Evaluation of an inpatient occupation-based group program using a process evaluation framework

INTRODUCTION

Occupation-based groups are used in inpatient rehabilitation to enhance delivery and intensity of intervention; however, little research is available to understand their effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the process of an occupation-based group to understand mechanisms and success factors.

METHODS

A mixed methods process evaluation using an evidence-based framework guided implementation and analysis. Participants were those involved in the 'LifeSkills' group run daily in an adult inpatient general rehabilitation ward. Quantitative administrative data, goal achievement outcome measures, group observations and qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty participants were recruited. Factors for success included consistency in group structure and support, using meaningful practise opportunities and facilitating a real-world experience. There was no significant relationship between patient outcomes and dose of training or patient demographics.

CONCLUSION

This evaluation contributes to a growing body of evidence for incorporating occupation-based approaches into rehabilitation and offers insights into practice implementation.

Parental Perspectives of Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This paper reports on the qualitative phase of a mixed methods study of occupational therapy in an equine environment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study's quantitative phase found that this intervention improved the occupational performance, social motivation, social communication, and self-regulation of some children with ASD. The study's qualitative phase, reported herein, subsequently aimed to describe parental perspectives on children's experiences of the intervention and its influences on everyday life. Using a qualitative descriptive research approach, five parents participated in two rounds of semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analyzed using theoretical thematic analysis. Although parents expressed some concerns about the intervention, overall they found the intervention to be appropriate and acceptable. Next research steps include creation of a manual for the intervention and assessment of feasibility across a broader range of practice sites, occupational therapists, children with ASD, and their parents.

Contemporary occupational therapy philosophy and practice in hospital settings

BACKGROUND

Occupational therapists have sought to reconnect with the foundations of the profession for many years, and a key focus has been the place of occupation in practice. Existing literature suggests that therapists working in acute settings experience difficulties practicing in ways that centralise occupation.

AIM/OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to explore the existing literature on contemporary occupational therapy philosophy and practice in acute hospital settings.

METHODS

A five step scoping review process was implemented. Four electronic databases were searched using a combination of search terms. Searching reference lists of papers was also completed. Results were summarised using numeric and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty four publications were included. Four themes were identified; attitudes towards occupation-based practice, benefits of occupation-based approaches, challenges implementing occupation-based practice, and strategies to overcome challenges.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Findings highlighted therapists value occupation as an important aspect of practice, however they experience many environmental and personal challenges in acute settings. Strategies to overcome these challenges related to individual's changing their practice to be more occupation-focussed and changes within the practice context including adapting environments, documentation and intervention protocols to focus on occupation. These strategies may support therapists to align practice with their professional values.