bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of the Prioritisation of Referrals by Leeds Social Services Senior Occupational Therapists
Authors: Leonard Conor
Published: April 2015

Leeds occupational therapy section formally adopted a priority system for referrals in 1989. Written priority guidelines defined three levels of priority: immediate need (P1), urgent need (P2) and non-urgent (P3). Senior occupational therapists assign priority to referrals which they subsequently allocate to field workers. P1 and P2 referrals are visited by occupational therapists and P3 referrals by occupational therapy assistants. This study attempted to discover if the priority assigned by the senior occupational therapists was accurate. The senior occupational therapists were asked to allocate a number of referrals from each priority level to the occupational therapists without indicating what priority they considered the referral to be. The occupational therapists were asked to visit the client and record the priority of the case on the basis of their home assessment, using the written guidelines. The priorities assigned were compared and agreement was measured by use of the kappa statistic. The senior occupational therapists allocated 264 study referrals. Occupational therapist information was gathered on 216 of these. The occupational therapists and senior occupational therapists agreed on 64.4% of the P1s, 40.3% of the P2s and 47.4% of the P3s. The kappa statistics indicate that the level of agreement was poor to fair. Further information should be gathered on those referrals considered to be either P2 or P3 by the senior occupational therapists to allow more accurate prioritisation.
Illicit Drug Use: Primary Prevention
Authors: Morgan Carol-Ann
Published: April 2015

Over the past 20 years, illicit drug use among young people has been given a high profile in public debate, centring on its socially destructive and personally degrading nature. Drug use among young people is a highly emotive subject and can strike fear in the hearts of most parents, which is exacerbated by sensationalist media representation. This article describes the range of strategies used in tackling illicit drug use and discusses their evaluations. It suggests further community approaches with occupational therapist involvement to enable young people to make appropriate decisions regarding drug use.
Misplaced Trust? Occupational Therapy and NHS Trusts
Authors: Lloyd-Smith Walter
Published: April 2015

The present governmental reforms of the National Health Service are the most far-reaching to date and have fundamental implications for health professionals. The focus of this article is to raise some of these issues in relation to occupational therapy. The introduction of trusts, the purchaser/provider split and the internal market are some of the mechanisms by which the government hoped to tackle the funding crisis of the late 1980s. These reforms have been operating since 1991, but little has been published on the impact of the self-governing trust movement on occupational therapy. Some observations on and an evaluation of these reforms are offered. It is hoped that the article will stimulate discussion within the profession about the role of trusts and their relationship to the delivery and development of an occupational therapy service.
Manpower Measurement: A Model
Authors: Hollis Vivien , Kinsella Julia
Published: April 2015

As a result of a local need to have agreed standards for occupational therapy staffing levels, the West Dorset Community Health NHS Trust occupational therapy service looked at the guidelines that were available and produced their own series of measurement formulae charts based on time and skill. This article describes the impetus for this work and the process that was undertaken, gives an example of the measurement formulae that were produced and discusses how this work has been applied.
Are Occupational Therapists Marketing their Services Effectively to the Fundholding General Practitioner?
Authors: Greenhill Elissa D
Published: April 2015

Given the 1990 General Practitioner (GP) Contract and the 1992 Health of the Nation white paper, the hypothesis was put forward that, by utilising the services of occupational therapists, fundholding GPs would prevent standards falling as their workload increased, thereby enabling them to utilise their time more effectively. A questionnaire was designed to test this hypothesis. Results showed that, although the majority of GPs were interested in using most of the services offered, they were unaware of the varying roles of the occupational therapist and were, as a result, unable to recognise the benefits of such services to themselves. Results also showed the need for more effective marketing strategies to be implemented in order that fundholding GPs are made aware of the occupational therapist's changing role in community care.
Anatomy Results in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy: Why the Discrepancy?
Authors: Donovan Morag
Published: April 2015

This study considers possible reasons for a small but recurring discrepancy between the second year anatomy results of occupational therapy and physiotherapy undergraduate students in Trinity College, Dublin. These students follow the same course together and sit a common examination, yet the physiotherapy students consistently achieve higher marks than the occupational therapy students. Two consecutive years of students, in total 115, were targeted and the results of their anatomy marks were compared with their university entrance points, by mean, to see if there was any correlation between the two. In addition, the question of the relevancy of anatomy (and, indeed, of four other basic sciences) to each profession was looked at. Students answered a ‘relevance questionnaire’ based on the pair comparison method and the results from these questionnaires were compared by graph.

