bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hunter-Gatherers and the Behavioural Ecology of Human Occupation
Authors: Hudson Mark J. , Aoyama Mami
Published: March 2013

Background. Despite growing interest in indigenous peoples within occupational therapy in Canada and elsewhere, there has been little consideration of hunter-gathering—an occupation that retains great material and symbolic significance for many indigenous groups. Purpose. A preliminary analysis of occupational behaviour amongst hunter-gatherers was conducted to aid understanding of the nature and evolution of human occupations and inform policy in indigenous occupational therapy. Methods. Human behavioural ecology was used to analyze four aspects of hunter-gatherer occupations: occupational diversification, the sexual “division of labour,” the long dependence of juveniles on adult provisioning, and active foraging by postmenopausal women. Findings. It was concluded that many occupational adaptations of human foragers can be related to life-history traits, namely slow maturation, long lifespans, weaning before independent feeding, and postmenopausal longevity. Implications. Further research will help understand how our hunter-gatherer heritage has affected the evolution of occupational behaviour and to develop program designs using foraging occupations.
How Interdisciplinary Pediatric Practitioners Choose Assessments
Authors: Kramer Jessica , Bowyer Patricia , O'Brien Jane , Kielhofner Gary , Maziero-Barbosa Vanessa
Published: March 2013

Background. The assessment process affects the direction and quality of the services children and youth with disabilities receive. However, little is known about how practitioners choose tools and strategies to assess clients. Purpose. To identify processes practitioners use to gather information and choose methods of assessment in pediatric practice. Methods. Three focus groups were held with teams of interdisciplinary pediatric practitioners. Key themes were identified. Findings. Two primary themes emerged: “Things practitioners want to know” and “Choosing what and how to assess.” Practitioners began the assessment process wanting to gather information about children and their environment. Practitioners then used the initial information to decide what and how to further assess as described by three subthemes: “fitting” the child, balancing formal and informal information, and professional context. Implications. Practitioners generally made individualized assessment choices for each child based on the initial information they gathered and then used a balance of formal and informal assessments. However, they were more likely to formally assess children at the level of body structures and function rather than participation, and continued to rely upon such standardized assessments to meet reimbursement and policy requirements.
The Psychosocial Effects of Exercise and Relaxation Classes for Persons Surviving a Stroke
Authors: Carin-Levy Gail , Kendall Marilyn , Young Archie , Mead Gillian
Published: March 2013

Background. This study was set up to explore unexpected findings emergent from a randomized controlled trial of exercise versus relaxation post-stroke. Purpose. Stroke survivors' experiences of taking part in exercise and relaxation classes were explored. Methods. In-depth, semi-structured interviews carried out with 14 community-dwelling stroke survivors in Edinburgh. The informants previously participated in a randomized exploratory trial of exercise versus relaxation. Findings. The classes motivated participants to take part in other purposeful activities, to continue to practice what they had learned, and/or to attend another class in the community. Class participation also led to an improvement of self-perceived quality of life, specifically, improved confidence, physical ability, psychosocial functioning, and a sense of empowerment. Implications. Taking part in either exercise or relaxation classes after stroke can contribute to improved self-perceived quality of life, improved psychosocial functioning, and improved motivation to take an active role in the recovery process.
Practice Style Traits of Student Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists
Authors: Hadouda Saliha , Laroui Hanane Rabiaa , Lemay Amélie , Martin Benoit , Korner-Bitensky Nicol , Menon Anita , Storr Caroline , Asseraf-Pasin Liliane , Ahmed Sara
Published: March 2013

Background. Intensive efforts are aimed at understanding student attributes in anticipation that this will lead to effective knowledge translation (KT) strategies. One attribute of interest is practice style trait: four have been identified ranging from the seeker, who is driven by scientific evidence, to the pragmatist, who is driven by practicality. Purpose. To identify the prevalence of the four traits among student clinicians and explore associations between these traits, clinician characteristics and practice behaviours. Methods. Ninety-two occupational therapy and 86 physical therapy students completed a survey that elicited information on traits, clinician characteristics, and practice behaviours. Findings. The most prevalent trait was pragmatic, the least, seeker at <1%. The most prevalent reason for choosing an intervention was “it was used by my clinical supervisor”. Implications. Educators should carefully reconsider the implication of using KT strategies that cater primarily to seekers. Research is warranted to explore the impact of matching educational strategies to traits.
Evaluating Work Readiness following Acquired Brain Injury: Building a Shared Understanding
Authors: Stergiou-Kita Mary , Rappolt Susan , Kirsh Bonnie , Shaw Lynn
Published: March 2013

Background. Despite occupational therapists' role in work-related evaluations, there are no guidelines for evaluating clients' work readiness. Purpose. This study explored how occupational therapists evaluate work readiness following acquired brain injury in order to develop an integrated model of the factors, processes, stakeholders, and contextual elements relevant to this evaluation. Methods. Ten occupational therapists with expertise in vocational and brain injury rehabilitation were interviewed. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods to develop the work readiness evaluation model. Findings. This model describes five processes formative to therapists' evaluation: (1) drawing upon diverse sources of information and perspectives; (2) assessing occupational capacity; (3) contextualizing occupational potential; (4) building a shared understanding of work readiness among stakeholders, including, clients, employers, insurers, and rehabilitation teams; and (5) transforming the work readiness question. Implications. The model highlights the importance of building a shared understanding amongst stakeholders and provides a provisional framework to guide practice.
Uses of the National Rehabilitation Reporting System: Perspectives of Geriatric Rehabilitation Clinicians
Authors: Wells Jennie L. , Egan Mary , Byrne Kerry , Jaglal Susan , Dumbrell Andrea C. , Stolee Paul
Published: March 2013

Background. The National Rehabilitation Reporting System (NRS) is a minimum data set for inpatient rehabilitation units. The system was designed to support administrative decision making from the facility to the national level. Purpose. To conduct a pilot study to explore current and potential clinician uses of NRS data, particularly for hip-fractured clients. Methods. Focus groups with rehabilitation teams from two urban academic geriatric rehabilitation units in Ontario. Findings. Few current uses were identified; barriers to use included timeliness of data reports and perceived lack of sensitivity to clinically significant changes in functional status. Strategies for resolving these barriers were identified, including customization of data reports. Implications. Clinicians will need to work collaboratively with managers, information technology specialists, and software vendors to explore opportunities to maximize potential usefulness of NRS data.
A Pilot Project Pre-Kindergarten Program
Authors: Stalker Aileen , Doidge Mary
Published: March 2013

Cet article nous parle de la logique de prévoir un programme spécifique de langage pour les enfants en pré-maternelle qui sont désavantagés au point de vue éducationnel; il décrit aussi un projet-pilote impliquant sept enfants et trois meneurs.

Un programme d'enrichissement qui apporterait un bagage maximum d'expériences à l'enfant privilégié au point de vue culturel a été rejeté ici en faveur d'une situation d'apprentissage spécifique, rapide et aca-démiquement orientée dont les enfants désavantagés ont besoin pour tenter de surmonter leur retard.

Il semble que cette situation serait plus adaptée en modelant le programme de la maternelle d'après les besoins de la classe moyenne plutôt que d'après l'approche traditionnel “d'enrichissement”. Nous avons donc essayés de toucher certaines caractéristiques de la classe moyenne telles que: le contact avec les adultes, l'expérience verbale, les règlements, la propreté, la retenue physique, l'orientation future et le sens de la réalité.

Comme la communication verbale et la capacité de raisonner sont d'importance majeure dans la réussite académique pendant les années d'études, on a insisté pour fournir un champs plus vaste d'expériences verbales …
Yes, You Can Teach Clinical Skills in the Classroom!
Authors: Burton J.E. , Bride M.
Published: March 2013

This paper describes the use of videotaped interviews with volunteer patients as a method of teaching interviewing skills to first and second year occupational therapy students. It is hoped that this experience will enable students to conduct interviews in clinical or community settings with greater confidence and effectiveness.
L'apprentissage des tâches visuo-constructives chez l'adulte hémiplégique
Authors: Forget Andrée
Published: March 2013

Les hémiplégiques présentent souvent des dysfonctions visuo-constructives qui rendent difficile leur accession à l'indépendance dans les activités de la vie quotidienne. Plusieurs rapports scientifiques traitent de l'évaluation de ces déficits mais les recherches portant sur leur traitement sont peu nombreuses. Certains auteurs ont rapporté des différences quantitatives et qualitatives selon l'hémisphére atteint sur la capacité d'apprentissage des adultes cérébrolésés. L'hypothèse de la présente étude soutenait que les hémiplégiques souffrant de déficits visuo-constructifs pourraient apprendre, par la répétition, des tâches visuo-constructives simples, que leur lésion soit dans l'hémisphère droit ou gauche; de plus, les patients recevant un traitement quotidien démontreraient plus de progrés que ceux qui ne seraient pas soumis à ce traitement. Seize cérébrolésés à droite et 16 cérébrolésés à gauche, présentant des troubles visuo-constructifs, furent évalués. L'analyse de variance a démontré qu'il n'y avait aucune différence quantitative dans la capacité d'apprentissage d'après l'hémisphère lésé et que les sujets traités quotidiennement ont obtenu des résultats supérieurs à ceux des sujets contrôles. Il semble donc, d'après les résultats de cette étude, que la répétition de tâches visuo-constructives simples peut aider les hémiplégiques souffrant de dysfonctions dans ce domaine à améliorer leur performance dans ces tâches.
Project Alternative a Therapeutic Social Group
Authors: Campbell Donna A.
Published: March 2013

