Home >> Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Volume 52, Number 3

Occupational therapy in acute hospitals: The effectiveness of a pilot program to maintain occupational performance in older clients

Authors: Eyres, Lisa; Unsworth, Carolyn A.

Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Volume 52, Number 3, September 2005 , pp. 218-224(7)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Buy & download fulltext article:

OR

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Background:

Research evidence suggests that during acute hospitalisation, older people may experience reduced occupational performance, reduced quality of life, and an increased length of hospital stay. The aim of this study was to pilot a randomised controlled trial to determine whether an additional occupational therapy program could assist older adults to maintain their occupational performance. Methods and Results:

A pilot study evaluated 15 clients on admission to and discharge from an acute hospital, using measures of level of independence in performing daily activities, quality of life, and confidence. Participants were randomly allocated to either the control group (those receiving current allied health management) or the experimental group (those receiving an additional program, which included daily self-care, domestic and community activities). Although the differences between the groups on admission and discharge measures only approached statistical significance, several benefits of the program were noted by clinicians and clients, and are highlighted through the presentation of client case studies. Conclusion:

This pilot has highlighted the need for future research on deconditioning, the timing and nature of occupational therapy interventions, and environmental and cultural influences in acute care for older people.

Keywords: acute care; deconditioning; occupational disruption; randomised controlled trial

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2005.00498.x

Affiliations: 1: School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

Publication date: 2005-09-01

Related content
Marked list

Tools

Key

Free Content
Free content
New Content
New content
Open Access Content
Open access content
Subscribed Content
Subscribed content
Free Trial Content
Free trial content

Text size:

A | A | A | A
^ Back to top
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. print icon Print this page