The results show that there is little correlation between entrance points and the anatomy results for both sets of students. However, there is enough evidence to suggest that the students' perceived relevance of anatomy to their profession may account for the discrepancy, in that the physiotherapy students feel that anatomy is more relevant than do the occupational therapy students.
A Preliminary Study Using a Daily Living Task to Assess Upper Limb Function: A Single Case Study of Upper Limb Hemiparesis
Authors: Stern Hilary Ilana
Published: April 2015

A single case study was used to evaluate a daily living task as an assessment tool. It was carried out on a daily basis on a patient with upper limb hemiparesis, referred for rehabilitation, over a period of 2 weeks, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment above that of spontaneous recovery. The task was broken down into six stages and each stage was assessed on a three-point scale. The results showed that performance in particular stages of the task could be used to guide treatment and was a quick and easy way to measure dally changes in the patient's functional status. However, it was difficult to separate the improvement due to treatment from learning effects and spontaneous recovery.

There are limitations when carrying out a single case study in a rehabilitation setting which make more complicated studies difficult to pursue. The study did indicate that shoulder stability is required before proximal movements can be properly elicited. If further studies are carried out, a five-point rating scale may increase the sensitivity. Individual assessors and video recordings could be used for a more objective evaluation.
Occupational Therapy with Eating Disorders: A Study on Treatment Approaches
Authors: Lim Pin Ying , Agnew Patricia
Published: April 2015

The incidence of two complex and serious eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, has increased markedly during the last decade. Despite much research, there is still no consensus on the aetiology or treatment of eating disorders. It has been recognised that multiple factors of causation are Involved and a multidisciplinary team of various health workers, including occupational therapists, is needed for optimal treatment.

The aim of this pilot study was to determine treatment approaches currently used by occupational therapists in some major centres in Australia. It was found that, while respondents believed that psychological issues, cognitive distortions, dysfunctional families and societal pressures were major causes of eating disorders, the preferred treatment approaches appeared to be based on cognitive-behavioural and occupational dysfunction models. Implications for occupational therapy, limitations of the study and future recommendations are discussed.
Technology for People with Tetraplegia, Part 1: Accessing Computers
Authors: Curtin Michael
Published: April 2015

Computers have provided a means for people with tetraplegia to compete equally with able-bodied individuals, develop their intellectual and creative abilities and improve their quality of life. For this group of people to benefit from using computers, alternatives to the standard keyboard and mouse, and software to increase the rate of inputting data, are essential. This article describes ‘transparent’ alternatives to standard hardware and software. It discusses keyboard alternatives, point and shoot devices, switches, voice recognition, keyboard emulation and text acceleration packages. The importance of rehabilitation centres offering a comprehensive and up-to-date computer service is highlighted.
The Community Group Network in Mental Health: A Model for Social Support and Community Integration
Authors: Brewer Paul , Gadsden Vanessa , Scrimshaw Kate
Published: April 2015

The article reviews the literature about the social networks of people with long-term mental illness. Such people are likely to have smaller social networks, and a larger social network is associated with a more favourable prognosis. Although no causative link has been clearly established. It is concluded that professional intervention in this area is justified on mental health grounds. The Community Group Network model is presented as a way of facilitating social networks which has many advantages over other day care approaches. A survey of such a network in the authors' locality shows some success in engaging long-term clients using this approach. Further research is required to assess the impact of the model on mental health.
Power and Pinch Grip Strength Recorded Using the Hand-Held Jamar® Dynamometer and B+L Hydraulic Pinch Gauge: British Normative Data for Adults
Authors: Gilbertson Louise , Barber-Lomax Sarah
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to establish British normative data for adults aged 15 to 92 years, using four different hand grips. A Jamar® dynamometer was used to measure power grip and a B+L hydraulic pinch gauge to measure tip, tripod and lateral grips. A sample of 130 men and 130 women from the Cambridgeshire area was tested, using standardised positioning and instructions.

