bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bereavement support used by mothers in Ireland following the death of their child from a life-limiting condition
Authors: Jennings Valerie , Nicholl Honor 
Published: May 2014

Background: Children's palliative care is a rapidly developing specialism internationally. Bereavement support is an integral component of children's palliative care but to date little research has investigated the bereavement support that mothers in Ireland use following the death of their child. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore mothers' experiences of bereavement support in Ireland following the death of their child from a life-limiting condition. Method: A descriptive qualitative design was used. The study sample was ten mothers who had been bereaved in the previous 5 years. All mothers were recruited to the study by a gatekeeper from a voluntary organisation. Data were obtained through unstructured single interviews and analysed using conventional content analysis. Results: The findings indicate that the mothers relied on a combination of informal and formal bereavement support. In addition to depending on others to provide support, the mothers described their ability to self-support. Conclusions: The findings show that mothers in Ireland use a variety of sources of support following the death of their child from a life-limiting condition. Health professionals involved in caring for families and children with a life-limiting condition should have an understanding of these sources.
The lived experiences of the Sikh population of south east England when caring for a dying relative at home
Authors: Cowan Margaret Mary 
Published: May 2014

Background Few ethnic minorities access specialist palliative care (SPC) services when caring for a dying relative at home. Objective This project aimed to explore and understand the experiences of the Sikh population of south east England when caring for a dying relative at home without support from SPC. Methods Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with carers in Punjabi or English and the transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenology. Results Five super-ordinate themes were identified: factors leading to the caring role, emotional effects of caring on the carer, impact of caring on the wider family, influence of health-care services, and religious and cultural influence. The most common emergent theme was lack of support from health professionals, which emerged from a lack of awareness of services. A sense of duty and hard work was apparent throughout, and appeared to sustain the family. There seemed to be a sense of duty to care for the relative at home. Financial concerns were expressed frequently. The decision to adopt the caring role appeared to be made by the entire family. The Sikh faith seemed to give strength to carers. There appeared to be heightened awareness of what other community members think of carers' actions. Conclusions There is a need for health professionals to reach out to this population to increase awareness of and trust in the services that are available to support care at the end of life. However, an unwillingness to accept assistance may persist in some cases.
Community palliative care clinical nurse specialists: a descriptive study of nurse–patient interactions
Authors: Howell Debra , Hardy Beth , Boyd Caroline , Ward Chris , Roman Eve , Johnson Miriam 
Published: May 2014

Background With an ageing population and changes to the UK process of commissioning health-care services, it is important that the role of the community palliative care clinical nurse specialist (CPC-CNS) is better understood. Aim This study aimed to describe CPC-CNS activities during interactions with patients. Methods Four CPC-CNSs were observed and audio-recorded during interactions with 34 patients. The data was assessed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Results An enormous breadth of activities were observed, within a framework of assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Cross-cutting themes were real-time decision making, leadership, ability to respond to and coordinate complex and varied situations, and communication techniques. Data saturation was not achieved. Conclusion CPC-CNSs provide multifaceted care, requiring wide-ranging knowledge to enable them to act as liaison points in a complex health service, respond independently to the fluctuating needs of patients, and provide effective advance care planning, particularly to those with advanced disease, multi-morbidity, and frailty.
Compensatory mechanism use during the first 6 months following distal radius fracture
Authors: Bialocerkowski Andrea E , Grimmer Karen A 
Published: May 2014

Using a descriptive, longitudinal study design, the authors aimed to describe the frequency and type of compensatory mechanism use over a 6-month period following distal radius fracture. A volunteer sample of individuals who sustained a unilateral, distal radius fracture was recruited from a wide range of health-care settings, in Adelaide, Australia. Trends regarding frequency and type of compensatory mechanism use were elicited from a validated, custom-designed self-completed questionnaire (the Wrist Outcome Instrument) at 8, 12, 18 and 24 weeks post-fracture. Compensatory mechanism use was dependent on the type of activity performed and the time since fracture. Assistance to perform activities of daily living was often not required past 12 weeks following fracture. However, compensatory mechanism use continued to be reported at 24 weeks post-fracture for lifting/carrying and hygiene/dressing activities. To conclude; following distal radius fracture, individuals alter the manner in which tasks are performed up to 6 months following distal radius fracture. These findings indicate that independent activities of daily living (ADL) performance, at 24 weeks post-distal radius fracture, does not necessarily equate to an individual's ability to perform the ADL at his or her pre-injury level. Thus, an assessment of the manner in which ADLs are performed may be required to ensure that all activities are performed safely. These findings could be used in the clinical setting to educate injured individuals regarding ‘recovery’ following a distal radius fracture.
A study of occupational therapists’ perceptions of clinical governance
Authors: Wilks Linda , Boniface Gail 
Published: May 2014

