Occupational Therapy Treatment in Home Health Care

This study reviewed 96 home care records for patients seen at a home health agency during 1985. Recorded data were supplemented with information obtained from interviews with therapists who provided the care. Results of the study reveal a discrepancy between the therapists’ perception of treatment given and the treatment areas that are documented. Emphasis in documentation was found to be greater for sensorimotor components than for other treatment areas, and psychosocial skills were not included at all in the treatment plans reviewed. Therapists’ reports indicated that more emphasis is placed on the documentation of reimbursable skills than on other treatment areas. The implications of these results are presented.