A Survey of Medication Management in Occupational Therapy Practice

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Health sciences
• Medication management

Background:

• Medication management is a crucial area within healthcare.
• Occupational therapy's role in medication management is not fully understood.
• Existing practices among occupational therapy practitioners require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore current occupational therapy practices in medication management.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to occupational therapy practitioners' engagement in medication management.
• To understand the perceived importance and current use of medication management interventions by occupational therapists.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• An online survey was utilized to collect data from occupational therapy practitioners.
• The survey focused on current practices, perceived importance, and barriers related to medication management.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of occupational therapy practitioners (24%) do not incorporate medication management into their practice.
• Cognitive factors were identified as a key consideration in medication management.
• There is a perceived need to enhance occupational therapy practitioners' knowledge and application of medication management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy practitioners acknowledge the importance of medication management.
• Gaps exist in the current implementation of medication management by occupational therapists.
• Further education and resources are needed to increase the integration of medication management within occupational therapy practice, particularly considering cognitive aspects.