The results showed that male grip strength was stronger than female grip strength in all hand grips. In both men and women, power grip peaked between the ages of 15 and 49 years and declined gradually after the age of 50 years. Tip, tripod and lateral pinch grips did not decline noticeably until after the age of 70 years in women and, although there was a gradual decline in male tripod and lateral pinch grips after 65 years, male tip pinch grip showed no noticeable decline related to age. Normative data collected in this study were lower than norms reported in American studies.
A Matter of Degree: Has Occupational Therapy Graduated as a Profession?
Authors: Gape Nick , Hewin Peter
Published: April 2015

This article presents the findings of a survey conducted to determine the range and extent of opinion within the occupational therapy profession concerning the move from diploma to degree level pre-registration courses. Responses from occupational therapists in education, clinical practice and management to a series of statements, based on published opinion about this issue, provide quantitative data revealing concern about the effects of this transition. This is augmented by qualitative data derived from analysis of respondents' commentary. These results, which are discussed in the context of current health care changes, suggest that the regrading of the professional qualification has implications beyond those that have previously been acknowledged.
The Use of Information Technology in Psychiatric Assessment
Authors: Esgate Anthony
Published: April 2015

This article presents a theoretical and empirical overview of ergonomic and other Issues relating to Information technology use by a particular special needs group, that of psychiatric patients. The application of Information technology to assessment in computer-based testing and computer-mediated videotelephonic Interviewing is used to examine these issues. These are discussed in terms of hardware, software and user-interface considerations, and it is argued that the selection and design of systems must reflect the demands of the tasks used in assessment and also the characteristics of the psychiatric population.
Student Preparation for Paediatric Fieldwork
Authors: Mickan Sharon M
Published: April 2015

Whilst the transition from academic to clinical environments is acknowledged to be stressful, students often feel unprepared for fieldwork, particularly in the area of paediatrics. Through examining the literature, it is proposed that fieldwork within specialty areas of practice, such as paediatrics, requires the development of specialist knowledge and skills. However, following an earlier small qualitative exploratory project, occupational therapy students Identified preparatory reading as the most common practical method of preparation. More than a year later, during guided interviews, a different cohort of students expanded upon the practices recommended by their peers and supported the literature In suggesting that both knowledge and skills need to develop in tandem. Students described situations where they utilised a generic basis to varying degrees for the development of specialist knowledge and skills.

The model of self-directed learning, together with strategies of reflection and deep learning, has been identified as both a potential and an actual means for developing the required knowledge and skills within fieldwork settings. However, such learning strategies may need to be made very explicit for students who are preparing for paediatric fieldwork and a teaming pack has been proposed as a suitable method for conveying these strategies to students.
A Comparison between the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Barthel Index in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bakheit A M O , Harries S R , Hull R G
Published: April 2015

Disability was measured in 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and a self-administered version of the Barthel index (BI). There was no significant disagreement between the two methods, although the HAQ showed a tendency to overestimate the degree of disability slightly. The findings suggest that the B1 is as reliable as the HAQ in the assessment of functional independence with activities of daily living in patients with RA. it also has the advantage of evaluating bladder and bowel control which is often affected in these patients. Most therapists are more familiar with the B1 than with the HAQ. The B1 could, therefore, be recommended for measuring rehabilitation gains in patients with RA.
Elderly Mentally Ill People and Quality of Life: Who Wants Activities?
Authors: Green Sharon
Published: April 2015

Purposeful activity, accepted as an important constituent of quality living by many people, has not been well researched in relation to elderly mentally Ill people. In a 43-bed nursing home in the north west of England, a small study explored initial patient, relative and staff reactions to a newly introduced part-time activity programme. The results highlighted the importance of a flexible programme of activities, coordinated by an appointed person and providing mental stimulation for the residents. The willingness of staff to become further involved as the programme expands suggests that additional staff training and specific time allocation would be needed.
The Effect of Occupational Therapy on the Motor Proficiency of Children with Motor/Learning Difficulties: A Pilot Study
Authors: Allen Susan , Donald Mary
Published: April 2015

A pilot study was undertaken to consider the effect of occupational therapy on the motor proficiency of children with motor/learning difficulties. Intervention was based on Ayres' model of sensory integration. Motor proficiency was assessed before and after 10 sessions of occupational therapy. The assessment tool used was the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. The subjects were five children attending mainstream primary schools. Change was noted in all cases: four subjects improved whilst one deteriorated. Further data are required for statistical analysis; however, the mean standard score improved. Age appeared to be a factor in the level of improvement attained. Recommendations for future studies are made in relation to assessment techniques and study design.
Anger: The Assessment and Treatment of Problematic Anger, Part 1
Authors: O'Neill Helen
Published: April 2015

Many occupational therapists working in the field of mental health are now using anger management interventions as an Integral part of the treatment offered. The challenges of anger and aggression have become particularly topical because of the recent legislative changes in the provision of care of mentally Ill people. Research shows that anger is a predictor of aggression, so a method of assessing high levels of anger must in turn help to illustrate one of the risk factors of aggression.

