Methodology for the Systematic Reviews on Occupational Therapy Interventions for Older Adults With Low Vision

This systematic review examined evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to maintain, restore, and improve performance in leisure and social participation for older adults with low vision. We identified and reviewed 13 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Four themes related to interventions to improve leisure and social participation emerged from the literature review: using a problem-solving approach, delivering a combination of services, providing skills training, and making home visits and environmental adaptations. The strongest evidence supports using a problem-solving approach to improve leisure and social participation for older adults with low vision. Evidence was moderate supporting the delivery of a combination of services, either by one professional or through an interdisciplinary approach. Results for the effectiveness of skills training and home visits and home adaptations were mixed. Implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.

Section: Methods For Conducting the Evidence-based Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Leisure and Social Participation for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review

Berger

McAteer

Schreier

et al. 2013

“…We completed this systematic review in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) as part of an evidence-based literature review project focusing on older adults with low vision. An in-depth description of the methodology used in this systematic review can be found in further detail in the article "Methodology for the Systematic Reviews on Occupational Therapy Interventions for Older Adults With Low Vision" in this issue (Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein, 2013). Supplemental Table 1 summarizes selected studies on interventions that address the reading ability of older adults with low vision (available online at http://ajot.aotapress.net; navigate to this article, and click on "Supplemental Materials").…”

Section: Methods For Conducting the Evidence-based Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve the Reading Ability of Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review

Smallfield

Clem

Myers

2013

This systematic review of the literature examined available evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving the reading performance of older adults with low vision. We reviewed 32 studies and found strong evidence supporting low vision programs that included occupational therapy and moderately strong evidence supporting the use of electronic magnification. Moderate evidence supported the influence of illumination on reading ability. Limited evidence was found to support eccentric viewing training and optical magnification. More evidence of higher quality is needed to validate the effectiveness of optical magnifiers, text eccentric viewing, characteristic preferences, and line guides within optical magnification. Additionally, further research is needed to develop a standard low vision rehabilitation program. The results of this review support the need for occupational therapy to be included in low vision rehabilitation. The implications of the findings for occupational therapy practice, research, and education are discussed.

“…An in-depth description of the methodology used in this systematic review can be found in "Methodology for the Systematic Reviews on Occupational Therapy Interventions for Older Adults With Low Vision" in this issue (Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein, 2013). This section provides a brief overview of the literature screening and quality rating related to this particular review.…”

Section: Methods For Conducting the Evidence-based Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Performance of Daily Activities at Home for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review

Liu

Brost

Horton

et al. 2013

The impact of age-related vision loss on older adults' independence at home is profound. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to maintain, restore, and improve performance in daily activities at home for older adults with low vision. We searched and screened abstracts from multiple electronic databases and identified 17 studies that fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three themes in intervention approaches emerged: multicomponent intervention, single-component intervention, and multidisciplinary intervention. Strong evidence of effectiveness was found in studies that applied a multicomponent approach; these interventions involved teaching knowledge and skills that older adults with low vision need to help overcome the disablement process. Evidence also suggests that multiple sessions of training with low vision devices and special viewing skills to compensate for vision loss are necessary to have a positive effect on daily activities. Finally, multidisciplinary intervention that focused on personal goals yielded greater positive outcomes than interventions that were not personalized.