Feasibility of ABLE 1.0—a program aiming at enhancing the ability to perform activities of daily living in persons with chronic conditions

BACKGROUND: The “A Better everyday LifE” (ABLE) intervention was developed to accommodate the need of a program addressing ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) in persons with chronic conditions living at home. During intervention development, it is necessary to evaluate relevant aspects of the feasibility of a program. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the feasibility of content and delivery of ABLE version 1.0. METHODS: A one group pre- and post-test design was applied. Thirty persons with chronic conditions, two occupational therapists (OTs), and five occupational therapy students (OTSs) participated. ABLE 1.0 is an 8-week program consisting of ADL evaluation (session 1); goal setting and reasons for ADL problems (session 2); intervention (sessions 3–7); and re-evaluation (final session), conducted in the clients’ home-setting and local area. Sessions 1–4 and the final session was mandatory. To evaluate the feasibility of content and delivery, the OTs, after each session, reported on applied intervention component(s), time-use, needed equipment, adjustments, meaningfulness, confidence, progress toward goal attainment, and side effects using registration forms. The clients reported on progress toward goal attainment, meaningfulness, and satisfaction. Clinically relevant improvements in ADL ability were identified using the ADL-Interview (ADL-I) and the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). Goal attainment was evaluated using the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). RESULTS: Twenty clients (67%) completed ABLE 1.0 and received four sessions (median = 4, range 4–7) each lasting between 30 and 94 min. Most frequently applied component was “Changing habits related to task performance”. Generally, OTs reported having the needed equipment. Deviations from the manual were made by omission of GAS and AMPS and less than mandatory number of sessions per client. The OTs reported confidence in delivering the program and the clients perceived the program as meaningful and satisfying, and experienced progress toward goal attainment. Goal attainment was found in 52% of the goals. Sixteen (80%) clients obtained clinically relevant improvements in self-reported or observed ADL ability. CONCLUSIONS: The content and delivery of ABLE 1.0 was feasible. However, the study revealed a need to adjust the recruitment procedure and make minor changes in the intervention manual. A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) study is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with registration no. NCT03335709 on November 8, 2017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-021-00790-7.