Action research methodology was used in this study to establish an understanding of the perceptions of occupational therapists regarding clinical governance and continuing professional development (CPD). This cyclical problem-solving process enabled an in-depth study, facilitated by a senior occupational therapist with eight occupational therapists as coparticipants. All participants worked in mental health services for a large NHS trust in South Wales. The aims were to identify participants’ understanding of clinical governance and its link with CPD and to identify if obstacles existed in preventing implementation of clinical governance and CPD; and if obstacles did exist, how they might be overcome. Participants showed that they had a good understanding of clinical governance and its relationship to CPD, but identified a number of constraints preventing their engagement in CPD activities. These included time and resources, management and leadership styles, interprofessional working, personal feelings and the need for cultural change. They also identified reflection as a key component of CPD activities, but had concerns about reflection, including when and how to reflect, whom to share reflection with and how it could be made evident. Because of the practical nature of action research, some changes were made to enable implementation of CPD activities and there was evidence of a shift in participants’ understanding of the issues, which engendered a positive learning experience through the research process.
Scopes of practice and competence assurance for New Zealand health professionals
Authors: Skinner Margot A 
Published: May 2014

Landmark legislation drafted to bring health practitioners under one umbrella Act was passed by the New Zealand parliament in September 2003. The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act is designed to increase protection for the public by providing a new framework for the regulation of health practitioners. Within 1year of the Act receiving royal assent, the registering authorities for each of the health professions will be required to have specified scopes of practice, to have prescribed the qualifications necessary to register applicants and to have a process in place to review the ongoing competence of practitioners. A total of 15 registering authorities for health professions, including physiotherapy, medicine and nursing, have the statutory authority to enact this omnibus legislation. There is scope for other professions to make application for inclusion in the future. The registration authorities should be well placed to manage entry-level registration and ongoing competence issues. However, major challenges lie ahead as the professions seek to agree on tasks relevant to their scopes of practice and restricted activities. The outcomes of this landmark legislation are likely to be of global interest as few countries or states have passed legislation like the Health Professions Competence Assurance Act; others are still debating the parameters of scopes of practice and yet others have put it in the ‘too hard basket’. This article focuses on the development of scopes of practice and potential implications of the reforms.
Integrating technology in the workplace for people with spinal cord injury
Authors: Rodger Sylvia A , de Jonge Desleigh M 
Published: May 2014

Computer technology can overcome mobility and functional limitations resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI) and enable re-employment. This study aimed to identify barriers and supports to effective technology use at work from the unique perspectives of technology users themselves. A qualitative research design was used to explore the perspectives of 11 technology users with SCI. In-depth, openended interviews and observations were conducted at each person's workplace. Five major themes emerged: identifying the best or right technology; acquiring the technology; customizing and learning to use the technology; supporting the technology; and empowerment. Understanding these consumer perspectives enables professionals to empower people with SCI to optimize their work potential.
Physiotherapy in the management of TMD: A review of the literature part 2
Authors: Smith Toby Oliver 
Published: May 2014

The second section of this two-part article assessing the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) examines the effectiveness of electrotherapy modalities, mobilizations and manipulation techniques. This article concludes that from the studies reviewed, there appears to be insufficient current literature to determine whether different electrotherapy modalities or mobilization techniques are effective in treating TMD. Although the literature largely supports the application of temporomandibular manipulation to treat disc displacement TMD, many methodological limitations were identified within the evidence base, making it inappropriate to state how effective manipulation is in treating such patients. There remains insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of this treatment on muscle disorder or diagnoses TMD. Based on critical appraisal, it was recommended that the evidence base requires a number of large, well designed, blinded randomized control trials with between-group comparisons, to determine how effective these three physiotherapy modalities are in the treatment of TMD.
Do patients' expectations of physiotherapy affect treatment outcome? Part 1: Baseline data
Authors: Metcalfe Caroline J , Moffett Jennifer A Klaber 
Published: May 2014

