bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational Therapy for the Management of Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bowcher Heidi , May Miriam 
Published: April 2015

A fatigue management programme for clients with multiple sclerosis has been developed as part of the occupational therapy service at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.* A single case study approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the fatigue management programme during a 3-week period of inpatient rehabilitation. The assessments used were, first, objective measures of productivity and, secondly, client rating of performance, satisfaction and level of fatigue, associated with the performance of a keyboard activity chosen by the client. The activity was performed and the assessments were made during four sessions in the baseline phase (first week) and repeated in the third week. The fatigue management programme was carried out in the second week. The ratings of performance and satisfaction after the task were initially varied but became more consistent when fatigue management was applied. Also, a downwards trend (more exhausted) in the level of fatigue ratings recorded in the baseline was reversed (less tired). Productivity improved up to 100% of the task. The main conclusion was an overall change to more consistent levels of task performance which had a positive impact on the experience of fatigue. Further work is required to evaluate generalisation to other tasks and the carry-over to the community setting.
Occupation and Disability: A Role for Occupational Therapists in Developing Countries
Authors: Yeoman Susanna 
Published: April 2015

Disability issues are rarely priorities for action in developing countries. Prejudicial attitudes against disabled people among the wider community are common and opportunities for empowerment are few. As a result, disabled people are frequently marginalised within their communities and have limited access to education and employment. Farming is a basic means of livelihood for many people in developing countries and for disabled people, unlikely to be able to secure other employment, farming is of particular relevance. Yet disabled people are often excluded from opportunities to develop farming skills, resulting in further disadvantage and reinforcing the notion of dependence on others. A qualitative study was carried out in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana in 1996 to examine the position of disabled people in local society, particularly in relation to the range of occupations available to them. The research highlighted a number of pressing needs for disabled people in Ghana. Analysis of these needs showed that, through application of basic occupational therapy philosophy and skills, occupational therapists have a unique contribution to make in improving the quality of life of disabled people in developing countries.
Developing Student Autonomy in Education: The Independent Option
Authors: Carnall Linda 
Published: April 2015

The article focuses upon the ‘Independent Option’, introduced into the third-year occupational therapy student programme at Sheffield Hallam University in 1996. The option aims to develop autonomous learning and reflective practice within an explicit theoretical framework. A portfolio of work compiled by each student is submitted for assessment. One students experience (of facilitating the health education of clients in an acute psychiatric day hospital) is explored, by examining reflective processes and the development of student autonomy. This is evaluated against set objectives agreed prior to commencing the option. Theoretical perspectives in respect of student-centred teaching, principles of adult learning and reflective practice are discussed against a backdrop of client-centred therapy.
Children's Computer Access: Analysis of the Visual-Motor Demands of Software Designed for Children
Authors: Lane Alison , Ziviani Jenny 
Published: April 2015

As technology access becomes an increasingly important activity of daily living, debate persists as to the manner in which computers are best able to assist children in educational and recreational settings. In particular, information regarding the suitability of commonly used child-computer interfaces is required. Occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to assess and problem-solve computer access issues but, to date, have limited the application of this skill to the areas of rehabilitation and disability. This paper describes a process where the traditional occupational therapy tool of task analysis was used to identify the visual-motor demands of the children's computer game packages that use the mouse for operation. The first author examined 12 game packages comprising 45 separate games and applications and recorded information on the types of movement, task design features and recommended ages for all games. The results of the analysis are discussed in terms of the degree of visual-motor development that is required of children accessing these games and the implications for game designers producing developmentally sensitive software.
Sexual Issues within Occupational Therapy, Part 2: Implications for Education and Practice
Authors: Couldrick Lorna 
Published: April 2015

Part 2 of this article considers the implications of a study which asked if a client's sexual expression was a legitimate domain of concern of the occupational therapist. The majority of practitioners interviewed believed that it was compatible with the values of the profession and should be part of practice, but views differed about the scope and limits of the role. In reality, only half the respondents included sexual expression of the client within their practice, either routinely or occasionally. The results demonstrated disparity between ideology and practice. There was evidence of powerful emotive forces, encompassing cultural, contextual and personal issues, which explained why sexual activity was not regarded like other activities of daily living. The majority of participants did not feel adequately prepared to address this aspect of human function. Further research is required but the study has implications for both professional education and practice.
Rising from Sitting in Elderly People, Part 2: Strategies to Facilitate Rising
Authors: Chan Donna , Laporte Diane M , Sveistrup Heidi 
Published: April 2015

Rising from a sitting position is an important component of activities of daily living. Although not meaningful in itself, it is a precursor to mobility and other meaningful activities. As such, a difficulty in rising due to gradual age-related changes must be addressed by occupational therapists working in community or institutional settings. This literature review is in two parts. Part 1 discussed the functional implications and importance of rising from sitting and provided a biomechanical analysis of sit-to-stand that focused on balance and momentum. It considered the dynamic relationship between the centre of mass and the centre of pressure, phases of rising and factors that affect ease of rising, such as Initial body position, speed of rising and age-related physiological changes. Part 2 addresses this Issue and provides movement, environmental and motivational strategies that may be appropriate for elderly clients. By using knowledge from biomechanics, environmental influences and learning strategies, the occupational therapist can provide various strategies to facilitate rising.
The Funding Agencies' Perspective on the Provision of Electronic Assistive Technology: Equipping for Life?
Authors: Cowan Donna M , Turner-Smith Alan R 
Published: April 2015

Electronic assistive technology (EAT) — powered wheelchairs, communication equipment and environmental control systems — can greatly improve the user's and carers' quality of life if prescription is timely and appropriate. Despite the benefits that this equipment can bring, the provision of EAT is a highly confused area because different funding agencies with different remits are involved. As part of a larger research project, a survey was carried out to investigate the remit of and the range of equipment supplied through three funding sources within a given geographical area. This paper gives the results of this survey and presents a snapshot of provision, showing the differences that can occur. It was found that a wide range of equipment was available through these agencies but that the variation in provision was great. Provision was affected adversely by differences in eligibility criteria, referral mechanisms and funding management. The paper concludes that professionals working in this field should be aware of the level of services provided by all agencies throughout their areas. Solutions such as the Joint funding of equipment are suggested for users who live in areas with services that have stringent criteria and are hence perhaps denied the independence that they could achieve.
Introducing New Learning Technologies into the Occupational Therapy Curriculum: Evaluation of a Hypermedia Teaching Package
Authors: Seale Jane K 
Published: April 2015

There is a growing acceptance that information technology has a place in the occupational therapy curriculum. This has led to an increasing focus on the role of new learning technologies, such as hypermedia, in occupational therapy education. This paper describes a new hypermedia-based application called ‘Computer Applications in Therapy’ and reports the results of two case studies designed to assess its educational value and the potential influence that prior information technology experience might have on its use. A discussion of the results focuses on the three themes of self-directed learning, orientation and navigation, and skills and experience, and leads to three main conclusions. There is a need to explore the relationship between learning styles and use of learning technologies; develop and evaluate user-friendly interfaces and resource bases that have a strong sense of narrative; and cater for novices and experts.
The Doris Sym Memorial Lecture: Developing a Philosophy of Occupation for Health
Authors: Wilcock Ann A 
Published: April 2015

The Third Caledonian Health Lecture, held on 3 March 1999, was dedicated to the memory of Doris Sym. MBE, Fellow of Glasgow Caledonian University, and founder and first Principal of the Glasgow School of Occupational Therapy. Professor Gordon Dickson, Dean of the Faculty of Health at Glasgow Caledonian University, hosted the event, which was attended by a wide range of people including Doris's family, friends, ex-colleagues, practising occupational therapists, retired occupational therapists and academics from other disciplines within the Faculty of Health. In 1997, the year of the diamond jubilee of occupational therapy education in Scotland. I had the honour of presenting Doris Sym for the award of honorary fellow of Glasgow Caledonian University. Resplendent in her academic robes, Doris gave a feisty speech recalling the challenges involved in setting up a new educational establishment and looking forward to her future participation in University events. Her death early in 1998 came as a shock to us all. The University was pleased and honoured to welcome Dr Ann Wilcock, founding editor of the Journal of Occupational Science: Australia and historian of the College of Occupational Therapists, to give her lecture — ‘Developing a philosophy of occupation for health’ — in memory of a pioneer and visionary woman who led the development of her profession and established the school teaching it in the West of Scotland. Ann Carnduff, Head. Division of Occupational Therapy, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Clinical Governance: An Information Guide for Occupational Therapists
Authors: Sealey Christine 
Published: April 2015

