Short summary

This study is a cross sectional study. The objective of the study is to explore the types of rehabilitation patients with a hand-related disorders is offered in Denmark including whether activity-focused and/or -based measurement tools and interventions are used. In addition, the objective is to explore the rationale for the chosen measurement tool and interventions.

Rationale

Introduction

The degree to which patients with a hand-related disorder are affected in their activities of daily living following a disorder differs, but as we use our hands in almost all activities of daily living, a hand-related disorder often causes impaired functioning even after years. Although illness perception has gradually changed over recent decades from a narrow biomedical approach to a broader and more dynamic perception, the biomedical approach remains dominant for most health professionals. This also applies to hand therapy where successful treatment is often judged by improvements of range of motion (ROM) and handgrip strength rather than achieving client-centered and occupation focused goals. A scoping review from 2018 showed that there is a limited focus on occupation within hand therapy.

In order to assess functioning the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) recommend that body functions and structures, activities and participation are assessed. The consequence of using at biomedical approach is that focus is only on one aspect of functioning namely body function and structures.

The picture above indicates that within hand therapy the core competence of occupational therapy is not optimal, which probably also applies in Denmark. However, this has not previously been systematically covered in Denmark.

This study is a national cross sectional study. The objective of the study is to explore the types of rehabilitation patients with a hand-related disorders is offered in Denmark including whether activity-focused and/or -based measurement tools and interventions are used. In addition, the objective is to explore the rationale for the chosen measurement tool and interventions.

Description of the cohort

All Danish hand therapists in both the primary and secondary sector involved in rehabilitation of patients with a hand-related disorder (HRD) will be invited. Hand therapist who treat an average of less than 3 patients with HRD per week are excluded.

Data and biological material

A national survey among all hand therapists in Denmark who are responsible for the rehabilitation of patients with hand-related disorders in both the primary and secondary sector.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Competence Centre for Rehabilitation and Department of Clinical Research

• Alice Ørts Hansen, Occupational therapist, phD.