Occupational Therapy Outcomes Research Articles

Sensory Processing Difficulties and Occupational Therapy Outcomes for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Occupational therapy (OT) consensus recommendations and articles outlining a sensory-based OT intervention for functional neurological disorder (FND) have been published. However, limited research has been conducted to examine the efficacy of OT interventions for FND. We performed a retrospective cohort study aimed at independently replicating preliminarily characterized sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and reporting on clinical outcomes of a sensory-based OT treatment in this population. We hypothesized that (1) a history of functional seizures, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder would be associated with increased sensory processing difficulties and (2) the number of OT treatment sessions received would positively relate to clinical improvement. Medical records were reviewed for 77 consecutive adults with FND who received outpatient, sensory-based OT care. Data from the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile characterized self-reported sensory processing patterns across 4 quadrants (low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, and sensory avoidance) in this population. Following univariate screenings, multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify neuropsychiatric characteristics associated with discrete sensory processing patterns. Clinical improvement was quantified using an estimated, clinician-determined improvement rating ("improved" vs "not improved"), and relationships between clinical participation, baseline neuropsychiatric factors, and outcomes were investigated. Patients with FND reported sensory processing patterns with elevated scores in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance compared with normative values; differences in sensory processing scores were not observed across FND subtypes (i.e., motor, seizure, and speech variants). In linear regression analyses, lifetime history of an anxiety disorder, history of migraine headaches, current cognitive complaints, and a comorbid major neurologic condition independently predicted individual differences in sensory processing scores. Following a sensory-based OT intervention, 62% of individuals with FND were clinician determined as "improved." In a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for baseline characteristics associated with improvement ratings, number of treatment sessions positively correlated with clinical improvement. These findings support the presence of sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and provide Class IV evidence for the efficacy of an outpatient, sensory-based OT intervention in this population. Controlled prospective trials are warranted.

Waiting room group: an experience report on Occupational Therapy as an in-service teaching modality in Primary Health Care

The present article describes teaching-learning interventions in the context of a mandatory curricular internship in Occupational Therapy conducted at a Family Health Basic Unit. This work is justified by the importance of presenting the outcomes of occupational therapy through the description of a concrete activity. The objective is to reflect on the practice and present the possibilities of action in primary care with a health education group. This is a descriptive study, in the form of an experience report, developed during the implementation of a waiting room group in a service located in the interior of São Paulo/SP, from August to December 2022. Data collection was carried out based on the field diaries of the interns and group coordinators, as well as reports reviewed by the faculty member and internship supervisor. The analytical phase considered the group experience, encompassing the participants, their histories, knowledge, cultures, and emotions, but also the narratives and experiences of the interns. The results indicate the transformation of the waiting room into a productive space, a redefinition of habits, and reflections on daily life, relationships, healthcare, through the sharing and construction of knowledge and wisdom, legitimizing the right to health information.

Occupational Therapy Outcome Measures in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review.

With the rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), early assessment of preschool children is vital for occupational therapists. This scoping review aimed to provide detailed information about outcome measures used in occupational therapy interventions in preschool children with ASD and map the focus of the outcome measures based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) components. A thorough search from 2000 to 2022 was conducted that employed ICF linking rules to categorize the outcome measures. Seventy-four outcome measures were identified. They predominantly targeted body function and activity/participation, with less emphasis on environmental factors, and none assessed body structure. The most common measures were Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS-2), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). This study offers a diverse array of outcome measures and underscores the potential of the ICF framework in enhancing evaluations, particularly concerning broader environmental components as one of the primary facilitating/hindering factors in the participation of children with ASD.

Purpose in Life as an Explicit Outcome of Occupational Therapy.

