Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations.
This study examined sober living home (SLH) owners' knowledge of OT and perceived barriers to implementing OT within SLHs. In this pretest–posttest survey, statistically significant median increase in knowledge of OT services (z = –3.512, p < .001) was detected from pretest to posttest. Most participants reported lack of finances as a barrier to using OT services. OTs can advocate and provide education to address barriers.
Primary Author and Speaker: Gloria Farag
Additional Authors and Speakers: Anna M. Quigg
Contributing Authors: Michelle Jackson, Stacy Buckingham-Howes, Amanda Polton, and Monica Clement
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine self-reported knowledge of occupational therapy (OT) among owners of sober living homes (SLHs) and to understand perceived barriers to implementing OT services. We hypothesized that knowledge of OT services would be higher after viewing an infographic (post-test) compared to before viewing it (pre-test). A literature review revealed no evidence of OT services in SLHs. SLHs address problems associated with substance use such as psychiatric symptoms, abstinence, and use trauma-informed care in group and individual interventions.1-4 Occupational therapists receive training to evaluate clients' everyday routines, help clients engage in meaningful activities, and promote social participation. OT emphasizes meaningful occupations to help clients replace substance-use disorder (SUD) related occupations and promote quality of life as clients develop new sober lifestyles.5 Occupational therapists use client-centered, holistic approach to maximize independence and well-being through skilled services.6
DESIGN AND METHOD: This pre-/post-test survey study recruited participants via publicly available emails from the transitional housing website. Inclusion criteria were: SLHs listed on the website; had publicly available email; located in the USA; self-identified as a SLH; participant was an adult. Exclusion criteria were: non-working email or website; duplicate emails. The pre-/post-test survey included 19 multiple-choice and Likert-type questions and an infographic as the intervention. The Cox Health IRB approved the study. The website listed 2,384 transition houses and SLHs. All businesses were contacted via email with 3 reminder emails over 3 months. Response rate was 1.17% (n = 36). Inclusion criteria were met by 78% (n = 28) of respondents; 50% (n = 14) were male.
RESULTS: A Wilcoxon signed rank test of the multiple-choice knowledge questions revealed statistically significant median increase from pre- to post-test, z = -3.512, p < 0.001. A statistically significant change in Likert-type knowledge from pre- to post-test was not detected (p > .05). Barriers identified were lack of finances, lack of adequate and reliable workspace, low understanding occupational therapy roles, and lack of access to OT services. When measured by quiz-like questions, knowledge was higher at post-test, but self-rated assessment (e.g., ‘how knowledgeable are you?') was not significantly different, although there was a trend in lower ratings at post-test. It is possible that viewing the infographic increased quiz-like knowledge but also raised participants' awareness that they did not know as much as they previously thought about OT scope of practice. Participants' increase in knowledge may suggest that an infographic is an efficient and effective way to increase understanding of implementing OT services in SLHs. Although the infographic was successful to some degree, it may be necessary to add other resources such as webinars, factsheets, and/or interviews to increase confidence in knowledge about occupational therapy.
CONCLUSION: This may be the first study to explore knowledge and barriers for OT services in SLHs. A solid understanding of OT services in SUD recovery must be established. OT providers can educate and advocate to minimize the impact of reported barriers and advance OT practice in SUD recovery.
References
Edwards, K. M., Haynes, E. E., Palmer, K.M., & Murphy, S. (2018). Sense of community among female residents of a trauma-informed sober living home. Substance Use Misuse, 53(6), 1051-1055. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2017.1385629
Polcin, D. L., & Korcha, R. (2017). Social support influences on substance abuse outcomes among sober living house residents with low and moderate psychiatric severity. Journal of Alcohol & Drug Education, 61(1), 51–70. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5529042/pdf/nihms821285.pdf
Polcin, D., & Korcha, R. (2015). Motivation to maintain sobriety among residents of sober living recovery homes. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 6, 103-111. https://doi.org/10.2147/sar.s89361
Wooditch, A., Mbaba, M., Kiss, M., Lawson, W., Taxman, F., & Altice, F. L. (2018). Housing experiences among opioid-dependent, criminal justice-involved individuals in Washington, D. C. Journal of Urban Health, 95(1), 61-70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-017-0156-z
