bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shoulder Joint Range of Motion in Healthy Adults Aged 20 to 49 Years
Authors: Gill Hannah , Gustafsson Louise , Hawcroft Linda , McKenna Kryss 
Published: April 2015

Studies of adults aged 50 years and older have shown that shoulder range of motion (ROM) is significantly less than the norms reported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and decreases with age. However, there has been little investigation of the shoulder ROM of younger adults. The aims of this study were to measure the ROM of healthy younger Australian adults aged 20 to 49 years to (1) pool with data on healthy older Australian adults aged 50 years and older from the study by McIntosh et al (2003) to provide shoulder ROM values across the adult life span; (2) compare their shoulder ROM with AAOS norms; and (3) determine the effect of background factors (age, gender, body mass index [BMI] and current activity level) on active shoulder ROM. Goniometric measurement of bilateral passive and active shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation of 72 participants was compared with the AAOS norms using one-sample t-tests. The effect of the background factors on shoulder ROM was analysed using univariate General Linear Models. Significantly lower active and passive ROM (p≤0.001) for all movements compared with AAOS norms was found. Active shoulder flexion, abduction and internal rotation were not significantly affected by any of the background factors. Decreased active external rotation was found for males (p = 0.020) and for older (p = 0.048) and less active (p = 0.048) participants. This study highlights the inaccuracies of the AAOS norms for younger adults aged 20 to 49 years and shows that age, gender, BMI and current activity level do not consistently have an impact on active shoulder ROM in this age group. The relevance of the AAOS norms to other joints needs investigation.
An Occupational Perspective of Migrant Mental Health: Indian Women's Adjustment to Living in New Zealand
Authors: Nayar Shoba , Hocking Clare , Wilson Jan 
Published: April 2015

It is widely recognised that immigration may be more distressing than anticipated, disrupting occupations and threatening health and wellbeing. In New Zealand, increasing numbers of new immigrants are reported to be accessing mental health services. This article reports the findings of a small-scale qualitative study into the things that Indian women, who have recently immigrated to New Zealand, do in their everyday lives as they endeavour to settle into New Zealand society. The article describes a pattern of engagement in occupations that unfolds as the women learn about their new environment, the resources available to them and how things are done in New Zealand. Oh God, where did I come? describes how being in an unfamiliar environment initially compels the women to do familiar activities that boost their confidence and support wellbeing. The second pattern, Being in the change, sees the women getting to know their environment and engaging in both new and familiar activities. A New Zealander with an Indian soul finds the women doing more activities that challenge their abilities and knowledge of New Zealand culture. It is argued that occupational therapists, with their knowledge of the person-environment-occupation interplay, are well placed to support immigrant health by facilitating occupational adjustment.
Psychobiography: A Research Method in Search of a Home
Authors: Cara Elizabeth 
Published: April 2015

This paper explains the interdisciplinary narrative research method of psychobiography, using examples from the author's psychobiographical work about Dian Fossey. Dr Fossey was the primatologist and occupational therapist famous for saving the highland mountain gorillas from extinction. She is known worldwide from her popular book, Gorillas in the Mist, and from the 1987 film of the same name. She sustained her research centre in Rwanda successfully for 18 years before her murder in 1985. Prior to her primatology career, Fossey graduated from an occupational therapy programme in the United States and worked with children for 10 years. The paper details the steps to write a psychobiography, the strategies for analysis and the markers of a good psychobiography. It is suggested that psychobiography is a method that can find a home in occupational therapy and occupational science. The reasons that psychobiography can mesh with occupational therapy are discussed. A second paper, a psychobiographical study of Dian Fossey, is in press.
Differences in Adult Attachment Style, Career Choice and Career Satisfaction for Occupational Therapy and Commerce Students
Authors: Meredith Pamela , Merson Kerisity , Strong Jenny 
Published: April 2015

