The experience of clients with Parkinson’s disease of occupational therapy

Abstract

Background. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterised by both motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). This disease often reduces an individual's independence in daily activities, affecting their overall quality of life (QOL). Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of clients with PD of occupational therapy (OT), including its impact on the person, the environment, and the occupation. Method. This qualitative research study utilised purposive sampling to recruit seven participants. A semi-structured interview, consisting of seventeen questions, was conducted with each participant. Thematic analysis was carried out to analyse the transcribed and translated interview data. Results. Four main themes with corresponding sub-themes emerged from the analysis. These include the client’s perspective on OT intervention, the impact of OT intervention, strategies, recommendations, adaptive equipment, and factors that impact the intervention. The findings revealed that participants were generally satisfied with the frequency of OT sessions and valued the therapeutic relationship with their therapist. However, certain aspects, such as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), productivity, leisure, and driving, were not always discussed. Participants shared feedback about the OT intervention regarding useful techniques, home recommendations, and adaptive equipment. Furthermore, they expressed their opinions on the involvement of caregivers during OT sessions. They suggested improvements to enhance their intervention experience, such as having a consistent therapist to strengthen the therapeutic relationship and conducting sessions in private rooms to ensure confidentiality. Conclusion. This study allowed clients to express their perspectives on the OT intervention experience, and this feedback can be used to improve the service provided. While the study indicated that OT intervention significantly impacts various daily activities, there is still room for improvement in terms of client-centeredness and a holistic approach. Limited local and global research exists on the impact of OT intervention for individuals with PD. However, such research would be valuable in adapting services to improve client outcomes and adherence to therapeutic programs.