Development of a process model with dementia specific strategies to optimize quality of life for long term care residents
Date
2014
Authors
Hoesly, Beth, author
Wood, Wendy, advisor
Eakman, Aaron, committee member
Lynham, Susan A., committee member
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Abstract
With a thorough review of 156 studies encapsulated in a special issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) on occupational therapy services for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) (Padilla, 2011), there was no commonly shared rationale or approach for occupational therapists working with this population. This study's purpose was to further the Lived Environment Life Quality (LELQ) Model and complement it with the creation of a process model by engaging in a theory building process. To do so, the study sought to understand how expert occupational therapists' conceptualizations of their work align with the three occupational therapy process domains of assessment, intervention, and outcomes. Several key themes that emerged from this qualitative research process include functioning of the facility, being an occupational therapy detective and problem solver, education, prevention, occupational engagement, occupational performance, and personal factors. Results also indicated that the expert occupational therapists' conceptualizations aligned with concepts embedded in the LELQ Model as well as with the three occupational therapy process domains. The themes and the alignment with the LELQ Model facilitated the development of the process model. Overall, findings suggested that there is a shared rationale for the occupational therapy process in long term care (LTC) facilities when working with persons with dementia. Furthermore, these findings guide the clinical reasoning of occupational therapists as they plan the specific actions or approaches that they take from initiation through termination of services. However, further research is needed in order to confirm, revise, and implement the process model in practice.
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Subject
dementia
process model