Adult attachment theory has been portrayed as a framework from which to conceptualise career choice, with evidence that occupational therapy students report both a high rate of secure attachment and high levels of satisfaction with their career choice (Roney et al 2004). These findings appear to support the notion that those with secure attachment styles are drawn to the people-oriented, care-giving nature of occupational therapy. The present study was undertaken to test this assumption further by comparing students from first-year occupational therapy and commerce courses: two courses perceived to differ in their focus on care giving. One hundred and fifty-three university students (n = 53 occupational therapy, n = 100 commerce) completed a questionnaire encompassing demographic information, adult attachment styles, factors influencing career choice and the level of satisfaction with this choice. A significant difference in the attachment styles between the two groups (p <0.03) was noted, with more occupational therapy students identified as ‘secure’, and fewer as ‘preoccupied’ or ‘dismissing’, compared with students from the commerce courses. Occupational therapy students were also more satisfied with their choice of career. This result lends support to the theory that securely attached students are both attracted to and satisfied with the more caring professions, such as occupational therapy.
Thomas Bessell Kidner and the Development of Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom: Establishing the Links
Authors: Friedland Judith 
Published: April 2015

This historical research describes the life and work of Thomas Bessell Kidner (1866-1932). The purpose of the article is threefold: to describe Kidner's British heritage, to suggest how Kidner's background may have influenced his contributions to the early development of the profession, and to examine how Kidner's contributions have influenced practice. Using methods appropriate to interpretive biography, primary and secondary source materials have been gathered and analysed relating to Kidner's education and early work experiences in England; his work in Canada, teaching manual training and as Vocational Secretary during the First World War; and his time in the United States, with particular reference to his role with the American Occupational Therapy Association. The analysis suggests that Kidner brought the ideology of educational reform, as manifested in manual training, into occupational therapy and that this work provided a foundation for his approach to the treatment of injured soldiers. Kidner's efforts to help the profession to survive and expand after the war, with the consequent alignment with medicine, are also highlighted. His contact with the profession and with key individuals, such as Elizabeth Casson, in the United Kingdom is also explored. Finally, Kidner's contributions are considered in the light of how the profession might have developed had circumstances been different.
Severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME): Recovery is Possible
Authors: Burley Lucy , Cox Diane L , Findley Leslie J 
Published: April 2015

The recovery of individuals with very severe chronic fatigue syndrome/ myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is possible with successful multidisciplinary management. This case vignette aims to highlight the beneficial outcome of using occupational therapy lifestyle management and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure to identify perceived problems in occupational performance and indicate change. The current management strategies in CFS/ME are discussed briefly and the challenges of the management of severe CFS/ME are described, indicating a need for a supportive team and specialist inpatient services. In 2003, the Department of Health released funds in England to develop more widely accessible CFS/ME services. This case study illustrates a positive outcome for one individual with severe CFS/ME, following admission to a specialist inpatient facility. It is hoped that it may aid other therapists working with and developing services for people with severe presentations of CFS/ME.
Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Predischarge Home Assessments with Older Adults in Acute Care
Authors: Atwal Anita , McIntyre Anne , Craik Christine , Hunt Jacki 
Published: April 2015

Predischarge occupational therapy home assessments are routinely performed with older adults in Europe, Australia and North America. Their primary aim is to facilitate a timely and safe discharge from hospital. However, there is a lack of published research on this topic, especially studies exploring occupational therapists' perceptions of home assessments. The paper aims to redress this by describing occupational therapists' perceptions of predischarge occupational therapy home assessments with older adults in acute care. All occupational therapists who undertook home assessments in an acute care hospital with older adults during the duration of the study period were invited to complete a reflective diary. In total, 15 reflective diaries were completed by six therapists. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings suggest that home assessments were carried out because of mobility or environmental concerns. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the outcome of the home assessment were related to the incidents that occurred during the assessment. Some of the occupational therapists' anxieties were related to the older adults' level of functioning or ill health, and the older adults' own concerns did have an impact upon the therapists' expectations of the home assessment process.
Social Services Occupational Therapists' View of Practice and Integration with Health: A Survey
Authors: Forsyth Kirsty , Hamilton Emma 
Published: April 2015

