Abstracts by keywords: occupational therapy
For the treatment of developmental disorders, the focus is on medically oriented and psychological-educational support measures. One of the medically oriented support measures is occupational therapy (Jašcenoka & Petermann, 2013; Pietz, Moog, & Blank, 2014; Tal-Saban et al., 2014). Ergotherapeutic measures are complex, activating and action-oriented methods. The aim is to improve impaired motor, sensory, psychological and cognitive abilities through activity in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure (Arbesman, Bazyk, & Nochajski, 2013; Sauer et al., 2010). Children with developmental disabilities represent a very large group of clients in preschool and school age in outpatient occupational therapy (Becker & Jagusch-Espei, 2011). Studies have shown that occupational therapy interventions can contribute to an increase in visual perception, motor and coordination performance and promote a generally positive developmental course (Frank, 2008; Hüttemann & Brauchle, 2011; Poulsen et al., 2007; Whitney & Hilton, 2013 ). Furthermore, occupational therapy intervention in group therapy can have a positive effect on clients' self-esteem (McWilliams, 2005). In Germany, occupational therapy is prescribed by practicing doctors, according to which occupational therapy takes place in occupational therapy practice (DGN, 2011; Gauggel, 2014; Küther, 2014). Child psychiatrists are primarily responsible for the treatment and outpatient care of children with developmental disabilities (DGN, 2011; Hintzpeter et al., 2014; Lehmkuhl, Köster & Schubert, 2009). However, like other doctors, they are under financial pressure from health insurance companies, so a prescription must always be justified (Ärzte Zeitung, 2014; Szucs, 2014). So far, little is known about the specific prescribing behavior of child psychiatrists in Germany for occupational therapy.