pair or group; participation in a seminar; and a report, written in pair or group.

Module 3. Evidence-based practice, 2. 5 credits
A synopsis, written in a pair or group; and participation in a seminar, which include presentation and opposition.

Module 4. Synthesising and integrating theory and evidence, 5.5 credits
An individually written peer review, an individually written final report, and an individually written reflection paper.

An assistant professor serves as examiner for the course.

Examinationsmoment	Omfattning	Betyg
Module 1. Synopsis, written in pair or group	1 hp	U/G
Module 1. Participation in a seminar	1,5 hp	U/G
Module 2. Peer review, written in pair or group	1,5 hp	U/G
Module 2. Participation in a seminar	1,5 hp	U/G
Module 2. Written report, in pair or group	1,5 hp	U/G
Module 3. Synopsis, written in pair or group	1 hp	U/G
Module 3. Participation in a seminar, including presentation and opposition	1,5 hp	U/G
Module 4. Peer review, individually written	2,5 hp	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Module 4. Final report, individually written	2,5 hp	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Module 4. Reflection paper, individually written	0,5 hp	U/G

Kielhofner, G. (2009). Conceptual foundations of occupational therapy. F.A. Davis Company.

Jaccard, J., & Jacoby, J. (Eds.). (2020). Theory Construction and Model-Building Skills. A Practical Guide for Social Scientists. (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.

Nordenfeldt, L. (2000). Action, ability and health. Essays in philosophy of action and welfare. Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services. (2018). Assessment of methods in health care and social services. Available online www.sbu.se/contentassets/76adf07e270c48efaf67e3b560b7c59c/eng_metodboken.pdf

Taylor, R. (2017). Kielhofner’s model of human occupation: Theory and application. (5th ed.). Williams & Wilkins.

Townsend, E.A. & Polatajko, H.J. (2013). Enabling occupation II: Advancing an occupational therapy vision for health, well-being & justice through occupation. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Wilcock, A, A., & Hocking, C. (2015). An occupational perspective of health. Slack.


World Health Organisation (2002). International classification of functioning, disability and health - ICF. World Health Organisation.

Øvretveit, J. (2014). Evaluating Improvement and Implementation for Health. Open University Press.



Additional literature will be chosen together with teachers during the course.

Latest edition of the course literature to be used.