Project Alternative is, by definition, a Therapeutic Social Group. To-day, when occupational therapists are looking beyond hospital walls it stands as an example of community participation. Specifically, Project Alternative is a joint project of the Occupational Therapy Department of the Ottawa Civic Hospital and the Special Needs Section of the Ottawa Y.M. — Y.W.C.A. It was designed to facilitate social rehabilitation in a group of frightened inadequate women frequently with a history of multiple hospital admissions for depression and an inability to initiate regular community involvement. There are so many possibilities for our profession and it is hoped that the lessons learned from this successful venture will inspire other occupational therapists to extend and expand their therapeutic endeavours beyond the traditional boundaries of the hospital.
Influence of Selected Semantic Variables on Word Associations of Aphasics
Authors: Dudley John G. , Oliver Linda
Published: March 2013

A word association test consisting of 10 animate noun and 10 inanimate noun stimuli was administered to 30 French-speaking and 30 English-speaking college students, 14 hospitalized non-aphasics, 7 fluent aphasics, and 7 dysfluent aphasics. The purpose of the study was to compare the response types and to investigate the effects of the semantic feature of animacy on response type and response latency. It was found that dysfluent aphasics gave significantly more paradigmatic responses than the hospitalized non-aphasics, and that the aphasics responded much more slowly than the hospitalized non-aphasics. There was no difference between English and French students on the number of paradigmatic and syntagmatic responses given; however, the English students responded significantly faster than the French students. Both the college students and the fluent aphasics responded significantly faster to inanimate nouns than to animate nouns. There was no response type-semantic feature interaction found for any of the groups. These findings provided evidence that aphasics do not respond similarly to normals, and that the animacy feature has an influential effect on linguistic performance.
Prerequisites for Perceptual Evaluation on Brain Damage
Authors: Jimenez J. , Chiarcossi A. , Keltz E. , Tepperman Perry
Published: March 2013

An analysis is made of the basic prerequisites before attempting any evaluation of perceptual deficits. Three areas are identified and discussed as they may affect the results of the tests: − 1) as related to the patient: mental status; communication; premorbid conditions affecting the senses and apraxias. 2) as related to the examiner: adequate knowledge. 3) as related to the tests: the meaning of total cortical function is not fully understood, therefore all tests are limited: the commonly used separation of different tests should be considered with caution and used primarily to facilitate the administration of the test; the concepts of body image, neglect, denial and spatial disorientation are intimately related between themselves and are also related to the sensory impairment (cortical and peripheral).
Occupational Therapy Life Skills Program in a Co-operative Home Study
Authors: MacKinnon Barbara S.
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the study reported here, was to determine that the Occupational Therapy Life Program, instituted in a community home for five psychiatric patients during a three month period, was an effective mode of treatment, and as a result, whether Occupational Therapy has a role in community psychiatry. The study was instituted in a co-operative home established by the Kingston Psychiatric Hospital on September 15, 1976. The study was based on the life skills performance of five psychiatric patients, discharged from the hospital directly to the co-operative home. The Occupational Life Skills Training Program was evaluated during four test periods using three assessments: activities of daily living, group functions and leadership acts. The results of the analysis of the data showed an increase in all life skills throughout the treatment period. The study revealed that the Occupational Therapy Life Skills Program discussed is an effective form of treatment for the community co-operative home members. Therefore, the assumption could be made that Occupational Therapy has a role in community psychiatry.
Implication d'une ergothérapeute dans des cours prénataux
Authors: Ferland Francine
Published: March 2013

Cet article rapporte une expérience d'implication d'une ergothérapeute dans des cours prénataux. L'auteur précise les objectifs de cette implication et les différentes démarches effectuées. Également un résumé de l'information donnée aux parents est apportée. Une évaluation à court terme de ce service a été demandée aux futurs parents et les résultats de cette évaluation sont présentés et discutés. La conclusion souligne l'importance de plus en plus grande pour les ergothérapeutes de s'orienter vers la communauté afin de jouer pleinement leur rôle dans la société moderne.
Student Section
Authors: Watson Geraldine
Published: March 2013

This article describes the development and implementation of a programme for a severely disabled Parkinsonian patient. This programme was instituted to assist nursing staff with the personal hygiene and dressing of the patient and was based on facilitation techniques to decrease rigidity.
Self-Inflicted Blindness: Outline of a Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Danyluk L. , Tapper C.M. , Bland R.C.
Published: March 2013

This paper describes a rehabilitation program carried out over sixteen months with a twenty-five year old male with schizophrenia and self-inflicted blindness. The overall goal of treatment was for the patient to acquire skills that would enable him to lead as independent a life as possible. Initially this included acceptance of his blindness, increasing his awareness of his environment, developing skills to cope with activities of daily living and subsequent development of social and occupational skills. The psychosis and its residuum presented limiting factors leading to slow progress. The rarity of self-inflicted blindness, the prominence of occupational therapy skills in the rehabilitation program and the lack of guidelines in the literature make this case of particular interest.
A Modularized Self-Instructional Course in Psychiatric Occupational Therapy
Authors: Hachey Raymonde
Published: March 2013

