bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase II cardiac rehabilitation improves quality of life in Iranian patients after CABG
Authors: Attarbashi Moghadam Behrooz , Reza Hadian Mohammad , Tavakol Kamran , Bagheri Hossein , Salarifar Mojtaba , Montazeri Ali , Jalaei Shohreh 
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domains in cardiac patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The study looked at post-CABG patients of Iranian origin who had been admitted to the Tehran Heart Center, Iran. Forty-four patients aged between 40–60 years, participated in the programme, 4–5 weeks after CABG. The SF-36 Health Survey was used to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domains before and after the programme, and at 3-month follow-up. The data were then compared with corresponding values for 882 healthy Iranian individuals of similar ages from the general population. The programme was safe and well-tolerated. The mean scores for all patients showed significant gains in all HRQoL domains, both at last exercise session and follow-up. Compared with mean scores at the last exercise session, the values at follow-up remained essentially unchanged in five domains. There were further significant gains in the mean scores for Role physical, Role Emotion and Bodily Pain at follow-up. The results suggest that the programme produced significant short-term and long-term improvements in physical, mental and emotional aspects of the patients' quality of life in this patients Further research is needed to correlate the values of the SF-36 scores with clinical outcomes, and to investigate the mechanisms by which the programme is effective.
Reconfiguring evidence-based practice for occupational therapists
Authors: Reagon Carly , Bellin Wyn , Boniface Gail 
Published: May 2014

Aims: Evidence-based practice is an approach to clinical decision making which combines the best available evidence with individual patient care. Debate as to what makes good evidence and how this should be applied in practice as well as ambiguity about the meaning of evidence-based practice and concern regarding its confl ict with other models of occupational therapy, have created uncertainty for occupational therapists attempting to become ‘evidence-based’. The aim of this study was to explore the meanings attributed to evidence-based practice by occupational therapists and to propose a defi nition and framework of evidence-based practice that refl ects participants’ perceptions. Method: A mixed methodology qualitative design incorporating focus groups, in-depth interviews and observation was used to explore perceptions of evidence-based practice by occupational therapists at one setting in England. Findings: The fi ndings indicate that evidence-based practice is typically associated with use of research but that this is only partially relevant to occupational therapy and the treatment of individuals. A defi nition of and framework for evidence-based occupational therapy which refl ects these fi ndings is presented. Conclusion: Acknowledgement of a range of evidence, from research fi ndings to clients’ selfreports, corresponds with participants’ conception of clinical reasoning as a complex process that takes multiple factors into account. This, together with participants’ client-centred approach and emphasis on the human experience of health encounters, forms the basis of a reconfi guration of evidence-based occupational therapy.
Peer observation in professional development: Occupational therapists' perceptions
Authors: Davys Deborah , McKenna Jacqui , Tickle Ellen 
Published: May 2014

Aims Peer observation of practice is used to promote reflection and facilitate personal and professional development. However, there appears to be no published research on the use of peer observation by occupational therapists working in higher education. This action research project explored the perceptions of occupational therapy staff within a higher education setting towards the use of a peer observation of practice scheme. Methods All colleagues within a directorate of occupational therapy were invited to complete a questionnaire. Additionally, fi ve staff were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews and core themes were identifi ed following thematic analysis, typifi ed by grounded theory. Findings Staff used a range of methods to support professional development, including peer observation. Key themes identifi ed were the concept that peer observation has both positive and negative connotations, that feedback must be carefully managed, that the relationship between observed and observer is important and that staff want clear ground rules for peer observation schemes. Conclusions Findings indicated the need for further research into peer observation and how such a scheme could be formally implemented.
Approaching in the right spirit: Spirituality and hope in recovery from mental health problems
Authors: Bassett Hazel , Lloyd Chris , Tse Samson 
Published: May 2014

Aims Research indicates that having an active spiritual or religious life and sense of hope is highly protective against a wide range of problems throughout the life cycle. However, the two important domains of spirituality and hope have received limited coverage in mental health rehabilitation literature. Therefore the authors sought to discuss the role of spirituality and hope for people with mental health problems, and propose a process for practice which uses these concepts. Methods A discussion on the role of spirituality and hope in mental health rehabilitation is presented. The authors explore how spirituality has been defi ned in the literature, and its role in recovery from illness. The concept of hope in relation to spirituality and mental illness is discussed. Finally the authors propose how rehabilitation practitioners can apply these concepts in practice, in both assessment and interventions. Findings and conclusions This article highlights the importance of including spirituality and hope in assessment and treatment in order to move towards a recovery-orientated health-care service. The role of hope in assisting practitioners to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of clients is demonstrated.
Social inclusion and valued roles: A supportive framework
Authors: Davys Deborah , Tickle Ellen 
Published: May 2014

