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Follow-up: bridging the gap between discharge and home.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care
|August 15, 2013
Summary
Most occupational therapists (OTs) value client follow-up, but few provide it consistently post-discharge. OTs need better systems to ensure continued functional independence for clients transitioning into the community.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Occupational Therapy Practice
Background:
- Community reintegration is a critical phase for clients following occupational therapy.
- Understanding current follow-up practices among occupational therapists is essential for optimizing care.
- The perceived value of post-discharge follow-up by occupational therapists requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey occupational therapists in Michigan regarding their community reintegration follow-up practices.
- To assess the perceived value of follow-up services by occupational therapists.
- To identify preferred disciplines for delivering post-discharge follow-up services.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to occupational therapists in Michigan.
- Data collected included current follow-up rates and perceived importance of follow-up care.
- Therapists were asked to identify optimal disciplines for delivering follow-up services.
Main Results:
- Only 17% of surveyed occupational therapists reported following up with all clients.
- Among those who did follow up, 38% did so because it was a standard practice.
- All surveyed therapists recognized follow-up as crucial for monitoring functional independence.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists between the recognized value of occupational therapy follow-up and its consistent implementation.
- Occupational therapists perceive follow-up as vital for ensuring sustained functional independence post-discharge.
- Strategies are needed to enhance the delivery of occupational therapy follow-up services for community reintegration.
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