Learn about tested treatment strategies by reading AJOT articles in your area of practice. Become an evidence-based practitioner and demonstrate your knowledge by passing the course exam. Articles have been selected for their relevance to practice, fresh ideas, and strong evidence supporting treatment and the distinct value of OT.
Credit: .1 CEUs (1.25 NBCOT PDU’s/1 contact hour)
Authors
Sue Berger, PhD, is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
Anne Escher, OTD, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA.
Emily Mengle, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Fox Rehabilitation, Shelton, CT. At the time of the systematic review, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA.
Nicole Sullivan, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Hebrew Senior Life, Roslindale, MA. At the time of the systematic review, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of health promotion, management, and maintenance interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve occupational performance and quality of life (QOL) and decrease health care utilization for community-dwelling older adults.
METHOD. Thirty-eight articles representing 36 studies were included in the review. Articles were published 2008–2015 and described studies of participants with a mean age of 65 or older who were living in the community.
RESULTS. Strong evidence supports the use of group, individual, or a combination of group and individual interventions to improve occupational performance. Group interventions were also effective at improving QOL. The evidence was insufficient that any of these interventions decreased health care utilization.
CONCLUSION. Addressing health promotion, management, and maintenance is within the scope of occupational therapy practice and has been shown to improve occupational performance and QOL for older adults. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Learning Objectives
Following this course, the learner will be able to:
1) Understand the incidence, impact on health-related quality of life and occupational performance of chronic conditions among older adults.
2) Explain occupational therapy’s role in health promotion, management, and maintenance for community-dwelling older adults.
3) Discuss the evidence for the use of group and/or individual interventions to improve occupational performance and quality of life for community-dwelling older adults.
Exam questions for this course authored by Marie Morreale, OTR/L, CHT
Learning Level: Advanced
Target Audience: Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants
Content Focus: Category 1: Domain of OT; Category 2: OT Process: Intervention
CE Find Key Words: health promotion, health management, health maintenance interventions, Participation, Community, older adult
Reference Information:
Berger, S., Escher, A., Mengle, E., & Sullivan, N. (2018). Effectiveness of health promotion, management, and maintenance interventions within the scope of occupational therapy for community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7204190010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.030346
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