Effect of an occupation-based cultural heritage intervention in long-term geriatric care: a two-group control study.

The American journal of occupational therapy. : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association

PubMedID: 22394532

Hersch G, Hutchinson S, Davidson H, Wilson C, Maharaj T, Watson KB. Effect of an occupation-based cultural heritage intervention in long-term geriatric care: a two-group control study. Am J Occup Ther. 2012;66(2):224-32.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the effectiveness of an occupation-based cultural heritage intervention to facilitate adaptation to relocation into long-term care (LTC) facilities as measured by quality of life, activity engagement, and social participation.

METHOD
We used a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design with pre- and posttests. Residents receiving the cultural intervention were compared with residents in a typical activity group. Eight sessions, two per week for 4 wk, were facilitated by certified occupational therapy assistants.

RESULTS
Twenty-nine participants completed the group sessions. Quality-of-life scores improved significantly over time for both groups. Statistically, a greater percentage of time was spent in discretionary than obligatory time, pretest and posttest, with no significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSION
The study demonstrated effectiveness of a structured, occupation-based social group intervention that improved quality of life, an indicator of adaptation. It also provided a description of activity patterns and social participation of LTC residents.