Clinical Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis

Moses N Ikiugu; Ranelle M Nissen; Cali Bellar; Alexya Maassen; Katlin Van Peursem

doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.024588

Clinical Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis

Am J Occup Ther. 2017 Sep/Oct;71(5):7105100020p1-7105100020p10. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2017.024588.

Authors

Moses N Ikiugu¹, Ranelle M Nissen², Cali Bellar³, Alexya Maassen⁴, Katlin Van Peursem⁵

Affiliations

¹ Moses N. Ikiugu, PhD, OTR/L, is Professor and Director of Research, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota, Vermillion; moses.ikiugu@usd.edu.
² Ranelle M. Nissen, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota, Vermillion.
³ Cali Bellar, OTD, was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, at the time of the study.
⁴ Alexya Maassen, OTD, is Occupational Therapist, Reliant Rehabilitation, Hull, IA. At the time of the study, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota, Vermillion.
⁵ Katlin Van Peursem, OTD, is Occupational Therapist, Sanford Health, Sheldon, IA. At the time of the study, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

PMID: 28809647
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.024588

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of theory-based occupational therapy interventions in improving occupational performance and well-being among people with a mental health diagnosis.

Method: The meta-analysis included 11 randomized controlled trials with a total of 520 adult participants with a mental health diagnosis. Outcomes were occupational performance, well-being, or both. We conducted meta-analyses using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 3.0) with occupational performance and well-being as the dependent variables.

Results: Results indicated a medium effect of intervention on improving occupational performance (mean Hedge's g = 0.50, Z = 4.05, p < .001) and a small effect on well-being (mean Hedge's g = 0.46, Z = 4.96, p < .001).

Conclusion: Theory-based occupational therapy interventions may be effective in improving occupational performance and well-being among people with a mental health diagnosis and should be an integral part of rehabilitation services in mental health.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

Humans
Mental Disorders / rehabilitation*
Mental Health
Occupational Therapy / methods*
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Treatment Outcome