Conceptual, evaluative and practical guidelines for the inclusion of children with chronic diseases from an occupational therapy perspective: literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic diseases generate a high psychological, economic and social impact, restrict participation, and are a risk factor in disabling processes that can be experienced in the long term. In the pediatric population, occupational therapists should comprehensively intervene to favor inclusion of children and improve their quality of life. Objective: To provide conceptual, evaluative and practical guidelines for the intervention in the daily activities of children with chronic illnesses. Materials and methods: Review of specialized literature according to the following analytical categories: conceptual references, evaluative tools, and practical guidelines to approach children with chronic disabling diseases. Results: The conceptual referents address the importance of an approach focused on the child and his family, and of their empowerment in the chronic health condition management process. The evaluation tools show sufficient availability of formal instruments applicable to this population, and account for various strategies and practical recommendations directed to children in different occupational areas and scenarios where their daily activities develop. Conclusions: The need for integrity in professional intervention was evident during the study. It is necessary to transcend the clinical context and consider the family and social scenario (individual case management), and to focus on user and family-centered approaches. Also, relevant topics were identified, which need to be incorporated in the daily work of occupational therapists and on which the study subject should be based for further studies, namely, bioethics and palliative care of children with chronic diseases.

Keywords

• Niño
• Enfermedad crónica
• Terapia ocupacional.