Little or no research has been conducted to explore patients' expectations of physiotherapy. This article investigates the relationship between patients' expectations of benefit and other relevant variables prior to physiotherapy. A postal questionnaire survey was sent to 285 patients referred for musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy for a peripheral joint problem. The results showed that higher expectations of benefit were found if the patient: (1) was female; (2) had a traumatic condition; (3) had a shorter duration of condition; (4) had a higher locus of control; (5) had no previous experience of physiotherapy; and (6) had greater satisfaction with previous health care received. This exploratory study shows that there are many variables associated with patients' expectations of benefit from physiotherapy. Physiotherapists need to be aware that each patient presents with a variety of characteristics that may impact on their expectation of benefit, since this may affect the outcome of treatment. Further research is needed to determine whether patients' expectations of benefit affect treatment outcome. The second part to this article explores the relationship between pre-treatment expectations on benefit and the outcome of physiotherapy treatment.
Evaluating wellbeing in people with aphasia using speech therapy and clinical psychology
Authors: Brumfitt Shelagh , Barton Jane 
Published: May 2014

Mood disorders are very common after stroke. Although there is some variation in reports, up to 50% of stroke patients will suffer with depression at some point following their stroke and this will include aphasic speakers. However, there are well recognized difficulties in evaluating wellbeing in the aphasic speaker because of problems in making test items comprehensible. The aim of this article is to examine ways to evaluate emotional wellbeing in aphasic speakers from a multidisciplinary perspective, using knowledge and practice from the professions of clinical psychology and speech and language therapy. The accessibility of these approaches for the aphasic speaker will be discussed, taking into account such factors as item comprehensibility, visual presentation of material and behavioural characteristics of aphasic speakers with low mood.
Integrating medical humanities into physiotherapy and occupational therapy education
Authors: Smith Sue , Molineux Matthew , Rowe Nick , Larkinson Louise 
Published: May 2014

This paper outlines an innovative curricular development at Leeds Metropolitan University. Two new programmes the MSc occupational therapy (OT) and MSc physiotherapy (PT) (preregistration) which have a strong element of shared learning in their curricula are running for their first year post approval. Medical humanities (MH) is frequently used as method of education with preregistration OT students and medical students (Hurwirz, 2003) but is much less commonly used in PT preregistration education. The OT and PT students jointly took part in a week of MH involving workshops, discussion and a ‘performance’ of work in progress. The week focused on the use of literature and the arts as a channel for exploration and discussion of human issues that are pertinent to health professionals. The aim was to help foster empathy, compassion and skills which the students would need to use on an everyday basis when dealing with a wide spectrum of service users and colleagues at the University and on practice placement. The paper is sectioned chronologically. There is a review of the background literature and rationale for the development of MH in PT and OT cirricula. The external specialist tutors, the course leaders and the OT and PT students' views and input are outlined. The MH week was evaluated through written evaluation forms, a student focus group, email comments from students to course leaders and a staff debriefing. Learning points for staff and students are addressed. Recommendations relating to the format, content and development ideas for implementation of MH education for future cohorts are proposed.
Widening participation: Accessing careers in the allied health professions
Authors: Greenwood Nan , May Steve , Lissouba Pascale , Bithell Christine 
Published: May 2014

Access students represent a significant proportion of those entering higher education. This questionnaire-based study investigated the potential usefulness of targeting students on Access to higher education (Access) programmes, for recruitment into the allied health professions (AHPs). There were marked differences in the extent to which mature students on Access courses had previously considered studying the AHPs. However, among students claiming to know nothing about individual AHPs, receiving minimal information about the AHPs signifi cantly increased the proportions who would consider careers in occupational therapy, podiatry and diagnostic and therapeutic radiography. These findings suggest that Access students are a worthwhile recruitment target and have important implications for policy makers.
Encouraging children with disabilities to explore their surroundings
Authors: Fernandes Tanya 
Published: May 2014

Cognitive and physical stimulation is essential for the growth and development of all children, especially those with functional impairments. Children should be encouraged to partake in day-to-day activities, to carry out functional tasks and to enjoy the freedom of play, wherever and whenever possible. Independence is key to growth and this article will look at assistive equipment and play equipment, which can be used to encourage children to explore their environment as independently as possible, preventing 'learned helplessness' and encouraging individuals to reach their full potential.
Research and development capacity building in allied health: Rhetoric and reality
Authors: Atkin Helen , Jones Diana , Dawson Pam , Smith Kathleen , Welch Amanda , Hargreaves Gerard 
Published: May 2014

