S.O.L.V.E. for occupational therapy practitioners: solutions to optimize the low vision experience
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Citation
Abstract
Approximately 185 million individuals worldwide are living with low vision
(WHO, 2014). Evidence suggests that individuals with low vision may have challenges
with occupations such as activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily
living (IADLs), social participation, work, functional mobility, and leisure activities
(Crews & Campbell, 2004). Individuals with low vision may have difficulty adjusting to
their vision loss, resulting in an increase in negative psychological outcomes such as
depression (Barstow et al., 2015). Individuals with low vision may seek out support
groups to connect with others with shared experiences and learn new ideas for addressing
occupational performance challenges. However, evidence suggests that factors such as
lack of structure and untrained peer leaders may lead to ineffective support groups
(Embuldeniya et al., 2013). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) may be
appropriately trained to address this issue. OTP have specific training to address
occupational performance challenges and knowledge about group process enabling them
to play a role in a support group setting. However, there are no specific and standardized
guidelines to support OTP in assisting with a low vision support group.
S.O.L.V.E. for Occupational Therapy Practitioners: Solutions to Optimize the
Low Vision Experience is an evidence-based and theory-driven program designed to
clearly define the role of OTP in a low vision support group. S.O.L.V.E. aims to make
support groups immediately more productive and effective in improving occupational
performance and participation outcomes for individuals with low vision in the long-term.
S.O.L.V.E. was designed based on the Self-Efficacy Theory and best current evidence
obtained through a thorough literature review. S.O.L.V.E. consists of six 90-minute
sessions covering topics including general low vision information, use of the problem-solving
approach to identify solutions to occupational performance challenges, strategies
that make use of remaining vision and other senses, and information about group process
and effective communication skills.
S.O.L.V.E. aims to increase satisfaction in support group experience, increase
knowledge of group process and leadership, and increase perceived self-efficacy with
mastery of participation/performance challenges for group members. Long-term,
S.O.L.V.E. is expected to increase occupational performance and participation and reduce
mental health challenges of individuals with low vision.