The process of change in the format of a three credit course entitled: “Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry” offered to second year occupational therapy students at the Université de Montréal involved the transition from a lecture format to a modularized individual instructional course. A description of this process is given and the results of the evaluation of the new course are interpreted and discussed.
Evaluation of Horticulture-As-Therapy Workshop
Authors: Dennis Lynn , Mogford Hetty , Harper Andrew C.
Published: March 2013

A workshop for health professionals and volunteers on Horticulture-as-therapy was conducted at the Royal Botanical Gardens Hamilton, Ontario in 1976 and again in 1977. An evaluation of the 1977 workshop is described. The workshop had five objectives which formed the basis for the evaluation criteria. The 15 participants were asked to complete a questionnaire before and after the six sessions of the workshop. The change between the two questionnaires is presented and discussed. There was a change in the participants' knowledge in four of the five areas evaluated, and on this basis the workshop was judged to be effective in meeting its objectives.
The Occupational Therapist in Industry: A Developing Challenge
Authors: Lewchuk Shirley
Published: March 2013

Studies of health maintenance and work adjustment have stressed the importance of developing strategies to reduce discrepancies or conflicts in the worker's expectations of management and vice versa. The development and implementation of such strategies can be a primary role for the occupational therapist. Attention is also given to the need for further research in establishing effective programs in industry. Results of a survey conducted by the author are briefly reviewed. This study looks at workers with Low Back Pain who are on regular work, modified work, or on lost time. The survey attempts to measure differences between these groups in attitudes toward health, to Low Back Pain, and to work itself. Data from the study indicate some surprising trends that provide provocative thought in evaluating effectiveness of present programmes and in establishing future programmes.
An Occupational Therapy Program with the Chronic Care Patient
Authors: Rudy Annette , Moscovitch Galela , Posluszny Ruth , Rudy Annette , Sidler Mona , Taylor Margaret
Published: March 2013

The following is an example of what the occupational therapists at the Allan Memorial Institute in Montreal have done to accomodate the changing psychiatric population at the hospital. Over the past few years it seemed that certain of our programmes, being too high level, were no longer suitable for the more chronic type patient, being admitted. Thus, a re-examination of attitudes towards treatment was necessary as was the establishment of programmes with a different orientation. In doing this, the focus changed from former techniques such as projective art to a concentration on more reality oriented programmes for this group. The two programmes described are examples of this.
L'ensemble rythmique: Une technique de musicothérapie appliquée en ergothérapie. Partie I: Une méthode
Authors: Jobin Jean-Guy
Published: March 2013

L'ensemble rythmique est présenté ici comme une méthode d'utilisation de la musique en ergothérapie, d'abord conçue pour le traitement psychiatrique de l'adulte. Il s'agit d'une méthode active centrée sur la dimension rythmique de la musique, et utilisant des instruments de percussion dans un but d'accompagnement et d'improvisation. Le présent article décrit les différentes étapes d'une séance type, ainsi que le travail du meneur. Il sera suivi d'un second article portant sur les buts thérapeutiques de l'ensemble rythmique et soulignant à la fois le caractère spontané et structurant, ouvert et cadrant, d'une telle activité thérapeutique.
Yes — Occupational Therapy Can Be Dynamic in a Chronic Care Setting
Authors: Gallen Debbi , Loiselle Cecile , Wilson Colleen , Shack Doris
Published: March 2013

This article describes the Occupational Therapy programs at Bloorview Children's Hospital. The Hospital itself and the structure within which Occupational Therapy operates are outlined. The numerous group programs are detailed, including objectives, target populations, activities and approach used.
Academic Performance and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Posthuma Barbara W. , Willan Andrew R.
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates the possible relationship between job satisfaction and academic performance of occupational therapists who have graduated from the University of Western Ontario in the years 1975 to 1978. Eifty-four percent of the graduates of this time period filled out questionnaires eliciting information on their satisfaction with their jobs as occupational therapists and with the profession of occupational therapy. This information was analyzed with the therapists' academic performance of Grade XIII and their four years in the Occupational Therapy Program. The results indicated that although job satisfaction related significantly to three individual academic courses it did not relate to overall performance as measured by grade average.
Arm Sling for Controlling Extensor Tonus Pattern: A Case Study
Authors: Bellefeuille-Reid Denise
Published: March 2013

This paper discusses the neurophysiological rationale for using an arm sling for controlling abnormal tonus patterns. Included is a description of the sling's fabrication and following this, general advantages and disadvantages of it's use are outlined.
Muriel Driver Memorial Lecture 1981: The Mists of Time
Authors: Robinson Isobel M.
Published: March 2013

