Occupational therapy outcomes in patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

People living with this degenerative condition can benefit greatly from occupation therapy, explains Amelia Jackson. This therapy needs to be embedded in the treatment approach for all patients living with this condition, and practice nurses are well placed to direct careThis article considers whether occupational therapy can improve the treatment experience and quality of life for patients living with Parkinson's disease. It also discusses whether occupational therapy has a direct correlation with improved treatment outcomes. This article will examine how this treatment should be provided and what treatment provision is available. Published literature was used to gain evidence and the findings were that integrated occupational therapy can improve both quality of life and treatment outcomes with this patient population. This article emphasises the need for occupational therapy to be embedded in the treatment approach to address non-motor symptoms which have the greatest impact on patient-reported reduced quality of life.