Purpose in life is increasingly understood to be important to health and well-being. Despite occupational therapy's long history of using occupations to advance health and the linkage between a subclass of occupations and purpose in life, the term is nearly absent from the American Occupational Therapy Association's documents and the profession's empirical literature. We propose that the profession explicitly name purpose in life as among our intervention outcomes and address disruptions of purpose in life in practice. This can be accomplished by first investing in purpose in our own lives, discussing the topic with colleagues and students, identifying possible purpose disruptions in our clients, and using direct or indirect intervention approaches to help clients reconnect to purpose in their lives. By explicitly naming purpose in life as part of the domain of occupational therapy, we become poised to leverage human occupation to address both a broad societal gap and our clients' needs for a renewal of purpose in life.

Functional Changes After Occupational Therapy Among Individuals With a Distal Radius Fracture: A Longitudinal Study.

Identifying the outcomes of occupational therapy after a distal radius fracture (DRF) is important so that effective strategies can be developed to mitigate the consequences associated with this common fracture. To determine whether participation in occupational therapy improved functional status. Secondary objectives were to assess its effects on body functions and to examine the association between changes in outcome measures and occupational therapy-related factors. Longitudinal, with consecutive sampling over a 12-mo period. Outpatient rehabilitation service. Participants were 38 adults with a unilateral DRF (ages 31-75 yr.; 81.6% female). Multicomponent occupational therapy, including supplemental techniques and activity-based interventions. Functional status and body functions were assessed before and after therapy. All standardized measures of functional status showed significant improvements, which were large in size. Several body functions improved significantly (pain, sleep, wrist and forearm movements, and grip strength fraction), and effect sizes ranged from medium to large. For several outcome variables, earlier therapy was significantly associated with better results; moreover, the likelihood of achieving better outcomes was significantly higher among participants who attended more sessions. Occupational therapy services have an important role to play after a DRF in terms of returning to daily activities and reducing impairments in body functions. Earlier intervention and attending a higher number of occupational therapy sessions are likely to further improve these outcomes. What This Article Adds: Because the effects of occupational therapy among people with a DRF remain uncertain, we quantified the outcomes of this intervention in an outpatient rehabilitation service, revealing medium to large improvements in the performance of daily activities and in various body functions. Our findings identified two factors associated with better results: early initiation of therapy and a higher number of occupational therapy sessions.

A Pilot Feasibility Trial of an Upper Extremity Assistive System

ObjectiveTo develop and clinically evaluate a customizable active upper extremity (UE) assistive system with integrated functional electrical stimulation (FES) that improves function and independence of individuals during activities of daily living (ADLs). DesignSingle-arm, prospective, open-label cohort feasibility trial. SettingAn academic research institution. ParticipantsSubjects were 5 adults with a medical history of stroke resulting in distal UE impairment (N=5). The subjects volunteered from recruitment materials that detailed information about the study. InterventionsA novel, wearable, lightweight, low-profile, and patient-tailored UE assistive system. It comprises a splint component and FES unit that may each be controlled by electromyography (EMG) signals, inertial measurement units (IMUs), manual control source (joystick), and/or voice control. Main Outcome Measure(s)Several occupational therapy outcome measures were used, including the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), The Box and Blocks Test (BBT), the ABILHAND-Manual Ability Measure, and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) UE Short Form. ResultsAll participants learned to use our UE assistive system to perform ADLs and were able to use it independently at home. Most participants experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in both performance and satisfaction for the majority of their COPM goals while using the system. All participants experienced improvement in hand grip and release as shown by their baseline and post assessment scores for hand function (BBT, ARAT) and patient-reported outcomes (ABILHAND, PROMIS). ConclusionsThe clinical outcomes suggest that our UE assistive system improves functional performance in patients with UE impairment, allowing them to engage more actively in ADLs. Further innovation including elbow and shoulder components will allow users to have more degrees of freedom during tasks.

Examining the use of assistance dogs to enhance participation in everyday occupations for people with mobility challenges

Introduction: The impact of assistance dogs on an individual’s life is multifaceted. The occupational therapist must identify how assistance dogs enhance occupational performance and influence an individual’s life. This study aims to deepen our understanding about the benefits and challenges of assistance dogs for individuals with mobility challenges. Methods: The qualitative data analysis included codes and theme identification. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, including mean, standard deviation, and Cronbach’s alpha (score reliability). Results: Results indicate that the job of the assistance dog is comprehensive and complex. Assistance dogs support independence, provide hope through occupations, assist with general and client-specific needs, and provide companionship. The use of occupational therapy outcome tools to assess the benefits of service dogs adds to the body of literature. Conclusion: A service dog enhances occupational performance at home, work, school, and community. This unique study aims to deepen the understanding of the benefits and challenges of assistance dogs as an occupational therapy intervention for individuals with mobility challenges.

Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Brazil.

Research conducted in the United States has found that occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® is an effective evidence-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Replication of this research in other cultures is needed. To evaluate the outcomes of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration in a sample of Brazilian children with ASD. Prospective randomized controlled trial. Occupational therapy clinic. Seventeen children with ASD ages 5-8 yr (n = 9 in the intervention group, n = 8 in the usual-care control group) recruited from a local hospital via flyers and word-of-mouth. Completed pretreatment characterization and baseline measurement. The intervention group received occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration, and the control group received usual therapeutic and educational services only. We conducted a pre-post assessment of self-care and socialization using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and individualized goal ratings. Participants in the intervention group scored significantly higher on outcome measures of self-care (p = .046, rb = .57), social function (p = .036, rb = .61), and parent-identified goal attainment (p < .001, rb = .94) compared with the control group. Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration was effective in enhancing self-care, socialization, and goal attainment for children with ASD in a Brazilian cohort. What This Article Adds: This study contributes further support from outside the United States that occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration is an effective evidence-based intervention to improve self-care, socialization, and parent-identified goal attainment in children with ASD.

Is there a relationship between intensity of occupational therapy and functional outcomes in hospitalised older patients? A prospective cohort study.

Delivering high-intensity occupational therapy can improve functional outcomes for patients and reduce length of stay. However, there is little published evidence of this in the aged rehabilitation setting. This study aims to explore the association between intensity of occupational therapy interventions and functional outcomes in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. A prospective cohort study was conducted with adult inpatients admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation program. The intervention was the intensity of occupational therapy measured as high (≥30 minutes per day) versus low (&lt;30 minutes per day). The primary outcome measured was change in functional performance, defined as a minimum of half a point improvement in the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and/or the Lawton and Brody Scale of Instrumental ADL (IADL) at admission to rehabilitation, discharge and 3months post-discharge. A total of 693 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 82.2years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.9), 57% were females, and 64% had cognitive impairment. Patients (n = 210) who received greater than or equal to 30 minutes of occupational therapy daily were more likely to have clinically relevant functional improvements.; for both ADL (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-2.83) and IADL (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.96-4.61), after adjusting for age, sex, severity of function (ADL ≤ 2) at admission, frailty and cognitive impairment. Improvements in ADL and IADL were maintained for at least 3months following discharge. This study found that geriatric rehabilitation inpatients who received higher intensity of occupational therapy interventions were more likely to functionally improve than those who received lower intensity. Further research is required to determine if other factors, such as therapy type, influence functional outcomes.

Outcomes of the Tree Theme Method versus regular occupational therapy: A longitudinal follow-up.

IntroductionDepression and anxiety disorders affect individuals' everyday lives, and treatments that can help them to perform everyday occupations are needed. Occupational therapy for this group has been evaluated from a short‐term perspective but not from a long‐term perspective; further research is thus warranted. The aim of the study was to investigate the longitudinal outcomes of the Tree Theme Method (TTM) compared with care as usual, provided by occupational therapists, in terms of everyday occupations, psychological symptoms, and health‐related aspects.MethodsThis randomised controlled trial comprised a follow‐up 3 and 12 months after an intervention. A total of 118 participants (19–64 years) with depression or anxiety disorders and problems with everyday occupations completed the base line questionnaires, 100 completed the follow‐up at 3 months, and 84 completed the follow‐up at 12 months. Imputations of missing data were performed using the last observation, and parametric analysis was used.ResultsBoth groups showed significant improvements (P value ≤ 0.01) in everyday occupations, psychological symptoms and health‐related aspects after 3 and 12 months. No significant differences were found between the groups.ConclusionThis study contributes with knowledge about the outcomes of occupational therapy for clients living with depression and anxiety disorders. Both TTM and care as usual lead to significant improvements over time concerning everyday occupations, psychological symptoms, and health‐related aspects. The fact that both occupational therapy methods were associated with improvements for clients with depression and anxiety supports client‐centredness in enabling an occupational therapist to choose the method best suited for the individual.

Outcomes of Occupational Therapy in Trauma-Informed Care

ABSTRACT A retrospective chart review was utilized to gather the outcomes of occupational therapy services for young children who experienced trauma. Subjects (n = 22) were between the ages of 0–5 years, had at least two adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) reported, and received treatment from an occupational therapist and, either or both, a recognized mental health provider or speech-language pathologist. Caregivers of 22 subjects completed an initial Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) with the most frequently identified problem area categories of Regulation and Developmental Skill Growth. For the 10 subjects for whom a final COPM assessment was available, caregiver perception of child performance and caregiver satisfaction improved by an average of two points. Results from three additional standardized assessments showed varying results in areas tested. Results suggested receiving occupational therapy treatment within an interprofessional team led to positive outcomes for children who experienced trauma. However, further research is needed to determine the specific and most effective means to measure the outcomes of occupational therapy interventions for this population.

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Robotics Use for Patients With Chronic Stroke.

The effectiveness of robotic therapy in stroke rehabilitation has been established by many studies, and occupational therapists should consider using robotics in their clinical practice. However, little is known about occupational therapy practitioners' experience using robotics. To explore occupational therapists' perceptions of the mechanisms and outcomes of occupational therapy using robotics with chronic stroke patients. Qualitative study with semistructured focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Hospitals and institutions in Japan in which occupational therapists used robotics in their clinical practice. Twenty-seven occupational therapists with experience in using robotics with chronic stroke patients as a self-training method that involved repetitive movements of a paralyzed upper extremity. Participants were interviewed in nine focus groups. Five themes-(1) body function, (2) values, (3) performance skills, (4) occupational performance, and (5) participation-and 12 subthemes were identified on the basis of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (3rd ed.). Participants indicated that robotics improved patients' body function and promoted a desire for independence, which resulted in improved occupational performance and participation in their desired occupations. Occupational therapists regarded robotics as an adjunct to other therapy, which improved patients' body function and promoted their desire for independence. What This Article Adds: Findings from this research provide insights into using robotics to enhance occupational therapy practice.

Impact of occupational therapy in an integrated adult social care service: Audit of Therapy Outcome Measure Findings

PurposeHealth and social care services should demonstrate the quality of their interventions for commissioners, patients and carers, plus it is a requirement for occupational therapists to measure and record outcomes. Use of the “Therapy Outcome Measure” (TOMs) standardised tool was implemented by an occupational therapy adult social care service to demonstrate outcomes from April 2020, following integration to a community NHS Trust.Design/methodology/approachThe aim was to demonstrate occupational therapy outcomes in adult social care through a local audit of the TOMs. The objective was to determine if clients improved following occupational therapy intervention in the four domains of impairment, activity, participation and wellbeing/carer wellbeing. 70 cases were purposively sampled over a 2-month timeframe, extracting data from the local electronic recording system.FindingsOccupational therapy in adult social care clearly makes an impact with their client group and carers. Evidence from the dataset demonstrates clinically significant change, as 93% of clients seen by adult social care occupational therapy staff showed an improvement in at least one TOMs domain during their whole episode of care. 79% of activity scores, 20% of participation scores and 50% of wellbeing scores improved following intervention. 79% of carer wellbeing scores improved following occupational therapy.Research limitations/implicationsThe audit did not collect data on uptake from the separate teams (equipment, housing, STAR and adult social care work) in occupational therapy adult social care. Potential sampling bias occurred as cases with completed scores only were purposively sampled. Sampling was not random which prevented data gathering on uptake of TOMs across the separate teams. Additionally, the audit results can only be applied to the setting from which the data was collected, so has limited external validity.Originality/valueThese novel findings illustrate the valuable and unique impact of occupational therapy in this adult social care setting. The integration of adult social care into an NHS Community Trust has supported the service to measure outcomes, by utilising the same standardised tool in use by allied health professions across the Trust.

Identifying occupational therapy outcome measures supportive of recovery-orientated mental health services in Ireland

Purpose No occupational therapy outcome measures have been designed specifically for recovery-orientated services.This paper aims to identify occupational therapy outcome measures relevant to mental health practice and assess them against recovery principles adopted by Irish Mental Health Services. Design/methodology/approach A narrative review methodology was used to appraise outcome measures against CHIME recovery principles. Findings A systematic search across 13 databases identified eight well-established outcome measures commonly used within occupational therapy mental health literature. The included outcome measures were appraised using a recovery alignment tool. Practical implications All outcome measures connected to some recovery processes. Those using semi-structured interview formats and notably the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) had the strongest alignment to recovery processes. Originality/value This is the first known review which provides some validation that the included outcome measures support recovery processes, yet the measures rely heavily on therapist’s skills for processes to be facilitated. It recommends that ways to better support the process of partnership in occupational therapy mental health outcome measures be explored and further research be undertaken.

Quality-of-Life Discrepancies Among Autistic Adolescents and Adults: A Rapid Review.

Quality of life (QoL) is a core outcome of occupational therapy, but it is decreased among autistic adolescents and adults. This is the first review of QoL from an occupational therapy standpoint. To identify self-reported QoL differences between autistic and nonautistic samples; investigate sex differences in QoL among autistic people; examine consistency in QoL among autistic people across age, intellectual disability (ID), and self- versus proxy-report method; and appraise occupational therapy-related interventions addressing QoL among autistic people. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2020, located through Academic Search Ultimate, PubMed, and OTseeker, along with the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, and Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. Study Selection and Data Collection: Article samples consisted of at least 20% autistic females and used self-reported QoL measures. Qualitative research was excluded, as well as studies with participants younger than age 13 yr. Twenty-seven articles qualified (3 Level 1B, 13 Level 3B, and 11 Level 4). Autistic adolescents and adults demonstrated decreased self-reported QoL compared with nonautistic peers across age and ID presence. One article compared sex differences in QoL among autistic people. Interventions improved QoL among autistic people. Autistic adolescents and adults demonstrate decreased QoL in comparison with nonautistic peers. Questions remain related to sex differences in QoL among autistic people, an area for future research. Multiple evidence-based approaches to improve QoL in the autistic population are relevant to occupational therapy practice. What This Article Adds: Self-reported QoL among autistic adolescents and adults is clearly lower than among their nonautistic counterparts. This article provides information on multiple interventions related to occupational therapy to improve QoL among autistic people.

Supporting People With Dementia in the Community: Occupational Therapy Service and Reimbursement Innovations

The wide range of services needed to support a safe and quality life among people living with dementia at home is growing and extends beyond the bounds of traditional reimbursement models. Within the context of a health care system that is not designed to reimburse for these types of services, federal grants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) have supported the delivery of home- and community-based services (HCBS) for people with dementia and their care partners with a pragmatic emphasis on sustainability, such as establishing successful reimbursement pathways. Drawing lessons from ACL’s ADPI program and from the Health Resources & Services Administration Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program and Geriatrics Academic Career Award program, this symposium examines opportunities and strategies for providing services to people living with dementia in the community and highlights occupational therapy as a valuable dementia care service that has potential for sustainable delivery and opportunities for professional expansion. Papers address needed workforce development for delivering HCBS to diverse populations living with dementia and examine occupational therapy roles in delivering HCBS to persons with dementia and their care partners. Additionally, papers examine the implementation and outcomes of evidence-based occupational therapy and interprofessional interventions for persons living with dementia in the community. Reimbursement mechanisms for occupational therapy services delivered to people with dementia in the community are described. Discussion addresses how these innovative interventions and reimbursement mechanisms align with the recent surge of National Institute on Aging funding for pragmatic trials.

Novel Mechanism of Action: Efficacy of Upper Extremity Robotic Therapy For Chronic Stroke Patients in Occupational Therapy

To explore occupational therapists’ (OTs) perceptions towards mechanism and outcome of occupational therapy (OT) using robotics.

Functional Continuum Questionnaire

Thirty years ago, the Functional Continuum Questionnaire (FCQ) was developed to measure functional outcomes using biofeedback in an occupational therapy context. Initially, the assessment was designed to identify dysfunction in various areas that influence occupational behavior (daily tasks) and performance, to identify goals for therapy. Over time, the FCQ was reformatted to produce a score that correlates as a discreet point on a continuum of function/dysfunction (functional continuum). This score may be used as a pre- and post-assessment to evaluate patients' perception of change in function as an outcome of biofeedback and occupational therapy. The FCQ is presented in this article along with the functional continuum. A brief discussion about the theoretical framework—the model of human occupation—is provided. The statements used in the FCQ describe components of occupational behavior from the model, providing a comprehensive set of factors influencing occupational performance. The FCQ was also designed to provide a perspective regarding the unique focus of occupational therapy interventions, which can be communicated through the use of this tool. The FCQ has been used in my private practice over the past 30 years. It is an easy-to-use self-assessment tool that provides measurable data to identify patients' specific challenges in occupational performance as well as their overall perception of their function.

Responsiveness of the Revised Low Vision Independence Measure (LVIM-R).

The Low Vision Independence Measure (LVIM) was designed to measure the effectiveness of occupational therapy to improve visual ability in low vision rehabilitation. To validate the Revised LVIM (LVIM-R) as an outcome measure by determining its sensitivity to visual ability changes after occupational therapy. In this observational study, LVIM-R scores were collected before and after customary low vision intervention. Home health agency or outpatient facility. Forty-four participants with a mean age of 80.2 yr (standard deviation = 11.2) and an average length of visual impairment of 6.2 yr. Twenty-three participants (52.3%) were treated in an outpatient setting, and 21 (47.7%) were treated in the home. The majority of participants were non-Hispanic White (92.8%) and had macular degeneration (54.5%). Customary low vision intervention by occupational therapists. LVIM-R scores were collected before and after intervention, and participants' pre- and posttest scores were anchored into Rasch-calibrated item parameters. Paired t tests demonstrated significant increases in person measures with large effect sizes for both constructs of the LVIM-R, the visual field or scotoma (t[43] = 6.46, p < .0001; Cohen's d = 0.92) and visual acuity (t[43] = 9.08, p < .0001; Cohen's d = 1.14) constructs. The LVIM-R is sensitive to changes in visual ability in clients who have good rehabilitation potential and can be used to examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy for low vision. The LVIM-R is useful for measuring occupational therapy outcomes in low vision rehabilitation in the home or in outpatient settings.

The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy on Patients with Schizophrenia or Another Mental Illness: A Systematic Review

Introduction: A growing body of literature has shed light on occupational therapy (OT) interventions and outcomes in relation to mental illness. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the OT interventions used with patients with schizophrenia or mental illness and their documented outcomes in relation to functional level, well-being and quality of life.Methods: The databases searched were Scopus, Proquest, Sage, and Pubmed and the time of publication was in the last ten years. This was limited by the journal source type. The search terms, truncated when relevant, were "schizophrenia," "mental illness," “work training,” “occupational therapy” and “vocational therapy”.Results: Thirteen peer-reviewed intervention studies targeting adults with mental illness or schizophrenia were reviewed and analyzed. There are 6 categories related to the occupational interventions that emerged: skill training, cognitive-based occupational treatment, psychosocial-based occupational therapy, cognitive behavior therapy-based occupational therapy, creative occupational therapy, and peer group support-based occupational intervention.Conclusion: Most of the previous literature states that there were significant effects from the occupational therapies on the level of functioning, well-being or quality of life of the patients with schizophrenia or mental illness.