Occupational Therapy: Cost-Effective Solutions for Changing Health System Needs

Evidence shows occupational therapy interventions are cost effective in treating or preventing injury and improving health outcomes in areas such as fall prevention, musculoskeletal injury, stroke rehabilitation, early intervention in developmental disabilities, respiratory rehabilitation, and home care (MacDonald, 2006). Additional research indicates opportunities for occupational therapy to play an increased role in the management of health outcomes in complex and chronic diseases, pain management, nonpharmaceutical mental health interventions, dementia, end-of-life or palliative care, and home care. This paper aligns the discussion of health system transformation with literature identifying the costeffectiveness of occupational therapy in Canada.