Results of an occupational self-analysis program in people with acquired brain injury. A pilot study

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of an occupational self-analysis program in people with acquired brain injury (ABI) in the areas of subjective health perception and occupational participation.

Material and Method: This study explored the benefits of an occupational self-analysis program in people with ABI. The intervention group comprised 7 participants; the control group included 5 participants. Outcomes were measured using the SF-36 Health Survey and the Role Checklist. The contents of solicited participant diaries and a focus group discussion were also analyzed.

Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in the SF-36 energy/fatigue subscale. The qualitative analysis revealed that participants in the intervention group increased their occupational participation in activities of daily living (ADL), social involvement, and leisure.

Conclusion: The program helped participants improve their health perception and increase their occupational participation through learning about their supports and barriers for engaging in meaningful activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Occupational therapy
• acquired brain injury
• model of human occupation
• occupational participation

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to all the participants in this study.

Authors’ declaration of authorship contribution

Ana Judit Fernández-Solano and Maria Rodríguez-Bailón designed the study, participated in data acquisition and interpretation, and wrote and edited the manuscript. María Elena del Baño Aledo participated in data interpretation and wrote, edited, and critically revised the manuscript.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.