Aims Social inclusion is important to an individual's health, quality of life and sense of wellbeing. In today's society, there is an understanding that it is the social, economic and cultural barriers encountered by people with impairments that cause disability. Health-care professionals are wellplaced to identify these barriers and the potential for supporting the development of valued roles for their clients, to engender social inclusion. Methods This article examines the concepts of social exclusion, social inclusion and their relevance to health, wellbeing and valued social roles. The theory of social role valorization—;which was developed initially to support and sustain socially valued roles for those who are, or are at risk of, being devalued within society—;is discussed and the criticism of this theory is explored. A framework based on this theory is then presented. This framework incorporates these principles and can be used by health professionals across a range of practice settings as a legitimate starting point from which to support the acquisition of socially valued roles, which are integral to inclusion. Conclusions Supporting the development and maintenance of valued roles is an intrinsic role for all health-care professionals, and it is hoped that this framework to assist the acquisition of valued social roles may be implemented in therapy and rehabilitation settings. Further exploration of the practical implementation of this framework is suggested.
Survey research: Process and limitations
Authors: Coughlan Michael , Cronin Patricia , Ryan Frances 
Published: May 2014

Background Survey research is a non-experimental research approach used to gather information about the incidence and distribution of, and the relationships that exist between, variables in a pre-determined population. Its uses include the gathering of data related to attitudes, behaviours and the incidence of events. For most modern researchers sample surveys are more cost effective and easier to undertake than population surveys when gathering information; however, this increases the risk of both representation and measurement errors. Contents There are a number of different forms of survey research; however, they all share common steps and common limitations. This article discusses these steps with a view to highlighting some of the common difficulties. Conclusions In the modern era, pressures on time and cost have led population census to, generally, be replaced by sample surveys. Newer survey methods of data collection may also help in reducing cost, but still have limitations. Researchers need to be aware of the potential errors that can occur with surveys, in order to reduce the risk in those areas that they can control.
Emotional support for stroke survivors: Share Your Story Group
Authors: Gurr Birgit 
Published: May 2014

AimsThis article discusses the implementation and evaluation of a psychosocial group for stroke survivors in the acute phase of rehabilitation. Participants were encouraged to share thoughts and feelings about the impact of their stroke, progress in rehabilitation, and views on the future. It was hoped that this intervention would help patients' emotional adjustment to difficulties following stroke. The evaluation aimed to discover how successful the group was in achieving this.MethodsParticipants' emotional functioning was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (Zigmond and Snaith, 1983), and showed no significant changes in mood following the group. A trend towards improvement in mood was indicated by the reduction of mean HADS scores at the end of the intervention. Participants' contributions during the group sessions were recorded on flipcharts. Participants were asked to rate, on a 10-point Likert-rating item, how helpful for recovery they found the group.FindingsThe categorization of participants' contributions revealed eight themes in their attitude to stroke problems. While the evaluation did not show that the group caused a significant improvement in participants' moods, the majority reported on the 10-point Likert-rating item that the group was helpful for the recovery process (average score 7).ConclusionsA longer intervention with larger numbers of participants would be necessary to assess whether the group could improve mood. However, even with this brief trial, participants found it very helpful, and the group leaders reported that they gained a better understanding of participants' individual ways of dealing with difficulties, and that this intervention contributed to improved team working.
The concerns of older women during inpatient rehabilitation after fractured neck of femur
Authors: Colleen Wykes , Pryor Julie , Jeeawody Basseer 
Published: May 2014

Aims There have been many studies conducted on the impact of fractured neck of femur on older women, but they have not focused specifically on the psychosocial impact of this injury on the lives of previously independent older women. This pilot study aimed to explore the impact of fractured neck of femur on the lives of previously independent women, and identify their concerns when participating in inpatient rehabilitation following their fracture. Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five women hospitalized for rehabilitation following fractured neck of femur. Qualitative description within the constructivist paradigm and using thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Findings All of the five women experienced loss of control as a distressing consequence of fractured neck of femur. Their primary concerns were about the behaviour of others, what was happening to them, the impact of their injury on others and their other health issues. Conclusions Loss of control is a major issue for older women who fracture a femur. In addition, during rehabilitation they are concerned about a range of issues, some of which seem to have the potential to be ameliorated by thoughtful staff-initiated interactions. Identification of what concerns patients can help staff know where to focus their input as they guide and support patients on their rehabilitation journeys. Further research is required to guide and refine the development of effective staff-initiated interactions.
UK research governance developments: Opportunities for therapy research?
Authors: Pettican Anna R , Bostock Jennifer L 
Published: May 2014

