Occupational therapy interventions for multiple sclerosis: A scoping review

Aim: We reviewed the evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions in improving outcomes for adults with multiple sclerosis. Method: We completed a scoping review of literature in the area of occupational therapy and multiple sclerosis following a methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews. Search included all articles published up until June 2019. Studies were included if they were original research that included adults with multiple sclerosis published in English and assessed interventions delivered by occupational therapists. Result: The database search yielded 1646 results. Following screening and review of articles thirty papers (twenty-five studies) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies were charted and discussed in the areas of (1) fatigue management or energy conservation (2) upper-limb rehabilitation (3) occupation-focussed cognitive rehabilitation and (4) other types of interventions. Conclusion: The quality of evidence that exists for occupational therapy with people with multiple sclerosis is mixed but there are studies that show that occupational therapy can improve occupational and other outcomes in this population. It is essential to build on the evidence that exists in the area.Implications for rehabilitation Occupational therapists are well-placed to intervene with multiple sclerosis symptoms. Evidence for the effectiveness of occupational therapy for people with multiple sclerosis is yet to be established. Fatigue management programmes delivered by occupational therapists are effective in reducing symptoms. Additional training in client-centred practice is no more effective than usual occupational therapy.