Abstract
Purpose :
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a crucial role in the holistic well-being of their clients, with increasing acknowledgement regarding their role in cognitive screening processes. By tailoring interventions to individual needs, OTs should enhance cognitive screening ability by addressing the sensory limitations of their clients living with visual and/or hearing impairments. Our objective was to undertake a qualitative exploration of the clinical practices employed by OTs in the context of cognitive screening procedures for clients living with sensory impairment.
Methods :
OTs were recruited through provincial associations of occupational therapy. We gathered insights from three female OTs from Ontario, Canada, who have been practicing for more than 10 years (Mage = 44 years old, sdage = 5,77, rangeage = 37-47). The structured interviews focused on their clinical approaches to cognitive screening for clients with vision and/or hearing impairments. Content analysis was performed on the qualitative data.
Results :
OTs reported using varied approaches when screening the cognitive function of individuals with sensory impairment, emphasizing complementary assessments like functional evaluations alongside cognitive screening. These assessments provide additional valuable insights into clients' cognitive abilities. Considerations extend to the specific clientele and institutional context, where priorities may differ based on specialties like driving rehabilitation. Despite limited access to assistive technology, OTs recognize its potential to facilitate screening.
Conclusions :
A comprehensive approach to the cognitive screening of clients living with sensory impairment ensures the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. By considering sensory limitations, OTs contribute to equitable healthcare, fostering inclusivity for clients with vision and/or hearing impairment. The next steps in addressing cognitive screenings for sensory impairment in occupational therapy involve implementing and refining adapted screening protocols. Collaboration with researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with sensory impairment is crucial to gather insights and refine practices.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.