bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electronic Tracking for People with Dementia Who Get Lost outside the Home: A Study of the Experience of Familial Carers
Authors: White Eleanor Bantry , Montgomery Paul , McShane Rupert 
Published: April 2011

Purpose: The study aimed to elicit a description of GPS (global positioning system) tracking use in the care of people with dementia in domestic settings and to generate hypotheses about impact. Procedures: Users were recruited through a commercial provider. Qualitative interviews with 10 carers were completed to generate an in-depth description of how the devices were used and the perceived impact. A questionnaire was administered to ascertain sample characteristics. Findings: Most carers preferred to use tracking as a back-up to other strategies of management, particularly supervision by a carer and locked doors. In cases where the carers perceived the risk of harm from getting lost to be low, tracking was used to preserve the independence of the person with dementia. The carers reported that tracking gave them reassurance and also enhanced the sense of independence both for themselves and for the person with dementia. The poor reliability of the device was identified as a substantial limitation. Conclusion: Larger studies are needed to assess the safety and clinical value of GPS tracking. These should explore the views of people with dementia. Assessment tools are needed to assess suitability. Occupational therapy can play a pivotal role in this process of intervention design, assessment and evaluation.
Shifting from Compensation to Participation: A Model for Occupational Therapy in Low Vision
Authors: Schoessow Kimberly 
Published: April 2011

Older adults with low vision present unique challenges to occupational therapists because they are generally independent in self-care but limited in leisure, productivity and instrumental activities of daily living. This paper presents a review of the needs of older adults with low vision and proposes a model for occupational therapists. A comprehensive MEDLINE search (1990–2009) of the literature on the interaction between low vision and intrinsic and extrinsic factors was performed. Titles and abstracts were reviewed and all relevant full articles were selected. Additionally, manual searches were conducted of related occupational therapy literature. The literature review found that low vision rehabilitation focuses on technology and modifying the physical environment, but that there is a great impact on older adults with low vision by intrinsic and extrinsic issues such as cognition, psychology, physiology, spirituality and the social environment. The model proposes expanding occupational therapy with low vision clients to focus comprehensively on participation and integration in the home and community. A sample measurement model for occupational therapy evaluation is provided.
Occupational Therapy to Optimise Independence in Parkinson's Disease: The Designing and Recording of a Randomised Controlled Trial Intervention
Authors: Meek Charmaine , Morgan Eric , Walker Marion F , Furmston Alexandra , Aragon Ana , Birleson Angela , Kelly Vicky , Clarke Carl E , Sackley Catherine M 
Published: April 2011

PDOT (Parkinson's Disease Occupational Therapy) was a pilot randomised controlled trial investigating occupational therapy for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibiting difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL). This article describes the process undertaken to design and record the intervention. Intervention development was informed by the current evidence base and practice consensus. An expert steering group synthesised this information to develop an intervention framework. A recording tool was identified from a previous occupational therapy trial and adopted for PDOT. This was completed for all participants receiving the intervention, capturing the dose and content of therapy delivered. Nineteen participants received occupational therapy. A mean number of 5.7 visits was delivered over 60.3 days, with the initial visit lasting 60 minutes (median) and subsequent visits lasting 50 minutes (median). The intervention log demonstrated that a large proportion of therapist visits involved equipment provision/environmental adaptation, mobility/transfers/ADL training, review/discussion, and the teaching of techniques/provision of education. The intervention developed was found to be feasible and acceptable, and the findings of PDOT have been used to inform a phase III rehabilitation trial (PD REHAB). The intervention log has been revised in light of the findings and will be used within this trial.
The Assessment and Treatment of Sensory Defensiveness in Adult Mental Health: A Literature Review
Authors: Abernethy Helga 
Published: April 2011

