Iðjuþjálfar

Iðjuþjálfar are health professionals who help people participate in daily activities by promoting independence and meaningful engagement. They assess how individuals perform tasks in daily living, work, and leisure, and design interventions to overcome limits caused by injury, illness, or disability. The aim is to enable participation, improve quality of life, and support safety and well‑being.

Interventions commonly include activity analysis, graded task practice, energy conservation strategies, cognitive and perceptual training, and training in self‑care and domestic tasks. Iðjuþjálfar also advise on ergonomics, perform home and workplace assessments, and recommend or train in assistive devices and adaptive equipment. They may modify environments to improve accessibility and safety, collaborate with families and other professionals, and support goal setting, planning, and progression in real‑world contexts.

Iðjuþjálfar work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, primary health care facilities, long‑term care institutions, and private practice. They serve diverse populations such as children with developmental challenges, people recovering from injury or surgery, individuals with chronic conditions, and those experiencing mental health concerns, tailoring interventions to each person’s daily routines, work tasks, and leisure activities.

Education and professional status typically require a university‑level degree in occupational therapy along with supervised clinical training. In Iceland, the profession is integrated into the health system and is supported by professional bodies and regulatory authorities that oversee practice standards, ethics, and ongoing professional development.