The effect of occupational therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial
Sammanfattning
Aim The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of individualized occupational therapy
in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, the authors wanted
to explore the occupational problems experienced in daily life by individuals with COPD.
Methods A total of 52 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (occupational
therapy) or control group (treatment as usual). The primary outcome was assessed using the
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and participants were assessed at baseline
and after four and 12 months. Results There were no treatment effects on occupational performance
or satisfaction with performance, as measured by the COPM. However, we found a significant
effect in favour of the intervention group at exertion when performing an individually
chosen activity, and in the activity dimension of St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. A total of
595 occupational problems were reported, most frequently within mobility, active recreation, and
household management. Conclusions The results show that, compared with the usual care, individualized
occupational therapy did not improve occupational performance or satisfaction with
performance. Small but significant changes in activity performance in favour of the intervention
group were found in some of the secondary outcomes.