Vegetative and minimally conscious states: How can occupational therapists help?

There is little documentation about the role of occupational therapy specifically for the vegetative and minimally conscious patient. This paper sets out to clarify the role using one model of occupational therapy, namely that of Reed and Sanderson (1992), and proposes occupational therapy assessment and treatment for this patient group. It explores how patients are affected in the performance components of motor, sensory, cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills, which are explored through assessment. The paper then explains how these skills impact upon occupational performance (functional ability) and suggests methods occupational therapists will use in treatment planning. Throughout the manuscript, a person-centred approach, which is vital to occupational therapy, is demonstrated.