There is little known about social services occupational therapy provision within Scotland and England. This information is important when planning strategically for the future. The aim of this study was to understand the views of social services occupational therapists on their practice and integration with health services. Systematic random sampling of social work/social services departments was completed (n = 10) and 57 occupational therapists within these departments received a mailed questionnaire. There was a 72% response rate. The therapists received ‘on average 40 referrals' each month and 98% of the therapists retained the client for over 4 weeks, within which they had 3–6 contacts of 45–90 minutes each. Ninety-five per cent of the referrals were perceived to be appropriate and the clients benefited from the occupational therapy services. Fifty-four per cent of the therapists focused on self-care, equipment/adaptations and discussion with family/carers for more than half of their time, with 76% stating that they did not address all the clients' occupational needs. Eighty-eight per cent stated that there was an overlap with health service occupational therapists in the areas of assessment, equipment provision and family/carer advice. Forty-four per cent stated that there were some changes towards integration with health; however, 98% felt that more integration would benefit clients. The article sets out recommendations for consideration.
‘All the Doors are Closing’: National Deaf Services Users' Thoughts and Views on Deafness, Mental Health and Employment
Authors: Prior Sarah , Conway Maggie 
Published: April 2015

This qualitative study invited Deaf adults with mental health difficulties to reflect on mental health, Deafness and the barriers to obtaining and retaining employment. The term Deaf with a capital ‘D’ denotes Deaf people as a cultural and linguistic minority group, who use sign language as their first language (British Deaf Association 2000). Eight people took part in three focus groups and one interview. The findings were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six themes arose from the analysis: stigma, the benefits of employment, the support required, the differences and similarities between Deaf and hearing populations, communication and the challenges of mental health compared with those of Deafness. The strongest message was that Deaf people with mental health difficulties require somebody who speaks their language when obtaining employment. A list of recommendations is provided, which has relevance to occupational therapists.
Supporting People with Multiple Sclerosis in Employment: A United Kingdom Survey of Current Practice and Experience
Authors: Townsend Gail 
Published: April 2015

This paper reports on one section of a larger project, which examined employment issues from the perspectives of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the professionals who may support them in retaining or regaining employment. The aims of the study were, first, to explore the knowledge and experience of MS specialists, occupational therapists and disability employment advisers of employment and MS and, second, to identify the current practice of professionals supporting people with MS in work. A postal questionnaire was used to elicit a wide range of responses. The results showed that the impact of MS on employment was well understood, but that there was less awareness of the wider social influences on the ability to retain employment. There was evidence of a range of support being offered by some participants, but there appeared to be a gap between the problems reported and interventions offered overall. There is a need for further research to develop effective interventions targeted at supporting people with MS in work, which will underpin the implementation of Quality Requirement 6 of the National Service Framework for Long-Term Conditions.
Enabling Older People to Stay at Home: The Costs of Substituting and Supplementing Care with Assistive Technology
Authors: Goodacre Kate , McCreadie Claudine , Flanagan Susan , Lansley Peter 
Published: April 2015

A wide-ranging multiprofessional research project explored issues relating to the introduction of assistive technology into the existing homes of older people in order to provide them with the opportunity to remain at home. The financial relationship between assistive technology and packages of formal care was also explored. The costs of residential care and those of a number of packages containing differing quantities of assistive technology, formal care and informal care were compared. The analyses provide a strong financial case for substituting and/or supplementing formal care with assistive technology, even for individuals with quite disabling conditions. Although needs and hence the cost of provision rise with an increasing level of disability, the savings in care costs accrue quickly. The consideration of a variety of users with different needs and informal care provision, and occupying a very wide range of housing, leads to the conclusion that in comparison with traditional care packages, at worst, incorporating significant amounts of assistive technology into care packages is cost neutral, but that with careful specification of assistive technology major savings are feasible.
Carers' Perspectives on their Needs and Local Authority Occupational Therapy Practice
Authors: Dibsdall Lisa , Rugg Sue 
Published: April 2015

Unpaid family carers are the main providers of care for older people in the community. Local authority occupational therapists are required by law to assess the needs of such carers in their work, targeting their interventions to support carers' roles. This small qualitative study identified the perceived needs of nine family carers of adults with physical disabilities in one English county, exploring the extent to which these needs were met by local authority occupational therapists. Data were collected from semi-structured qualitative interviews with nine family carers. These interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using elements of grounded theory methodology. Six varied categories of carers' needs emerged. Occupational therapists met the participants' needs for practical assistance and information, but not for respite or financial assistance. Regarding support network issues, the participants reported poorly integrated community services and little initial awareness of occupational therapy. Once seen by an occupational therapist, however, they wished to remain ‘on file’ to gain instant access to a valued source of support. The recommendations made include the generation of family carer targeted occupational therapy information resources, ongoing therapist liaison to raise general practitioners' familiarity with local service provision and additional research.
The Needs and Experiences Related to Driving Cessation for Older People
Authors: Liddle Jacki , Turpin Merrill , Carlson Glenys , McKenna Kryss 
Published: April 2015

