Five-year retrospective study of inpatient occupational therapy outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis

Am J Occup Ther. 2010 Sep-Oct;64(5):689-94. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2010.090204.

Abstract

Objective: This study was a retrospective chart analysis spanning 5 yr that investigated associations between occupational therapy interventions and goal-based positive outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders at discharge in an urban inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Method: Using descriptive statistics, we examined demographic characteristics in the first analysis phase. In the second phase, we performed a series of correlational analyses to identify treatment variables associated with positive outcomes.

Results: Generally, patients improved in their FIM scores at discharge. Increasing occupational therapy intensity had a positive effect on functional performance in all categories except feeding, with significant correlations in upper-extremity dressing (r = .153, p < .05) and memory (r = .204, p < .01).

Conclusion: Occupational therapy was associated with positive functional outcomes for patients with MS. Future treatment protocols should include cognitive skills training, community reintegration, and self-care, because these treatments were found to be significantly correlated with positive changes in FIM scores.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / rehabilitation*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult