Optimising the development of sustainable internet-based occupational therapy interventions: Important key actions and perspectives to consider

Scand J Occup Ther. 2022 May;29(4):259-269. doi: 10.1080/11038128.2021.1950206. Epub 2021 Jul 19.

Abstract

Background: By examining the health needs of the general population and utilising the potential of digitalisation as a driving force, new internet-based services need to be developed in occupational therapy. However, existing guidelines for the development of complex interventions provide scant information on how to develop internet-based interventions.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to share experiences and illustrate important key actions and new perspectives to consider during the innovation process of developing and designing an internet-based occupational therapy intervention.

Method and materials: International guidelines for intervention development was reviewed to add important perspectives in the innovation process.

Results: The illustration focuses on five key actions in the development phase to highlight new perspectives and questions important to consider when designing new internet-based occupational therapy interventions.

Conclusion: The new perspectives can complement existing guidelines to enhance the development of more effective and sustainable internet-based interventions.

Significance: The illustration provided has potential to improve the sustainability in innovation processes of new internet-based occupational therapy interventions.

Keywords: Activities of daily living; Innovation; chronic condition; complex interventions; digital health; e-health; intervention development; neurology; prevention; rehabilitation; tele-health.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Occupational Therapy*