FACILITATING SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS THROUGH OCCUPATION: A GROUP INTERVENTION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS

Background: Difficulty with social interaction skills can negatively impact on the daily life of individuals by hindering participation in meaningful occupations. This pilot study of a group intervention program aims to... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Difficulty with social interaction skills can negatively impact on the daily life of individuals by hindering participation in meaningful occupations. This pilot study of a group intervention program aims to improve the social skills of individuals with neurological problems living in the community. The program is offered at a long term rehabilitation centre.
Theoretical underpinning (eg PEOP / MOHO/ CMOP-E):
The group intervention is guided by the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model (OTIPM) using a model for education and teaching as well as occupational skills training (acquisitional model) with a client-centred approach.
Assessment / Intervention/ Technique:
The aim of the group intervention is to enhance participants’ social interaction skills through occupations of their choice. Participants are assessed using the Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI) and set individual goals prior to commencing the intervention. The client group consists of seven individuals meeting for ten group sessions and two individual sessions over a period of six weeks. All participants had reported having problems with social interaction skills.
Evaluation of outcome:
The effectiveness of the group intervention will be evaluated using the ESI and a non-standardized self-evaluation of participants’ goals. The results will be presented.
Application to practice:
Information on the effectiveness of group intervention to improve social interaction skills is essential for therapists to improve their practice. Results can be used to change intervention methods and develop clinical practice.