The Effectiveness of an Occupational Therapy Program in an Inpatient Geropsychiatric Setting

Abstract

Twelve patients in an inpatient geropsychiatric facility participated in a specifically designed program of occupational therapy and psychosocial groups. A matched set of twelve patients participated in the regular treatment program of the facility, but not in the special program. All subjects were rated on the Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Evaluation, the Nurses Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale before and after the four-month program. Participants in the special program showed significant improvement on ratings of interpersonal effectiveness, and clinically demonstrated increased responsibility for the group attendance and appropriateness in group participation. No significant differences were noted on overall ratings of psychiatric dysfunction. Implications of the study for group leaders and for further research are discussed.