Clinical governance is a framework for combining a full range of quality activities, building first upon what is already being carried out. It is being implemented in the National Health Service from April 1999. What is it? What will it mean for occupational therapists working not only in health but also in all other sectors? This paper has been written to explain this new Government initiative and to coincide with the publication of the College of Occupational Therapists' Position Statement on Clinical Governance (COT 1999a). Government policy on quality is explained in brief, along with the responsibilities of occupational therapy practitioners and managers. A table is provided to help therapists clarify what is already in place and what areas need to be addressed.
Clinical Placements for the Professions Allied to Medicine, Part 2: Placement Shortages? Two Models that can Solve the Problem
Authors: Huddleston Rosalind 
Published: April 2015

Traditional models of fieldwork education are unable to provide for the increasing numbers of student placements required to cope with the growing demand for qualified staff. Part 1 of this article summarised the recent research carried out in the North West Region which explored many clinical placement issues. It highlighted the need for occupational therapists to use different approaches to fieldwork education and to utilise non-traditional placement models which have the potential to increase the numbers of appropriate learning experiences without compromising the placement quality. Willingness to test new placement models is the key issue. Part 2 of the article looks at current placement provision and describes the advantages and disadvantages of two fieldwork education models identified in the North West Region research: the collaborative and the role-emerging models. These models have the potential to increase the numbers of good quality placements available to occupational therapy students while preparing them for working in a changing and challenging health care environment.
The Benefits of Environmental Control Systems as Perceived by Disabled Users and their Carers
Authors: Harmer Jenny , Bakheit A M O 
Published: April 2015

The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of the provision of environmental control systems (ECSs)on the user's functional independence and the amount of care he or she needed. A secondary objective was to establish whether accessibility, acceptability and reliability of ECSsand training in their use have increased the benefits derived from them. A questionnaire and semi-structured interview were used to obtain the responses of users of ECSsand their carers in the County of Dorset, England. Sixteen users of ECSs and 13 carers were recruited for the study. All users lived at home and were frequently left alone for periods of up to 13 hours per day. Functional gains were reported in all aspects of function that were studied, but statistically significant improvement was found in 7 out of the 17 functions evaluated. The maximum benefit appeared to be in the functions relating to home security needs. There was also evidence that the provision of ECSshad reduced the amount of care needed by disabled users. There was strong agreement between the responses of users and carers. No conclusion could be reached regarding the secondary objective of the study. The provision of ECSsappears to have increased the functional independence of disabled users and their sense of wellbeing and reduced the burden of their care.
A System for Determining the Priority of Referrals within a Multidisciplinary Community Mental Health Team
Authors: Job Teresa 
Published: April 2015

The high level of demand for community mental health services implies a need for allocating priority to referrals. Pressure to achieve this has been apparent in the British national health and social services since reorganisation in 1991. What has been less clear Is how this could be carried out within individual services. The project arose in response to increasing referrals to a local community mental health team from general practitioner fund holders, leading to unacceptable waiting times for clients. A questionnaire was sent to all 49 general practitioners serving the area, of whom 35 responded. The survey was designed to gain information about the factors influencing referral to the service and the levels of satisfaction with the intervention provided. The results highlighted an urgent need to reduce waiting times and to target clients with greatest need more effectively. This information led to the development of a system to assess priority of referral. The system, still in use, assesses five components: level of distress, level of functioning, suicidal intent, motivation and contact with other services. Scores are allocated to each section. An overall score determines the client's starting point on the waiting list. Additional points are accrued during waiting times ensuring that movement up the list is continuous.
GATA2 is critical for the maintenance of cellular identity in differentiated mast cells derived from mouse bone marrow
Authors: Ohmori Shin’ya , Moriguchi Takashi , Noguchi Yuki , Ikeda Muneharu , Kobayashi Kota , Tomaru Nazuki , Ishijima Yasushi , Ohneda Osamu , Yamamoto Masayuki , Ohneda Kinuko 
Published: April 2015

