Arbetsterapeuters erfarenheter av faktorer som kan påverka observation vid aktivitetsutförande

Occupational therapists are recognized for carrying out observation in activity in the assessment of the client's abilities. Occupational therapists working in inpatient settings with stroke patients investigating clients' ability in performing activities of daily living [ADL]. To support in the practical work can occupational therapist use observation to ensure the client's performance capacity. The aim of the study was to describe occupational therapists experiences of factors that may influence observation in occupational performance. A qualitative approach was chosen as the methodology and data collection was done with semi-structured interviews. Eight occupational therapists working in inpatient with stroke patients was interviewed for data collection. Data were analyzed on the basis of qualitative content analysis and resulted in four major categories. These were the "choice of environmental matters at the observation", "the time matters in observation", "how to relate in observation" and "opportunity for preparation at or before the observation". The results showed that the factors that can influence observations are environmental design in relation to activity. Occupational therapists experience of lack of time could be a hindering factor in the preparation of observation but also a supportive factor for spontaneous observation. Furthermore, the results showed that a client-centered approach and client motivation are factors that can influence observation. The results of this study may contribute to increased knowledge of factors that can influence observation of performance capacity. Occupational therapists can in practical work with clients benefit from this knowledge inorder to plan and execute more client-centered and secure observations.Validerat; 20130604 (global_studentproject_submitter