The development of an occupational therapy program in a solarium area

This paper introduces the use of a solarium area, with primary emphasis on horticultural activities, as a medium within which a comprehensive Occupational Therapy program can be developed. The specific treatment goals of training in the use of energy conservation principles is outlined for the inpatient population of a rheumatology unit in an active treatment hospital. Other goals can be incorporated into this protocol. The unusually wide range of physical demands available and the opportunity to modify the patient's work style make the solarium area particularly relevant to physical Occupational Therapy.