Occupational therapy in chronic liver disease: a preliminary study to explore the views of occupational therapists and physicians working in acute medical settings

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is on the increase worldwide. Occupational therapists are well placed to address many of the symptoms associated with CLD; however, there is a dearth of literature to support this or to define the current working practice of occupational therapists in this clinical area. This study used questionnaires and mixed methodological analysis to describe both the current working practice of occupational therapists in CLD and the perceptions of the occupational therapist's role by physicians referring patients with CLD to occupational therapy. Thematic analysis of the structured data demonstrated an appropriate understanding of, and referral to, occupational therapy in the context of safe discharge from hospital and the provision of equipment. Cross-sectional analysis revealed a homogeneous approach to current occupational therapy working practice in CLD which, although expedient, lacks emphasis on the treatment of the symptoms experienced by this client group.