Date Presented 04/19/21 People with schizophrenia have daily living challenges related to impaired cognitive skills and low self-efficacy. This study used the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) in a single-case design with multiple baselines (N = 5) to investigate a strengths-based intervention for people with schizophrenia. Visual and statistical analyses yielded a small intervention effect (d = 0.26) and relationships among cognitive variables and MOHOST domains. Participants reported increased self-confidence and occupational engagement. Primary Author and Speaker: Christine A. Linkie Additional Authors and Speakers: Karen Ratcliff, Ickpyo Hong

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the evidence for the effectiveness of early intervention to improve and maintain performance in occupations for youths with or at risk for serious mental illness (SMI). METHOD. Titles and abstracts of 670 articles were reviewed, 234 were retrieved for full review, and 30 met inclusion criteria. RESULTS. Moderate to strong evidence supports cognitive remediation (CR) and mixed evidence supports cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct modality to improve general functioning. Moderate to strong evidence supports use of supported employment and supported education (SE/E) to improve social and occupational outcomes in employment and academics. Strong evidence supports family psychoeducation (FPE) to prevent relapse and rehospitalization and improve problem-solving skills and general functioning. CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners should integrate CR, SE/E, and FPE into early intervention with youth with or at risk for SMI. In addition, CBT is an effective modality for use with this population.

OBJECTIVE. This study assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an online-assisted, occupational therapist–delivered, cognitive–behavioral therapy intervention to promote physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHOD. Fifty-seven participants with KOA were randomized 2:1 to the Engage program (eight clinic-based sessions supported by online modules) or usual care. Using analysis of covariance, we estimated Engage’s effect on physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index’s Physical Function subscale [WOMAC–PF]) at 6 mo. RESULTS. Data were analyzed on 46 completers. Engage was associated with a small effect (η² = 0.01) on the WOMAC–PF. More Engage participants than controls reported much or very much improvement (45% vs. 13%; p = .03). Satisfaction was high, and 30 of 31 participants attended six sessions or more. CONCLUSION. An online-supported cognitive–behavioral program for people with KOA delivered by occupational therapists is feasible and may contribute to improved physical function.

OBJECTIVE. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of interventions to improve occupational performance for people with psychosocial, behavioral, or emotional impairments after traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD. Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, OTseeker, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Of the 1,512 articles initially identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS. Six types of interventions were identified: (1) education, (2) peer mentoring, (3) goal-directed therapy, (4) physical activity, (5) skills training, and (6) cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT). Strong evidence from well-conducted research supports the use of CBT in individual and group settings. Moderate evidence supports goal-directed interventions, aquatic exercise, and functional skills training. Limited evidence supports peer mentoring, aerobic exercise, educational interventions, and various skills training. CONCLUSION. An increasing body of evidence supports specific interventions to improve occupational performance and participation for people with psychosocial, behavioral, or emotional impairments after TBI.