Occupational therapy practice to support executive function impairment after acquired brain injury: A UK clinical survey

Abstract

Introduction:

This study explored treatment of executive functioning impairment in adults after acquired brain injury (ABI), clinician’s confidence and support received, in a sample of occupational therapists in the United Kingdom.

Methods:

A 24-item online questionnaire was sent to 750 members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist-Section in Neurological Practice. Data was collected at a nominal and ordinal level and included yes/no Likert-type scale and free field comments. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed.

Results:

Seventy-six occupational therapists working in a range of neurological settings completed the survey. Frequently used interventions included education (n = 57, 75%), task modification (n = 56, 73%), instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (n = 54, 71%), personal ADL (n = 53, 70%) and goal setting (n = 53, 70%). Seventy-one percent used metacognitive strategies. Occupation-based metacognitive approaches were rarely used. Thirty-one (41%) participants reported being fairly confident and 28 (37%) were very confident. Support for clinical practice was accessed most frequently through joint clinical sessions (n = 30, 39%).

Findings:

Participants used various clinical interventions to treat service users with executive dysfunction after ABI. Meta-cognitive strategies were employed; however, occupation-based metacognitive approaches were infrequently utilised, suggesting uncertainty in adopting these in practice. The need for further training on evidence-based interventions and knowledge translation support was highlighted.