Person-Centered Occupational Therapy in Older Adults

This study was designed to investigate the effects of a person-centered occupational therapy approach on quality of life and occupational balance among community-dwelling older adults. The study is a randomized controlled trial utilizing semi-structured interviews and self-report measures. The target population consists of individuals aged 65 years and older living in Istanbul. The sample size was calculated using G\*Power software, indicating a minimum of 77 participants per group, for a total of 154 participants. Considering potential attrition, a total sample of 170 participants is planned.

Data will be collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II), Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD), and the Activity-Role Balance Questionnaire. Cognitive eligibility will be assessed using the MMSE, and individuals scoring 24 or higher will be included in the study. Through the OPHI-II, participants' life histories, roles, habits, and experiences related to daily activities will be explored, and individualized goals will be identified based on the information obtained. These goals will subsequently be structured using the Goal Attainment Scaling method.

Participants will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive person-centered occupational therapy sessions delivered via telerehabilitation, while those in the control group will continue their usual daily routines without additional support. At the end of the study, outcomes related to quality of life and occupational balance will be compared between groups. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the role of a person-centered occupational therapy approach in supporting participation in daily life activities among older adults.