Presenting an analytic framework facilitating a situationally oriented analysis of the use of digital technology for engagement in occupation

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy 2021-11, Vol.28 (8), p.631-642
• Main Authors: Madsen, Jacob, Josephsson, Staffan, Kanstrup, Anne Marie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Arbetsterapi; Digital Technology; Humans; Hälsovetenskap; Inquiry; John Dewey; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Medie- och kommunikationsvetenskap; occupational science; Occupational Therapy; Occupations; Samhällsvetenskap; Systemvetenskap, informationssystem och informatik med samhällsvetenskaplig inriktning; transaction
• ISSN: 1103-8128; 1651-2014; 1651-2014
• DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2020.1829038

Digital technology is closely intertwined with and influences people's everyday lives. Within occupational science and occupational therapy, research is therefore warranted into situationally oriented analysis of the use of digital technology for engagement in occupation. To contribute with an analytic framework facilitating a situationally oriented analysis of the use of digital technology for engagement in occupation. An operationalisation of Dewey's theory of transaction and inquiry in conjunction with an occupational science approach served as the analytical framework for exploring how underprivileged adults use digital technology for engaging in health-related occupation. The analytical framework proved useful for a situationally oriented analysis of digital technology use for engagement in occupation: by fostering identification and registration of digital technology artefacts used for engagement in occupation, by making transparent the complexity that the situation creates for the participant, by identifying problems with and needs for inquiries in relation to engagement in occupation and, finally, by facilitating a situation-oriented analytical language. The analytical framework presented is useful for conducting a situationally oriented analysis of digital technology use for engagement in occupation. Future research and validation of the analytical framework are needed.