bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peer Interactions and Their Benefits during Occupational Therapy Practice Placement Education
Authors: Daniels Nikki 
Published: April 2011

Peer collaboration is believed to assist in the development of critical thinking and reflection skills. However, collaboration may be difficult to achieve in the practice placement environment because students often experience placements away from peers. This study aimed to establish the frequency and types of peer contact experienced by first year occupational therapy students during practice placement education, in order to identify any benefits from interactions during this time and to establish any unmet needs that may arise from restricted peer contact. The data from responses to a survey by 53 of a cohort of 121 students demonstrated the diversity and disparity in the opportunities available. Many interactions provided support and reassurance and made a positive contribution to learning. Return-to-university days during practice placements and regional support groups to facilitate collaboration were suggested. The analysis of an online discussion board made available to all 121 students showed that only 12 students contributed to the discussions. The perceived benefits included contact with peers and practical support from tutors. Improved education and increased input from tutors were suggested as methods to encourage more effective use of this tool, in order to meet the learning and social needs of students with limited opportunities for peer interaction during placement modules.
Is There a Role for Occupational Therapy within a Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Eating Disorder Service?
Authors: Gardiner Clare , Brown Naomi 
Published: April 2011

In Northern Ireland, only two occupational therapists work within the specialist field of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). This is despite recommendations made by the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability (Northern Ireland) that occupational therapy should be a core element of CAMH provision. The College of Occupational Therapists has urged practitioners to challenge inequalities in health and social care provision and to use occupational language to reinforce the relationship between occupation, recovery and wellbeing. This opinion piece highlights occupational therapy core skills and occupational therapy frames of reference or modalities, underlining the application of both to eating disorders. The treatment models discussed are the Model of Human Occupation, the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and sensory integration. Evidence reinforces that the models discussed are applicable, appropriate and valuable when treating children and adolescents with an eating disorder. It is argued that the valuable and unique role of occupational therapy must be recognised by health and social care commissioners and CAMH providers and be vocalised by occupational therapists. CAMH teams are advised to embrace the unique skills that occupational therapists have to offer children and adolescents with eating disorders in order to ensure that clients receive truly multidisciplinary and client-centred evidence-based services.
Interrater Reliability of the Clock Drawing Task in the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test
Authors: Eggins Wendy , Gustafsson Louise , Cooke Deirdre 
Published: April 2011

The clock drawing item in the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test (OT-APST) screens for unilateral neglect and impairments in constructional skills. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the interrater reliability of the clock drawing item in the OT-APST following the addition of example clock drawings to the manual. This study also compared the interrater reliability for occupational therapy clinicians with that for final year occupational therapy students and examined clocks with poor interrater reliability for the individual scoring criteria. Sixteen occupational therapy students and 15 practising occupational therapists scored 50 clocks drawn by people with stroke, using the OT-APST clock drawing criteria. Interrater reliability was determined for each rater in comparison to the gold standard, using intraclass correlation (ICC) and kappa statistics. Student and clinician interrater reliability were compared using t-tests. The scoring of clocks with poor agreement was examined further in order to identify disparities. The student and clinician groups demonstrated excellent reliability for ICC (0.83 and 0.84 respectively) and moderate reliability for kappa statistics (0.58 and 0.59). The differences between the groups were not significant (p > 0.05). Scoring disparities were seen in the formation of the circle or in the placement of the numbers. The results support reliable scoring for the clock drawing item in the OT-APST.
The Conceptualisation of Residential Home Environments: Implications for Occupational Therapy
Authors: Robertson Linda , Fitzgerald Ruth 
Published: April 2011

This paper examines the views of staff about the environments of two residential homes: one representative of a homely environment and the other more reminiscent of a hotel. A qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews was conducted with a purposive sample of 21 staff. Emerging themes in the data from the first facility related to kinship, recognition of history, individuality and meaningful relationships in the homely environment. This contrasted with a more conscious awareness of the tone of the second facility, the need for correct behaviours and a bureaucratic organisation in the hotel-like home. The findings showed that the meanings attached to a residential home and its press for occupational behaviours are shaped by cultural, social and historical experiences. Such meanings are strongly influenced by management, with staff and residents adjusting to expectations as indicated by the social and physical environment. There is very little in the literature that reflects how one should conceptualise a residential home, yet it is the very nature of this perception that is crucial to the development of an atmosphere that indicates expectations for actions – for both staff and residents.
Using a Card Sort to Structure and Promote Enquiry-Based Learning
Authors: Moores Alis , Akhurst Jacqui , Powell Janneke 
Published: April 2011

