Occupational therapy
Maitra K, Hall C, Kalish T, et al. Five-year retrospective study of inpatient occupational therapy outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis. Am J Occup Ther 2010; 64(5):689-94.
A retrospective chart analysis spanning 5 years investigated associations between occupational therapy interventions and goal-based positive outcomes in patients with MS at discharge in an urban inpatient rehabilitation setting. OT was associated with positive functional outcomes for patients with MS
Reimer M, Evans M, Feng MQ, et al. Occupational therapy intervention in early multiple sclerosis: Evidence to support involvement. Occu Ther Now 2009; 11(4):13-15.
Finlayson M, Garcia JD, Cho C. Occupational therapy service use among people aging with multiple sclerosis. Am J Occup Ther 2008; 62(3): 320-328.
1,282 people with MS, ages 45 to 90, participated in telephone interviews to identify unmet health-related service needs. Occupational therapy was 1 of 22 services examined. 484 (38.2%) had used occupational therapy services at some point since their diagnosis; 211 had used these services in the year before the interview. Recent users identified occupational therapy services as important to health and well-being. Greater activity limitations and living in an urban or suburban area were associated with more recent use of occupational therapy services
Carmody S, Nolan R, Ni Chonchuir N, et al. The guiding nature of the kawa (river) model in Ireland: Creating both opportunities and challenges for occupational therapists. Occupational Therapy International 2007; 14 (4): 221-236.
Article reports two case studies in which the kawa model was used to guide occupational therapy intervention with two individuals with MS in Ireland, with the aim of exploring the effectiveness of the recently emerged kawa model. Semi-structured interviews based on the kawa model were completed with two participants with MS before and after occupational therapy intervention. The authors also documented their experience of using the model in reflective diaries
Blank CW, Finlayson M. Exploring the impact of multiple sclerosis on couples: a pilot study. Can J Occup Ther 2007; 74(2): 134-42.
3 couples with MS were interviewed together and separately about the impact of MS on their relationship. Two major themes emerged: increasing awareness of change, and use of coping strategies. Participants were especially concerned about the progression of MS and changes relating to progression. These findings offer OTs guidance with their treatment focus in clinical practice
Steultjens EMJ, Dekker J, Bouter LM, Cardol M, Van de Nes JCM, Van den Ende CHM. Occupational therapy for multiple sclerosis. The Cochrane Library 2006, no1 (CD003608).
Major review of research into OT draws no conclusions about its efficacy and calls for more randomised controlled trials in this field. Cochrane Reviews are seen as a gold standard in medicine and focus only on randomised controlled trials, which raises questions for therapy research.
Reynolds, F. Reclaiming a positive identity in chronic illness through artistic occupation. OTJR:Occupation, Participation and Health 2003;23(3):118-127.
A study of 10 chronically ill women, including one with MS, showed how they positively reconstructed self and identity through engaging in textile artwork. Findings suggest that meaningful artistic occupation may provide a source of positive identity for people with chronic illness.
Finlayson M, editor. Occupational Therapy practice and research with persons with multiple sclerosis. Binghamton: Haworth Press Inc., 2003.
A collection of articles showing the different types of research into OT with people with MS.
Baker NA, Tickle-Degnen L. The effectiveness of physical, psychological and functional interventions in treating clients with multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis. Am J Occup Ther 2001;55(3):324-31.
Review of the literature finds OT interventions are useful in treating capacity and ability deficits in MS, task and activity levels. Authors highlight the need for more rigorous research i to understand treatment effectiveness and into areas such as life roles as well as functional goals.
College of Occupational Therapy (2000) Standards for Practice - For Occupational Therapists Working with People Having Chronic and/or Progressive Neurological Conditions London COT.
Can be used to audit OT service
Finlayson ML, Peterson EW, Cho CC.Risk factors for falling among people aged 45 to 90 years with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2006 Sep;87(9):1274-9.
A survey of 1089 people aged between 45 and 90 with MS, using a self-report of falling to the ground in the past six months. 52.2% of participants reported falling, increased risk factors included being male, fear of falling, deteriorating MS status, never or occasional use of a wheelchair, problems with balance and mobility, poor concentration or forgetfulness, and bladder problems.