The occupational therapy process for people living with a life-limiting illness : changing directions for future service provision

Introduction: Occupational therapists are part of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team who treat people with a life-limiting illness. However, previous research suggests that therapists are underprepared to work in the area. This lack of preparedness is often due to the ill-defined scope of practice coupled with a lack of available evidence for this non-traditional area. Aim: To identify the occupational therapy process employed by therapists working with people with a life-limiting illness. Methods: A national survey of Australian occupational therapists working with people with a life-limiting illness was completed. Recruitment occurred using a purposive, snowball sampling technique. Descriptive data was analysed using SPSS, while qualitative analysis was completed using grounded theory methods. Results: 144 therapists provided information on their referral, assessment, goal setting, intervention, outcome measurement, and follow-up practices when working with people with life-limiting illnesses. Findings discuss the therapists’ perceptions on the current scope of practice for therapists working in this area, and identify the common assessments and interventions, and goal setting practices used by therapists, as well as the clinical reasoning behind their assessment and intervention decisions. Conclusion: These novel findings outline the previously unknown scope of occupational therapy practice. By defining the occupational therapy process used with people living with a life-limiting illness, therapists will be better educated, skilled and prepared for practice. Ultimately enhancing patient care and encouraging stronger therapeutic partnerships.