title: A research-based strategy for managing housing adaptations: study protocol for a quasi-experimental trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The primary aim of this paper is to describe the design of a project evaluating the effects of using a research-based strategy for managing housing adaptations (HAs). The evaluation targets clients' perspectives in terms of activity, participation, usability, fear of falling, fall incidence, use of mobility devices, and health-related quality of life, and determines the societal effects of HAs in terms of costs. Additional aims of the project are to explore and describe this strategy in relation to experiences and expectations (a) among clients and cohabitants and (b) occupational therapists in ordinary practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a quasi-experimental trial applying a multiphase design, combining quantitative and qualitative data. At the experimental sites, the occupational therapists (OTs) apply the intervention, i.e. a standardized research-based strategy for HA case management. At the control site, the occupational therapists are following their regular routine in relation to HA. Three municipalities in south Sweden will be included based on their population, their geographical dispersion, and their similar organizational structures for HA administration. Identical data on outcomes is being collected at all the sites at the same four time points: before the HA and then 3, 6, and 12 months after the HA. The data-collection methods are semi-structured qualitative interviews, observations, clinical assessments, and certificates related to each client's HA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intervention in this study has been developed and tested through many years of research and in collaboration with practitioners. This process includes methodological development and testing research aimed at identifying the most important outcomes and research targeting current HA case-management procedures in Swedish municipalities. When the study is completed, the results will be used for further optimization of the practice strategy for HA, in close collaboration with the data-collecting OTs.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  No: NCT01960582.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ekstam
authors.forename: Gunilla
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carlsson
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chiatti
authors.forename: Maria H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.forename: Agneta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malmgren Fänge
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012449:Safety; D013548:Sweden; D055815:Young Adult