A Case Study of Occupational Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patient

The increasing prevalence of coronary heart disease and heart failure, as well as their multiple consequences on individual level, in terms of functional limitations and occupational participation restrictions, including socio-economic challenges, impose the implementation of new effective methods and strategies for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. More studies revealed that a comprehensive therapeutic approach of coronary patient, which includes also disease’s self-management through counselling and therapeutic education interventions, contributes significantly to reducing morbidity and mortality of this type and the risk of sub-optimal patients’ recovery. The aim of this study was to present a strategy for increasing self-efficacy of therapeutic management interventions based on the patients occupational needs in the context of his living environment. Thus, we proposed, implemented and validated a six weeks intervention plan for the clinical case of a 54 years old man with post myocardial infarction status. Our strategy consisted in teaching the patient how to identify and solve the various occupational problems he is facing, by using a problem solving process approach. In order to evaluate the results, a series of assessments were conducted: self-perception of occupational performance (using COPM), heart rate, level of perceived intensity during physical activity (Borg RPE Scale) and anxiety level. In conclusion, the favourable evolution of the patient, as a result of our proposed therapeutic intervention, provides clinical evidence supporting the idea that the principle of client-centred practice in the context of occupational therapy is a reliable resource for promoting and improving disease self-management in cardiac rehabilitation.