A Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy Interventions With Homeless People

ABSTRACT

A systematic review of the occupational therapy literature 1990–2008 was undertaken with the aim to assess the quality of evidence that supports the role of occupational therapy with homeless people. Forty articles were initially identified and critically appraised, including 16 research studies. Seven quantitative articles were included in this review and demonstrated the effectiveness of occupational therapy in providing interventions that increase employment and education prospects, money management, coping skills, and leisure activities. The literature suggests that occupational therapy has an appropriate role with people experiencing homelessness.

KEYWORDS. :

• Evidence
• health review
• homelessness
• occupation