In honour of the fiftieth anniversary of the first “Convention” held by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) in 1931, a brief history of the founding of the CAOT and the early development of the profession in Canada is presented. The early beginnings and activities of the CAOT are traced from its conception during World War I, through its formation in 1926 to its “coming of age” in 1966. Significant events in the growth of the Association and the practice of occupational therapy in Canada, and the Canadian influence on occupational therapy in Great Britain are outlined. Some issues relevant to yesterday and today are suggested.
Le schéma corporel de la personne âgée séjournant en centre d'accueil
Authors: Bruneau Michèle Hébert , Rousseau Murielle , Forget Andrée
Published: March 2013

Douze sujets âgés de 65 à 85 ans vivant dans un centre d'accueil et douze sujets du même groupe d'âge vivant dans la communauté ont été évalués à l'aide du test d'évaluation du schéma corporel de MacDonald, afin de vérifier l'influence, sur le schéma corporel, d'un séjour prolongé en institution. Les résultats ont démontré que les sujets vivant en institution ont obtenu des scores significativement moins élevés que les sujets vivant à leur domicile et que leur schéma corporel était perturbé de façon plus ou moins grave. Les implications du manque de stimulation dans les institutions pour personnes âgées sont discutées et un aperçu du rôle de l'ergothérapeute dans ce domaine est présenté.
Programme de sensibilisation à la personne handicapée, réalisé en milieu scolaire
Authors: Ferland Francine , Oliel-Amar Annette
Published: March 2013

Cet article rapporte la conception, la réalisation et l'évaluation d'un programme de sensibilisation à la personne handicapée mis sur pied par l'École de réadaptation, de l'Université de Montréal. Ce programme s'adressait aux élèves d'écoles primaires de la région montréalaise et a été réalisé conjointement par des personnes handicapées et des étudiants en ergothérapie, au cours des mois de mai et de juin 1981.

Les résultats obtenus à l'aide de questionnaires sont présentés et discutés. L'importance d'une action sociale de ce type dans le but de favoriser une meilleure acceptation et intégration de la personne handicapée est soulignée.
The P-4 Deck (Portable Patient Problem Pack): Educational Tool of the Future?
Authors: Cooper Barbara Acheson
Published: March 2013

This paper describes the structure and use of the Portable Patient Problem Pack (P-4 Deck) as a clinical simulation and educational tool. Originally designed by Dr. Howard Barrows of McMaster University to present medical diagnostic problems, the deck has been adapted by the author for occupational therapy. This tool is described and its current use in this context and future trends are outlined.
A Study of Attitudes towards Work: Possible Implications for Delegating Responsibility
Authors: Huxley Jennifer , Trujillo Steve
Published: March 2013

An extensive survey was conducted among Ontario occupational therapists and auxiliary personnel (assistants and aides). Part of the survey requested that members of each of the two groups rate its own group and the other group with respect to attitudes about motivation toward work and response to work. Numerous demographic characteristics were identified as well.

Results show that both occupational therapists and auxiliary personnel believe they are motivated primarily by the challenges of their jobs. Auxiliary personnel rate occupational therapists very much as they rate themselves. However, occupational therapists believe auxiliary personnel are motivated not by the challenge of their job but rather by money and job security issues.

Implications of these findings are discussed.
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy: A Reflection of Professional Growth
Authors: Ernest Marilyn
Published: March 2013

The Canadian Journal of Occupational therapy (CJOT) is the only Canadian refereed professional publication reflecting the views and professional development of occupational therapists in Canada. A study of all issues of CJOT published during three five-year periods was carried out to see if CJOT could be said to be improving in terms of reflecting professional trends. Some areas examined were quantity of articles, type of articles, references, authors and citations. It was found that although CJOT did reflect professional growth in many areas, there were a number of areas needing improvement before CJOT could be considered to be the primary professional publication for occupational therapists in Canada.
Adapted Rain Poncho for the Wheelchair Bound Individual
Authors: Liu Lili , Hillers Thomas
Published: March 2013

Presently there are very few commercially available adaptive devices that protect the wheelchair bound individual from rain or snow. This article offers a practical and relatively inexpensive method of constructing a rain poncho that has proven successful in meeting the needs of a wheelchair bound cerebral palsied child. The specific aspects of wheelchair design and individual needs that must be considered for the construction of such a device for any other wheelchair bound individual are stressed.
The Effects of Vestibular Stimulation on the Sensory-Motor Performance of Handicapped Individuals: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Cass Michael A.
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this article was to critically examine the literature dealing with the impact of vestibular stimulation on the sensory-motor performance of individuals evidencing handicapping conditions. The research examined consisted of studies in which vestibular stimulation was employed in conjunction with other intervention procedures and studies in which either angular or linear forms of vestibular stimulation were used as the sole form of treatment. Evidence supporting the supposition that vestibular stimulation enhances the sensory-motor performance of handicapped individuals was found to be tentative at best, and possible directions for future research were indicated.
Substitutability of Work and the Professionalization of Occupational Therapists
Authors: Jongbloed Lyn
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the status of occupational therapy as a profession. Achievement of status as a full-fledged profession will depend on the success with which this group convinces members of society that the work it does is non-substitutable. It is difficult for occupational therapists to prove there is no legal substitute for the services they offer. This factor will likely limit attainment of status as a full-fledged profession.
An Occupational Therapist as a Sexual Health Clinician in the Management of Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Miller Wendy Turner
Published: March 2013

