The development of a design and construction process protocol to support the home modification process delivered by occupational therapists

Russell, RC; Newton, RA; Ormerod, MG

Abstract

Modifying the home environments of older people as they age in place is a well-established health and social care intervention. Using design and construction methods to redress any imbalance caused by the ageing process or disability within the home environment, occupational therapists are seen as the experts in this field of practice. However, the process used by occupational therapists when modifying home environments has been criticised for being disorganised and not founded on theoretical principles and concepts underpinning the profession. To address this issue, research was conducted to develop a design and construction process protocol specifically for home modifications. A three stage approach was taken to the analysis of qualitative data generated from an on-line survey, completed by 135 occupational therapists in the UK. Using both the existing Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model, and the Design and Construction Process Protocol as the theoretical frameworks, a 4 phase, 9 sub-phase design and construction process protocol for home modifications was developed. Overall, the study is innovative in developing the first process protocol for home modifications, potentially providing occupational therapists with a systematic and effective approach to the design and delivery of home modification services for older and disabled people.

Citation

Russell, R., Newton, R., & Ormerod, M. (2018). The development of a design and construction process protocol to support the home modification process delivered by occupational therapists. Journal of Aging Research, 2018, #4904379. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4904379

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 13, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Feb 28, 2018
• Publication Date: Feb 28, 2018
• Deposit Date: Dec 15, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 1, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Aging Research
• Publisher: Hindawi
• Volume: 2018
• Pages: #4904379
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4904379
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2018/4904379
• Related Public URLs: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/contents/
• Additional Information: Funders : Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); Grant Number: 1384639