The aim of this literature review was to explore the nature of the relationship between sensory defensiveness and mental health problems. The bibliographical database Dialog DataStar and various online resources were searched. Six papers were selected, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were analysed by identifying and discussing the common themes that emerged. The literature indicated that sensory defensiveness can have a detrimental effect on quality of life experiences. It can have an impact on functional abilities, behaviour, emotions and mental health. The coping strategies that people develop to deal with sensory defensiveness add to the negative impact on their quality of life. From the limited literature available, it was found that the treatment of sensory defensiveness delivered positive results. This review highlights the importance of recognising and treating sensory defensiveness. It also highlights the lack of literature available in this area. The implications for occupational therapy practice include further extensive research to improve knowledge and experience in the assessment and treatment of sensory defensiveness in mental health settings.
Profile, Practice and Perspectives of Occupational Therapists in Community Mental Health Teams in Ireland
Authors: O'Connell Jane E , McKay Elizabeth Anne 
Published: April 2011

The Mental Health Commission (2006a) and the Department of Health and Children (2006) have identified a gap in the knowledge relating to the interventions carried out by mental health workers in community mental health teams (CMHTs) in Ireland. The purpose of this research was to address this gap by exploring the profile, the work practices and the perspectives of occupational therapists working in CMHTs in Ireland. A mixed methodological approach was chosen: survey questionnaires (quantitative) were sent to 40 occupational therapists working in CMHTs, with 21 responding (52.5% response rate), and semi-structured interviews (qualitative) were carried out with six occupational therapists. The results suggest that occupational therapists working in CMHTs are experienced and are generally satisfied in their positions. Occupational therapists in this setting offer a wide variety of interventions, guided by models of practice, frames of reference and outcome measures. The issues facing occupational therapists include a lack of resources, role blurring and the need for access to supervision and postgraduate education specifically tailored to mental health. Finally, the findings suggest the need for occupational therapists to establish a channel in which to inform wider mental health practice of their contribution to clients' recovery journeys.
Creative Arts Occupations in Therapeutic Practice: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Perruzza Nadia , Kinsella Elizabeth Anne 
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to conduct a matrix method literature review of published research on the use of creative arts occupations in therapeutic practice. Peer-reviewed original research articles, published between the years 2000 and 2008, were included in the review. The research articles studied creative arts occupations as a therapeutic medium. Twenty-three articles, located through multiple electronic searches, were identified as meeting the criteria of the review. Data analysis included quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis. The findings suggest that the use of creative arts occupations in therapeutic practice may have important qualitative value related to health and wellbeing. Six predominant outcomes were most frequently identified across the studies: enhanced perceived control, building a sense of self, expression, transforming the illness experience, gaining a sense of purpose and building social support. The results suggest that qualitative research may well be the methodology of choice for the study of this topic and raise questions about the paucity of research in this area. Further research into the use of creative arts occupations as a therapeutic approach in occupational therapy and other health and social care disciplines is warranted.
Identifying Predictors of Function in People with Diabetes Living in the Community
Authors: Ratzon Navah , Futeran Rosalyn , Isakov Eli 
Published: April 2011

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) may cause sensory and motor changes and may affect the general function and hand function of diabetic patients. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the predictors of function in diabetic patients. Method: Fifty people with diabetes underwent a battery of hand function tests, including dexterity, strength and sensation, and filled in questionnaires that assessed the severity of the diabetes, their functional status, their work ability and their own appraisal of their diabetes. Results: The hand strength and dexterity of this group were much lower than that of the average population, 30.53% were dependent in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and 60% of the group did not work. The regression analysis showed that a participant's own appraisal of his or her diabetes, tip pinch strength, the dexterity of the hands and biodemographic variables predicted IADL and work participation. Conclusion: The tests that are commonly used in occupational therapy departments to measure strength and dexterity are well standardised. They are inexpensive and not invasive and, therefore, they could be used to identify IADL and work participation problems in this population. Early identification of dysfunction could enable diabetic patients to benefit from support and prevent further problems.
A Grounded Theory of Intuition among Occupational Therapists in Mental Health Practice
Authors: Chaffey Lisa , Unsworth Carolyn , Fossey Ellie 
Published: April 2011

Objectives: This study aimed to explore occupational therapists' understanding and use of intuition in mental health practice. Method: Using a grounded theory approach, a theoretical sample of nine occupational therapists practising in mental health settings participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. Findings: Intuition was found to be embedded within clinical reasoning. From the data, intuition was defined as knowledge without conscious awareness of reasoning. The participants viewed intuition as elusive and underground, and suggested that professional experience led to a more comfortable use of intuition. Using intuition relied on therapists' understanding of their own and others' emotions, and intuition partnered analysis within their clinical reasoning. A grounded theory of the use of intuition in mental health settings is proposed. Conclusion: Occupational therapists practising in mental health settings understand intuition to be an instinctive understanding of situations, resulting from their professional experience and the understanding of emotions.
Participation in Occupational Therapy Research: A Literature Review
Authors: Vessby Karin , Kjellberg Anette 
Published: April 2011

