Occupational therapy and participation in activities of daily living following cardiothoracic surgery in acute care: A retrospective study

Patients recovering from cardiothoracic surgery in acute care experience physical and psychosocial challenges impacting participation in activities of daily living. Occupational therapists are well positioned to address these needs; however, there is little evidence exploring occupational therapy’s role in this area. This retrospective study of electronic medical records examined changes in activities of daily living participation for adult patients ( n = 37) who received occupational therapy in acute care while recovering from cardiothoracic surgery via median sternotomy. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and paired t-tests compared patients’ scores on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6-Clicks” Daily Activity Inpatient Short Form at occupational therapy evaluation and discharge from their inpatient stay. Patients showed statistically significant improvements on both assessments in activities of daily living participation while receiving occupational therapy services following cardiothoracic surgery. Lower body dressing, toileting, and bed mobility showed the greatest increases in the FIM categories. Occupational therapists are valuable in addressing the complex needs of patients recovering from cardiothoracic surgery in acute care. Continued research is needed to provide further evidence supporting occupational therapy’s unique role in this setting.