Background Evidence-based practice requires that all therapists are consumers of research, which means they must read, appraise and where appropriate apply, research findings to their practice. Indeed, their contribution has been described at three levels: as research consumers, research participants and as proactive researchers. Content This article presents five key recent UK research governance developments, illustrated with case examples, which are relevant to therapists across all three of these levels. In particular the article focuses on exploring the opportunities that such developments could potentially provide as the therapy professions strive to increase their research capacities. Conclusions All therapists are urged to stay abreast of the research governance developments, in order to effectively exploit the opportunities and advantages they may provide.
Staff in-service training on post-stroke psychological and communication issues
Authors: Ross Sarah , Barton Jane , Read Jennifer 
Published: May 2014

Aims This article describes the development, content and evaluation to date of an in-service, interdisciplinary training programme on psychological and communication problems after stroke. The training is open to all staff but is particularly focused towards qualified and unqualified nursing staff and therapy assistants who work in acute stroke care and rehabilitation both in hospital and community settings. Content The programme, developed by the authors whose backgrounds include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and clinical psychology, aims for all staff to develop an integrated, patient-centred approach to care, and addresses issues such as improving the patient and carer experience of rehabilitation, as well as reducing the negative psychosocial consequences of stroke. Service users are involved in delivering the training. Informal evaluation highlighted improvements for trained staff in knowledge and perceived confidence in the recognition and basic management of communication, cognitive and emotional problems after stroke. Conclusions Limitations in evaluation in terms of design, methodology and data are acknowledged, however, preliminary findings highlight the benefits of this programme in holistic stroke care delivery. Suggestions are made regarding future more empirically rigorous research into longer-term effects of the training both for staff and patient outcomes.
Normative values for the high-level mobility assessment tool (HiMAT)
Authors: Williams GP , Rosie J , Denisenko S , Taylor D 
Published: May 2014

Aims The high-level mobility assessment tool (HiMAT) was originally developed to quantify the physical ability of young people with TBI. The aims of this study were to determine the retest reliability and normative HiMAT values for young healthy adults. Known HiMAT normative scores may facilitate clinical decision making and goal setting in independently mobile people with traumatic brain injury as they provide a target for re-attaining pre-injury mobility levels Methods One hundred and three people, aged 18-25 years, were recruited. A sub-group of 59 participants completed repeat testing to investigate test-retest reliability. Findings Retest reliability measured using intraclass correlation coefficients was high (ICC (2,1)=0.88, 95% CI 0.82-0.92) with low typical error (0.95; 95% CI 0.85-1.09). The results of the Friedman test indicated that there was no significant difference between HiMAT test scores across the three time points for males, x2 (2, n=28)=4.04, P=0.13, or females, x2 (2, n=30)=4.52, P=0.11 indicating no practice effect had occurred. Males scored significantly higher than females. The median HiMAT score for males was 54/54 (inter-quartile range 53–54) and the 5th percentile was 50. For females, the median HiMAT score was 51/54 (inter-quartile range 48–53) and the 5th percentile was 44. A ceiling effect was evident for males as 52.1% achieved the maximum score. Conclusions The HiMAT has high retest reliability in the normal population and is susceptible to a ceiling effect for males, but not for females. Normative data provided in this study may aid clinicians to establish patient goals relative to the expected normal performance on this measure.
Exploring lived experience: principles and practice of phenomenological research
Authors: Finlay Linda 
Published: May 2014

Background Phenomenology has been increasingly used in therapy and rehabilitation research. While some confusion exists about the nature of the phenomenological project, the desire to understand the lived experience of illness and/or wellbeing is evident. Content This article outlines current theory and practice of phenomenological research applied to health care. I explain the basic ideas underpinning phenomenological research such as the lifeworld and the use of bracketing. With its diverse philosophical heritage, phenomenological research has evolved into a range of approaches including first person accounts, descriptive phenomenology and hermeneutic phenomenology. These are discussed using a range of examples. Conclusions Studies which focus on subjective experience without attending to the ‘phenomenological attitude’ and/or underpinning philosophical theory are probably best considered phenomenologically-inspired rather than phenomenology per se. The special contribution and strength of phenomenology is the way it can capture the richness, poignancy, resonance and ambiguity of lived experience, allowing readers to see the worlds of others in new and deeper ways.
Predicting behaviour to reduce stroke risk in at-risk populations: the role of beliefs
Authors: Sullivan Karen A , White Katherine M , Young Ross McD , Scott Clinton 
Published: May 2014

