A scoping review of occupational therapy interventions in the treatment of people with substance use disorders.
Loading...
Authors
Ryan, D.A.
Boland, P.
Issue Date
2021
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Caring sciences::Occupational therapy , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE::Psychiatry::Addiction medicine
Alternative Title
Abstract
Purpose
Diagnosis of substance use disorders and addictive behaviours are growing worldwide. It is timely to examine and collate literature on the nature of occupational therapy intervention in this field, to increase understanding of current practice and inform future directions. The purpose of this paper is to source and synthesise literature on occupational therapy interventions used in the treatment of people experiencing addiction.
Design/methodology/approach
Four databases were searched in August 2019. A total of 597 titles were screened, and 18 studies with varying methods met inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of the included literature was arranged into themes to summarise key findings.
Findings
Findings were grouped into three themes about occupational therapy provision to people experiencing addiction: single occupation focused intervention; skills training (including sub-themes on daily living skills and vocational skills); and establishing a community-based sober routine.
Research limitations/implications
Further research on this topic should focus on efficacy of treatments and build on current findings to develop more rigorous research with appropriate sample sizes to support evidence-based practice.
Originality/value
This study presents a synthesis of how occupational therapy interventions have been used to treat people experiencing addiction issues. Findings indicate occupational therapy appears to fit well within addiction treatment and assert that occupational therapy is most supportive when interventions go beyond the teaching of skills alone to prioritise occupational engagement and client centred practice.
Description
Citation
Ryan, D.A., Boland, P. (2021.) A scoping review of occupational therapy interventions in the treatment of people with substance use disorders. Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy 49, 104–114.. doi:10.1108/ijot-11-2020-0017
Publisher
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
2398-8819