Part 1 of this article draws attention to the assessment of anger, introduces a newly developed measure — the Novaco Anger Scale, and offers a user's perspective based on a recent study.
Understanding ‘Occupation’ as the Founders Did
Authors: Breines Estelle B
Published: April 2015

The term ‘occupation’ is both ambiguous and encompassing. This term was adopted by the founders of the profession as a means of incorporating a variety of perspectives on the profession. Interrelating concepts deriving from pragmatism and the mental hygiene movement offer a rationale for understanding occupation. Terms used to describe occupation are egocentricity (mind/body elements), exocentricity (time/space elements) and consensuality (social elements). The integration of these aspects in occupation offers an explanation for the holism advanced by the profession at its outset and today.
The Influence of Fieldwork on the Professional Socialisation of Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Tompson Margaret-Ann Michelle , Ryan Alan G
Published: April 2015

This article describes a qualitative study which focused on the role played by fieldwork in the professional socialisation of four occupational therapy students. Data were collected through Interviews, observational visits and a review of the students' daily journals. Four major themes relating to professional socialisation emerged during the study: the nature of professionalism; the concept of occupational therapy; learning the language of the professional; and the shifting focus of the different levels of placements. The results of this study have implications for the implementation of fieldwork experiences.
Reviewing a Research Article
Authors: Drummond Avril
Published: April 2015

This article provides guidelines for readers interested in learning to review research papers formally. The general principles of the review process are covered, as well as possible issues and questions surrounding the content of the sections. The article forms part of a symposium entitled ‘An Introduction to Writing for Publication in Professional Journals’, prepared by the Editorial Board of BJOT.
A Survey of NHS Community Occupational Therapy Services for Adult Physical Disability
Authors: Sessions Dee
Published: April 2015

This article presents the results of an informal survey to investigate the services that are provided for adults with a physical disability by community occupational therapists within the National Health Service (NHS). The findings include a brief history of the service, staffing, location, referring agencies and range of provision. Respondents' perceptions of the division of responsibility between NHS community occupational therapists and social services occupational therapists are highlighted. Information is also provided on the input of the community occupational therapist to day hospitals for elderly care and to student placement in the community. Finally, innovative schemes provided by community occupational therapists are listed.
The Transition of Junior Occupational Therapists to Clinical Practice: Report of a Preliminary Study
Authors: Rugg Sue
Published: April 2015

This study investigated the feasibility of identifying the factors that influenced occupational therapists' decision to practise, or cease to practise, within one year of qualification. Pre-qualification and post-qualification questionnaires completed by the study respondents (n=177) explored a selection of variables, both personal and employment-related. Outcome measures included turnover and withdrawal from practice (attrition). The study identified a number of factors of potential influence, concluding that a larger study to explore these factors was both feasible and timely.
How Reflective is Student Supervision? A Study of Supervision in Action
Authors: Martin Marion
Published: April 2015

Reflective practice has been advocated by authors such as Schön, and Mattingly and Fleming, as a method by which professionals can become more effective. It could also be used during supervision sessions with students on placement as a way of teaching them the skills of occupational therapy. One of the basic assumptions of reflective practice is that there should be an equal and open relationship between supervisor and student.

A small study was carried out to investigate the supervision of occupational therapy students on fieldwork. Three pairs of student and supervisor were studied using observation, interviews and analysis of tape recordings of supervision sessions. The results reflect those of similar studies of supervision by Schön and by Fish, namely, that the subjects' espoused theories did not always match their theories-in-use. Supervisors and students alike were not aware that, although they believed in active, student-centred learning, the supervisors were largely in control of the sessions. Students could have been encouraged more to express their feelings and ideas, and could have taken more opportunities to do so. These and similar findings imply that, as practitioners, we need to monitor our own professional performance through action research.
Approaches to Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: A Critical Exploration
Authors: Roberts Anne Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

