A concept analysis of creative activities as intervention in occupational therapy

Abstract

Background: This article is based on a common understanding of the concept of creative activities as intervention, as described in occupational therapy literature. Historically, creative activities have been used as intervention in occupational therapy. There is, however, a lack of clarity in descriptions of the concept. Aims/Objectives: To investigate and clarify the concept of creative activities as intervention (CaI) and to validate the findings in occupational therapy practice. Material and methods: A selection of articles according to PRISMA resulted in 15 articles, analysed with concept analysis. The results were validated by a reference panel of seven occupational therapists using a questionnaire and data was analysed by descriptive statistics. Results: Five attributes defined CaI: (1) Often consisting of elements of art and craft using mind and body, (2) Being experienced as meaningful, (3) Creating creative processes, (4) Developing skills, enhancing occupational performance and managing everyday life, and (5) Being easy to modify individually or in groups with different approaches. Three cases were generated from the attributes to illustrate the integrity of the analysis. Conclusions and significance: The results led to a description of CaI that could facilitate future research communication and common definition in occupational therapy practice.

Meaning-making in occupational therapy interventions: a scoping review

“…Most of the analysed studies used creative activities for meaning-making insofar as they foster creative processes and opportunities for self-expression and reflection. As discussed by Hansen et al (2020), creative activities developed in safe and facilitating environments are full of challenges but also of achievable goals that enhance meaning-making. The physical environment was valued when it was shown to be adequate for doing, compensating difficulties, as well as favoring the desire to do, instead of inhibiting it (Boniface & Morgan, 2017).…”

Arts Engagement Facilitated by Artists With Individuals With Life-limiting Illness: An Integrative Review of the Literature

“…Examples included the work of chaplains or occupational therapists (OTs) with patients in palliative care settings. [61][62][63][64][65][66] Activities that incorporate creative elements such as "legacy projects", "life reviews", and "illness narratives" notably share some common elements with the review topic. For example, arts engagement complements an occupational therapy aim such as "creative occupation" or a chaplaincy aim of "meaning construction'.…”

“…For example, arts engagement complements an occupational therapy aim such as "creative occupation" or a chaplaincy aim of "meaning construction'. [62,[65][66] Studies authored by allied health professionals using arts engagement in their work with patients in palliative care should be aggregated and reviewed to reveal knowledge and pro ciencies that might complement existing services in palliative care. Studies examining the role of the arts to enhance nursing or medical education, [67][68] to prevent health care provider burnout, [69][70] or to enhance the design in the environment of care [71] were not included in this review as they do not feature arts engagement with patients, yet such activities bear exploration in an effort to map the range and reach of the arts in palliative and EOL care.…”

Arts engagement facilitated by artists with individuals with life-limiting illness: A systematic integrative review of the literature

“…The arts complement occupational therapy aims like "creative occupation" or a chaplaincy aim of "meaning construction'. [59,[62][63][64] Studies examining the role of the arts to enhance nursing or medical education, [64][65] to prevent health care provider burnout, [66][67] or to enhance the healthcare environment [68] bear future exploration in an effort to map the extent of the range and reach of the arts in palliative care.…”

“…Examples include the work of chaplains or occupational therapists with patients in palliative care settings. [58][59][60][61][62][63] Creative activities such as "legacy projects", "life reviews", and "illness narratives" notably share some common elements with the review topic. The arts complement occupational therapy aims like "creative occupation" or a chaplaincy aim of "meaning construction'.…”