Allied health professional (AHP) research and development (R&D) locality groups were formed as part of a Northern and Yorkshire Regional R&D initiative in 1998 to provide infrastructure support for R&D, however, their sustainability has proved problematic. This paper charts the journey of one locality group and uses the research cycle model to illustrate an attempt to make interdisciplinary research capacity building in practice a reality. Collaborative development of a research proposal proved valuable, despite not gaining funding. An initiative to build research capacity in both qualified AHP staff and pre-registration Masters’ students in the context of research project supervision is being promoted as part of pre-registration Masters programmes at Northumbria University. Locality group members have formed a collaborative learning group to support research-minded practitioners. For those individuals who want to make the move from research consumer to researcher in practice, infrastructure support remains inadequate. Innovative intra- and inter-organizational models need to be explored.
Availability and use of electrotherapy devices: A survey
Authors: Ghulam Sarwar Shah Syed , Farrow Alexandra , Esnouf Alan 
Published: May 2014

Electrophysical agents such as radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (shortwave and microwave), ultrasound, laser and electrical stimulation are used for therapeutic purpose in physiotherapy departments. They are primarily used for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. This study investigated the availability and use of therapeutic diathermy, ultrasound, laser, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential equipment in 46physiotherapy departments in NHS hospitals in the south of England, using a self-administered questionnaire. Results indicated that therapeutic ultrasound was the most commonly available and most often used modality by surveyed departments. Pulsed shortwave diathermy, interferential, and laser were available to a lesser degree and also used less often. Continuous shortwave diathermy was used rarely and only in larger departments. Microwave diathermy was not available in any of the surveyed departments. The level of non-use of equipment despite availability was highest for continuous shortwave diathermy followed by pulsed shortwave diathermy and then laser. The rare use and total non-use of some of the modalities, despite availability of equipment, may have implications for purchasers of this expensive equipment. While the findings of this study show a regional trend in NHS physiotherapy departments, this may not be generalizable to a national level.
Bariatric furniture: Considerations for use
Authors: Bakewell Joanna 
Published: May 2014

Given the increasing prevalence of obesity throughout the world, it is important that health-care providers are able to meet the needs of this service-user group. One area that is necessary to consider in bariatric care is the suitability of furniture, both in the hospital and in a patient's own home. If these patients have suitable chairs and beds, transfer in to standing or mobility equipment will be facilitated, allowing users to be both more mobile and able to participate in therapy. Prescribing and advising bariatric patients on furniture should take into account all aspects of individual need. Given the amount of time a patient spends in bed and in sitting (both in the hospital and home) a patient's bed or chair will be their most frequently used piece of equipment. By choosing the most appropriate furniture, not only will the quality of life of these patients be improved, but the manual handling risks to both carers and therapists will be reduced. This article will highlight the range of furniture available to this patient group and discuss considerations for use.
What is spasticity? The discussion continues
Authors: Ibuki Aileen , Bernhardt Julie 
Published: May 2014

Spasticity is a term that has been used by clinicians and researcher for decades, yet there is little agreement about what it actually means. Numerous definitions for spasticity have been proposed and as knowledge of the phenomenon builds, definitions that were accepted in the past may no longer be valid. This paper does not attempt to define spasticity but instead explores how the definitions for spasticity have evolved over time and illustrates the need for authors to be cautious when using the term.
Measurement error and reliability testing: Application to rehabilitation
Authors: Bialocerkowski Andrea E , Bragge Peter 
Published: May 2014

Aims: Effective measurement of clinical outcomes is dependent on reliable outcome instruments. Measurement error and reliability testing are fundamental underpinnings of reliability. This article defi nes and illustrates sources of measurement error, outlines strategies for error minimization, and gives an overview of the types of reliability studies. Content: The two main sources of measurement error: systematic bias and random error, are discussed. The three major types of reliability evaluation are then illustrated: test-retest; intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, and the relationship between reliability and validity is explained. Discussion and conclusions: Quantifi cation of measurement error is integral to determining the true effect of therapy, as quantifi ed by outcome measurement. Interpretation of reliability data involves consideration of many factors including demographic, diagnostic and clinical characteristics of the study sample.