Aims Changing behaviour to reduce stroke risk is a difficult prospect made particularly complex because of psychological factors. This study examined predictors of intentions and behaviours to reduce stroke risk in a sample of at-risk individuals, seeking to find how knowledge and health beliefs influenced both intention and actual behaviour to reduce stroke risk. Methods A repeated measures design was used to assess behavioural intentions at time 1 (T1) and subsequent behaviour (T2). One hundred and twenty six respondents completed an online survey at T1, and behavioural follow-up data were collected from approximately 70 participants 1 month later. Predictors were stroke knowledge, demographic variables, and beliefs about stroke that were derived from an expanded health belief model. Dependent measures were: exercise and weight loss, and intention to engage in these behaviours to reduce stroke risk. Findings Multiple hierarchical regression analyses showed that, for exercise and weight loss respectively, different health beliefs predicted intention to control stroke risk. The most important exercise-related health beliefs were benefits, susceptibility, and self-efficacy; for weight loss, the most important beliefs were barriers, and to a lesser degree, susceptibility and subjective norm. Conclusions Health beliefs may play an important role in stroke prevention, particularly beliefs about susceptibility because these emerged for both behaviours. Stroke education and prevention programmes that selectively target the health beliefs relevant to specific behaviours may prove most efficacious.
Driving assessment for older taxi drivers in Singapore
Authors: Chan Mei Leng , Gustafsson Louise , Liddle Jacki 
Published: May 2014

Aims Licensing authorities in different countries differ in their approaches to the use of age based licensing, medical fitness and driving assessments. This article describes a new licensing policy introduced in Singapore in 2006 whereby driving assessment by occupational therapists became a critical stage in the licensing process for older taxi drivers. Preliminary data on the older taxi drivers are presented. Implications for future studies and clinical intervention are discussed. Methods Information was gained from the Land Transport Authority of Singapore on current taxi drivers, the projected number of taxi drivers aged 70 years who were eligible to renew their licences in 2008, 2009, 2010, and any data on accidents, demerit points and complaints against taxi drivers. Information about the 70 year old taxi drivers that had undergone the functional driving assessment program in 2006 and 2007 was gained from the Department of Occupational Therapy. This information was analysed. Findings There was a very high pass rate - 98% of those aged 70 or over who took the test, passed. Conclusions The high pass rate needs further exploration. Future research can explore the cost effectiveness of the licensing and driving assessment systems in terms of accident rates, the validity of on road tests and useful predictive off road tests.
Behaviour of the muscle-tendon unit during static stretching following unloading
Authors: Kanazawa Hiroshi , Urabe Yukio , Shirakawa Taizan 
Published: May 2014

Aims To determine the amount of displacement in the muscle-tendon unit of the medial head of the human gastrocnemius muscle during static stretching, after a period of non-weight-bearing following injury. Methods Twenty female patients with a unilateral lower leg injury participated in this study (N = 13 following ankle fracture-dislocation; N = 7 following fracture of the tibiofibula). The difference in displacement of the junction of the fascicle and the deep aponeurosis junction (DA) at ¼ proximal height of the lower leg and that of the myotendinous junction (MTJ) between the injured and uninjured leg was measured using ultrasonograms and analyzed by two way analysis of variance for repeated measures and paired t-tests Findings Initially, DA displacement was larger, and MTJ displacement was smaller, in the injured compared with the uninjured leg. After treatment, DA and MTJ displacements in the injured leg approached levels of the uninjured leg. At all time points, DA and MTJ displaced distally during the first three minutes of stretching in both legs (P < 0.01). Conclusions Following a non-weight-bearing period, fascicles and tendon may be excessively extended. Recovery of the muscle tendon complex might be accelerated by applying exercises aimed at attaining increased extensibility of the aponeurotic tissue.
Ethnography: a suitable approach for providing an inside perspective on the everyday lives of health professionals
Authors: Thomson Di 
Published: May 2014

Di Thomson Background: This article provides a rationale for the use of ethnography, using an inside perspective on the everyday lives of health professionals as an example. Gaining such a perspective occurs through a researcher's firsthand experience of ‘being there’ for an extended period of time. By observing health professionals at work, and their social interactions, it is possible to gain an understanding of their experiences and the meanings they ascribed to these experiences. Contents: The article describes the key methods of data collection - participant observation and interviewing - along with the ongoing process of analysis. Issues related to the challenge of gaining access, the insider/outsider status of the researcher and the ethical issues involved in carrying out ethnographic research are also addressed. Conclusions: It is argued that ethnography is a useful methodology in healthcare research because it captures a holistic understanding of the social and cultural world of health professionals.