Participation is a concept that is used and discussed, both within the field of occupational therapy and in other areas. The concept of participation is included in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Model of Human Occupation. The aim of this study was to investigate how the concept of participation has been used in studies published in peer-reviewed journals. A literature review was performed using the search terms ‘occupational therapy’ and ‘participation’. Papers published in peer-reviewed journals during the period 2004–2006 were included (n = 38). Content analysis was used when analysing the data. The results show that interview is the most common method of data collection and that the physical field is the clinical field that is most frequently represented in these papers. Three different categories were identified with regard to how the concept of participation has been used. These were client-centredness (n = 11), involvement in the environment (n = 19) and meaningfulness (n = 23). The three categories represent three dimensions of participation and are interpreted as occurring on micro or macro levels. Further research is needed and this review contributes to this development.
Development of an Educational Intervention for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Purcell Amanda , Fleming Jenny , Bennett Sally , Haines Terrence 
Published: April 2011

Introduction: Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms experienced during cancer treatment. Educational interventions are used by health professionals, such as occupational therapists, to manage cancer-related fatigue; however, there is a lack of information about the content, format and effectiveness of educational interventions in managing fatigue. This paper presents the development and structure of CAN-FIT, a theoretically driven cancer-related fatigue educational intervention, and a preliminary study of the intervention's feasibility and acceptability. Preliminary evaluation: The CAN-FIT programme was piloted with two groups with a total of nine radiotherapy patients. Patients completed a confidential evaluation form and were asked qualitative questions to provide feedback about the programme. The results of the preliminary study indicated that the intervention was acceptable to and feasible for participants. The participants reported that they received a high level of new information and skills from the education sessions and would recommend the sessions to others. Small modifications to programme components were made based on participant feedback. Conclusion: The CAN-FIT programme provided a feasible structured educational intervention for the management of cancer-related fatigue, which was acceptable to the participant sample. A randomised controlled trial is required to provide evidence of its effectiveness among the wider radiotherapy population.
Childhood Participation in After-School Activities: What is to be Expected?
Authors: Jarus Tal , Anaby Dana , Bart Orit , Engel-Yeger Batya , Law Mary 
Published: April 2011

Participation is recognised as a key to health and wellbeing and is considered to be a vital part of the development of children and youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the participation patterns of children and adolescents in their time outside formal school. More specifically, the influence of age and gender on after-school participation patterns was explored. Method: Three hundred and thirty-two children and adolescents (5 to 18 years old) were divided into five age groups and completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). To test the interaction effect of gender and age on participation measures, ANOVAs were conducted. Results: The results indicated differences with moderate to high effect size in participation patterns across age, where a decline in participation was detected as children made the transition to adolescence. Differences with negligible effect size in participation were found between boys and girls in some of the activity types. No interaction effect between age and gender was observed. Conclusion: Participation patterns change with age, particularly as children make the transition to adolescence; however, this change does not depend on gender. Intervention strategies might take into account these inherent changes. Future studies might consider additional factors (for example, environment) while examining participation throughout age.
Developing an Observed Practice Programme for Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists: Reporting the First Phase of an Action Research Study
Authors: Morley Mary , Petty Nicola J 
Published: April 2011

Occupational therapists working in higher education have acknowledged the benefits of peer observation to their professional development and there has been discussion of its potential benefits in clinical settings. However, there is limited literature and no practical guidance on the implementation of observed practice within clinical practice. This action research study sought to develop a work-based observed practice programme for occupational therapists and physiotherapists in a United Kingdom mental health trust. Action research was chosen to enable the positive engagement of practitioners in order to co-create knowledge and to improve practice. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists with expertise of local practice and personal experience of staff development and clinical supervision formed a working group to develop and implement the programme. The group considered examples of similar programmes from higher education and addressed issues relating to the purpose, status and process of the programme. It also explored its relationship to existing preceptorship programmes and clinical supervision. This paper summarises the key steps of the observed practice process and the development of supporting documentation created by the working group. The observed practice programme was implemented at workshops in the autumn of 2009 to be followed by a formal evaluation.
Return to Work after Traumatic Brain Injury: Recording, Measuring and Describing Occupational Therapy Intervention
Authors: Phillips Julie , Drummond Avril , Radford Kathryn , Tyerman Andy 
Published: April 2011