An occupational therapy card sort was developed as part of an enquiry-based learning initiative to enable students to evaluate their skill development. The online card sort comprises modified playing cards that students deal to assess their skill development. The card items reflect standards of proficiency for occupational therapists. The card sort was evaluated to determine whether it was effective in measuring changes in skills over time and to see whether students found it useful to identify their skill levels and plan their learning needs. Data were collected from second-year occupational therapy students, both by using questionnaires and by collecting completed card sorts from 35 students at two intervals in their studies for comparison. The card sort was found to be sensitive to changes in students' perceived skill levels over time and to detecting differences between categories of skills. The students found the card sort effective as a means to promote the active learning skills necessary for enquiry-based learning. The card sort was identified as a useful tool for planning professional development needs and for engaging in continuing professional development.
Is Clinical Updating a Valuable Mechanism for Enhancing the Student Experience?
Authors: Tickle Ellen , Davys Deborah , McKenna Jacqui 
Published: April 2011

This opinion piece aims to clarify the concepts of the theory-practice and practice-theory gaps, and to begin to explore the impact of these gaps on efficacious occupational therapy practice. Any perceived gaps between theoretical knowledge and practice skills may have a detrimental effect on the student experience and, ultimately, upon the production of graduates who are fit for practice and purpose. A number of issues are raised. One significant issue is the value of clinical updating for academic staff and its impact upon the student experience. Another issue is the need for further clarification of the definitions of theory-practice/practice-theory gaps and consideration of the impact of these perceived gaps. A need for further research is identified to explore staff perceptions of these issues.
Self-Identified Occupational Competencies, Limitations and Priorities for Change in the Occupational Lives of People with Drug Misuse Problems
Authors: Davies Rachel , Cameron Josh 
Published: April 2011

This study investigated self-identified competencies, limitations and priorities for change in the occupational lives of people with drug misuse problems. Thirty people undergoing inpatient drug detoxification completed the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA) version 2.2. Six of these participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on their priorities for change, identified using the OSA. The OSA results found that the participants identified the greatest occupational limitations with the following OSA items: managing finances; making decisions based on what they think is important; getting done what they need to do; having a satisfying routine; and working towards goals. The items considered most important were taking care of others; being involved as a student, worker, volunteer, and/or family member; and working towards goals. The items prioritised for change were the ability to manage finances; work towards goals; take care of the place where they live; and take care of themselves. The interview participants maintained that a focus on drug use had stopped them from achieving goals and making changes in their lives. The findings from both the OSA and the interviews drew particular attention to self-care and financial management needs and suggest a rationale for occupational therapy to give meaning, purpose and structure to clients' abstinence-related goals, aimed at reclaiming their lives.
Experience and Meaning of Group Altruistic Activities among Long-Term Care Residents
Authors: Cipriani Joseph , Haley Rachel , Moravec Erin , Young Holly 
Published: April 2011

Purpose: A phenomenological investigation was conducted of the experiences of long-term care residents as they planned, participated and reflected on their engagement in an altruistic activity. Procedures: Eight residents planned and engaged in the creation of flower arrangements and greeting cards for local hospice patients. Data were collected via in-depth group and individual interviews, as well as field notes. The process of data analysis was guided by the empirical, phenomenological and psychological method. Findings: A grand theme of ‘connectedness’ emerged and was supported by four underlying subthemes: (a) creative and thoughtful activity, (b) sense of community, (c) facilitation of reminiscence and (d) reciprocity. Conclusion: Through engagement in an altruistic activity, the participants developed a sense of connection with their pasts, the others in the group, the recipients and the activity itself. The findings suggest that occupational therapy services should include altruistic activities to help to facilitate a greater sense of connection for their clients.
How do Computer Assistive Technologies Enhance Participation in Childhood Occupations for Children with Multiple and Complex Disabilities? A Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Chantry Jane , Dunford Carolyn 
Published: April 2011