This article approaches reasoning from a cognitive science paradigm. It is proposed that problem solving follows a basic process common to all human beings faced with a problem. However, there are variations in the process that are caused by the nature of the problem and the expertise of the problem solver. These variations in problem-solving methods should not be confused with the content of the reasoning which may be influenced by the domain in which the problem is framed and the individual characteristics of the problem solver. Clinical reasoning in nursing and medicine has been well researched and provides a benchmark for approaching reasoning in occupational therapy. This article outlines approaches to reasoning, emphasising the information-processing approach and its relevance to occupational therapy. It concludes with a critique of the modes of reasoning proposed by Mattingly and Fleming.
Occupational Therapy and Information Technology: One Decade on
Authors: Green Sharon
Published: April 2015

A brief historical introduction outlines the development of computer use in occupational therapy in the United Kingdom, over a decade from its embryonic beginnings at the closure of the governmental technology awareness initiative in March 1985. In an attempt to study the changing pattern of usage, a research project is detailed in which finalist occupational therapy students from Liverpool, between 1985 and 1995, were asked to give their observations of computer use during fieldwork placements. The results indicated a shift towards computer time being devoted to administration, with maximum therapeutic use being seen in specialist centres. The implications for future student education are discussed.
Generalisation of the Effects of Leisure Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients
Authors: Drummond Avril , Walker Marion
Published: April 2015

A randomised controlled trial was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a leisure rehabilitation programme on functional performance and mood. The subjects were randomly allocated to three groups: a leisure rehabilitation group, a conventional occupational therapy group and a control group. The subjects assigned to the leisure and conventional occupational therapy groups received individual treatment at home on discharge from hospital. Baseline assessments were carried out on admission to the study and at 3 and 6 months after discharge from hospital by an assessor who was ‘Mind’ to group allocation. The subjects receiving leisure rehabilitation performed significantly better in mobility and psychological well-being than the subjects in the other two groups.
Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: Idiosyncrasies in Content and Process
Authors: Roberts Anne Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

This article describes part of a research project that aims to examine the content and process of occupational therapists' reasoning. Thirty-eight experienced occupational therapists participated. This qualitative study gathered written text from the therapists, representing their thinking when presented with facsimiles of practice situations. Analysis of both the content of the reasoning and the component processes of the reasoning took place. The processes observed were similar to those observed in studies of medical problem solving. Some therapists demonstrated a rapid formulation of the problem, indicating the use of pattern recognition. There was also an element of hypothetico-deductive reasoning, as has been observed in medicine and physiotherapy. This article explores these findings, relating them to the research of other theorists in the field of reasoning and concluding with a discussion of some apparent idiosyncrasies in the participants' reasoning.
The Theoretical Principles of Management in Relation to Health Care Provision: An Analysis
Authors: Melton Jane
Published: April 2015

Management structures in the National Health Service (NHS) have become flattened in recent years. There is, therefore, a greater responsibility placed on practitioners to carry out management tasks within their work. This article considers the NHS as an organisation and makes reference to its history, hierarchy and place in society. It describes and analyses set principles of management, drawing on various components of each school of thought. Within the discussion, proposals are made regarding working practices for those carrying out management duties within the NHS.
Should Multidisciplinary Pain Management Programmes Attempt to Reduce Self-Reported Pain in Patients with Chronic Back Pain? The Experience of a Welsh Inpatient Unit
Authors: Gough Mary , Frost Michael
Published: April 2015

Given poor outcomes in pain reduction, It has recently been recommended in this Journal that the primary aim of multidisciplinary pain management programmes should be to improve physical functioning rather than attempting to reduce the experience of pain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a pain management programme in reducing self-reported pain within the overall context of improvements in quality of life, as assessed by the SF36 Health Survey Questionnaire. Logistical and methodological problems in evaluating self-reported pain are discussed.

The results at discharge show a statistically significant reduction in reported pain for the group as a whole and a clinically relevant Improvement in 53.8% of patients. These benefits are maintained up to one-year follow-up, which suggests that pain management programmes should not abandon the attempt to reduce self-reported pain.
The Impact of Sensory Integration Therapy in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A Developmental Perspective
Authors: Fairgrieve Elizabeth M
Published: April 2015

The past 8–10 years have witnessed a growing interest in the application of sensory integration theory and practice within the United Kingdom and Ireland. The contribution of Dr A Jean Ayres to the practice of occupational therapy was Introduced to these islands in 1969, since when it has developed steadily but less quickly than in other countries. This article traces the development of the sensory integration approach within the United Kingdom and Ireland and considers the parallel impact on therapy practice together with the range of post-registration courses and special interest groups. Realisation of the need for collaboration led to the formation of the Sensory Integration Coordinating Committee in 1991 and ultimately to amalgamation into Sensory Integration Network (UK & Ireland) in January 1996.
The Use of Self-Directed Learning during Fieldwork Education: The Students' Perspective
Authors: Heath Lesley Anne
Published: April 2015

The University of Derby is committed to educational strategies that develop reflective practice and lifelong learning in occupational therapy education. Self-directed learning is implemented during fieldwork placements, enabling students to become active in the learning process and integrating the individual's previous experiences, application of knowledge and present learning needs. The principles of self-directed learning adopted by the university also involve students in setting and evaluating their own aims and objectives, writing a learning contract and negotiating reports with fieldwork educators.