Low post-injury employment rates indicate that returning to work is difficult following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Occupational therapists assist people with TBI to return to work, but rarely is their intervention described. This has hindered research into vocational rehabilitation. As no existing tool was identified for recording intervention, a proforma was developed for this study. Using best practice guidelines and a consensus of expert opinion, 15 categories of the vocational rehabilitation process were identified. Time spent on each category was recorded in 10-minute units after each occupational therapy session. The records of 21 participants who received occupational therapy focused on vocational rehabilitation were analysed. The proforma was quick and simple to use. The analysis showed that assessment, work preparation, employer involvement, education and dealing with issues of immediate concern to participants accounted for almost 85% of face-to-face intervention. It also showed that for every 1 hour of face-to-face contact, an additional 2 hours was required for liaison and travel. This study showed that there is potential for using a proforma for quantifying and describing occupational therapy. This is the basis for further work to enable meaningful comparisons with other services and use in future studies.
Establishing a Work-Based Learning Programme: Vocational Rehabilitation in a Forensic Learning Disability Setting
Authors: Smith Andy , Petty Maggie , Oughton Iona , Alexander Regi T 
Published: April 2011

This paper is a reflective account of a work-based learning programme designed for patients within a forensic learning disability service. The literature review indicated a shortage of published work in this field and reference is made to developments in mental health settings. A commentary is provided of the three partners involved and the working relationship between the hospital, the workplace and the further education college. As a specific vocational rehabilitation programme, it was important to consider the context of a work placement and the process of introducing an award-bearing course. The paper provides a description of the current developments in the qualification structure at entry level and the progress of a pilot group. Views were sought from the patient group about their involvement in the programme and the advantages of collaborative work are stated, with the joint delivery by an occupational therapy student, a teacher and the nursing team. It is suggested that the narrative of this paper could be built on, with the application of an assessment tool to provide a quantitative analysis of the impact of the programme. It is the intention that the descriptive elements of the paper will inform other practitioners and contribute to a model of good practice.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Environments on the Learning of Switching Skills in Children with Severe and Profound Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Moir Lois 
Published: April 2011

This exploratory study evaluated the effects of learning switching skills for children with severe and profound multiple disabilities using a multisensory environment and the child's natural environment. Method: A multiple baseline study was employed to investigate the ability of three pre-school aged children to learn switching skills in different environments, in association with the development of desired behavioural changes. Observational data were collected on the development of switching skills and on psychosocial changes. Results: The visual inspection of client data revealed improved switching skills with two participants. The third participant, the constant series control, developed switching skills which then decreased; however, significant development in a range of motor and social skills was reported in qualitative interview. Adaptive behaviours improved in all three participants, including behaviours such as reduced frustration and associated crying and eliciting of primitive reflexes. Conclusion: Qualitative interviews with two parents indicated significant changes to behaviour, with a resultant positive effect on the families, strongly supporting the development of psychosocial skills in children with severe and profound multiple disabilities as a result of development of switching skills.
Evaluating Students' Use of Web-Based Communication during Practice Placements
Authors: Derdall Michele , Mulholland Susan , Brown Cary 
Published: April 2011

Web-based technologies are being used increasingly for communication and education within occupational therapy curricula, including practice placement modules. The purpose of this study was to incorporate and evaluate web-based communication during practice placement. Method: Students were encouraged to use asynchronous web-based communication and were followed through three of five practice placements. A policy Delphi technique was used to gather feedback from the students about their use of this technology during practice placement. Results: The students were divided in terms of their use of and satisfaction with web-based technologies. Conclusion: Considerations and suggestions are made regarding the use of these technologies during practice placement for education, communication and fostering communities of practice.