bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An investigation of occupational therapy and physiotherapy roles in a community setting
Authors: Smith Susan , Roberts Pennie 
Published: May 2014

This qualitative study investigated current occupational therapy and physiotherapy practice in a community rehabilitation setting to elicit areas of role difference, skill sharing and commonality within the two professions. The study was carried out with service users (n=4), occupational therapy and physiotherapy clinicians (n=11) and therapy service managers (n=9) to try and explore as many different opinions and experiences as possible. Focus groups were used to gather the data. The findings from this study were broad ranging. Service users were frequently unable to identify the difference between occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Skill sharing and the blurring of professional boundaries between occupational therapists and physiotherapists occured on a daily basis. Interdisciplinary team working was regarded as essential for an effective needs-led service by all the participants of the study. However, despite this, it appeared that professional tribalism existed between the two professional groups, which hampered effective team working at times. There was a general feeling that increasing interprofessional education at as early a stage in undergraduate training as possible was vital and would help increase awareness of other professional roles and prepare therapists for the reality of working life.
Moving and handling education: Educating the experienced practitioner
Authors: Hall Nick , Bryer Melanie 
Published: May 2014

This article focuses on an occupational therapist's experience of teaching moving and handling skills as part of his role of ‘key trainer’ in a primary care NHS trust. Time constraints on the staff involved require effective teaching and communication methods to be used in order to ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of patient and staff safety. Potential obstacles to effective moving and handling education are investigated and existing learning techniques used are reflected upon. Educational theory is then evaluated and integrated into future teaching sessions, resulting in a proposed framework for moving and handling education. The term ‘moving and handling educator’ (as opposed to trainer) is therefore suggested as more accurately reflecting the nature of this role. This article may therefore be of particular value to moving and handling ‘key trainers’ workingwithin primary and intermediate care, with the aim of increasing the ability of all groups of clinicians to effectively use these manual handling skills in practice.
Evidence-based postural assessment for use in therapy and rehabilitation
Authors: Warren JG , Bettany-Saltikov J , van Schaik P , Papastefanou S 
Published: May 2014

Clinical assessment of spinal dysfunction involves the evaluation of back shape or symmetry. Variations in symmetry, shape or balance are generally believed (in conjunction with other symptoms) to be indicators or possible causes of dysfunction. With the onset of clinical governance, evidence-based practice has become paramount in all aspects of health. Numerous non-invasive objective methods varying in sophistication, cost and portability have been developed to measure and document back shape and posture. The purpose of this current study was to assess the reliability of a new low-cost system on healthy young subjects. Intrarater reliability, using Pearson's correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients of landmark points on 50 ‘normal’ subjects using a portable digital system, is reported. The results indicate that the system is reliable (P<0.001) and provides data suitable for evidence-based practice in clinical rehabilitation.
Spanish social workers' views of mental health services
Authors: Gamita Marta Trias , Atwal Anita 
Published: May 2014

There has been limited research in Spain examining the specialist roles carried out by social workers since the introduction of mental health reforms. The aim of this research was to identify specific work activities of community mental health social workers in Spain (Catalonia) and to ascertain their perceptions of their role. A postal survey of 140 (response rate 31%) social workers working in the Centres de Salut Mental was used. The findings from the survey suggest that social workers in Spain have a strong role in supporting families. While interprofessional working was considered to be important, social workers did not collaborate closely with occupational therapists, GPs and psychiatrists. It is suggested that social workers in Spain may wish to explore shared learning as a means of promoting interprofessional collaboration.
Measuring changes in activity limitation and participation restriction in people with COPD
Authors: O' Shea Simone D , Taylor Nicholas F , Paratz Jennifer D 
Published: May 2014

