Exploring Evidence-Based Practice by Occupational Therapists when Working with People with Apraxia

Abstract

Evidence in the literature supports a number of interventions that occupational therapists may utilise when working with people with apraxia, although there is no gold standard approach. A large-scale survey (n = 304, 36% response rate) was conducted with the membership of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section — Neurological Practice to explore therapists' understanding of apraxia and to provide a benchmark of current practice. Consensus was found in the majority of belief statements regarding the condition, although the respondents were unclear about the relationship between cognition and apraxia. When the therapists were asked to indicate their choice and use of interventions for apraxia, the results showed that the main consideration was the context in which a person performs activities, with moderate use of specific techniques including errorless learning and chaining. The results are related to the evidence base and the implications for occupational therapy practice and education are discussed.