Occupational Therapists' Conceptions of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Relation to Evaluation and Intervention with Older Clients

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Abstract
This study of occupational therapists practising in the field of gerontology was conducted to determine the subjects' conception of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). and current practice in relation to assessment and treatment of their clients. A survey method was used to obtain data from 135 practising occupational therapists. The results showed that many of the subjects were unfamiliar with the term “instrumental activities of daily living.” In addition, the study showed that occupational therapists actually did spend a considerable portion of their practice time in the area of IADL, reporting that the most common tasks for intervention were meal preparation, light housework, transportation, shopping and use of the telephone. When reporting on methods and accuracy of assessment procedures, subjects agreed that “observation of performance” and standardized assessment tools were the most accurate forms of assessment. With the rapidly ageing population, and government policy for keeping people in their own homes for as long as possible. IADL is set to become a significant part of occupational therapy (OT) evaluation and intervention.