Development and pilot testing of an occupational therapy intervention program based on Occupational Adaptation Model for caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) can have negative consequences on caregivers’ level of performance and adaptive process. This study aimed to (i) describe the steps of developing an occupation-based program based on the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM), and (ii) make a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of the program prepared for caregivers of people with MS. Method: In a mixed-method approach, the occupation-based program of “Adapting to the Occupational Challenges of Caregivers of people with MS” (AOCCMS) was developed in four steps. During Steps 1, 2, and 3 the AOCCMS program was developed and in step 4, the feasibility and acceptability of the program were evaluated. Results: Based on the results of step 1 that have been published in the past; time limitations in occupation implementation; care needs in occupation implementation; psychological reactions affecting occupations were occupational challenges affecting the daily occupations of caregivers. Also, occupational adaptation strategies were strategies to alleviate intrapersonal challenges of occupational adaptation and strategies to alleviate environmental challenges of occupational adaptation. In step 2, the intervention programs of studies on caregivers were reviewed. During step 3, the data obtained from steps 1 and 2 were merged and integrated. Finally, the AOCCMS program was developed. In step 4, during the feasibility and acceptability of the program, 75% caregivers were satisfied with the program content. The quality of the program content was excellent and very good for 100%. Conclusion: The AOCCMS is an occupation-based program which was evaluated to be feasible and acceptable, which may be further addressed in future research and clinical practice.