Roles of occupational therapy in pre-discharge guidance : Analysis of nine occupational therapists

Abstract

The present study aimed to clarify the processes involved with pre-discharge guidance provided by occupational therapists (OTs) to patients with cerebrovascular diseases and then to ascertain the core roles of OTs as healthcare professionals. Semi-structured interviews were held with 9 OTs who provided pre-discharge guidance to patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. The results clarified that pre-discharge guidance comprised the following 3 processes: dealing with recovery-related needs ; reconstructing activities of daily living and lifestyle ; and making the transition to home living. These processes allow patients with cerebrovascular diseases to "gain more confidence", and the central role of OTs in predischarge guidance appears to be guiding patients to gain confidence in the return home to live.