Functional impairments can limit the participation of children with disabilities in childhood occupations, which can be detrimental to their overall development and social and emotional wellbeing. The primary goal of occupational therapy for children with disabilities is to facilitate and enable active participation in meaningful occupations. Computer-based assistive technologies can be used as an enabler, allowing children with severe disabilities access to a variety of activities. The aim of this study was to establish how computer assistive technologies can have an impact on the participation of children with complex and multiple disabilities in childhood occupations and in the development of their occupational roles. A comprehensive and systematic search and review of contemporary literature pertaining to computer use by children with severe and complex disabilities and its impact on a child's participation was undertaken. Articles included were critically appraised and analysed using a conceptual model of occupational therapy, with findings relating to the occupational performance areas of productivity, self-maintenance and leisure (a summary table is included). The findings supported the use of computer technologies for participation to a varying degree in all occupational performance areas, but were particularly positive in the areas of education, communication and play activities for children with disabilities.
Facilitating Technology Use in Older Adulthood: The Person-Environment-Occupation Model Revisited
Authors: Vrkljan Brenda 
Published: April 2011

This mixed methods study used a cross-comparative case study design to explore how previous experiences with technology can influence collaboration between older married couples during first-time use of technology, namely an in-vehicle navigation system. Previous research suggests that, with age, collaboration with a married partner can maintain or, in some cases, even improve performance on cognitive-based, memory retrieval tasks. However, few studies have evaluated how older adults problem solve collaboratively through such tasks. Driving a car has been identified as a context in which older drivers and copilots (that is, spouse) work together to get to the places they need to go safely. With the advent of vehicular technology, including navigation systems, older drivers expect to share the cognitive load with their copilot. Using the Person-Environment-Occupation Model, this investigation highlights key factors that influence the shared adoption and use of technology in later life. For occupational therapists, the results from this study can guide clinical decision-making when prescribing technology and considering collaborative training strategies that facilitate occupational performance in older adulthood.
Older Adults' Experiences and Perceptions of Dual Tasking
Authors: Muhaidat Jennifer , Skelton Dawn , Kerr Andrew , Evans Jonathan , Ballinger Claire 
Published: April 2011

There is no consensus on which dual task (DT) test best assesses mobility or balance deficits in older adults. This study aimed to explore older adults' experiences and perceptions of dual tasking to identify DTs relevant to their everyday life and that they perceive as difficult or risky. Two gender-specific focus groups were conducted. Six males and nine females, aged 70 years or above, participated. The topics posed to the groups included structured and open questions designed to explore experiences of combining two activities and the consequences of that for balance. The results were subjected to content analysis to identify DT examples, task difficulty levels and balance-threatening tasks. Most participants were able to identify DT examples and some identified a concurrent impact on balance. There were gender differences in the examples: the females focused more on household tasks and the males more on outdoor activities. Many tasks that were considered difficult or risky by the participants do not feature sufficiently in the literature, such as stair negotiation and avoiding moving obstacles accompanied by secondary tasks. The views of older adults should be taken into consideration to help to develop tests that are more sensitive and have face validity.
Broadening the Vision: The Education and Training Needs of Occupational Therapists Working with People with Sight Loss
Authors: Campion Carol , Awang Darren , Ward Gill 
Published: April 2011

This study aimed to identify the continuing professional development needs of occupational therapists in the area of sight loss and to identify the ways in which these needs could be met through pre-registration and post-registration education. A two-stage survey was carried out: an online survey was used to explore the education experience of occupational therapists who were members of two of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Sections – Older People and Housing, and a telephone survey was used to gather information from higher education institutions involved in the pre-registration education of occupational therapists regarding the current content of the curriculum relating to sight loss. The results of the study revealed low confidence levels among therapists in assessing and giving advice to people with sight loss, along with a varied approach to the inclusion of sight loss in pre-registration occupational therapy curricula. A need for the development of appropriate education and training for working with people with sight loss was identified for occupational therapists at both pre-registration and post-registration stages, in order to enable the profession to seize the opportunity for prioritising this area of emerging practice and to make a more significant contribution to improving outcomes for people with sight loss.
Patients' Perceptions of Preoperative Home-Based Occupational Therapy and/or Physiotherapy Interventions Prior to Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Orpen Nicola , Harris Janet 
Published: April 2011

