Occupational therapy encompasses therapeutic interventions in the field of occupational and work therapy. On the one hand, occupational therapy aims to develop and promote skills and everyday abilities. On the other hand, it aims to restore lost abilities or maintain existing ones. A further aim is to practise existing knowledge and skills.
Definition of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach; it is a medically prescribed, recognised form of treatment and supports and accompanies people of all ages whose ability to function is limited by illness, injury or disability. Occupational therapists take a holistic approach: the focus is on the individual and their personal activities in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.
This is based on the premise that meaningful activity promotes health. Occupational therapy therefore helps people to regain lost or at-risk abilities and to lead as self-determined a life as possible.
The aim of occupational therapy
The aim of occupational therapy treatment is to maintain or improve a person’s ability to function in everyday life, thereby strengthening their independence and participation in society. Depending on the clinical presentation, motor, cognitive, social and physical skills are trained.
The specific therapeutic goals are always tailored to the individual’s situation. These include, amongst other things:
- improving gross and fine motor skills as well as movement patterns
- training cognitive skills such as concentration and memory
- maintaining existing and restoring lost physical and motor skills
- greater independence in everyday life and at home
The aim is to enable patients to cope with daily life and carry out everyday activities such as getting dressed, eating or shopping independently once again, thereby improving their quality of life.
Prescription
Occupational therapy is a treatment that is prescribed by a doctor. The prescription is usually issued by a GP or a specialist, such as a neurologist or psychiatrist, if a relevant medical condition is present.
An occupational therapist then carries out the treatment based on this treatment plan. The costs are covered by statutory health insurance schemes for medically necessary treatment. Adults are usually required to pay a statutory co-payment. The basis is always a doctor’s treatment plan, which specifies the type and scope of the occupational therapy measures.
Forms of occupational therapy
Occupational therapy
The scope of occupational therapy treatment within psychiatry is very diverse and is aimed particularly at people with mental health conditions.
It includes:
- Creative or craft activities (painting, modelling with clay, silk painting, woodwork, etc.)
- Training in cognitive skills (e.g. concentration training) or
- Practising activities relevant to daily life, such as shopping and cooking, and using public transport (household skills training, training in coping with everyday life)
The aims of occupational therapy are:
- To develop and enhance manual, creative, cognitive or everyday skills
- Promoting motivation, activity and self-confidence
- Providing a setting for observation and practice in how the patient relates to themselves (e.g. high performance expectations, perfectionism) and to others (fellow patients, therapists)
- Strengthening independence and the ability to act, particularly where these are limited by the illness
Occupational therapy is a fundamental element of inpatient therapeutic work. However, it also forms part of outpatient treatment.
It usually takes the form of group therapy, though it is occasionally provided as one-to-one treatment.
Occupational therapy through work therapy
Work therapy aims to promote vocational skills following illness or injury, in order to facilitate patients’ return to work.
This also includes working independently in further treatment facilities such as:
- Vocational rehabilitation programmes
- Work in a sheltered workshop
Depending on their professional background and abilities, patients undertake a variety of tasks.
These may include:
- Tasks in the joinery workshop
- Tasks in the clinic’s garden centre
- Simpler or more complex tasks on the computer
The following aspects are central to the therapeutic objectives:
- Ability to concentrate
- Stamina
- Attention to detail
- Social skills and
- Flexibility
Occupational therapy in rehabilitation
Occupational therapy is a key component of rehabilitation. Following a stroke, or in cases of multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions, occupational therapy can help to restore lost functions and promote mobility.
As a tried-and-tested form of therapy, occupational therapy is highly effective and works closely with other disciplines such as physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. It is also used for children with developmental disorders or developmental delays. The aim is always to support those affected in their everyday lives and to ensure their participation in social and professional life.
FAQ
What is occupational therapy?
A recognised form of treatment that helps people to carry out everyday activities independently once again.
Who is eligible for occupational therapy?
People of all ages with physical, neurological or mental health conditions.
How do I access occupational therapy?
ÜThrough a doctor’s prescription; the costs are usually covered by statutory health insurance schemes.
Where is occupational therapy used?
For example, in neurology, psychiatry, paediatrics and rehabilitation.
About the medical author
Sabine Schneider
Editor-in-Chief
Sabine Schneider – medical author: Explore expert articles and medical expertise in the Leading Medicine Guide.
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