Summary
Our goal is to develop a clinical practice guideline that enables physically frail older people to live independently and to participate in the community as long as possible.
Maintaining functionality is not only important for being able to live independently, it also reduces the burden of the caregiver and it influences the well-being of both. Occupational therapy, the health profession that focuses on enabling persons to engage in their daily occupations, is important in this respect. There is strong evidence that occupational therapy improves functioning, social participation and mobility of physically frail older people residing at home. (De Coninck et al., 2017)
Clinical practice guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist health care professionals and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances. (Institute of Medicine, 1990) So we develop an evidence based clinical guideline on the maintenance of independence and social participation of physical frail older people. Working evidence based means that we include the highest scientific evidence that is available, the wishes, needs and experiences of the older people, and the experience of the health care professional and that we adapt the results at the local context.
Subsequently we plan to implement the recommendations in the community.
References:
– De Coninck L, Bekkering GE, Bouckaert L, Declercq A, Graff MJL, Aertgeerts B. Home- and Community-Based Occupational Therapy Improves Functioning in Frail Older People: A Systematic Review. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2017;65(8):1863-1869. doi:10.1111/jgs.14889
– Institute of Medicine. (1990). Clinical Practice Guidelines: Directions for a New Program. M.J. Field and K.N. Lohr (eds.) Washington, DC: National Academy Press. (p.38)
Key facts
Main target group: Vulnerable older people (e.g. at risk or victims of abuse, living alone, poor etc.)
Other target group(s): informal caregivers, often seniors
Sector(s): Education, Health
Other sector(s): Activities of daily living
Desired outcome for older people:
Meet their basic needs
- Ageism
- Accessibility
- Ageing in place
- Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
- Inequities
- Inclusion
- Participation
Contact details
Name: De Coninck, Leen
Email address: leen.deconinck@arteveldehs.be
Preferred language(s): English