bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electronic mentoring: An innovative approach to providing clinical support
Authors: Stewart Susan , Carpenter Christine 
Published: May 2014

Aims Professional isolation is a contributing factor to poor recruitment and retention of physical therapists in rural positions. This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a pilot electronic mentoring, or e-mentoring, programme to address the need for support of physical therapists working in rural positions, in British Colombia, Canada. Methods An action research approach was used to examine whether an e-mentoring programme could effectively support physical therapists in paediatric clinical practice. The pilot programme involved an experienced physical therapist who mentored two sole charge physical therapists with no paediatric experience from a distance using their laptop computers. Programme evaluation data was obtained through questionnaires, field notes and a final group meeting using videoconferencing. Findings The key to the success of the e-mentoring programme was the collaborative interaction between the mentor and the mentee. Other factors that supported this interaction and beneficial outcomes of the programme were identified. Conclusions This pilot study has shown that technology combined with skilled communication can break down the barriers of distance and be an effective tool for clinical support. Further research is needed to establish the optimal organization of this type of programme and to rigorously evaluate the long-term benefits and effectiveness of e-mentoring.
How to read and critically appraise a reliability article
Authors: Bialocerkowski Andrea , Klupp Nerida , Bragge Peter 
Published: May 2014

Background This article is a guide to critically appraising reliability studies based upon fundamental reliability concepts. It focuses on reliability studies of physical measurement instruments used in the allied health professions. Content Eight critical appraisal questions specific to reliability studies are outlined, and their theoretical basis and importance described. The questions encompass key aspects of reliability theory; selection of clinically stable participants appropriate to the instrument and condition of interest; minimization of random error; appropriate periods of time between measurements; the interpretation of frequently used reliability statistics; and the generalizability of results. The importance of interpreting reliability studies in specific clinical contexts and settings is emphasized. Conclusions These questions will guide clinicians and researchers to make informed decisions regarding whether reliability evidence can be applied to their specific context.
Participatory research. Part 1: key features and underlying philosophy
Authors: Northway Ruth 
Published: May 2014

Background The use of participatory research approaches is growing within the context of health and social care services, as researchers seek to include service users in research into services provided. Content Participatory research is characterized by working with a community, changing the balance of power, involving a different role for the researcher and active participation of the community at all stages of the research process. This results in the production of ‘useful’ knowledge and a commitment to action on the part of the researcher and the community. Conclusions The areas involved in participatory research are explored to provide readers with an understanding of its key features and underlying philosophy. This provides the foundation for a subsequent article in the next issue, which considers the practical implications of using this as a research approach.
Workforce planning in the context of service redesign, workforce migration and changing demographics
Authors: Harden B , Fraher E 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Healthcare is facing unprecedented challenges in which economic, demographic and policy changes will impact upon all aspects of workforce and service delivery both within the UK and internationally. How the rehabilitation workforce responds to the challenges will be a fundamental marker of the success of future service delivery. Content These changing imperatives require a reinterpretation of existing workforce planning. A more collaborative and patient-centred approach is now advocated within which productivity becomes a major player, with quality remaining at the heart of the agenda alongside an increasing emphasis upon prevention. This article describes how the workforce needs to realign itself with this directional change. Conclusions This article provides an overview of the current policy context shaping the health workforce agenda and suggests future strategies to assist planners in achieving an effective planning cycle within the rapidly changing and dynamic health care delivery system.
Proposing a new sexual health model of practice for disability teams: the Recognition Model
Authors: Couldrick Lorna , Sadlo Gaynor , Cross Vinette 
Published: May 2014

Background Health and social care professionals working with disabled people are increasingly recognising the importance of holistic practice that encompasses the sexual health needs of service users. For some this is a new and unfamiliar area of practice. A new sexual health model, the Recognition Model, developed to assist good practice, is proposed. Content The Recognition Model builds on evidence from an extensive research project into the practice of community physical disability teams (occupational therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists). At its core is the recognition of disabled people as having sexual desires and needs like anyone else. This research indicated potential limitations of the PLISSIT sexual health model. Conclusions The Recognition Model takes a team approach to protect and support the sexual health of service users. It draws on existing skills within the team, and depends on every team member, regardless of role, positively responding to direct or indirect questions asked by the service user, thereby affirming the relevance and priority he or she may attach to sexual expression.
Supporting the transition from student to practitioner: a scheme to support the development of newly qualified practitioners
Authors: Upton Dominic , Solowiej Kazia , Upton Penney 
Published: May 2014

Background The Allied Health Professions Support and Development Scheme was a pilot project administered by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Scottish Government. The scheme was put in place to aid in the recruitment, retention and career development of newly qualified practitioners (NQPs) in NHSScotland. During the scheme, NQPs were provided with mentor support, an online learning facility and financial incentives. Contents This article describes the independent evaluation of the scheme, one which aims to assess the scheme's impact on recruitment, retention and career development of NQPs in NHSScotland. It was found that involvement in the scheme made NQPs feel valued as practitioners and increased their awareness of the wider allied health profession agenda. Financial support provided as part of the scheme was used to help with a range of costs including accommodation, training courses, continuing professional development (CPD) and student loan repayments. Conclusions Overall the majority of NQPs (86%) regarded the scheme as a positive experience and indicated that they would recommend it to their colleagues. Similar schemes may be successfully put in place elsewhere around the world to support NQPs. A later article will consider the impact of this scheme on recruitment and retention of allied health professionals in rural areas of NHS Scotland.
Practice development efforts impact on mental health rehabilitation: results-based health care implications
Authors: Lee Sun Wook , Forsyth Kirsty , Melton Jane , Kielhofner Gary , Taylor Renee R. 
Published: May 2014

Aim: The central aim of this study was to measure the extent of utilization of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) according to an existing conceptual framework ( Melton et al, 2010 ) and to examine whether professional development efforts aimed to support the use of this model were associated with a higher degree of incorporation of this model into everyday practice. 4secondary aim was to determine whether certain pre-identified contextual and personal variables influenced the use of MOHO in everyday mental health practice.Methods: The authors solicited participation from 429 occupational therapy practitioners from six NHS mental health trusts in England using an online survey method and 262 (61.1%) responded.Findings: A vast majority (92.1%) of the respondents indicated that they used MOHO as a primary treatment approach. Moreover, therapist participation in professional development efforts aimed to increase MOHO use were associated with higher levels of MOHO use, and the extent of MOHO use was associated with positive client (r=0.33, P<0.01), and professional outcomes (r=0.31, P<0.01 and r=0.33, P<0.01). Characteristics of the immediate team context and personal characteristics were linked to the extent of MOHO use among practitioners (r=0.30, P<0.01). Similarly, causal mechanisms that involve MOHO use in building confidence, finding flow, constructing know-how, accumulating reward, conferring with others, and channeling time were also linked with the extent of MOHO use among practitioners (r=0.55, P<0.01).Conclusion: Findings suggest that there may be a significant payoff for professional development efforts that aim to support client-centered, occupation-focused approaches to mental health rehabilitation practice.
Explanatory case study design: application in paediatric burns health services research
Authors: Simons Megan , Ziviani Jenny , Copley Jodie 
Published: May 2014

Background: Explanatory case study design offers a way to address complex research issues; however its application in health arenas has been limited. Contents: This article describes the application of explanatory case study design when investigating complex, multifactorial phenomena in a clinical setting. To provide an example, this article shows a case where it was applied to the investigation of functional outcome following burn injury in children, within the real-life contexts of hospital, home, and school. Conclusions: Strategies implemented to maintain quality and rigour of the research design, whilst responding to the inherent difficulties of working in a clinical setting, are outlined. A summary model of the implementation of explanatory case design is presented to provide a benchmark against which this methodology, as applied in health research, can be appraised.
Associated movement reduction training for children with developmental coordination disorder: a pilot trial
Authors: Miyahara Motohide , Schreiber Natalie Ginther , Green Clare 
Published: May 2014

Aims: Associated movements (AMs) are an indicator of poor movement quality, and are prevalent in children with motor impairment. The ability of children to inhibit AMs has been demonstrated in the hands, but the possibility of reducing AMs that involve both the upper and lower limbs has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to explore the possibility of reducing the AMs and to examine if the reduction of the AMs impacts on locomotion. Methods: An AM reduction intervention under stress gait conditions was piloted in nine children with developmental coordination disorder. A single-case alternating treatment design was used to evaluate the intervention effects of AM reduction training (experimental treatment) and strength training (control treatment) on the AMs under stress gait and running form, over a period of six months. Findings: Visual inspection of individual time-series plots from four children with intact data revealed a reduction of AMs, but the effect was temporary in two cases. The reduction of AMs did not coincide with the improvement of running form. Conclusions: This study highlighted the possibility of reducing AMs under stress gait, and indicated that the reduction of AMs did not improve the movement quality of running form.
Effects of exercise interventions on physical condition and health of Vietnam veterans
Authors: Sealey Rebecca M , Tope Susanna B 
Published: May 2014

Background: Vietnam war veterans report a high incidence of chronic diseases. Clinicians should prescribe exercise programmes to improve their health that the patients are likely to follow. This study compared the adherence rate to and the health and functional changes resulting from various 12-week exercise interventions on Vietnam war veterans. Methods: Thirty-one participants (aged 62±6 years; body mass index 33±4 kg/m2 were divided into three groups which performed: 1) stretching, lower-body vibration and upper-body resistance training; or 2) stretching, lower-body vibration, upper-body resistance and aerobic training; or 3) stretching, upper- and lower-body resistance and aerobic training. Measures taken before and after interventions included cardiorespiratory health, body composition, strength, flexibility and functional capacity. Paired t-tests and ANOVAs were used to analyze the data within and between groups. Findings: Eighty-two per cent of participants completed the programme, with an average attendance of 80%. Significant main effect improvements in all participants were evident for the six-minute walk (F(1,28) = 77.167, P<0.001), static squat (F(1,28) = 18.854, P<0.001), timed up-and-go (F(1,28) = 26.252, P<0.001), sit and reach (F(1,28)=9.842, P = 0.004), leg strength (F(1,28) = 7.121, P = 0.013), resting heart rate (F(1,28) = 11.623, P = 0.002), resting systolic (F(1,28) = 8.524, P = 0.007) and diastolic (F(1,28) = -4.348, P = 0.046) blood pressures, waist girth (F(1,28) = 38.917, P<0.001), hip girth (F(1,28) = 27.473, P<0.001) and body mass (F(1,28) = 8.833, P = 0.006). Only the static squat test was found to be significantly different between groups (F(2,28) = 4.257, P = 0.024). Discussion and conclusion: All exercise protocols improved health and function in Vietnam war veterans. Future research with a larger group is needed to verify these findings.
The influence of significant others upon participation in cardiac rehabilitation and coronary heart disease self-help groups
Authors: Jackson Angela M , McKinstry Brian , Gregory Susan 
Published: May 2014

Aims: Despite identified benefits, many people do not participate in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes and coronary heart disease (CHD) self-help groups when recovering from myocardial infarction (MI). Little is known about the influence of ‘significant others’ regarding participation, their role, and the significant others’ experience of rehabilitation without these resources. This article describes research aiming to explore the role of significant others in such non-participation, and their experiences and perspectives, and, from this, identify implications for policy and practice. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in Lothian, Scotland. In-depth interviews were carried out with 27 people who had not participated in CR and/or a CHD Group after discharge from hospital 6–14 months previously following myocardial infarction, and 17 of their nominated significant others. Findings: Significant others are influential regarding their family members'/friends' use/non-use of rehabilitation resources. However, there are important limitations upon this influence. Conclusions: Significant others should be an essential consideration in post-MI rehabilitation, as influences on rehabilitation resource participation, potentially key providers of support, and regarding their own wellbeing.
Effect of a token economy behaviour therapy on drooling in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sethy Damayanti , Mokashi Sunil 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To investigate the effect of token economy-a behaviour therapy technique for controlling drooling in children with cerebral palsy associated with mild intellectual disability. Methodology: A total number of 25 children with cerebral palsy associated with mild intellectual disability attending the occupational therapy department of Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Orissa, India, participated in a single blind randomized pre-and post-test control group training study. Subjects were randomly allocated to group A (experimental n=12) and group B (control n=13). Baseline frequency of drooling was observed by two independent raters for 20 minutes for both the groups. After the baseline data collection, subjects in group A received conventional therapy along with behaviour therapy (token economy) and group B received conventional therapy alone. Results: The result showed that there was a significant decrease in frequency of drooling after application of token economy as a behaviour modification technique in the experimental group (P=0.001) as compared to the control group (P=0.070). Conclusion: The result of the study demonstrated that the token economy program was effective in controlling drooling in children with cerebral palsy associated with mild intellectual disability.
Assessing knee hyperextension in patients after stroke: comparing clinical observation and Siliconcoach software
Authors: Richardson Susan , Cooper Allison , Alghamdi Ghalib , Alghamdi Mohammed , Altowaijri Abdulrahman 
Published: May 2014

Background:Observational gait analysis used by clinicians has been shown to have moderate reliability in relation to joint angles. Siliconcoach movement analysis software uses a digital image to determine joint angles. The aim of this study was to compare Siliconcoach software against experienced clinicians in assessing knee hyperextension in patients following stroke.Method:This was an observational comparison study with a convenient sample of 20 ambulant participants with a unilateral stroke videoed during three walks. To determine knee hyperextension and the reliability of Siliconcoach the recordings were assessed by three raters using Siliconcoach and by three experienced clinicians.Findings:The Kappa statistic for intra-observer agreement for knee hyperextension ranged from 0.8 to 1.0 (substantial to almost perfect) and from 0.6 to 0.9 for inter-observer agreement (moderate to almost perfect). Intra-rater and inter-rater ICC scores for Siliconcoach were all >0.75 suggesting very high reliability. Clinicians compared with Siliconcoach ranged from 0.4 to 0.7(fair to substantial).Conclusion:Observational gait analysis appears to be an adequate measurement tool in clinical practice particularly when undertaken by the same experienced therapist. However, Siliconcoach may be a more reliable measure and provides an objective measure of quantifying knee joint angles for both research and clinical practice.
Motor versus cognitive dualtask effects on obstacle negotiation in older adults
Authors: Plummer-D'Amato Prudence , Shea Gillian , Dowd Colleen 
Published: May 2014

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of motor and cognitive dual-tasks on obstacle negotiation in older adults. Methods: Seventeen community-dwelling older adults (76.7 years, SD 5.6) were timed to perform an obstacle negotiation task under single-task and three dual-task conditions (coin transfer, spontaneous speech, alphabet recitation). Findings: Participants made few obstacle contacts, but slowed significantly during the coin transfer task compared to all other conditions. Participants who appeared to prioritize the coin transfer task during obstacle negotiation had higher ratings of balance confidence, suggesting that older adults with greater balance confidence may be more likely to shift attention away from gait when performing an upper extremity motor task during walking. Conclusions: A simultaneous upper extremity motor task had a greater effect than spontaneous speech or alphabet recitation on timed obstacle negotiation in healthy older adults.
How do physiotherapists assess and treat patellofemoral pain syndrome in North Wales? A mixed method study
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos D. , Noyes Jane , Barnes Moyra , Jones Jeremy G. , Thom Jeanette M. 
Published: May 2014

Background/Aim: Little is known about how individual physiotherapists assess, treat and measure outcomes for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in the clinic. Previous research has revealed no gold standard methods. This study therefore set out to explore beliefs and practices of physiotherapists working in a non-academic health community in North Wales (NW). Methods: Methodology involved a mixed-method approach. 4 quantitative questionnaire exploring how physiotherapists assess, treat, and measure outcomes in PFPS, was emailed to physiotherapists working in NW. Thirty responded (62.5%) and eleven were then interviewed (qualitative). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and organised into categories. Number and frequency of the different assessments, treatments, and outcome measures were triangulated against the quantitative survey data. Findings were then synthesised. Findings: Physiotherapists are aware of the different types of presentation of PFPS; however, individual clinical practice differs. Although the questionnaire reported a large number of outcome measures, interviews reported mainly only the visual analogue pain scale and subjective functional tasks. Moreover, physiotherapists treat function, not syndromes. Home exercises aim for simplicity and function rather than complex muscle group specific exercises. Peers were reported to be the most important source of knowledge and influence on their practice. Conclusion: There is a need to develop an evidence-based assessment and outcome measurement protocol for routine clinical practice.
‘I know how to look after myself a lot better now’: service user perspectives on mental health in-patient rehabilitation
Authors: Notley Jenny , Pell Hannah , Bryant Wendy , Grove Mary , Croucher Anna , Cordingley Kevin , Blank Alison 
Published: May 2014

Aims: This research explored experiences of an in-patient mental health rehabilitation unit. This setting has a place in current services but has not been the focus for recent developments. Perspectives were sought from people who had been discharged more than a year previously. Method: A qualitative method was used. Ten service users were interviewed individually, using photographs of the unit to elicit responses. The data were subject to detailed analysis. Findings: Of the three overarching themes, the first, ‘past’, suggested that a need for the unit arose from complex and severe problems, often for people in transition. The experience of the unit, the second theme, ‘present’, considered four aspects; routine, looking after yourself, time and space, and choice, based on the staff approach. The third theme, ‘future’, identified that following time at the unit, participants had restored, reconstructed, and developed routines, identities, and roles. Conclusions: Overall, these themes suggested the diversity of experiences and indicated the importance of recovery-oriented practice. Most participants valued their time in the unit and could see the benefits for others. Staff skills in enabling individual rehabilitation and recovery are critical, to ensure individual goals are identified and remain the focus of interventions.