Work

Addressing the Gap: Occupational Therapy in Hospice Care

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Patients receiving hospice care have a host of occupational challenges, though few are being seen in occupational therapy for treatment. Occupational therapy can help those receiving hospice care live with dignity before death. Data retrieved from the National Home and Hospice Care Survey were analyzed using independent t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Chi-square tests and logistic regressions. Only 10.6% of the participants received occupational therapy. Patients who received occupational therapy were significantly older and had shorter lengths of hospice care service compared to their counterparts. Over 85% of the patients needed assistance with at least one task of activity of daily living (ADL). Findings suggested a need to increase occupational therapy workforce in hospice care and advocate the value of occupational therapy services in hospice settings.

Source: Occupational Therapy In Health Care

DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2021.1879410

Authors: Emily Mueller, Paul Arthur, Mack Ivy, Loree Pryor, Amber Armstead, Chih-Ying Li

Institutions: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, University of Southern Indiana, St. Catherine University, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Therapy Practice and Research

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research