Given the identified need to measure outcomes in terms of activity limitation and participation restriction, the authors evaluated the test-retest reliability of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale and the London Handicap Scale for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twelve people with moderately severe COPD were measured on two occasions separated by a 2-week interval. Severity of COPD was determined using British Thoracic Society guidelines on lung function measures. Reliability coefficients for the Patient-Specific Functional Scale and London Handicap Scale were 0.55 and 0.71 respectively. To be 95% confident that real change had occurred, groups would need activity scores to increase by 1 out of 10 and handicap scores to increase by 6 out of 100. For individuals, changes in activity scores of 2 out of 10 and handicap scores of 17 out of 100 would be required. These results indicate that both scales could be suitable for testing hypotheses in groups of people with COPD. However, only the Patient-Specific Functional Scale is likely to be able to detect and monitor changes in individuals.
Investigating the reliability and validity of two balance measures in adults with stroke
Authors: Pal J , Hale LA , Skinner MA 
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the concurrent and construct validity and the test–retest reliability of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABCS) and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) in 24 adults who had had a stroke. Participants' balance was assessed at baseline using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and they were stratified into two groups based on their ability to walk independently. All completed an ABCS and a FES questionnaire at baseline, and 1 week and 5 months later. The numbers of falls experienced by each participant was recorded over the 5-month period. Moderate correlations were found between the BBS and both the ABCS and FES. The ABCS and the FES demonstrated high reliability over a 1-week period. The ABCS scores of the low mobility group were significantly different to those of the high mobility group (P=0.002), which was not the case for the FES scores. There was a poor correlation between the baseline scores of the ABCS and the FES and the number of fall events experienced in the subsequent 5 months. Both the ABCS and the FES demonstrated high test–retest reliability and moderate properties of validity. It is suggested that these scales be included in the assessment of balance in adults after stroke. Key words: stroke, balance, reliability, validity, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, Berg Balance Scale
Continuing professional development: A survey of Irish staff grade physiotherapists
Authors: French Helen P 
Published: May 2014

Continuing professional development (CPD) in physiotherapy incorporates a broad range of activities that provides personal and professional development. There is a responsibility on both the individual and workplace to ensure that the employee is up to date and competent. A questionnaire survey of staff grade physiotherapists in five acute hospitals was conducted to determine the current CPD activities they were undertaking and their perceived CPD needs. Seventy one physiotherapists completed the questionnaire. Respondents were asked to prioritize CPD activities and the top five activities identified were: clinical supervision, intensive clinical training, in-service education, short courses and performance appraisal. The effective components and perceived benefit of these activities are presented and discussed. The results of this survey can be used to develop a CPD framework in the workplace.
A balance screening tool for older people: Reliability and validity
Authors: Mackintosh Shylie , Datson Nicolle , Fryer Caroline 
Published: May 2014

Balance screening within therapy assessments for older clients is an efficient method to assess a client's need for further balance assessment and intervention. The ‘Balance Screening Tool’ (BST), a six-task functional standing balance test, is a simple and quickly administered method of screening balance in older adults. This study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the BST and to establish its concurrent validity with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). A group of 14 falls risk assessment community care clients and a group of 16 community dwelling older adults were screened for balance impairment using both the BST and BBS. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient for intra-rater reliability was 0.90, and for inter-rater reliability was 0.89 with no significant difference between the test scores (Wilcoxon sign rank, p = 0.16). For individual items of the BST, kappa coefficients ranged from 0.64–1.00 for intra-rater reliability and 0.58–0.71 for interrater reliability. Correlation between the total BST and BBS scores were rs = -0.87 and rs = -0.92. The results suggest excellent intra-and inter-rater reliability for the BST, and excellent concurrent validity of the tool with the BBS. The BST is a valid and reliable method to quickly screen older adults for balance problems in a home or clinical setting.
Copyright and the allied health professional: Rights and responsibilities
Authors: Jones Diana , Raine Sue , Hanlon Susannah 
Published: May 2014

Throughout the varied roles allied health professionals undertake in the course of their careers, in increasingly different settings, they will be both users and producers of information. Copyright rules and regulations govern the use of information and are changing all the time so that written advice rapidly becomes outdated. This article aims to help allied health professionals to practise legally and ethically by providing a framework for thinking about copyright that is illustrated in the context of two familiar practice scenarios. Copyright management is complex and lack of awareness leads to risk of infringement.
Apparatus for enhancing sensory processing in children
Authors: Wheble Jane , Swee Hong Chia 
Published: May 2014

The process of the brain organizing and interpreting information from the environment is called sensory integration. The occupational therapy team in Peterborough, UK, has used a sensory integration approach for pre-school and school-aged children with motor, sensory and/or attentional difficulties for over 10 years. Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for later, more complex learning and behaviour. The children are seen individually or in groups in schools, nurseries and specialist units. Advice is given to parents for strategies to support children's behaviour regulation at home. Under direction from paediatric occupational therapists, many primary schools run sensory circuits, which involve the use of some sensory integration equipment as well as physical education equipment normally found in mainstream schools. This article describes some of the common sensory integration pieces of equipment that are used for enhancing children's sensory processing.
Exploring social and leisure participation among stroke survivors: Part two
Authors: Amarshi Farah , Artero Lisa , Reid Denise 
Published: May 2014

