the treatment. The clear defining of outcomes for areas such as well-being and quality of life could further the development of measuring tools for data collection that has been lost due to the ambiguity of the terms. The summation of the noted limitations of this review inhibits reminiscence from becoming a strong evidence based type of intervention. Implications for practice The knowledge of reminiscence may give occupational therapists the ability to cultivate relationships with clients and be able to provide individual care based on their particular needs. It may also increase confidence in their ability to successfully use these interventions with the appropriate diagnoses to enhance the quality of care in the therapeutic setting. It is also recommended for practitioners to include caregivers and family and to consider the impact that they may have on the therapeutic process. Occupational therapy researchers could design programs and train students and staff to analyze and compare studies to further the understanding of the reminiscence process. To employ more standardized procedures for using reminiscence therapy within the occupational therapy field will develop a more definitive mode of treatment. This could develop a specialty area amongst older adults within the Occupational therapy scope of practice. Conclusion This systematic review furthered the research by assessing the different modalities within reminiscence therapy and the efficacy on various populations of people: healthy adults, those who suffer from depression, bereavement and cognitive impairment. The numerous modalities and outcomes were ambiguous which caused difficulty in drawing definite conclusions, albeit the modalities may be helpful in improving cognition, depression, social participation, mood/behavior and well-being in older adults. The studies reviewed presented a trend amongst
the treatment. The clear defining of outcomes for areas such as well-being and quality of life could further the development of measuring tools for data collection that has been lost due to the ambiguity of the terms. The summation of the noted limitations of this review inhibits reminiscence from becoming a strong evidence based type of intervention. Implications for practice The knowledge of reminiscence may give occupational therapists the ability to cultivate relationships with clients and be able to provide individual care based on their particular needs. It may also increase confidence in their ability to successfully use these interventions with the appropriate diagnoses to enhance the quality of care in the therapeutic setting. It is also recommended for practitioners to include caregivers and family and to consider the impact that they may have on the therapeutic process. Occupational therapy researchers could design programs and train students and staff to analyze and compare studies to further the understanding of the reminiscence process. To employ more standardized procedures for using reminiscence therapy within the occupational therapy field will develop a more definitive mode of treatment. This could develop a specialty area amongst older adults within the Occupational therapy scope of practice. Conclusion This systematic review furthered the research by assessing the different modalities within reminiscence therapy and the efficacy on various populations of people: healthy adults, those who suffer from depression, bereavement and cognitive impairment. The numerous modalities and outcomes were ambiguous which caused difficulty in drawing definite conclusions, albeit the modalities may be helpful in improving cognition, depression, social participation, mood/behavior and well-being in older adults. The studies reviewed presented a trend amongst
643-systematic-review.docx