Evaluation of an inpatient occupation‐based group program using a process evaluation framework

Abstract

Introduction: Occupation-based groups are used in inpatient rehabilitation to enhance delivery and intensity of intervention; however, little research is available to understand their effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the process of an occupation-based group to understand mechanisms and success factors.Methods: A mixed methods process evaluation using an evidence-based framework guided implementation and analysis. Participants were those involved in the 'LifeSkills' group run daily in an adult inpatient general rehabilitation ward. Quantitative administrative data, goal achievement outcome measures, group observations and qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted.Results: Thirty participants were recruited. Factors for success included consistency in group structure and support, using meaningful practise opportunities and facilitating a real-world experience. There was no significant relationship between patient outcomes and dose of training or patient demographics. Conclusion:This evaluation contributes to a growing body of evidence for incorporating occupation-based approaches into rehabilitation and offers insights into practice implementation.

Student‐led activities of daily living group program in a hospital inpatient rehabilitation setting

“…The study highlighted that service users were satisfied with the student‐led ADL group program. This concurs with a few recent studies showing the positive experience of service users in receiving occupational‐based group interventions (Spalding et al, 2022a , 2022b ; Spalding, Di Tommaso, & Gustafsson, 2023 ; Spalding, Gustafsson, & Di Tommaso, 2023 ). Service users attended the student‐led program as a component of occupational therapy.…”

“…Another recent study showed that patients undergoing occupational‐based group intervention had improvements in occupational performance, satisfaction, and self‐efficacy (Spalding et al, 2022a ). Group interventions, providing appropriate group structure and support, can maintain a client‐centred approach by working on individual meaningful goals in a group setting (Spalding, Gustafsson, & Di Tommaso, 2023 ). Group interventions are efficient modes of therapy where occupational therapy staffing is inadequate, providing greater skill practice opportunities and are associated with better service‐user outcomes (Renner et al, 2016 ; Schneider et al, 2016 ).…”