Occupational therapy practice in acute physical hospital settings: Evidence from a scoping review

Abstract

The current literature has highlighted the challenges occupational therapists face in practicing within an acute setting. Findings from this review enhance understanding of how occupational therapy department managers and educators can best support staff that practise in acute hospital settings.

Occupational therapy in Australian acute hospitals: A modified practice

“…Research into acute occupational therapy practice has previously highlighted the importance of both early referrals for services and access to resources in order for occupational therapists to work quickly towards client discharge on acute wards (Britton et al, 2015;Griffin, 1993;Griffin & McConnell, 2001). When timely referrals for occupational therapy services have been received, a noted reduction in length of stay for clients in this setting has been found (Sutton, 1998).…”

“…Within the acute setting, occupational therapy has largely been characterised as coordinating a safe and effective discharge (Britton et al, 2015). The skill of assessing discharge risk ensures that occupational therapists are frequently included at this stage of the client journey (Atwal, McIntyre & Wiggett, 2012).…”

“…The breadth of occupational therapy intervention in this setting has reduced, with discharge facilitation now identified as the aim for the majority of occupational therapy practice in acute care (Britton et al, 2015). The discharge process is seen as incorporating home assessments, risk assessments and equipment provision (Britton et al).…”

An intensive occupational therapy discharge planning intervention was not more effective in improving activities of daily living performance and participation than a hospital-based discharge planning consultation for older adults in the acute hospital set

“…There is evidence that facilitating a safe discharge has become a primary outcome of acute hospital occupational therapy practice (Atwal, McIntyre & Wiggett, ; Blaga & Robertson, ; Britton, Rosenwax & McNamara, ). Home visits are a key tool in the discharge planning process as a way of managing perceived risks, safety concerns and observing functional performance of clients (Atwal et al .).…”

The impact of a Role Emerging Placement while a student occupational therapist, on subsequent qualified employability, practice and career path

“…Future graduate employability and career pathways for occupational therapists require both clinical competence and the ability to promote and develop occupational therapy roles within a widening range of health and social services (Baptiste & Molineux, ; Dancza et al ., ). Graduate occupational therapists are increasingly required to adapt their knowledge and skills to work in complex and ever‐changing health‐care systems, with an emphasis on accountability, cost cutting and service development (Britton, Rosenwax & McNamara, ).…”