Differences in Waiting List Prioritization Preferences of Occupational Therapists, Elderly People, and Persons With Disabilities: A Discrete Choice Experiment

摘要

Abstract Objective To compare the preferences of occupational therapists, elderly people, and adults with disabilities regarding prioritization criteria for occupational therapy waiting lists in home care. Design Discrete choice experiment survey. Setting Survey mailed to occupational therapists working in home care and community-dwelling elderly or disabled persons. Participants A sample (N=714) of home-based occupational therapists (n=241), elderly persons from a bank of research participants (n=226), and adults with physical disabilities recruited through community organizations (n=247). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The dependent variable was whether the referral scenario was prioritized or not in each question. The results were analyzed through logistic regression using conditional logit models. Results Prioritization preferences differed between groups ( P Conclusions Our results highlight the gap between the priorities of home-based occupational therapists and their target clientele. Although further inquiry is needed to inform priority setting, the findings emphasize the importance of public or patient involvement in decisions on waiting list prioritization. Highlights ? Referral prioritization in home care occupational therapy is not standardized. ? Priorities of elderly and disabled people are different from those of occupational therapists. ? Home care occupational therapists prioritize people who fall. ? Elderly and disabled people prioritize people who cannot enter and exit the home. ? The target clientele should be consulted when establishing prioritization criteria.