Do Health-Care Professionals Really Understand the Role of Occupational Therapy in Hospice Care?

The distinct value of occupational therapy (OT) in end-of-life care is to facilitate quality of life for clients and their caregivers through engagement in occupations during the clients' remaining days. The purpose of this study was to explore health-care professionals' perceptions and knowledge regarding the role of OT in hospice care and to better understand why OT may be underutilized in this setting.

A total of 104 professionals working in hospice care from 31 different states participated in this study.

Electronic surveys were distributed to hospice agencies throughout the United States.

Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data, and content analysis was used to identify patterns with qualitative data. Rigor was enhanced through peer-review, multiple coders, and triangulation.

The results of this study revealed that OT's role in hospice care is misunderstood, and OT services are underutilized. Five themes were identified regarding the underutilization of OT services: (1) lack of reimbursement, (2) timing of referral, (3) knowledge of the role of OT, (4) refusal of services by family members, and (5) lack of OT presence in this setting.

This study revealed that health-care professionals do believe that OTs are vital members of the hospice care team. However, many recipients of hospice care are not receiving OT. More consistent referrals to OT may better ensure that the terminally ill are able to attain end-of-life goals and live their lives to the fullest, regardless of life expectancy.