Peer-Reviewed Journal Article

While searching the AOTA website for journal articles about occupational therapy and the group process, I found an article that stood out to me. The article I chose was on the benefits of group occupational therapy for patients with Parkinson's disease. All participants in the study had been diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The volunteers were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received group occupational therapy for 10 sessions with a duration of 2 hours. Both groups were also followed medically. The outcomes included functional autonomy, dexterity, patients' impressions, physical and motor signs, and behavioral changes.

The group intervention sessions followed the pattern of:

1. Arrival (welcome and socialization)
2. General mobility activities
3. Rest period and socialization 
4. Dexterity activities
5. Functional activities
6. Educational activities
7. Departure (informal exchange and socialization)

The results showed that the intervention group maintained their functional status over 1 year, whereas the control group showed a decrease of their independence with the progression of the disease. At 6 months, the intervention group showed diminishing of bradykinesia and akathisia. Also, observations showed better quality of life, socialization, and family interaction in the intervention group.

What I liked most about this article were the outcomes chosen in the study; both physical and psychological outcomes were tested. Most interesting to me were the results involving the psychological outcomes. The intervention group showed improvement in their socialization, quality of life, perception of disease, and other factors. I have heard over and over from professors that mental health is involved in any case and this article helped make that more clear to me. Often times, mental health may not be the focus of intervention for patients with Parkinson's but this article is evidence that it is an important aspect. 

The article shows that groups can be beneficial for people with similar diagnoses. People are able to share insight about their conditions and socialize with people similar to them. I like that in the group sessions provided multiple opportunities for socialization throughout. 

In conclusion, I think this article is good evidence of the benefits of group occupational therapy with patients with Parkinson's disease and beyond. I look forward to using the group process in my future career as an occupational therapist. 

Guthier, L., Dalziel, S., and Gauthier, S. (1987). The benefits of group occupational therapy for patient's with Parkinson's disease. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 41(6), 360-365.