Occupational Therapy Practice in the Rehabilitation of Adults with Occupational Dysfunction following a Neurological Injury in Argentina: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

To describe aspects of occupational therapy practice in the rehabilitation of adults with occupational dysfunction following a neurological injury in Argentina, a cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted. One hundred and sixty-seven occupational therapists completed an online, self-administered questionnaire. The preferred professional model was the Model of Human Occupation and the most frequently administered assessment was the Functional Independence Measure. The most frequent interventions were sitting balance, fine motor skills, and dressing. There is an inclination to work on neuromusculoskeletal functions, followed by training in activities of daily living. No statistically significant differences were found between the type of interventions and care method, type of sessions, and rehabilitation stage. Results indicate that although occupational therapists use a combination of practice approaches, the footprints of reductionism are still present in professional exercise.

Keywords:

• Adults
• neurological rehabilitation
• occupational therapy
• professional practice

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Notes

1. Professional models: “A professional model delineates and defines the scope or area of concern for a profession. It articulates the overall beliefs and knowledge of the profession. A professional model is derived from the profession’s paradigm” (Crepeau et al., 2011).

2. The frames of reference: “Frames of reference guide practice by delineating the beliefs, assumptions, definitions, and concepts within a specific area of practice. A frame of reference is drawn from a theoretical base and has a particular view of the function/ dysfunction continuum. A frame of reference delineates evaluation processes and intervention strategies that are consistent with the theoretical base” (Crepeau et al., 2009).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Clara Zerboni

Clara Zerboni, Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Member of the Occupational Therapy Staff at Fleni, Escobar. Completed a neurological rehabilitation residency program at Fleni, Escobar in 2021.

Sofía Dominguez

Sofía Dominguez, Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Member of the Occupational Therapy Staff at Fleni, Escobar. Completed a neurological rehabilitation residency program at Fleni, Escobar in 2021.

Chiara Buzzelli

Chiara Buzzelli, Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Member of the Occupational Therapy Staff at Fleni, Escobar. Completed a neurological rehabilitation residency program at Fleni, Escobar in 2022.

Nicole Denise Nagelkop

Nicole Denise Nagelkop, Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Member of the Occupational Therapy Staff at Fleni, Escobar. Completed a neurological rehabilitation residency program at Fleni, Escobar in 2019.

Milagros Roselló

Milagros Rosselló, Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Academic coordinator of the Occupational Therapy service at Fleni, Escobar.

Melania Isabel Ron

Melania Isabel Ron, Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Head of the Occupational Therapy service at Fleni, Escobar.