Research Article
Issue Date: July/August 2018
Published Online: May 01, 2018
Updated: April 30, 2020
Effectiveness of Health Promotion, Management, and Maintenance Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Sue Berger; Anne Escher; Emily Mengle; Nicole Sullivan
Author Affiliations
  • Sue Berger, PhD, is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA; sueb@bu.edu
  • Anne Escher, OTD, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
  • Emily Mengle, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Fox Rehabilitation, Shelton, CT. At the time of the systematic review, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
  • Nicole Sullivan, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Hebrew Senior Life, Roslindale, MA. At the time of the systematic review, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
Article Information
Evidence-Based Practice / Geriatrics/Productive Aging / Health and Wellness / Special Section: Evidence Reviews
Research Article   |   May 01, 2018
Effectiveness of Health Promotion, Management, and Maintenance Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2018, Vol. 72, 7204190010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.030346
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2018, Vol. 72, 7204190010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.030346
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of health promotion, management, and maintenance interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve occupational performance and quality of life (QOL) and decrease health care utilization for community-dwelling older adults.

METHOD. Thirty-eight articles representing 36 studies were included in the review. Articles were published 2008–2015 and described studies of participants with a mean age of 65 or older who were living in the community.

RESULTS. Strong evidence supports the use of group, individual, or a combination of group and individual interventions to improve occupational performance. Group interventions were also effective at improving QOL. The evidence was insufficient that any of these interventions decreased health care utilization.

CONCLUSION. Addressing health promotion, management, and maintenance is within the scope of occupational therapy practice and has been shown to improve occupational performance and QOL for older adults. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.