Location

LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans

Event Website

https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/admin/sahpresearchday.aspx

Document Type

Event

Start Date

8-4-2024 3:00 PM

End Date

8-4-2024 5:00 PM

Description

Introduction. There have been no prior studies that have specifically researched the benefits of a community-based occupational therapy wellness program with the unhoused and recently housed population. We find it important to close the gap in research, as occupational therapists are well-equipped to work with the unhoused and recently housed population.

Purpose. To determine if there is a need for a community based occupational therapy

wellness program for unhoused and recently housed individuals.

Methods. Six participants who were unhoused or recently housed completed the Canadian

Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and semi structured interviews. Interview

transcripts were reviewed separately using the triangulation method. Significant statements by

participants were highlighted, and these significant statements were then combined into themes

and sub themes.

Results. The following themes and subthemes emerged: support/support system, hobbies,

wellness, health management, stress, Rebuild Center, faith and religion, barriers to healthcare,

health challenges, and stress management.

Discussion. There is a need for community-based OT wellness program with this population. Wellness groups with focus on ADLS and IADLS could improve overall quality of life, increase participants' self-esteem reduce isolation, and faciliate occupational engagement in their communities. Occupational therapists possess and utilize the skills required to provide interventions and education on these topics in various other settings making them the optimal choice to address them in a community-based setting for unhoused or recently housed individuals.

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Apr 8th, 3:00 PM Apr 8th, 5:00 PM

Benefits of a Community-Based Occupational Therapy Wellness Program for Unhoused or Recently Housed Individuals

LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans

Introduction. There have been no prior studies that have specifically researched the benefits of a community-based occupational therapy wellness program with the unhoused and recently housed population. We find it important to close the gap in research, as occupational therapists are well-equipped to work with the unhoused and recently housed population.

Purpose. To determine if there is a need for a community based occupational therapy

wellness program for unhoused and recently housed individuals.

Methods. Six participants who were unhoused or recently housed completed the Canadian

Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and semi structured interviews. Interview

transcripts were reviewed separately using the triangulation method. Significant statements by

participants were highlighted, and these significant statements were then combined into themes

and sub themes.

Results. The following themes and subthemes emerged: support/support system, hobbies,

wellness, health management, stress, Rebuild Center, faith and religion, barriers to healthcare,

health challenges, and stress management.

Discussion. There is a need for community-based OT wellness program with this population. Wellness groups with focus on ADLS and IADLS could improve overall quality of life, increase participants' self-esteem reduce isolation, and faciliate occupational engagement in their communities. Occupational therapists possess and utilize the skills required to provide interventions and education on these topics in various other settings making them the optimal choice to address them in a community-based setting for unhoused or recently housed individuals.

https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/4