Occupational Therapy and Chronic Diseases

Occupational therapy is a discipline that seeks to improve the quality of life and independence of people facing physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioural challenges due to chronic illness, injury or disability.

In this article, we explore how occupational therapy can be of great help to people with chronic illnesses, and how occupational therapists work in partnership with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for these patients.

Chronic diseases and occupational therapy

Chronic diseases are those that persist over time and, in many cases, can lead to disability or impaired function of the affected organs or tissues. Some examples of chronic diseases where occupational therapy can be of great help include:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Huntington’s disease
• Arthritis
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Neurodegenerative diseases

Integrated approach to chronic diseases

The approach to chronic diseases in occupational therapy is based on the idea that comprehensive, interdisciplinary care is essential to address the multiple needs and challenges faced by people with chronic diseases. This involves not only treating the symptoms and physical limitations of chronic diseases, but also the physical and mental limitations of those with chronic diseases.

Assessment in occupational therapy

Assessment is an essential process in occupational therapy, as it allows occupational therapists to gain a full understanding of each patient’s specific needs, abilities and challenges. Assessment may include:

• Assessment of the patient’s motor, cognitive and sensory skills and abilities.
• Assessment of the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living and functioning at home, work and in the community.
• Assessment of the needs and expectations of the patient and family members in relation to occupational therapy.
• Assessment of the patient’s environment, including home, workplace and community, to identify potential barriers and facilitators to participation in activities.

Assessment tools

There are a variety of assessment tools available to occupational therapists, which may vary according to the population and the specific needs of each patient. Some common assessment tools include:

• Questionnaires and structured interviews to assess the patient’s skills and abilities, as well as their concerns and expectations.
• Standardised tests and clinical observations to assess the patient’s motor, cognitive and sensory functioning.
• Environmental assessments, such as home visits or workplace assessments, to identify potential barriers and facilitators to activity participation.

Occupational therapy intervention

Occupational therapy interventions can vary widely depending on the specific needs and goals of each patient. Some common interventions include:

• Training in daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, bathing and household tasks.
• Adaptation and use of assistive products and assistive technologies to facilitate activities and improve independence.
• Exercises and therapeutic activities to improve motor, cognitive and sensory function.
• Education and counselling for patients and their families on chronic disease management and prevention of complications.
• Environmental modifications to remove barriers and facilitate participation in activities.

Intervention approaches

There are different intervention approaches in occupational therapy, which can be used according to the specific needs and goals of each patient. Some common approaches include:

• Empowerment approach: this approach seeks to promote the patient’s autonomy and ability to make informed decisions about their own care and management of chronic disease.
• Prevention and health promotion approach: This approach focuses on preventing complications and functional decline, as well as promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for the patient.
• Patient- and family-centred approach: This approach is based on the idea that the patient and family members are experts in their own situation and should therefore be actively involved in the therapeutic process.

Collaboration with other health professionals

Occupational therapy is a discipline that works in partnership with other health professionals, such as physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists and social workers, to provide comprehensive care for people with chronic diseases. This collaboration may include:

• Sharing information and knowledge about the patient and their chronic illness.
• Planning and coordinating joint or complementary interventions.
• Participating in interdisciplinary meetings and discussions about patient management and treatment.
• Providing support and advice to other health professionals regarding the patient’s specific needs and challenges.

Education and training in occupational therapy

To become an occupational therapist, it is necessary to complete a university training in occupational therapy, which usually lasts 4-5 years. In addition, occupational therapists must be registered or licensed in their country of practice and, in many cases, must complete continuing education courses to keep their licence and knowledge up to date.

Areas of specialisation in occupational therapy

There are several areas of specialisation within occupational therapy, which may relate to different populations, settings or therapeutic approaches. Some common areas of specialisation include:

• Paediatric occupational therapy: focused on working with children and adolescents with disabilities or chronic illness.
• Mental health occupational therapy: focused on working with people facing emotional or behavioural challenges due to mental illness or developmental disorders.
• Occupational therapy in physical rehabilitation: focused on working with people who have suffered injuries or illnesses that affect their physical function and mobility.
• Occupational therapy in work settings: focused on working with people who face occupational challenges due to disability or chronic illness.

Occupational therapy research

Occupational therapy research is essential to improve the quality and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and to expand the knowledge and skills of occupational therapists. Occupational therapy research may include:

• Case studies: examining specific patient situations and their experiences with occupational therapy.
• Experimental studies: examining the effectiveness of specific occupational therapy interventions.
• Qualitative studies: exploring the experiences and perceptions of people with chronic illnesses and their families in relation to occupational therapy.
• Review studies: which analyse and synthesise the available evidence on specific topics related to occupational therapy.

Challenges and opportunities in occupational therapy

Occupational therapists face a number of challenges and opportunities in their work with people with chronic illnesses. Some of these challenges and opportunities include:

• The need to constantly adapt to changes in patients’ needs and abilities as their chronic illness evolves.
• The importance of maintaining open and effective communication with other health professionals and with patients and their families.
• The opportunity to develop and apply innovative and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life of people with chronic diseases.
• The responsibility to promote understanding and knowledge about occupational therapy and its role in the management of chronic disease among both other health professionals and the general public.

Resources and support for occupational therapists

There are a number of resources and organisations that offer support and advice to occupational therapists in their work with people with chronic illnesses. Some resources and organisations include:

• Occupational therapy professional associations: which provide information, training and support to their members on issues related to occupational therapy and chronic illness.
• Disease-specific organisations: which provide information, resources and support to both people affected by chronic diseases and the health professionals who work with them.
• Publications and scientific journals: publishing research and case studies on occupational therapy and chronic diseases.
• Professional conferences and events: providing opportunities for occupational therapists to train, share knowledge and network with other health professionals.

Conclusions

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in chronic disease management, providing support and resources to improve the quality of life and independence of people who face physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioural challenges as a result of their illness.

Through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, occupational therapists work in partnership with other health professionals to address the multiple needs and challenges faced by people with chronic illness and their families. With appropriate training and access to resources and support, occupational therapists can make a significant difference in the lives of people with chronic illness.