Employment intervention is essential for supporting people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), who leave the workforce on average 5 years earlier than those without Parkinson's disease (PD). We developed a framework for occupational therapists (OTs) to address employment for PwPD. Our qualitative analysis employed data source triangulation of environmental scan of resources and publications, electronic medical records data, and focus groups with clinicians and PwPD. The framework underwent expert panel review by OTs and researchers who are knowledgeable of current evidence-based practices for PD. The framework is based on the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model and PEOP Occupational Therapy Process and comprised of four parts: PEOP features of PD relevant to employment, performance changes experienced by PwPD, a process to evaluate and address employment, and intervention ideas. This framework serves as an impetus to explore evidence-based, scalable, proactive intervention approaches to address employment in PwPD.
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; employment; environment; framework; occupation; occupational therapy; person.
Creating a framework to help occupational therapists support people with Parkinson’s Disease to maintain employmentThis study aims to support people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) in maintaining employment by developing a framework for occupational therapists (OTs). PwPD often leave their jobs 5 years earlier than others because they lack early employment support. OTs are well suited to address this need due to their expertise in task analysis, client-centered interventions, and enabling participation in meaningful activities.The researchers created a framework through an iterative process. They analyzed various sources, including occupational therapy resources and medical records, and reviewed data from focus groups with clinicians and PwPD. The framework aligns with the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model and PEOP Occupational Therapy Process and consists of four main parts:Understanding how Parkinson’s disease affects individuals, their work environment, and job-related aspects.Identifying the changes in employment performance experienced by PwPD.Outlining a process for OTs to evaluate and intervene in employment-related issues.Providing various intervention ideas categorized by therapeutic domain.The study also acknowledges the challenges clinicians face when addressing employment needs in PwPD. In conclusion, this framework serves as a foundation for clinicians and researchers to explore evidence-based, proactive intervention strategies for assisting PwPD in maintaining their employment.