Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Implementation of Home Programs for Individuals Post Burn: An Initial...

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Burn rehabilitation
• Patient adherence

Background:

• Home programs are crucial for post-burn recovery and achieving occupational therapy goals.
• Understanding the components, creation, and adherence factors of these programs is essential for effective rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify components of occupational therapy home programs for burn survivors.
• To examine how practitioners create and prescribe these programs.
• To determine perceived supports and barriers to adherence in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 39 occupational therapy practitioners.
• Practitioners were employed at American Burn Association-verified centers.
• The survey focused on home program components, creation, delivery, and adherence factors.

Main Results:

• Home programs primarily target range of motion, with limited focus on functional activities.
• Pain and lack of client motivation were the main barriers to adherence.
• Client motivation and family/caregiver support were identified as key supports for adherence.
• Handouts and demonstrations were common delivery methods; technology use was infrequent.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy home programs for burn survivors may need to better integrate functional goals.
• Addressing pain and enhancing client motivation are critical for improving adherence.
• Leveraging family/caregiver support and exploring technology could enhance program effectiveness.