This study focused on patients' accounts of perceptions and experience of preoperative home-based interventions to increase health professionals' understanding of what is important or not when supporting patients preparing for hip replacements. Method: A phenomenological approach helped to develop insights into what patients found useful or not about preoperative interventions, thus developing an understanding of the value of the service from patients' perspectives. Data were gathered from 10 participants, using semi-structured interviews. Analysis used a seven-step framework for phenomenological data analysis. Findings: Five main themes emerged: preoperative equipment use increases independence, progress and confidence; individual needs are better met through timely visits; competent therapist home intervention offers reassurance regarding surgery; knowing one's home environment is suitable increases confidence in planning hospital discharge after surgery; and levels of social support require preoperative assessment. The participants identified preoperative home visits as valuable in helping to prepare for surgery. Home visits can alleviate preoperative anxiety and may contribute to more streamlined discharge planning. Visits may help to cut the costs of erroneous equipment provision or last-minute equipment deliveries and decrease length of stay. Conclusion: This research offers clinicians and managers relevant insight into patients' perceptions of home-based services and could work alongside quantitative research findings to inform best practice within National Health Service resource restrictions.
A Practice Development Programme to Promote the Use of the Model of Human Occupation: Contexts, Influential Mechanisms and Levels of Engagement Amongst Occupational Therapists
Authors: Melton Jane , Forsyth Kirsty , Freeth Della 
Published: April 2011

This study evaluated a multifaceted, organisation-wide practice development (PD) programme in one National Health Service mental health and learning disabilities trust. Method: Individual differences in integrating the Model of Human Occupation in occupational therapists' daily practice were examined through in-depth qualitative, multimethod realistic evaluation. A stratified sample of all occupational therapists (n = 74) was achieved using a self-report survey. Semi-structured interviews at three time points, practice observation and documentation audit continued until saturation appeared highly likely and categories were well elaborated (n = 10). Findings: The findings indicated that environmental contexts, particularly the support of the immediate team, and the therapist's personal circumstances influenced MOHO use. The mechanisms that acted as catalysts for practice change were Building Confidence, Finding Flow, Accumulating Reward, Conferring with Others, Constructing Know-how and Channelling Time. Four stages of MOHO integration, characterised as In the Hangar, On the Runway, Take-off and In the Air, were identified. Conclusion: Most studies of the uptake of PD treat people as relatively homogeneous, but they are not. Greater attention to individual differences, the mechanisms underpinning successful engagement and influencing contexts may result in better outcomes from PD investments. A degree of tailoring PD approaches to individual circumstances would be beneficial.
Surgical Management of Congenital Pupillary-Iris-Lens Membrane
Authors: Yu Tao , Yin Zheng Qin , Yang Hong 
Published: April 2011

Purpose To describe the surgical interventions in congenital pupillary-iris-lens membrane. Six patients with congenital pupillary-iris-lens membrane presented with partial or totally occluded pupils, or increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods We describe the value of creating 2 paracenteses. The first one is made in the lower temporal quadrant and accommodates a 20-gauge anterior chamber maintainer (ACM). The second paracentesis is made in an upper quadrant and serves to cut the membrane with a vitrectomy probe. Results The technique was performed in 6 eyes of 6 children aged 4 to 10 months from March 2007 to July 2008 at Southwest Eye Hospital. These patients had congenital pupillary-iris-lens membrane with partial or totally occluded pupils, or increased IOP due to iris bombe or angle closure. No secondary glaucoma has been detected in the follow-up period. The visual acuity before the operations was less than 0.05 with preferential looking (PL), while the visual acuity was improved to 0.5 in 4 out of 6 eyes and 0.3 in 2 eyes in the last follow-up. Conclusions The ACM and vitrectomy probe are important tools in the surgical management of congenital pupillary-iris-lens membrane because they facilitate the surgical procedure and reduce iatrogenic damage to the lens. Timely surgical intervention can abort the progressive pupillary occlusion or angle closure glaucoma.