The aims of the study were to consider whether students used the principles of self-directed learning during fieldwork placements and what influenced their use. The method was a two-stage process, involving a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The subjects were in their final year of education. The results showed an overall increase in the use of the principles of self-directed learning at the end of 3 years' education. From the six interviews conducted, the occupational therapy department, the style of supervision and the university procedure were identified as the main influences on the use of self-directed learning during placements.
Australian Occupational Therapy Students: Attitudes towards and Knowledge about Psychiatry
Authors: Gilbert Julian , Strong Jenny
Published: April 2015

This study examined attitudes towards psychiatry, prior knowledge about psychiatry and trait anxiety in preclinical Australian occupational therapy students. At the time of the study, students were anticipating their first clinical placement in psychiatry. Instruments used in the study were the Attitudes Towards Psychiatry – 30 Scale (ATP-30), the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF), and a demographic data sheet looking at background information on students which asked the question: ‘When you started the occupational therapy course, did you expect to have anything to do with psychiatry?’ The results showed that, while students reported positive attitudes towards psychiatry, a high percentage of students (In particular, the trait anxious student) had not been aware that psychiatry was part of the undergraduate education in occupational therapy. These findings suggest that the trait anxious student may not be able to assimilate knowledge in a new experience, and that the profile of the occupational therapist working in mental health needs to be enhanced.
A Study of the Housing Needs of Disabled Applicants to the Nottingham City Council Housing Department and the Problems Faced by Local Housing Providers in Meeting These Needs
Authors: Logan P A , Batchvarova M , Read C
Published: April 2015

This study of the housing needs of disabled people and the problems faced by housing providers in Nottingham was carried out with a view to establishing a data base of adapted properties and disabled people. A small survey of 47 disabled people, with 22 respondents, reported problems when trying to find a new home. Less than a quarter of those who replied had been assessed prior to looking for a new home by an occupational therapist, while over half said that they would like help from an occupational therapist when choosing a new home. A survey of 42 housing providers found that, of the 26 respondents, over half had disabled people waiting for a property and a third had adapted properties that they were unable to let.

These findings supported local concern about housing problems for disabled people and led to the development of the Disabled People and Adapted Properties Register (DPAPR). This register holds a computerised list of disabled people looking for a new home and of the adapted properties in Nottingham, for sale or for rent.
Evaluating Research Articles
Authors: Finlay Linda
Published: April 2015

This article offers guidelines on how to evaluate research articles. It examines the questions we should ask of each research report, namely: What is the context in which the research has been undertaken? How have the data been collected and analysed? How valid is the research, that is, do we trust it? And how effectively have the results been presented and written up? Good research articles are seen to: reflect and describe the research accurately; enable readers to follow what has been done and what led to the conclusion; and stimulate thought, discussion and debate. It is suggested that any article is approached critically, constructively and with realistic expectations.
Snoezelen: Its Long-Term and Short-Term Effects on Older People with Dementia
Authors: Baker Roger , Dowling Zena , Wareing Lesley Ann , Dawson Jeannette , Assey Julian
Published: April 2015

A randomised controlled trial was conducted to investigate the long-term and short-term effects of the Snoezelen environment on the behaviour, mood and cognition of elderly patients with dementia, and to gain an understanding of the processes occurring within Snoezelen. Patients participated in either eight Snoezelen or eight activity sessions. Pre-trial, mid-trial, post-trial and follow-up assessments were carried out at home and at the day hospital. Ratings of behaviour and mood were also made before, during and after each session.

