Investigating the therapeutic outcomes of an occupational therapy programme devised for adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis at Mater Dei Hospital, Out-patients Unit, Malta

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease which poses significant psychosocial and physical challenges to individuals’ quality of life, often leading to diminished occupational performance and function. Aims: To evaluate the effects of participation in an occupational therapy (OT) arthritis management programme, for adults diagnosed with OA. To investigate the impact of OA on occupational performance and function. Method: A quantitative, prospective longitudinal cohort study approach was utilised. The AIMS2 was the main research tool, which was translated to Maltese. Both versions were available for the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics enabled comparison between the pre- and post-domain scores of the AIMS2. Occupational performance deficits were identified through the scores of the initial questionnaire. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. 18 participants completed the programme and the two questionnaires. Findings: Following intervention participants reported lower scores, suggesting a trend towards improved health in the AIMS2 subscale domains and the Five-Component Model. The changes in Hand and Finger Function (p = 0.03) and the Physical component (p = 0.04) were statistically significant. Improved health scores were noted in Affect, Symptom, Social Interaction, and Role domains, despite that these changes were not statistically significant. Pain, Hand and Finger Function and Mood were mostly affected by arthritis leading to occupational performance deficits secondary to difficulties with gross grasp, fine motor dexterity, outdoor mobility, and engagement in vigorous tasks and leisure activities. Discussion & Conclusion: Individuals with OA would potentially benefit from participation in an OT arthritis management programme to address occupational performance deficits related to their condition. Utilising a holistic multimodal intervention approach would mitigate the effects of arthritis and potentially improve their quality of life. Employing outcome measures such as the AIMS2 would identify specific problem areas to adapt and inform current OT treatment programmes. The research participants identified gross grasp and fine motor dexterity as key components that led to occupational deficits, thereby suggesting the importance of addressing these areas as part of OT intervention.