Older people may cease driving owing to health concerns, discomfort while driving, cancellation of their licence or financial reasons. Because driving is fundamental to the freedom and independence of older people, driving cessation can lead to depression, loss of roles and unsafe use of alternative transport. Little consideration has been given to the development of approaches to improve outcomes for retiring drivers. This study aimed to understand the experiences of driving cessation for older people to inform the design of interventions for retiring drivers. Qualitative methodology was used to explore the experiences of driving cessation from the perspective of nine retired drivers, three family members and six service providers. The retired drivers experienced challenges during three phases of driving cessation, in addition to discussing their driving history. The challenges were (1) a predecision phase – a balancing act and achieving awareness; (2) a decision phase – making the decision and owning the decision; and (3) a post-cessation phase – finding new ways and coming to terms. Interventions to facilitate the process of driving cessation may need to be designed according to the phase of driving cessation and the challenges that the person is experiencing and to be underpinned by behaviour change and life transition theories.
Limitations in Mobility: Experiences of Visually Impaired Older People
Authors: Brouwer Diana M , Sadlo Gaynor , Winding Karen , Hanneman Marianne I G 
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a new insight into the limitations experienced by older people with reduced vision in daily life activities. With an ageing population, increasing numbers of Dutch people are affected by visual impairment. In contrast to other European countries, occupational therapists in the Netherlands do work with this specific group, but little research has as yet been conducted in this field. This study explores in detail the mobility experiences of 10 older people with a visual impairment. Each participant was interviewed twice; the data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Giorgi's method of empirical phenomenology. The participants' severely limited mobility clearly influenced their occupational choices, space and independence, with a particularly negative change in activities of daily living. They attended fewer social activities and became more dependent on assistance, which made them anxious. Visual impairments were often misunderstood by others and the absence of facial recognition was experienced as a severe barrier to social interaction. Some specific difficulties that visually impaired older people may experience are now more transparent, which might inspire occupational therapists in other countries to work in this field.
Occupation and Health: A Review of Selected Literature
Authors: Creek Jennifer , Hughes Andrew 
Published: April 2015

Occupational therapy is based on the belief that people can influence the state of their health through what they do. However, there appears to be a shortage of evidence to support this belief. This paper describes a review of selected literature on the effects of occupation on health. The aims were to review how occupation and health are defined in the occupational therapy literature; to find synonyms for these two terms to enable a search for relevant literature; to review evidence for a relationship between what people do and their health; and to identify factors that mediate the relationship between occupation and health. The review had five main findings: occupation and health are defined in a variety of ways by occupational therapists; there is a wealth of literature, representing a number of disciplines and a wide range of research, that explores the relationship between occupation and health; engaging in occupation carries both potential health benefits and risks to health; there is limited knowledge of the ways in which occupation influences health; and the impact of occupation on health is mediated by a complex range of factors. These findings have implications for occupational therapy research, practice and education.
Exploring Occupation and its Meaning among Homeless Men
Authors: Chard Gill , Faulkner Tracey , Chugg Amanda 
Published: April 2015

Few studies have been conducted that address homelessness from the perspective of those who have experienced it. Studies tend to focus on services for homeless people, with little description of occupational engagement and the experiences of the homeless people themselves. This qualitative study, conducted within a phenomenological tradition, explored the lived experiences of adult men living in an inner-city shelter. Eight individual, unstructured interviews were carried out. In addition, three visual notebooks were compiled by the men, using photographs and text that illustrated the occupational realities of their life-world. Inductive, narrative analysis revealed four themes: keeping busy; street-life environment; loss; and revelation and sharing of self. The findings provide insight into the lives of homeless men. They therefore help to inform occupational therapy within a shelter environment in order to facilitate the homeless men moving forward to increased and more meaningful engagement in occupation and independent lives.