In the long term, the main benefits for Snoezelen patients were in the domain of socially disturbed behaviour. In the home setting, there was a highly significant difference between the two groups in favour of Snoezelen, and in the hospital setting it was nearly significant. Short-term improvements in behaviour and mood were evident for both groups after sessions, and communication was significantly better during Snoezelen sessions in comparison with activity sessions. The processes occurring within Snoezelen sessions seemed to involve facilitation of verbal expression and memory recall.
Occupational Therapy within a Prevocational Programme for Adults with Acquired Brain Injuries: A Case Study
Authors: Partridge Tracey
Published: April 2015

This article describes the role and value of occupational therapy within a prevocational programme for adults with acquired brain injuries. A case study is presented to illustrate the progress of a client attending the programme and the specific function of the occupational therapist. This includes details of assessment procedures, group work, individual vocational support and guidance, and vocational tasters. Evaluation and discussion are provided, with an attempt to apply the theory of occupational therapy to practice.
The Wexham Park Experience: The Work Rehabilitation Programme in One Occupational Therapy Department following Injury or Physical Illness
Authors: Thurgood Judy
Published: April 2015

This article describes the work rehabilitation aspect of the occupational therapy process in the rehabilitation department at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough. It discusses the client group, including an illustrative case study, the treatment process and the outcomes in the context of today's employment needs, and considers some possible future directions for the development of the service.
Work-Related Activity for People with Long-Term Schizophrenia: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Durham Tessa
Published: April 2015

The nature of the disability experienced by people with long-term schizophrenia is described and the literature concerning work-related activities for these clients is reviewed. The role and value of work-related activities in their lives is discussed. There is some evidence from the few relevant outcome studies that structured activity programmes with these clients can be beneficial in terms of reducing symptomatology and maintaining community tenure; the importance of optimal levels of stimulation is stressed. Investigations of clients' opinions and preferences lend some support for the provision of structured activity programmes. Suggestions are made for possible further lines of inquiry.
Understanding the Statistical Concepts of Measures of Work Performance
Authors: McFadyen Angus K , Pratt Joanne
Published: April 2015

Increasingly, health and social care environments require occupational therapists to demonstrate cost and clinical effectiveness and appropriate outcome measurement of services, the importance of which has been discussed previously in this journal (de Clive-Lowe, 1996). Therapists may be required to select objective tools which can provide data to enhance their qualitative observations of client performance. It is argued that today's therapists require a working knowledge of statistical concepts (Drummond, 1996).

This article attempts to provide an introduction to the main statistical concepts that underpin the selection and interpretation of data, from tools that have been designed to measure various aspects of work performance. The information provided is intended to be useful in assisting therapists to make informed decisions about the clinical applicability of a particular tool.
Review of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960: Implications for Occupational Therapists
Authors: Craik Christine
Published: April 2015

The background to the creation of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 is outlined and the reasons for its recent review are described. The report of the review and the recommendations for new legislation are discussed. The potential implications of these for the practice, management and education of occupational therapists are suggested and possible ways to address them are presented.
Coping with Chronic Illness and Disability through Creative Needlecraft
Authors: Reynolds Frances
Published: April 2015

Chronic illness and impairment commonly restrict the individual's access to work and leisure activities. Furthermore, if increasingly dependent upon family care, the individual may experience loss of valued roles and self-esteem. The present study enquired into the role of a creative leisure pursuit in long-term coping with illness and disability. The qualitative study examined the written narratives of 35 women, aged 18 to 87 years. All had acquired a disability or a chronic illness in adulthood and shared needlecraft as a common leisure pursuit.

In these accounts, the women described the circumstances in which needlecraft had been adopted as a leisure pursuit and the personal benefits experienced. The accounts showed that most of the women had taken up this activity in adulthood to cope with the crisis of illness. Needlecraft activities were commonly viewed as providing a means of managing pain and unstructured time, as well as facilitating self-esteem and reciprocal social roles. The women's accounts suggest that creative activity may be helpful for patients learning to cope with chronic conditions.
The Impact of Counselling Skills Training on the Interpersonal Skills of Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Jeffery Bridget , Hicks Carolyn
Published: April 2015

A considerable emphasis has been placed on the role of social and communication skills within the health care professions. As a result, many pre-registration education and training courses now include counselling skills modules, on the basis that these will ultimately enhance a range of interpersonal skills within clinical practice. In order to test this assumption, a study was carried out to assess whether completion of counselling skills assignments had an impact upon a range of interpersonal skills in occupational therapy.