The Sexual Health Clinician is a health care specialist who is able to assess the sexual potential of physically disabled persons and assist them in the development of acceptable alternatives in sexual practices. This specialty role was first developed at the Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, to answer a need of spinal cord injured patients, their partners and family. The opportunity to join the Service arose in May, 1981 following one year as the Senior Occupational Therapist on the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. This paper, which describes the experience of an occupational therapist as a member of the Sexual Health Service, is presented in five brief parts: 1. a background history; 2. a description of the sexual problems of the spinal cord injured and the goals of rehabilitation in this area; 3. the role of the Sexual Health Clinician; 4. the strengths and limitations of Occupational Therapy in this new role; 5. a brief discussion of the the need for a sex-related role and curriculum for students of Occupational Therapy.
Occupational Therapy in Long Term Psychiatry: What's New?
Authors: Burton Jean E.
Published: March 2013

This paper summarizes the results of a survey of the role of occupational therapy in provincial psychiatric hospitals in Ontario. Occupational therapy was found to provide major programming in three areas: 1) functional skills assessment and training, 2) life skills assessment and training and, 3) self awareness and personal growth. Subjects used a variety of frames of reference, but models based upon Glasser's Reality Therapy predominated. A complementary relationship was found between occupational therapy and vocational and recreational services, with occupational therapy playing a clinical or therapeutic role, while vocational and recreational services provided normalizing experiences. A comparison of occupational therapy programming in the institutions surveyed, with programming reported in the recent occupational therapy literature indicated that techniques and media utilized parallelled those used in acute and community psychiatric programs.
Critères de qualité des interventions dans un milieu de soins prolongés établis par une enquête Delphi
Authors: Trudel Louis
Published: March 2013

Cet exposé traite de la méthode Delphi appliquée à un programme de formation continue par les pairs dans un centre hospitaller de soins rolongés. Cette méthode a permis d'élaborer un contenu de formation asé sur des critères de qualité des interventions. Des intervenants, des bénéficiaires et des membres des familles ont contribué à l'établissement de quelques 180 critères dont 163 ont fait l'objet d'un consensus à 90%. Cette méthodologie offre des possibilités d'application pour le développement des connaissances en réadaptation.
Evaluating a Home Management Program
Authors: Pongrac Mary
Published: March 2013

After giving on orientation to the Quality Assurance Framework, the author explains how it was used to evaluate the Gateway Home Management Program. Following a description of the Occupational Therapy program at the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, the use of the quality assurance framework to obtain the study results is outlined. Then the limitations and results of the study are discussed. Although it was found that the objectives of the program were met, that is 1) to assess the home management skills of the patients participating in it, and 2) to upgrade any deficit areas, a need for more input in the social skills area was identified. From the study, the necessity to expand the program and then to re-evaluate it became apparent.
You Can't Take it with You!
Authors: Gill Thelma
Published: March 2013

This paper addresses the issue of commitment, both to oneself through continuing education and to one's profession through involvement in provincial and national professional organizations. The results of a survey sent to 287 therapists are discussed in relation to a discussion of relevant literature. Results indicate that the respondents are quite involved in both areas with those between the ages of 26 and 40 being most involved in the professional associations. Personal satisfaction was the main reason for this involvement and time was the biggest deterrent to involvement.
An Evaluation Study of Sensory Motor Therapy for Profoundly Retarded Adults
Authors: Close Wendy , Carpenter Margaret , Cibiri Stephen
Published: March 2013

An Occupational Therapy program based on the Sensory Integrative approach was conducted with 6 profoundly retarded adult clients in a facility for the mentally retarded, Results indicated that significant gains were demonstrated by clients in the special program group in the areas of visual tracking and focusing (P ≤.05). balance, protective and righting reflexes (P ≤.01), body awareness (P≤.05). fine motor and formative concepts (P≤.05), acceptance of vestibular stimulation (P≤.05) and in social interaction (P≤.05). Results for the control group, who were not involved in any alternative program showed no significant gains in any of these areas. This approach to programming is particularly useful as it enables the therapist to structure the initial program at a very low functional level and to maintain the activity demands at the appropriate level for each client, accomodating for day to day fluctuation in his/her coping abilties.
Performance Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Students: A Validity Study
Authors: Ernest Marilyn , Polatajko Helen
Published: March 2013

