Contribution of occupational therapy interventions in the approach of elderly people hospitalized in Acute Geriatric Units: a narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: The Acute Geriatric Units (AGU) are units specialized in caring for the elderly people. Specifically in Chile, there are few professionals dedicated to this area, despite establishing more acute geriatric units with an interdisciplinary team. From occupational therapy, an approach from an occupational perspective is possible. However, little evidence was found that explains the contribution of occupational therapy in AGU in the Chilean context. Objetive: Summarize the contribution of the interventions carried out by occupational therapists to elderly people hospitalized in AGU, reviewing national and international literature. Methodology: Narrative bibliographic review, between October 2021 and January 2022. Results: The main results highlight the contribution of occupational therapy to address frailty in older people in interventions carried out by interdisciplinary teams, the promotion and respect for autonomy and independence (in Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), the functional recovery and preparation for discharge, contributing to the reduction of rehospitalization rates. Conclusion: The participation of occupational therapy in the AGU provides tools and strengthens the skills of older people in order to allow them to function effectively in their occupations, independently and autonomously in various contexts, mainly in activities of daily living. In addition, it seeks to raise awareness of the importance of increasing specialization in this area and the need to increase the number of AGU nationwide.