A Qualitative Study to Explore Ways to Observe Results of Engaging Activities in Clients with Dementia. (10th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ogawa, Masahiro; Nishida, Seiji; Shirai, Haruna
• Other Names: Mackenzie Lynette Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Occupational therapy international. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-10
• Subjects: Occupational therapy -- Periodicals; Occupational Therapy -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Ergothérapie -- Périodiques; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/7513875
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-7903

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Many occupational therapists face the challenge of helping clients with dementia to select and perform meaningful occupations, which may be difficult due to cognitive impairment. Understanding tacit knowledge of well-experienced occupational therapists could positively affect occupational therapy practice for clients with dementia. Objectives of Study . To explore the observations of experienced occupational therapists when evaluating the effects of activities in clients with dementia. Methods . Ten occupational therapists with over 10 years of clinical experience participated in this qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted to ask the question, "What do you observe in clients with dementia when you assess the effectiveness of activities among these clients?" Findings . From 47 cases, we found five major themes and 18 subthemes. Main themes were "engaging activity, " "emotional expression during activity, " "verbal expression during activity, " "social interaction through activity, " and "something obtained as outcome of activity." Relevance to Clinical Practice . The 18 subthemes could be used as viewpoints to observe engagements of activity in clients with dementia. Limitations and Recommendations for Further Research . Future studies could examine which viewpoints were utilized for each type of activity and/or severity of dementia as this was not investigated in the current study.