Occupational Therapy in HomEcare Re-ablement Services (OTHERS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Homecare re-ablement services are a key component of English local authority health and social care agendas.
• These services aim to enhance user independence and reduce reliance on ongoing care.
• Optimal service configuration and the specific impact of occupational therapy require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating occupational therapy's role in homecare re-ablement.
• To establish the groundwork for future research on enhancing re-ablement service effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 50 participants from an English local authority re-ablement service.
• Participants were randomized to either usual re-ablement care or usual care plus an enhanced occupational therapy program targeting activities of daily living (ADL).
• Outcomes including independence in ADL, quality of life, care hours, falls, and service utilization were assessed post-discharge.

Main Results:

• This feasibility study provides foundational data for a larger, powered study.
• The study successfully assessed the feasibility of recruitment, randomization, and outcome measurement in this population.
• The impact of enhanced occupational therapy on service user outcomes was explored.

Conclusions:

• This is the first RCT to investigate occupational therapy's role within homecare re-ablement services.
• The findings will inform the design of future powered trials.
• Results are pertinent to researchers, clinicians, commissioners, and users of adult social care services.