The effect of self-management program performed via telerehabilitation on occupational performance and satisfaction of individuals with systemic sclerosis

Introduction: Individuals with systemic sclerosis experience difficulties in perceived occupational performance and satisfaction in daily life activities, largely due to the various symptoms associated with the disease. Methods: Twenty-nine individuals with systemic sclerosis participated in the study. Occupational performance and satisfaction levels were evaluated before and after the program were performed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The self-management program, guided by the COPM activities, was tailored to the patients’ needs and informed by relevant literature. The program consisted of eight sessions over 8 weeks, with one 45-minute session per week. Results: A statistically significant increase was found in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance and satisfaction scores before and after the guided training (p < 0.001). Analysis of the occupation distributions revealed that self-care constituted 31.97%, productivity 45.90%, and leisure time 22.13%. Conclusion: The self-management program delivered via telerehabilitation positively impacted the perceived occupational performance and satisfaction of individuals with systemic sclerosis. It is believed that self-management intervention can be effectively used to enhance the occupational performance and satisfaction of these individuals.