OT interventions for Multiple Sclerosis within Instrumental ADL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of occupational therapy interventions for people with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis within instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)
IRAS ID
145644
Contact name
Chris Walshaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Huddersfield
Research summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long term neurological condition which represents a significant cause of disability in young adults. The person with MS has to adapt to the progressive impact of the clinical features on their own function in activities of daily living. Occupational therapy is an integral part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people with MS.
Research evidence indicates improvements in activity and participation for people with MS following multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Instrumental activities of daily living, such as meal preparation, home management and shopping, represent a core interest of occupational therapy intervention. A gap in research knowledge has been identified relating to the impact
of occupational therapy interventions for people with MS in their ability to perform these activities. The project will address this issue in addition to an under-representation of the male perspective in previous research.The project sets out to answer the following research question:
What contribution do occupational therapy interventions make to the ability to perform Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for people with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis?The research method will collect data by interviewing people with MS, their primary carers, occupational therapists and other health care professionals involved in their management. The person with MS will also complete the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (a measurement tool) to provide data on their ability to function in these activities. A pilot case will assist refinement of data collection for the main study of four cases. Data from these five case studies will be analysed and the findings presented in a doctoral thesis.
The potential benefits of the research are in providing new knowledge of the perceptions of occupational therapy interventions for people with MS. This will guide conceptual and theoretical development of future occupational therapy interventions. The research is funded as a standalone project and is undertaken as a requirement of a Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/0168
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion