Occupational therapists working in hand therapy: the practice of holism in a cost containment environment.
OBJECTIVE
Occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy are challenged to provide care that reflects foundational concepts of occupation and holism. The researchers investigated cost containment influences on occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy to determine how therapists provide holistic care within cost containment constraints.


METHODS
Five hand therapists were chosen based on selection criteria of hand therapy and holistic care practice. Using a grounded theory approach, the researchers gathered data via interviews and clinical observations. Data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, and critiqued by an expert panel for emerging theory and concepts.


RESULTS
Occupational therapists developed new skills or refined existing skill through adapting, educating, and strategizing in response to environmental demands. Tenets of the occupational adaptation model matched the strategies used by the participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy adapted to cost containment constraints by modifying professional settings and skills, educating multiple consumers, and implementing innovative interventions.
Dale
Lucinda M
LM
University of Indianapolis, School of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Fabrizio
Andrew J
AJ
Adhlakha
Pamela
P
Mahon
Marion K
MK
McGraw
Erin E
EE
Neyenhaus
Ryan D
RD
Sledd
Tatianna
T
Zaber
Julie M
JM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D003363:Cost Control; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011361:Professional Competence; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care