Perceived knowledge needs of occupational therapists for evaluating seniors with cognitive impairments

Abstract

Aims

This study describes the knowledge and tool needs identified by occupational therapists to improve their evaluation of older adults facing cognitive impairments and identify their preferred strategies for knowledge translation.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Four focus groups were conducted with 16 occupational therapists working with cognitively impaired older adults in institutional and community care settings. An inductive approach was used to analyze the thematic content of the interviews.

Results

Occupational therapists identified a need for up-to-date knowledge of cognitive systems and disorders and knowledge related to legal capacity and protection regimes. A need for short standardized performance-based tests was also identified. Preferred knowledge translation strategies included a combination of formal learning activities and peer interactions.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists require an up-to-date knowledge base and specialized tools to assess this population. Strategies to translate existing standardized performance-based instruments into practice may contribute to meeting these needs.

Keywords:

• Occupational therapy evaluation
• older adults with cognitive impairment
• knowledge and tool needs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding from the Program d’appui à des projets des recherches stratégiques et structurants, Institute universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal. NB is supported by a salary award from the Fonds de la recherche du Québec – Santé.