Occupational Therapy Group Interventions Within the Area of Time Use and Occupational Balance: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Introduction: Group interventions are one mode of delivery that supports individuals experiencing challenges related to time management and occupational imbalance in their recovery. However, research on available group interventions, their key components, and how to evaluate their potential effects on time use and occupational balance is scarce.

Aims/objective: This study is aimed at contributing to the development of evidence-based occupational therapy interventions by describing research that evaluates group interventions for adults within the scope of time use and occupational balance.

Materials and methods: A scoping review was conducted using four databases. Records published between 2014 and 2024 were identified, and data from the identified group interventions were extracted and summarized. The outcomes and instruments in the different articles were categorized according to Wilson and Cleary's conceptual model of patient outcomes.

Results: Thirty-one articles describing 13 different group interventions were included. The most commonly addressed measures within the time use and occupational balance domain were value or satisfaction measures (for occupations), performance measures (including aspects such as activity level, performance, and competence), and occupational balance measures.

Conclusions: The lack of consensus regarding outcome measures for occupational therapy group interventions highlights the need to clarify and relate key concepts within the domain of time use and occupational balance.