Objective evaluation of clinical competence is always a difficult task. Many attempts have been made to design an instrument for such evaluation. and Performance Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Students (PEOTS) is such an instrument. It was designed as a criterion-referenced evaluation of performance in four broad areas of clinical competence: professional interaction, assessment, programming and treatment. This instrument has enjoyed fairly broad acceptance based on its face validity alone. The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary data on the content and construct validity of the instrument. A sample of 43 new graduates from Canadian occupational therapy programs were evaluated on the job within the first year of their practice using PEOTS. The data were collected over a two year period and came from facilities across the country. Analysis of the results showed that the instrument had overall good content and construct validity. However, some low frequency items need to be investigated further and some items need to have their criterion levels changed.
“Mostly Me”: A Treatment Approach for Emotionally Disturbad Children
Authors: Fraenkel Liana , Tallant Beverlea
Published: March 2013

Projective techniques are used extensively by occupational therapists for both evaluation and treatment. This modality is especially valuable in treating children with limited abilities in verbal communication. Emotionally disturbed children often experience difficulties in verbally expressing their thoughts and feelings. “Mostly me” is a collection of stencils designed to foster the development of a positive self-concept in healthy school age children. In the authors' opinion, these stencils can be used as a stimulus with the emotionally disturbed child to elicit the expression of disturbing feelings and conflicts. Projective media, such as “Mostly me”, constitutes a valuable tool for the occupational therapist in the treatment of the emotionally disturbed child.
Occupational Therapy Graduate Education: The Scientist-Practitioner Model
Authors: Polatajko Helen , MacKinnon Joyce
Published: March 2013

The development of a scientific based practice is essential if occupational therapists are to defend their practice against scepticism and budget cuts. In order to equip the profession with the skills necessary to develop a scientific basis for practice, it is generally considered that graduate programs in occupational therapy should be initiated. This paper argues that to be most effective a specific kind of graduate program is required — one based on the scientist-practitioner model. This model provides for the dual education of professionals as clinicians and researchers. In occupational therapy the undergraduate curricula already provide excellent education in clinical interventions. Thus, it is the role of the graduate curricula to provide education in methods of scientific inquiry and their application to clinical practice. The composition of such a curriculum is described.
Measurement in Occupational Therapy: Scientific Criteria for Evaluation
Authors: Law Mary
Published: March 2013

Measurement Instruments are used by occupational therapists to describe patients, predict recovery and evaluate immediate treatment effect within their clinical practice. An instrument's development and methodological properties are guided by the purpose of the instrument. In this paper, criteria are proposed for evaluating the utility of measurement tools used by occupational therapists. These criteria are discussed within the framework of the intended use of the instrument. The criteria include the instrument's purpose, clinical utility, construction and scaling, standardization, reliability, validity and responsiveness. An algorithm to guide therapists' appraisal of measurement instruments is included.
Occupational Therapists' Assessment Practices with Handicapped Children in Ontario
Authors: Reid Denise
Published: March 2013

A survey was conducted to identify which approaches and methods of assessment are used by Ontario occupational therapists working with handicapped children; how familiar therapists are with specific aspects of some methods used, how satisfied they are with these methods, and what assessment goals therapists consider important. A questionnaire was mailed to 99 sources which included hospitals, rehabilitation centres, school boards, daycare centres, and private practitioners. Sixty-nine (70%) occupational therapists comprised the sample. The prototypical occupational therapist surveyed has an undergraduate university degree, works full-time as a staff therapist in a rehabilitation centre or hospital with neurologically handicapped children, and has worked for more than five years in the field of pediatrics. Frequently used assessment methods are standardized tests and observational tools such as check-lists, rating scales, and anecdotal reports. The majority of respondents who use standardized tests are satisfied with them. The aspects of the tests most familiar to the respondents are scoring and administration procedures as compared to reliability and validity information. The majority of respondents who use tests, conduct test evaluation procedures. The results are discussed with their implications for training, practice and further research in occupational therapy.
The Titanic Triumvirate: Teams, Teamwork and Teambuilding
Authors: Heming David
Published: March 2013

This paper briefly outlines the characteristics of teams, and teamwork, the dynamics of teamwork, team development and the processes of teambuilding. It examines the strengths and shortcomings of this approach, when teambuilding should not be used. Some teamwork guidelines and elements of teambuilding are presented along with three strategies for conflict management. Strategies for team growth and future implications of teambuilding are explored.
An Alternate Seating Device: The Bean Bag Chair
Authors: Mortimer Anne
Published: March 2013

The design of this over-sized bean bag chair was originally developed as an alternate seating device for a spastic quadraplegic teenager although it is flexible enough to be used with a wide range of disabilities.
Intrinsic Motivation and Clinical Practice: The Key to Understanding the Unmotivated Client
Authors: Doble Susan
Published: March 2013

