Delovna terapija v vojski: razvoj, izzivi in sodobna praksa : diplomsko delo

Hliš, Manja (author), Galof, Katarina (mentor), Bratun, Urša (reviewer)

Uvod: Vojaško okolje posamezniku predstavlja številne fizične, psihične in socialne izzive, ki pomembno vplivajo na njegovo zdravje in delovanje v vsakdanjem življenju. Pogosto so vojaki izpostavljeni travmatskim dogodkom, ki lahko vodijo do resnih duševnih motenj, kot so depresija ali posttravmatska stresna motnja, ter telesnih poškodb, vključno z amputacijami. Poleg tega vojaki pogosto izgubijo občutek za vloge v življenju in strukturo dneva izven vojaškega okolja, kar otežuje reintegracijo v civilno okolje. V tem kontekstu delovna terapija ne pripomore le k fizični in psihični rehabilitaciji, temveč tudi k ponovni vzpostavitvi identitete posameznika izven vojaške vloge. Namen: Namen diplomskega dela je bil pregledati znanstveno in strokovno literaturo o vlogi delovne terapije v vojaškem okolju ter ugotoviti, kako ta stroka prispeva k rehabilitaciji pripadnikov oboroženih sil. Metode dela: Literaturo smo iskali v treh podatkovnih bazah. Vključene so bile študije v angleškem jeziku, objavljene med letoma 1993 in 2023, določene s pomočjo Boolovih operatorjev AND in OR. Rezultati: V končno analizo je bilo vključenih 12 študij. Izpeljana so bila tri glavna področja delovanja delovne terapije v vojski: prilagoditev okolja, duševno zdravje ter strukturiranje dneva. Terapevti so izvajali ergonomske prilagoditve, senzorno regulacijo, terapevtske skupine, vaje za sproščanje in usmerjanje v smiselne dejavnosti. Ocenjevalna orodja, kot je COPM, so omogočala spremljanje individualnega napredka in ciljno usmerjeno delovnoterapevtsko obravnavo. Razprava in zaključek: Delovni terapevti pomembno prispevajo k rehabilitaciji vojakov in veteranov. Njihova vloga je ključna za obnovo samostojnosti, duševne stabilnosti in uspešno vključitev posameznikov nazaj v družbo. Delovna terapija se kaže kot nepogrešljiv del zdravstvenega tima vojakov in veteranov, ki se soočajo s posledicami vojaške službe. Nadaljnji razvoj tega področja je pomemben za krepitev vloge delovne terapije v obrambnih sistemih in civilnem življenju. Večje število raziskav na omenjenem področju in širše vključevanje delovne terapije v obrambne sisteme bi lahko še dodatno okrepilo uspešnost teh pristopov.

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: diplomska dela, delovna terapija, funkcionalna neodvisnost, psihosocialna podpora, rehabilitacija, sistematični pregled literature
• Work type: Bachelor thesis/paper
• Typology: 2.11 - Undergraduate Thesis
• Organization: ZF - Faculty of Health Sciences
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Publisher: [M. Hliš]
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 31 str., [6] str. pril.
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-171677
• UDC: 615.851
• COBISS.SI-ID: 247144707
• Publication date in RUL: 30.08.2025

Secondary language

• Language: English
• Title: Occupational therapy in the military: development, challenges, and modern practices : diploma work

Abstract

Introduction: The military environment presents individuals with numerous physical, psychological, and social challenges that significantly affect their health and daily functioning. Soldiers are frequently exposed to traumatic events, which can lead to serious mental health conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as physical injuries, including amputations. In addition, they often lose their sense of daily structure and personal roles outside of the military setting, making reintegration into civilian life difficult. In this context, occupational therapy not only contributes to physical and psychological rehabilitation but also plays a crucial role in restoring an individual’s identity beyond the military role. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to review the scientific and professional literature on the role of occupational therapy in military settings and to determine how this profession contributes to the rehabilitation of armed forces personnel. Methods: The literature was searched in three databases. Included studies were in English, published between 1993 and 2023, and selected using Boolean operators AND and OR. Results: Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. Three main areas of occupational therapy practice in the military were identified: environmental adaptation, mental health support, and structuring of daily routines. Occupational therapists conducted ergonomic modifications, sensory regulation, therapeutic group sessions, relaxation exercises, and guided individuals toward meaningful activities. Assessment tools such as the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) enabled individualized progress tracking and goal-directed interventions. Discussion and Conclusion: Occupational therapists play a vital role in the rehabilitation of soldiers and veterans. Their contributions are essential for restoring independence, mental stability, and successful reintegration into society. Occupational therapy emerges as an indispensable part of the healthcare team working with military personnel and veterans affected by the consequences of service. Further development of this field is important to strengthen its role within defense systems and in civilian life. Expanding research and increasing the integration of occupational therapy into military systems could enhance the effectiveness of these approaches.

• Keywords: diploma theses, occupational therapy, functional independence, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, systematic literature review