Health education for people with macular degeneration: learning experiences and the effect on daily occupations

Abstract

Background: Discovering New Ways, a program for people with macular degeneration, was developed based on a health education model incorporating occupation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the participants' learning experience in the program and the significance for their daily occupations.

Method: Within an experimental design format, a content analysis was performed. Ninety-two people with macular degeneration were interviewed 1 and 16 months after the intervention.

Results: Participants in the individual intervention program stated that they mastered occupational tasks as a result of the provision of assistive devices. Participants in the health education program stated that the problem-solving toolbox provided them with hope and confidence to master daily occupations. The participants'experience of learning within the health education program has provided important feedback regarding the structure of the health education model and its learning process.

Practice implications: The health education model may be seen as a model to design early interventions for individuals with health conditions which can impact occupational performance.