Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of OT practitioners regarding functional gains and outcomes among persons with dementia receiving OT in a physical rehabilitation setting.
Primary Author and Speaker: Nancy Gaviria
Additional Authors and Speakers: Kyle Meyers, Elizabeth Ogunfowokan, Samantha Heitner
The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of OTPs’ regarding functional gains and outcomes in persons with dementia receiving OT in a physical rehab setting. A phenomenological design was used to ask questions about what is the ‘essence’ that all persons experience about a specific phenomenon. For gathering our participants, convenient sampling and snowballing were utilized throughout the recruitment process. By utilizing these two approaches, 3 identified Illinois OTPs fell within our inclusion/exclusion criteria. For measures, a demographic questionnaire and a virtual interview, were utilized to gather information. The demographic questionnaire was created to gather background information on each participant. The virtual interview was used as a qualitative tool, consisting of 6 open-ended questions. The use of open-ended questions allowed us to focus on the essence of each individual’s experiences and the type of interview was structured & focused. The Demographic data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Each participant’s interview answers were analyzed and the conclusions were described in an interpretive narrative. Generating these narratives rested on three data analysis components: data management, generating meaning, and verification. The coding process was implemented in a variety of manual styles and through the conclusion drawing and verification phase, a development of a number of overarching themes were identified. (Carpenter, C., & Suto, M., 2008). After analysis, the results from the qualitative data yielded 6 themes that contribute to Functional Gains and Outcomes in Persons With Dementia Receiving OT in a Physical Rehab Setting. The themes include: fall prevention, balance/strengthening exercises, basic self care/ADL training, pain management, family/care partner education, and social participation. Overall, we concluded that various functional gains are possible for persons with dementia within a physical rehabilitation setting.
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