Factors influencing occupational therapy home visit practice: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Home visits prior to discharge from hospital are an integral part of both occupational therapy practice and the discharge process. However, there is remarkably little understanding as to why they occur in practice and who is thought to best benefit from a home visit. The aims of this research were to explore occupational therapists' perceptions of home visits and to ascertain their clinical reasoning in respect of conducting home visits. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: The research revealed two different types of home visits: one with the patient and one without the patient. Both types aimed to enhance the discharge process. The key deciding factors for the chosen type of home visit were time issues and available resources. The therapist's justification for a home visit was also associated with the patient's living arrangements, impairments, and level of functioning. Occupational therapists rarely consulted patients about their preferred type of visit. Conclusion: This study is the first to identify therapists' reasoning between two types of home visits that occur in practice. Future trials are imperative to ascertain which visit is more effective in terms of both patient outcomes and cost effectiveness.

Key words::

• occupational therapy
• home visit
• acute care

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

Funding: No funding was received.

Ethical approval: This was received from Brunel University Ethics Committee.