Key PointsMouse BM-derived mast cells can dedifferentiate into immature myeloid-like cells after the deletion of the GATA2 DNA binding domain. Increased expression of C/EBPα is critical for the dedifferentiation of GATA2-deficient mast cells.
Strategies to Increase Living Kidney Donation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cardinal Héloïse , Durand Céline , Larrivée Sandra , Verhave Jacobien , Pâquet Michel R , Fortin Marie-Chantal 
Published: April 2015

Background: Living kidney transplantation (LKT) offers the best medical outcomes for organ recipients. Historically, our centre had a low rate of LKT. In 2009, in an effort to increase living organ donation (LOD), a dedicated team was created. Its mandate was to promote LOD at our centre and at referring centres, to coordinate assessments of living organ donors, to facilitate the process, and to ensure long-term follow-up after the donation. In November 2010, our centre joined the national living donor paired exchange registry (LDPE). Objective: To document the impact of the LOD team and LDPE registry on LOD rates at our centre. Design: Retrospective cohort study Setting: Single center study in a university hospital with an adult kidney transplant program Patients: Using our electronic database, we included all potential living organ donors who contacted our centre from 01/01/2005 to 31/12/2008 and from 01/01/2009 to 31/12/2012. Follow-up was conducted until 31/12/2013. Measurements: Number of transplantations from living donors, number of potential donors who contacted the centre, donor and recipient characteristics. Methods: We compared the number of transplantations from living donors performed and the number of potential donors who contacted the centre before and after the creation of the LOD team and participation in the LDPE. Results: A total of 50 renal transplantations were performed using organs from living donors during the first time period, whereas this increased to 73 in the 2009–2012 cohort (incidence rate difference (IRD): 0.030, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.003–0.056). We also observed a significant increase in the number of individuals who contacted our centre to donate a kidney. During the 2005–2008 period (cohort 1), 191 individuals interested in donating a kidney contacted our centre, whereas this figure was 304 during the 2009–2012 period (cohort 2) (IRD: 0.143, 95% CI 0.091–0.196). Limitations: Single center study, relatively low sample size Conclusion: The implementation of a LOD team, combined with our participation in the LDPE registry, was associated with a significant increase in the actual number of living kidney transplantations performed. These data support initiatives such as the creation of dedicated LOD teams and LDPE registry to increase LKT.
An Education Initiative Modifies Opinions of Hemodialysis Nurses towards Home Dialysis
Authors: Phillips Matthew , Wile Colleen , Bartol Carolyn , Stockman Cynthia , Dhir Minakshi , Soroka Steven D , Hingwala Jay , Bargman Joanne M , Chan Christopher T , Tennankore Karthik K 
Published: April 2015

Background: It has been shown that in-center hemodialysis (HD) nurses prefer in-center HD for patients with certain characteristics; however it is not known if their opinions can be changed. Objective: To determine if an education initiative modified the perceptions of in-center HD nurses towards home dialysis. Design: Cross-sectional survey of in-center HD nurses before and after a three hour continuing nursing education (CNE) initiative. Content of the CNE initiative included a didactic review of benefits of home dialysis, common misconceptions about patient eligibility, cost comparisons of different modalities and a home dialysis patient testimonial video. Setting: All in-center HD nurses (including those working in satellite dialysis units) affiliated with a single academic institution Measurements: Survey themes included perceived barriers to home dialysis, preferred modality (home versus in-center HD), ideal modality distribution in the local program, awareness of home dialysis and patient education about home modalities. Methods: Paired comparisons of responses before and after the CNE initiative. Results: Of the 115 in-center HD nurses, 100 registered for the CNE initiative and 89 completed pre and post surveys (89% response rate). At baseline, in-center HD nurses perceived that impaired cognition, poor motor strength and poor visual acuity were barriers to peritoneal dialysis and home HD. In-center HD was preferred for availability of multidisciplinary care and medical personnel in case of catastrophic events. After the initiative, perceptions were more in favor of home dialysis for all patient characteristics, and most patient/system factors. Home dialysis was perceived to be underutilized both at baseline and after the initiative. Finally, in-center HD nurses were more aware of home dialysis, felt better informed about its benefits and were more comfortable teaching in-center HD patients about home modalities after the CNE session. Limitations: Single-center study Conclusions: CNE initiatives can modify the opinions of in-center HD nurses towards home modalities and should complement the multitude of strategies aimed at promoting home dialysis.