Occupational Therapists' Experience of Using Home Adaptation and Assistive Products as Interventions for Older Individuals and Persons with Disabilities in Thailand

Authors

Peeradech Thichanpiang, Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, ThailandFollow
Veerawat Sansri, Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Thailand
Surachart Thongchoomsin, Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand
Sutinun Juntorn, Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand
Thitiya Wangkawan, Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand
Supatida Sorasak, Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand
Phichaya Baramee, Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand
Kannika Permpoonputtana, National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Thailand
Chirathip Thawisuk, Department of Occupational Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
Chutikorn Nopparat, Innovative Learning Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Anuchart Kaunnil Corresponding Author, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Science, Chiang Mai University, ThailandFollow

Abstract

As Thailand becomes an aged society it is important to promote advancements in geriatric medicine to provide the best care for older individuals. The right assistive facilities and household mobility equipment are essential for everyday activities. The use of home adaptations and assistive products can maximize the quality of life for older individuals and make life more convenient for those with disabilities. This study aimed to investigate the experience of occupational therapists, using home adaptations and assistive products. An individual interview was conducted with eight occupational therapists who worked at regional hospitals and centers of excellence throughout Thailand using a qualitative study. The results were interpreted through thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged: (1) empowering independent living at home, (2) accident prevention and safety, (3) family financial constraints and barriers, (4) availability and accessibility of products, and (5) matching products with clients’ capabilities and needs. Based on an occupational therapy approach, this study examines Thailand's needs for home adaptations and assistive products, as well as barriers to accessing those products and services. Through a contribution to knowledge and information based on occupational therapists' experience, the laws and regulations regarding home adaptations and assistive products for people with disabilities can be improved. Additionally, the interdisciplinary team and authorities involved in this issue should also collaborate to formulate guidelines for home adaptations and assistive products for older individuals and persons with disabilities in the future.

Keywords

disabilities, older individuals, home adaptation, assistive products, occupational therapist, qualitative research

Author Bio(s)

Peeradech Thichanpiang is an assistant professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand. He graduated with a doctorate in Anatomy and Structural Biology from Mahidol University. He is the primary investigator and first author. His work included conceptualization, writing a research proposal, methodology, project administration, resources, preparing ethical submissions, investigation, conducting interviews, data curation, data analysis, writing – original draft, and revising the manuscript.

Veerawat Sansri is a lecturer of anatomy for medical students in Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Thailand. His work included conceptualization, resources, and data curation.

Surachart Thongchoomsin is a lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand. His work included conceptualization, resources, and data analysis.

Sutinun Juntorn is a lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand. Her work included conceptualization, data analysis and revising the manuscript.

Thitiya Wangkawan is a lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand. Her work included conceptualization and revising the manuscript.

Supatida Sorasak is a lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand. Her work included conceptualization and revising the manuscript.

Phichaya Baramee is a lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Thailand. Her work included conceptualization and revising the manuscript.

Kannika Permpoonputtana is an assistant professor in National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Thailand. Her work included conceptualization, resources, data curation and revising manuscripts.

Chirathip Thawisuk is an occupational therapist in Thailand and a visiting researcher at the Department of Occupational Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan. His work included conceptualization and writing-review.

Chutikorn Nopparat is a lecturer in the Innovative Learning Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand. His work included conceptualization and validation.

Anuchart Kaunnil is a lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. He graduated with a doctorate in occupational therapy from Northumbria University, United Kingdom. He is the manuscript’s corresponding author. He conducted methodology, project administration, resources, preparing ethical submissions, investigation, conducting interviews, data curation, data analysis, writing—original draft, and revising the manuscript. Please direct corresponding author to anuchart.kau@cmu.ac.th

Acknowledgements

This research project was supported by the Faculty of Physical Therapy, at Mahidol University. Research participants, parents and teachers were gratefully acknowledged. We also would like to thank our occupational therapy students including Ms. Thanchanok Srirungroj, Mr. Supatchai Choosuahung and Ms. Chaowanee Pothongkum for their kind help.

Publication Date

3-7-2023

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2023.5751

Recommended APA Citation

Thichanpiang, P., Sansri, V., Thongchoomsin, S., Juntorn, S., Wangkawan, T., Sorasak, S., Baramee, P., Permpoonputtana, K., Thawisuk, C., Nopparat, C., & Kaunnil, A. (2023). Occupational Therapists' Experience of Using Home Adaptation and Assistive Products as Interventions for Older Individuals and Persons with Disabilities in Thailand. The Qualitative Report, 28(3), 761-783. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2023.5751

ORCID ID

0000-0002-8178-6513