Although the goal of engaging clients in intrinsically motivating activities has been identified as an essential aspect of clinical practice, occupational therapists continue to find the treatment of unmotivated individuals perplexing. The clinical problem of motivating clients must begin with the therapist having a good understanding of the theory of intrinsic motivation and an ability to utilize research findings from other fields such as psychology, education and management, so that relevant treatment strategies can be developed. However, without access to a conceptual model which can be used to organize experimental findings, the task of making sense of this diverse body of knowledge becomes burdensome. This article presents a conceptual model in which four determinants of intrinsic motivation are delineated. The concepts are identified as the orientation of the task environment, the meaningfulness of the activity, the provision of opportunities for personal control, and for the generation of feelings of competence. Each concept is defined and discussed in relation to the clinical problem of motivating clients.
The Contribution of a Driving Simulator in the Driving Evaluation of Stroke and Disabled Adolescent Clients
Authors: Cimolino Nives , Balkovec Dale
Published: March 2013

A component of the driving evaluation in the Occupational Therapy Department at The Rehabilitation Centre is a Doron Driving Simulator. There are limited formal evaluations of simulator usefulness reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Doron Driving Simulator in the driving evaluation of stroke and disabled adolescent clients. Data collected included historical information and print-outs of the simulator scores, as well as subjective information from the clients. These data were collected in two phases for 56 clients referred for a driving evaluation. Results were compared between phases and between client groups. The benefits of simulator use included appropriate assessment of driving aids, perceived improvement in client self-confidence related to driving, and scores predictive of satisfactory on road performance for each group. The major difference in the use of the simulator between client groups was that it served as a training tool for basic driving skills for the adolescents. For the stroke clients it provided a basic evaluation with little training benefit before going on the road. Less therapist time was required for effective simulator use than was initially perceived. The simulator appears to be an important adjunct to the therapists' observations and on road evaluation in the driving evaluation process.
Primary Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: How are We Managing it?
Authors: Bear-Lehman Jane , Bielawski Theresa
Published: March 2013

For over 100 years, researchers have sought dependable methods to diagnose and remediate the aggravating symptoms produced in primary carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The focus of this study was to identify and to delineate the occupational therapy practice trends for primary CTS patients. A survey of all 80 occupational therapy departments in Southern Ontario was conducted in 1986. The respondents indicated that their current evaluation and intervention procedures addressed the motor problems related to CTS. Splinting for rest and/or work was their treatment of choice. This was alarming, as it appeared that new information from physiology and ergonomics is not being readily incorporated into occupational therapy practice. There was little therapeutic evaluation and intervention of the different types of primary CTS, the sensory problems produced in CTS, and the work-related needs of primary CTS patients.
Zone II Flexor Tendon Therapy: Mobilize or Immobilize?
Authors: Shear Robin , Bear-Lehman Jane
Published: March 2013

This study investigated the postoperative management approaches used in the treatment of flexor tendon repairs in Zone II of the hand. The therapists and the hand surgeons who treat patients with acute hand injuries in the Metropolitan Toronto area were surveyed to detect their current practice trends and preferences in flexor tendon postoperative management. The survey focused on the following four protocols: 1. immobilization for at least three weeks, 2. the Kleinert program of controlled active motion, 3. the Duran program of controlled passive motion, and 4. combination of controlled active and passive motion. Although the results suggested that mobilization is the preferred postoperative management amongst the majority of responding therapists and hand surgeons, the type of mobilization program preferred differed. The therapists demonstrated a trend towards a combination of early controlled active and passive motion; whereas, the trend amongst the surgeons was that of early controlled active motion. The decision to use one specific management approach over another was found to be very “patient specific”. As well, a wide variation on the preferences given for the splinting positions at the wrist, metacarpalphalangeal (MCP) joint, and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint was noted.
Occupational Therapy Manpower: Ontario's Critical Shortage
Authors: Mirkopoulos Carole , Quinn Barbara
Published: March 2013

The following report prepared by a task force of employers and consumer groups underlines the need to develop strategies to meet current shortages and future requirements for occupational therapy manpower. Increasing demand for occupational therapy services is in response to an increase in service programs funded by the Ministry of Health, changing philosophies of care and management for the disabled, and a clearer understanding of the role of the occupational therapist in the physical and mental well-being of the disabled. This trend is expected to continue over the next five years and place additional stress on an already exhausted supply of manpower. The data used for forecasting manpower requirements in this report were that of Hospital Statistics, Table 8B and Ontario Home Care Programs statistics. By 1990–91, given the rate of growth in these two sectors, projected attrition and projected output from educational programs, an additional 1048 occupational therapists will be required over and above available resources at that time. Strategies must be put into place to offset the impact of this occupational therapy manpower shortage in Ontario. Considerations in the development of strategies are briefly discussed and suggestions are made to address this problem both in the short and long term.