Selecting from their toolbox of interventions – A realist study of the role of occupational therapists in reablement services

Abstract

Introduction Reablement services support people to regain skills and increase their independence. This aim resonates with occupational therapy philosophy. This article presents results of a study of the role of occupational therapists in reablement services that involve two organisations. Method Theories on the role of occupational therapists in reablement were identified using a realist synthesis approach and were tested and expanded using a qualitative case study design. Each of the three case studies consisted of one reablement service in England. Methods of the study included observations and interviews with occupational therapists, interviews with managers in both organisations and focus groups and interviews with reablement support workers. Findings Findings conclude that occupational therapists’ education and experience underpin their ability to undertake assessments and person-centred goal setting. They utilise a range of intervention techniques selecting from their toolbox of interventions to support people. Occupational therapists have a role in training reablement support workers to work in an enabling way. Regular communication and co-location support levels of trust and shared purpose between members of the reablement team. Conclusion The conceptual framework developed from the study can be used by organisations when commissioning and developing reablement services to consider the different contextual layers of reablement.

Metaphors of mindfulness in pediatric occupational therapy practice

“…The theme of mindfulness as a tool reveals how mindfulness may be viewed as helpful for therapists’ practices with children. Occupational therapists use the language of tools to describe both clinical interventions (Dibsdall, 2021), and theories and models that inform practice (McColl and Stewart, 2003). It appears that for practitioners in this study mindfulness was part of a toolbox of approaches used in therapeutic practice, with a number cautioning that it was not necessarily a panacea, and one stating it was not “a magic wand.” While calls for incorporation of mindfulness into occupational therapy curriculum exist, they predominantly consider the role of mindfulness in supporting students’ and clinicians’ well-being (Dean et al, 2017; Reid, 2013).…”

An investigation of Reablement or restorative homecare interventions and outcome effects: A systematic review of randomised control trials

“…This lack of detail evidenced a need for further research on Reablement workers competency, training, and supervision to enable a greater understanding of Reablement as a complex intervention. Furthermore, occupational therapists have a role in training Reablement workers to operate in an enabling way (Dibsdall, 2021 ).…”

“…The reviewers ascertained the need for clearly defined roles for assessment, delivery, and review. The impact of training Home Carers on the Reablement ethos, in relation to intervention effect outcomes is a recommendation for future research (Dibsdall, 2019 ; Rooijackers et al, 2021 ).…”

Factors Impacting User Engagement in Reablement: A Qualitative Study of User, Family Member and Practitioners’ Views

“…2 , 4 , 16 , 30 , 57 , 60–62 Also implicated is the nature and quality of the relationship between the older person and reablement staff. 4 , 7 , 20 , 25 , 59 , 61 , 63 , 64 Finally, existing work indicates that reablement staff’s understanding of, and adherence to, reablement principles, communication and motivational skills, and duration of reablement visits may impact engagement. 8 , 10 , 13 , 20 , 21 , 26 , 30 , 59 , 64 , 65 …”