The role of occupational therapy in the rehabilitation of adults with persistent post-concussion symptoms in Australia and New Zealand: A qualitative study

IF 2.1 4区医学 Q2 REHABILITATION

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal Pub Date : 2026-09-23 DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.70126

Lisa Licciardi, Aislinn Lalor, John Olver, Libby Callaway

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Following mild traumatic brain injury, people can experience persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) that lead to the need for rehabilitation, including occupational therapy services, to support recovery. There is, however, limited literature documenting the occupational therapy role in adult PPCS rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore the role of occupational therapy, including the assessments and interventions used, in the rehabilitation of adults with PPCS in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive research design was employed. Occupational therapists working with adults with PPCS in Australia or New Zealand were recruited via advertisements on professional email listservs and via social media. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken via videoconference, transcribed verbatim, deidentified, and underwent member checking and reflexive thematic analysis.

Consumer and community involvement

No consumers were involved in the study design or analysis.

Findings

Fifteen occupational therapists were recruited from Australia (n = 11) and New Zealand (n = 4). The majority were women (n = 14). Interviews ranged from 48 to 127 minutes (M = 74 minutes), with four main themes identified: timing and reasons for occupational therapy referral; assessments and interventions used in practice; current and future occupational therapy practice opportunities; and occupational therapy practice resources that are utilised or needed.

Conclusion

Given that occupational therapy is increasingly being included in multi-disciplinary PPCS programs, this research provides evidence of the current and potential future scope of occupational therapy practice in adult PPCS rehabilitation. Further research exploring occupational therapy roles in other countries, and including perspectives of people with PPCS, will be of benefit to guide rehabilitation service design.

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职业治疗在澳大利亚和新西兰成人持续性脑震荡后症状康复中的作用：一项定性研究。

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来源期刊

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal 医学-康复医学

CiteScore

2.80

自引率

16.70%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is a leading international peer reviewed publication presenting influential, high quality innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The aim of the journal is to be a leader in the dissemination of scholarship and evidence to substantiate, influence and shape policy and occupational therapy practice locally and globally. The journal publishes empirical studies, theoretical papers, and reviews. Preference will be given to manuscripts that have a sound theoretical basis, methodological rigour with sufficient scope and scale to make important new contributions to the occupational therapy body of knowledge. AOTJ does not publish protocols for any study design The journal will consider multidisciplinary or interprofessional studies that include occupational therapy, occupational therapists or occupational therapy students, so long as ‘key points’ highlight the specific implications for occupational therapy, occupational therapists and/or occupational therapy students and/or consumers.