Occupational therapy in the hospital context: an integrative literature review

• Main Authors: Claudia Aline Valente Santos, Marysia Mara Rodrigues do Prado De Carlo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de São Carlos 2013-04-01
• Series: Cadernos de Terapia Ocupacional
• Subjects: Occupational Therapy; Hospital; Review
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.4322%2Fcto.v21i1.735
• ISSN: 0104-4931; 2238-2860

This study evaluated the scientific knowledge produced and published in journals indexed in major international databases, covering the area of Occupational Therapy (OT) in hospitals. To this end, an integrative literature review was carried out with 17 selected articles published between 2004 and 2009, indexed in the following databases: LILACS, SciELO and MEDLINE. Studies show that the performance of an occupational therapist with hospitalized patients provides improvements in the hospitalization condition, higher levels of independence, function and quality of life, and facilitates the resumption of everyday life and social participation of individuals. The recent scientific production in Occupational Therapy regarding hospital contexts seems to be more directed to the report of experiences than to the evidence for effectiveness of actions developed through planned and controlled clinical and/or experimental studies. This type of production certainly contributes not only to a better dissemination and development of successful and effective therapeutic practices, but also to greater recognition of the need and importance of the occupational therapist in the composition of health teams in hospitals. However, productions with greater scientific consistency within internationally accepted standards are necessary.