The Experience of Malaysian Occupational Therapists in Conducting Home Assessments and Home Visits with Older Clients
- Author:
Muhammad Hibatullah Romli
;
Lynette Mackenzie1 , Maw Pin Tan
;
Meryl Lovarini1 , Lindy Clemson
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Occupational therapy;
Home visit;
Home modification;
Perception;
Qualitative study
- MeSH:
House Calls;
Occupational Therapy
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2017;13(1):17-25
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Home visits are complex processes for clients and occupational therapists. Despite the benefits of home
visits, the numbers of home visits being conducted are decreasing in international settings due to service constraints
or client reluctance. Published international studies may not be applicable to Malaysia due to cultural and geodemographic
differences relating to the home context. This study aimed to explore the experience of occupational
therapists in Malaysia in conducting home visits. Materials and Methods: A focus group discussion was conducted
with seven occupational therapists in one teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur. The group session was audio-recorded,
transcribed, summarised and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Themes developed were: i) client factors
inhibiting effective service provision, ii) uninformed policies and guidelines, and iii) professional identity and
growth. Conclusions: Our study has revealed major challenges for Malaysian occupational therapists with regards
to conducting home visits. Future studies should now evaluate factors underlying reluctance to participate in home
visits and effective strategies to overcome these difficulties.
- Full text:P020170614567646747886.pdf
