Single group design feasibility study of occupational therapy for children with experience of displacement in a school setting.

Introduction: In Switzerland, children with experience of displacement have lower educational success than other children. It is assumed that displacement can negatively influence schoolwork task performance. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial in terms of process, required resources, management, and scientific basis to investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy (OT) interventions. Method: 15 students of a Swiss elementary school with experience of displacement who had problems in schoolwork task performance selected by their teachers were recruited for a single group study design. We assessed participants regarding quality a.) of schoolwork task performance (School AMPS) b.) social interaction (ESI), and c.) of life (KIDSCREEN). In nine OT session, participants received therapeutic interventions focussing on enhancing schoolwork task performance, social and communication skills and resilience. We used Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test to examine pre- to postintervention data. Results: Results showed high commitment to OT interventions but no improvement regarding quality of schoolwork task performance and social interaction (p>.01). Quality of life could not be assessed. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the OT intervention is feasible and promising for children with experience of displacement, but assessments are not feasible for evaluating the effect and efficacy of the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]