EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR PHYSICAL FRAIL OLDER PEOPLE

Background: Living safely and independently is a priority goal. The provision of high quality home care services results in a decrease in the number of admissions in hospitals and residential care centers. Occupational... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Living safely and independently is a priority goal. The provision of high quality home care services results in a decrease in the number of admissions in hospitals and residential care centers. Occupational therapists aim, in collaboration with other health and medical professionals, to facilitate the independent living and participation of older persons in everyday activities at home. (Béland et al., 2006; Glendinning et al., 2008; Fisher, 2007)
Objectives:
The purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically review the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions either as mono-disciplinary intervention, or as part of a multidisciplinary approach for community dwelling physically frail older people.
Method:
Electronic databases were searched for original studies. This meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with the EPOC-guidelines and using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.1.0.
Study selection and quality appraisal was also done independently by two authors.
Results:
There was a significant improvement in the primary outcomes mobility, function in activities of daily living and participation. In the secondary outcome fear of falling, we also found a significant improvement in the intervention group versus the control group. There was no effect on the secondary outcomes cognition, disability and the number of falling persons.
Conclusion:
Occupational therapy makes a difference in the improving and maintaining of functionality in community dwelling physical frail older people.
Application to Practice:
The outcome of this meta-analysis can be used to convince governments to invest in occupational therapy for physical frail community dwelling older people.