Lessons learned about occupation-focused and occupation-based interventions: A synthesis using group concept mapping methodology

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) is based on the core assumption that humans are active beings through engagement in occupations. Within OT, occupation is typically used as primary means and/or ends i.e. occupation-focused and/or occupation-based interventions are employed. Studies evaluating such interventions are limited. Objectives: To synthesize experiences about occupation-focused and/or occupation-based interventions. Hence, to identify, organize and prioritize experiences with employing occupation as a core element in OT intervention studies. Methods: Participants were OT PhD students and researchers involved in studies concerning occupation-focused and/or occupation-based interventions. Group Concept Mapping was applied. Results: Based on 133 ideas, a conceptual model emerged encompassing two overall dimensions concerning 'developing interventions' and 'planning intervention studies', respectively. Moreover, ten themes related to one or both dimensions were defined and 94 ideas across clusters had high importance ratings. Conclusion: Synthesis of participants' experiences indicates that 'doing' as agent of change is a core element of OT interventions. Moreover, a multi-level perspective is needed to reach sustainable changes in doing. Group-and peer-support can work as amplifier for change, and flexibility is important during intervention. Such complex interventions need special design and mixed methods in the development, and evaluation of outcome needs to address occupation.

A multidisciplinary‐led early arthritis service to manage client‐identified participation restrictions in early inflammatory arthritis: A qualitative study of service user and staff perspectives

“…(2011) and Nielsen et al. (2019) who advocate for flexibility in interactions to support successful interventions.…”

International consensus on occupational therapy interventions for people with palliative care needs: A European Association for Palliative Care Group Concept Mapping study

“…This is supported by occupational therapy theories and models that argue that interventions must target one or more of these elements to enable occupation. 39,40 For instance, occupational therapy may introduce changes in the person’s habits and routines by teaching energy-saving techniques and implementing time to rest. Alternatively, the intervention may be focused on adapting the tasks, for example, sitting or taking breaks while cooking, or replacing football with less strenuous games.…”

La ocupación como objeto y herramienta: ¿cuándo la ocupación está viva?

“…En variadas ocasiones, en el campo de la T.O., podemos advertir que se menciona que la ocupación es la herramienta de trabajo de la disciplina, en relación a que sería un método de intervención o un medio terapéutico en la práctica de los y las terapeutas ocupacionales (Gray, 1998;Persson et al, 2001;Nielsen et al, 2019).…”