Introduction: Persons with cognitive impairments following acquired brain injury are a common client group among occupational therapists and occupational therapy has shown to have a positive effect on occupational performance. However, the scarcity of research into occupational therapists practice patterns has resulted in a lack of knowledge of the exact nature of the interventions used.
Primary objective: To describe Swedish Occupational Therapists’ practice patterns for clients with cognitive impairment following acquired brain injury.
Research design: A cross-sectional stratified random sample of 462 occupational therapists.
Methods: An online questionnaire was used to collect data.
Main results: The predominant practice pattern was the use of ADL-activities for assessment and intervention regardless of whether limitations in occupational performance or cognitive function were assessed, or whether the approach was remedial or compensatory. For assessment general ADL- instruments were more used than instruments assessing cognitive function. Instruments were used more within regional-, county- and primary care compared to municipality rehabilitation. Interventions focusing abilities related to executive functioning represented the highest percentages. Another prominent practice pattern was the collaborative approach toward clients, relatives and other staff. Theories used to support practice were to a large extent general not focusing cognitive functioning in specific.
Conclusions and contribution to the practice and evidence base of occupational therapy: Swedish occupational therapy practice for clients with cognitive impairments following acquired brain injury highly focuses on occupational performance. Much instruments and theories used are general. The result contributes with knowledge of the specific content of practice, and shows that occupational therapists practice patterns both follow and do not follow current evidence in the area of cognitive rehabilitation.