Older adults who live in the community often report decreased levels of social and leisure participation following stroke. A qualitative study using open-ended, focused interviews was conducted with a sample of 12 older adult stroke survivors. This study aimed to explore how often older adult stroke survivors participate in social and leisure activities, the meaning(s) associated with this participation and the factors felt to hinder or contribute to this participation. Background information and the methodology are described in part one.In this second part, the findings and discussion of the interviews are provided. Using a modified grounded theory approach to analysis, four main themes emerged from the data: ‘it's a completely different life’; ‘what limits me from participating’; ‘what I need to participate’; and ‘continuing on with my life’. A model was developed to describe the potential relationships between the themes generated.This study highlights the re-establishment of continuity in social and leisure participation following stroke. The findings provide implications for health-care providers, who can help in developing programmes that support social and leisure participation among stroke survivors in the community
Do exercises improve outcome following fixation of ankle fractures? A systematic review
Authors: Smith Toby O , Davies Leigh 
Published: May 2014

The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature that assessed whether postoperative ankle mobilization exercises improve outcome following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. An electronic search was undertaken of the databases AMED, Cinahl, Embase, Medline (via Ovid), PEDro and PubMed, from their inception to December 2005. Controlled clinical trials comparing the effects of postoperative ankle exercises with subjects who were not prescribed exercises following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the literature using the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scoring system. In total, 15 articles of 870 ankle fractures were reviewed. Overall, postoperative ankle exercises neither improved nor jeopardized short- or longer-term outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. However, owing to the plethora of methodological limitations and limited evidence, it is not possible to firmly establish this conclusion. Further large, well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate this topic.
Can pinch grip strength be used as a valid indicator of manual dexterity?
Authors: Harwin Simon , Adams Jo 
Published: May 2014

Outcome measurement is important in clinical practice. Manual dexterity is a relevant component of hand function and improvement in dexterity can often be a treatment aim following hand injury. However, standardized dexterity tests can be costly and time consuming to complete in busy clinical practice. Valid, quick and practical clinical indicators of broader functional performance can be a useful adjunct to outcome measurement. This study examined whether tripod pinch grip strength was a valid indicator of manual dexterity. Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited and their tripod pinch strength was measured using the B+L pinch gauge (B and L Engineering). Manual dexterity was assessed using the Purdue Pegboard. There were strong, statistically signifi cant correlations between pinch strength and manual dexterity for males but not for females in this healthy sample. Tripod pinch grip could be used as a valid indicator for manual dexterity for males but the relationship between dexterity and pinch grip differs between sexes.
A new biomechanical method for objective measurement of spasticity: A preliminary study
Authors: Nakhostin Ansari Noureddin , Karimi Hosein , Farahmand Farzam , Naghdi Soofia , Faghihzadeh Soghrat 
Published: May 2014

The assessment of the various impairments in brain damage including spasticity is important. The purpose of this study was to develop a new biomechanical method based on quantification of velocity reduction (VR) suitable for clinical use. A highly reliable system was developed to apply a constant torque perturbation at the elbow. This system was used to measure the VR in 30 healthy adults and 10 hemiplegic patients. In healthy subjects, the mean VR was 3.02% (SE (standard error) = 0.29). In hemiplegic patients, the mean VR in the impaired arm (81.47%, SE= 2.87) was significantly higher than the VR (%) either in the nonimpaired arm (9.86%, SE= 0.92) (WSRT (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test) : Z = -12.74; p<0.001), or the normal (3.02%) p < 0.001). The interaction between the associated reaction (AR) and the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) with head away from the impaired arm made a significant higher VR (90.41%, SE=3.43) (p < 0.001). The correlation between the VR (%) and the Modified Ashworth Scale scores was significant (Spearman's rho = 0.77, p < 0.001). It is concluded that the quantification of velocity reduction may be used as an objective method of measuring spasticity in neurological conditions.
Development of a manual handling programme for allied health
Authors: Brusco Natasha K , Taylor Nicholas , Stevens Julie A , Butler Michael , Searle Aidan 
Published: May 2014

