Occupational therapy interventions to improve performance of instrumental activities of daily living for community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review

Elizabeth G. Hunter, Pamalyn J. Kearney

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) for community-dwelling older adults. METHOD. We searched and examined the literature (2008 through 2016) using four electronic databases. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised and synthesized. RESULTS. Analysis revealed four thematic areas: cognitive, self-management, prevention, and home-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions. Strong evidence supports the use of tailored, multidisciplinary, home-based care programs to support older adults to maintain IADL improvements over time and the use of cognitive interventions to improve memory, executive function, functional status, and everyday problem solving. In addition, strong evidence indicates that tailored home-based preventive sessions were beneficial to mediate functional disability and satisfaction with performance. CONCLUSION. Evidence supports tailored interventions designed to enhance IADL performance. More studies are needed that focus on IADLs specifically and that use IADLs in their interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number7204190050
JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy
Volume72
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2018

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This systematic review was supported by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) as part of the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project (Lieberman & Scheer, 2002). The research question and search terms for the review were developed by the methodology consultant, AOTA staff, and an advisory group in consultation with the review authors. The search terms related to IADLs and study and trial designs are listed in Supplemental Table 1 (available online at http://otjournal.net; navigate to this article, and click on “Supplemental”). Databases searched included MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and OTseeker. In addition, consolidated information sources, such as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were included in the search. Reference lists from articles included in the systematic review were examined for potential articles, and selected journals were hand searched to ensure that all appropriate articles were included.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Occupational Therapy Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Occupational Therapy

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