Integration of Medication Management Into Occupational Therapy Practice

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Occupational Therapy
• Public Health

Background:

• Healthcare reform necessitates adaptation in service delivery.
• Occupational therapy's role in everyday occupations is expanding.
• Medication management is a critical area of need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role and value of occupational therapy in medication management.
• To identify how occupational therapy skills address medication nonadherence.
• To examine integration of medication management into occupational therapy practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on occupational therapy and medication management.
• Analysis of factors influencing medication nonadherence.
• Exploration of evidence-based interventions.

Main Results:

• Occupational therapy practitioners possess unique skills relevant to medication management.
• These skills complement existing interventions for medication nonadherence.
• Integration into practice can improve patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy has a distinct value in addressing medication management challenges.
• Reforms in research, teaching, and practice are needed for integration.
• Enhanced occupational therapy involvement contributes to broader healthcare goals, including those in the Affordable Care Act.