In line with current legislation relating to occupational health and safety, a package was developed and implemented to guide patient manual handling for the allied health team. The ‘Allied Health Smart Moves’ (AHSM) package was based on a risk assessment model, incorporating therapists' clinical judgment to minimize manual handling risks, while maximizing the therapeutic benefits for the patient. A working party developed and implemented the package for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and allied health assistants in a large metropolitan Health Network. Eighty eight per cent of all relevant staff completed training in the package and demonstrated improved knowledge of related legislation as well as safe manual handling procedures after training. The number of musculoskeletal disorders reported by the possible 227relevant allied health staff in the 6-month period before implementation of the AHSM package was three, and in the 6-month follow up period was none. The AHSM package was successfully developed and implemented within a large metropolitan health network.
Trends in post-stroke functional independence over a 5-year period: A pilot study
Authors: White Jennifer H , Pollack Michael , Nair Balakrishnan R , D'Este Catherine 
Published: May 2014

The aim of this pilot study was to identify trends in functional independence over time in community-dwelling stroke survivors. This community-based, follow-up study examined 75 community-dwelling, ischaemic stroke survivors in Newcastle, Australia. Post-stroke functioning was assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) in stroke sub-type categories using the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project Classification. Ischaemic stroke survivors who were discharged with a dependent level of functioning after first-ever stroke were shown to have a 54% chance of achieving independence if they survived up to 5 years in the community. Survivors with lacunar infarction and posterior circulation infarction stroke sub-types were the most likely to achieve independence.
Exercise your mind: Physical activity as a therapeutic technique for depression
Authors: Cripps Faith 
Published: May 2014

Aims: Depression has been predicted to become the most prevalent cause of disability in the world. Limitations in current pharmacological and psychological interventions have led researchers to identify other interventions that can be used for its treatment. This article will explore the role of physical activity as an intervention and, more specifically, the role of physiotherapists in its delivery. Content: The growing evidence base to support the relationship between physical activity and depression—together with its underlying mechanisms—is discussed. Key research exploring the efficacy of physical activity interventions is highlighted and briefl y appraised. Conclusions: Here the author argues that health professionals should acknowledge the growing evidence base in this area to a greater extent, and begin to clinically employ the concept of the fiercely debated ‘evidence-based practice’. Furthermore, it is suggested that the physiotherapy profession is ideally placed to deliver such a service and that physiotherapists should recognize that this is part of their practice, their scope and thus their responsibility.
Maintaining independence: A therapy pathway of a person with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Engin Lucy , Pretorius Carolina 
Published: May 2014

Aims: The aim of this case report is to give an insight into the community rehabilitation of a client with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. The authors aimed to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary working in meeting the client's changing needs. Contents: The therapy pathway of one patient with MS seen by a long-term conditions rehabilitation team is described, with an emphasis on occupational therapy and physiotherapy input and the reflections of these therapists. Therapy progress was measured by the achievement of goals; and this case report describes how these goals were met. The report focuses on goal setting, building a good rapport with the client and effective joint working with other professions. Conclusions: This case report gives an overview of the therapy pathway and the reflection processes of one community rehabilitation service in providing care for a client with MS. In writing this report the therapists reflected on their input; and gained an understanding of their own professional boundaries and how blurring these boundaries can benefit the client.
Focus group methodology Part 2: Considerations for analysis
Authors: Plummer-D'Amato Prudence 
Published: May 2014

Qualitative research is often criticized for its lack of scientific rigour. In particular, the criticisms of qualitative research relate to issues of representativeness and generalizability of the findings, reliability and validity. This article will discuss these concepts in the context of focus group data and explain how trustworthiness has been proposed as a more suitable criterion for evaluating qualitative research. Strategies for enhancing trustworthiness of focus group data will also be presented. Further issues pertinent to the recording and analysis of focus group data will be highlighted, and unique ethical considerations for focus groups will be presented. Considerations for the effective planning and design of focus group research were discussed in Part 1.
Exercise intervention in acquired brain injury rehabilitation: A discussion
Authors: Blake Holly , Batson Mindi 
Published: May 2014

Physical activity is essential for health and well-being. The importance of an active lifestyle is increasingly being recognized in rehabilitation for its benefits to quality of life and the prevention and management of secondary disease resulting from disability.However, there is a paucity of published evidence for lifestyle exercise intervention in traumatic brain injury. Most studies evaluate the impact of specific physical rehabilitation therapies or exercise intervention, with physical fitness or body composition as outcomes. Few studies also consider the psychosocial benefits of exercise.This article discusses the limited literature on lifestyle exercise interventions for people with traumatic brain injury together with future directions for intervention. Further research which investigates the impact of exercise intervention on health and well-being of brain injured individuals and their families is clearly needed.