Transformation of meaning perspectives in clients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the process of transformation of personal beliefs, values, feelings, and knowledge (meaning perspectives) underlying occupational change in a small group of clients with rheumatoid arthritis during home-based rehabilitation. A grounded theory approach used to collect and analyze data concurrently included: (1) a sample of five adult clients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in occupational therapy, (2) data collection through 28 semi-directed interviews, and (3) data analysis using the constant comparison method. The study identified meaning perspectives of these clients with rheumatoid arthritis and explored the transformation of perspectives related to the modification of occupational performance. The study suggests that the exploration of meaning perspective transformation by clients and therapists could be a potential part of rehabilitation intervention.