Occupational Therapy Interventions for Persons with Cognitive Impairments Living in the Community

Abstract

This study describes interventions provided by community occupational therapists for persons with cognitive impairments. Using an online questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data from 497 of the 1367 occupational therapists in Norwegian community-based services. The most common interventions provided were environmental modifications (87%), implementation of assistive devices (85%), and training of activities of daily life (ADL) (77%). Two main reasons to carry out these interventions were identified as the initial assessment of clients (89%) and expectations of others. The most preferred interventions were ADL training (77%), cognitive training (63%), and environmental modifications (56%). Chi-squared tests identified a significant difference (p < 0.001) between interventions provided and preferred interventions on all interventions except environmental modifications. The findings provide an insight into interventions provided for persons with cognitive impairments in community services.