Occupation-based group programs in the inpatient hospital rehabilitation setting: a scoping review
Kaitlyn Spalding, Louise Gustafsson, Amelia Di Tommaso
Abstract
PURPOSE: Occupation-based practice involves the inclusion of meaningful occupations in the therapeutic process and is promoted within hospital-based general rehabilitation contexts for individual clients or within a group setting. The purpose of this paper is to summarise the current literature regarding the types of occupation-based group programs used within general inpatient rehabilitation and the reported outcomes. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted and included papers if they described an occupation-based intervention, delivered in a group setting, conducted in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital context, with an adult population. Studies were collated, summarized and key findings are presented. RESULTS: Ten articles met inclusion criteria. The results indicate that occupation-based groups are used in inpatient rehabilitation across a variety of settings, the approach is valued by the occupational therapy profession and it appears to have an influence on patient satisfaction and experience. However, the impact on a patient's confidence and occupational performance outcomes post-inpatient rehabilitation remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS: There is a dearth of evidence on the impact of occupation-based group service focus in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Considering the importance of occupation to the profession, further investigation into the use of this approach in a group setting is required.Implications for rehabilitationOccupation-based groups are used in inpatient rehabilitation to achieve more therapy time but there is variability in group processes and outcomes measured.Patient centred occupation-based groups appear to have an influence on patient satisfaction and experience.For the occupation-based groups reviewed, providing explicit links between patient goals, therapeutic activity and real life was important for improving outcomes.There is a growing focus for the use of occupation-based groups in occupational therapy and more research is needed to establish effectiveness.