Occupational therapy for community dwelling elderly people: a systematic review.

Objective: Occupational therapy might play an important role in maintaining independent living for community dwelling elderly people. The aim of this systematic review is to determine whether occupational therapy improves outcome for people who are >/=60 years and are living independently.

Methods: An extensive search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED and SCISEARCH until July 2002 was performed. Studies with controlled and uncontrolled designs were included. Six intervention categories were distinguished and individually analysed using a best-evidence synthesis, based on the type of design, the methodological quality, type of outcome measures and statistical significance of findings.

Results: 17 studies were included, ten of which were randomised clinical trials. Six randomised clinical trials had a high methodological quality. Strong evidence is present for the efficacy of advising on assistive devices as part of a home hazards assessment on functional ability. There is some evidence for the efficacy of training of skills combined with a home hazard assessment in decreasing the incidence of falls in elderly people at high risk of falling. Some evidence is available for the efficacy of comprehensive occupational therapy on functional ability, social participation and quality of life. Insufficient evidence is present for the efficacy of counselling the primary caregiver of dementia patients about maintaining the patient's functional abilities.

Conclusion: This review shows that occupational therapy interventions for community dwelling elderly people results in positive outcomes. Future research in the efficacy of occupational therapy in elderly patient groups such as people with dementia is recommended. Furthermore, research into tailoring interventions to the needs of elderly patients is recommended.