OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND LONG-TERM DISABILITY

Abstract

Chronic medical conditions and long-term disabilities are a significant contributor to the global health burden. Advances in healthcare have increased the survival rates and ageing population resulting in an increasing number of individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. These conditions impede participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) such as self-care, work, leisure, and social participation. Long-term disability is further impacted by contextual factors such as the physical environment, limited access to rehabilitation facilities, digital risks, and social isolation. The long process of rehabilitation demanded by chronic conditions can be sustained by self-management techniques and supportive healthcare frameworks. This chapter outlines occupational limitations and synthesizes current evidence about occupation-focused interventions aimed at symptom management, development of self-management behaviour, and sustained occupational engagement. Emerging approaches to intervention alongside evidence on specific medical conditions are discussed. Overall, the chapter provides an overview of current occupational therapy (OT) interventions with a biopsychosocial perspective and contextually relevant approach.