Experiences of equipment provision in occupational therapy: version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Service users' and providers' experiences of equipment provision in occupational therapy
IRAS ID
203862
Contact name
Jennifer Harrand
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
York St John Unversity
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
79011002_Harrand_23022016, York St John University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Research Question: What is the specific role of occupational therapists in equipment provision and facilitation of its effective use?
There is a lack of published research literature addressing the impact of equipment provision both from the perspective of the clinicians who assess for and provide such equipment or the patients who use it. This research intends to contribute robust evidence informing those responsible for providing equipment services, their stakeholders and make recommendations for best practice. It will also consider the implications of equipment provision in relation to future occupational therapy practice.
The research will explore the impact of equipment for daily living for those who use it regarding its benefit and meaningfulness to functional independence, quality of life and health and well-being. Additionally, the research will explore the assessment experiences of patients who have been provided with such equipment, clinicians involved with the assessment and equipment provision process and the managers and clinical leaders also involved in equipment provision. The sample will consist of three sub groups: i) Adult National Health Service patients with a long term condition who have experienced occupational therapy in relation to equipment assessment and provision, ii) occupational therapists responsible for equipment provision and iii) managers and leaders responsible for services which provide equipment. Participants will take part in one in-depth interview with the researcher which is anticipated to last for approximately one hour. The interview will be recorded on a digital device and then transcribed by the researcher verbatim. The transcription will then be analysed by the researcher using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The research methodology is therefore qualitative in nature.
Participants will be recruited from one National Health Service Trust located in the east of England.
The research is being conducted as part of the researchers Doctoral studies; there are no funding requirements.
Summary of Results
The research was conducted by an occupational therapist with an interest in equipment for activities of daily living.
In total, 26 individuals consented to participate in a single face to face interview with the researcher. Of these, nine were occupational therapy clinical leaders, 10 were occupational therapists and seven were service users. The interviews took place between November 2017 and March 2018.
The research took place in one geographical area serviced by one NHS Foundation Trust.
The purpose of the research was to explore the experiences of occupational therapists and service users provision and use of equipment for activities of daily living. The type of equipment referred to included items such as perching stools, kitchen trolleys, commodes, raised toilet seats, bath boards and various rails.
The findings highlighted the connection between occupational therapists and equipment for activities of daily living; this included the past, present and future. The concept of 'identity' [professional and personal] was also a key element of the findings. The findings also revealed a number of long standing issues around equipment use and non-use, risk aversion and over-prescription. These issues provide occupational therapists and stakeholders with information to enhance clinical practice and suggest alternative ways of viewing equipment benefits, impact and outcomes.
A number of research options have been identified including additional reviews of the literature and further primary research. The researcher plans to submit two papers to relevant peer reviewed journals within the next twelve months. Alternatively the thesis will become available through open access following this.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0428
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion