Enabling activity in palliative care: focus groups among occupational therapists

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Occupational Therapy
• Client-Centered Practice

Background:

• Activity participation is crucial for dignity and quality of life in palliative care.
• Occupational therapists are recommended for palliative care teams, but intervention guidance is limited.
• This study explores occupational therapists' experiences in enabling activity for terminally ill clients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe occupational therapists' experiences enabling activity for seriously ill and dying clients.
• To understand how occupational therapists facilitate meaningful activities in palliative care settings.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study was conducted.
• Data were gathered through three focus groups with 14 occupational therapists.
• Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Occupational therapists prioritized client preferences and capacities when enabling activities.
• Client motivation facilitated activity, while environmental factors presented barriers.
• Therapists aimed to bring activities closer to clients and desired more direct client contact.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy interventions in palliative care involve tailoring activities to individual client needs.
• Standardized protocols are not feasible due to the personalized nature of interventions.
• Findings can guide occupational therapists, particularly those new to palliative care, in their practice.