Using 36 first-year undergraduate occupational therapy students, the study investigated two related hypotheses. The first hypothesis compared the interpersonal skills performance on placement between those students who had completed the counselling skins assignment and those students who had completed an alternative. An unrelated t-test produced a non-significant result (t = 1.386, df = 34, p>0.05), which suggested that undertaking a counselling skills assignment had no effect on social skills. The second hypothesis was concerned with the relationship between interpersonal performance and the grade obtained for the counselling assignment. A Pearson's product moment correlation was carried out which also produced a non-significant result (r = 0.008, df = 34, p>0.05). This suggested that no relationship existed between performance on the counselling skills module and interpersonal skills in the clinical domain.

These results challenge existing assumptions about the value of including counselling skills modules within pre-registration occupational therapy courses, and highlight the need to seek more effective alternatives for enhancing essential interpersonal skills.
Good Patients and Bad Patients: How Occupational Therapists View Their Patients/Clients
Authors: Finlay Linda
Published: April 2015

Many studies have highlighted how health professionals tend to categorise their patients in terms of moral evaluations, in particular perceiving patients as ‘good’ and ‘bad’. This article reports on a qualitative study which explored how occupational therapists experienced their patients/clients, investigating what social evaluations were made. Nine occupational therapists were interviewed using a relatively non-directive, phenomenological approach. Although the therapists were reluctant to stereotype their patients/clients, the use of moral and social evaluations was widespread. ‘Good’ patients were warmly responsive and made the therapists feel valued and effective. ‘Bad’ patients were manipulative, threatening and resisted change. An additional category of ‘difficult’ patients emerged which reflected the therapists' ambivalent responses to this patient/client group, who were experienced as positively challenging but hard work. The discussion emphasises how social evaluations are complex and involve multiple meanings which emerge in different contexts with different individuals.
Occupational Therapy for Children with Handwriting Difficulties: A Framework for Evaluation and Treatment
Authors: Chu Sidney
Published: April 2015

Handwriting is one of the most complex skills that is learnt and taught. It requires motor, sensory, perceptual, praxis and cognitive functions, and the integration of these functions. When the complex nature of this skill is considered, it comes as little surprise that many children experience difficulty in mastering this area.

When an occupational therapist observes that a child referred to the service is having difficulty with handwriting, it becomes necessary for the therapist to administer procedures to identify the strengths and weaknesses that will then become the basis for a remedial programme.

This article presents a conceptual framework for evaluating and treating handwriting difficulties presented by children in mainstream education with specific developmental disorder, such as dyspraxia or dyslexia. The performance components and functional performance of handwriting are briefly reviewed. Both evaluation and intervention procedures are discussed in order to guide the therapist in developing remedial and instructional programmes. The article highlights the unique role of the occupational therapist in evaluating and treating a child's functional performance of handwriting skills.
Occupational Therapy in Community Mental Health, Part 1: Intervention Choice
Authors: Meeson Beverley
Published: April 2015

Arguments about the blurring of roles between the members of multidisciplinary community mental health teams and the generic style of intervention within them are well rehearsed. However, an empirical description of the daily work practice of occupational therapists in this field has not yet been attempted. This article presents a study examining the choices made by 12 therapists in the south east of England when working with their clients. Part 1 reports quantifiable findings on intervention media chosen over a 4-week period, drawn from diary data.

The results revealed diverse patterns of intervention choices. However, an emphasis on anxiety management chosen 295 times (16% of intervention selections), supportive counselling chosen 348 times (18% of selections) and problem-solving discussion with clients about aspects of their daily lives chosen 255 times (13% of selections) emerged. Follow-up interviews explored each participant's rationale for the patterns of practice highlighted by the diaries, which will be illustrated and discussed in part 2.
An Exploratory Study of People's Perceptions and Experiences of Wellbeing
Authors: Wilcock A A , van der Arend H , Darling K , Scholz J , Siddall R , Snigg C , Stephens J
Published: April 2015

This paper describes an exploratory study aimed at understanding peoples perceptions and experiences of wellbeing. As health and wellbeing are considered by world and national health authorities to be closely related, occupational therapists along with other health workers need to know more about wellbeing, particularly from the perspective of ‘the people’.

Using a questionnaire, seven cluster samples of 20 people, giving a total of 140 participants, were asked to define their concept of wellbeing, how it felt to them and how often they experienced the feeling. Data were also collected about nationality, marital status, employment, income, religion and levels of education because these have been identified as affecting wellbeing. In this study, wellbeing was described as happiness, peace, mind and body health and self-esteem, and was strongly associated with occupations as varied as work, relaxation and dressing up; relationships; and environments. No particular associations were found with any of the demographic data.