MedWorm: Occupational Therapy

Can Interdisciplinary Clinical DVD Simulations Transform Clinical Fieldwork Education for Paramedic, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Nursing Students?

Journal of Allied Health — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:48:58 +0100

(Source: Journal of Allied Health)

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Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines in occupational therapy practice: Recommendations from the research evidence

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: By understanding the factors that can influence implementation and the strategies for successful implementation, occupational therapists will be better prepared to implement guidelines. Recommendations to assist with guideline uptake and implementation are provided. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

A client-centred, occupation-based occupational therapy programme for adults with psychiatric diagnoses

Occupational Therapy International — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a client-centred, occupation-based occupational therapy programme for individuals with psychiatric diagnoses. The study took place in a college campus.A pre-test/post-test design was used. There were 38 participants which included college students and community members who desired to attend college, work and/or address life skill goals. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used as a pre- and post-test measure. Goals were based on problems identified in the COPM, reflected academic, vocational, life skill, and leisure goals, and were systematically addressed weekly through activities developed by the participant and a graduate occupational therapy student who acted as a mentor. The Participant Overall Satisfact...

Occupational therapists as expert witnesses on work capacity

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The three professional groups proposed practices that maintain occupational therapists' credibility as expert witnesses on the work capacity of personal injury claimants. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Rehabilitation After Stroke: Current State of the Science

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:51:34 +0100

Abstract Stroke rehabilitation is evolving into a clinical field based on the neuroscience of recovery and restoration. There has been substantial growth in the number and quality of clinical trials performed. Much effort now is directed toward motor restoration and is being led by trials of constraint-induced movement therapy. Although the results do not necessarily support that constraint-induced movement therapy is superior to other training methods, this treatment has become an important vehicle for developing clinical trial methods and studying the physiology underlying activity-based rehabilitation strategies. Other promising interventions include robotic therapy delivery, magnetic and electrical cortical stimulation, visualization, and constraint-driven aphasia ther...

Measurement of quality of life using EQ-5D in patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation: comparison of patients, family caregivers, and nurses

Quality of Life Research — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:25:35 +0100

Conclusions QOL assessments from family caregivers agreed more closely with patients than did those from nurses using EQ-5D evaluations for patients with clear cognition, but either proxy was acceptable for rating PMV patients with poor cognition. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11136-010-9629-1Authors Mei-Chuan Hung, National Taiwan University Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health Rm. 719, No 17, Xuzhou Rd Taipei TaiwanYuan-Horng Yan, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital Department of Internal Medicine Chiayi TaiwanPo-Sheng Fan, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital Department of Internal Medicine Chiayi TaiwanMing-Shian Lin, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital Department of Internal Medicine Chiayi TaiwanCheng-Ren Chen, Chia-Yi Christian Ho...

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Inpatient rehabilitation utilization for acute stroke under a universal health insurance system.

The American Journal of Managed Care — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:56:02 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In a setting in which ability to pay is neutralized, inpatient stroke rehabilitation service in this universal NHI program was equitable but inadequate relative to use elsewhere or estimated need. Less severe case mix and financial or human resources constraints might partially account for the low utilization. Further studies measuring stroke severity and functional status are needed to clarify the actual utilization, requirements, and cost-effectiveness of inpatient stroke rehabilitation services. PMID: 20205491 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Managed Care)

An investigation of the factors affecting handwriting skill in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy*.

Disability and Rehabilitation — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:54:03 +0100

Conclusions. The results showed that left-hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy whose right sides were dominant were significantly less competent at handwriting than their right-dominant, healthy peers. It was found that the impairment in proprioception seen in the non-hemiplegic side in children with cerebral palsy, and also the impairment in bilateral coordination, speed and dexterity of the upper extremities, visual and spatial perception, visual-motor organization, and tactile-sensory impairments negatively affected their handwriting skills. In the treatment approaches for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, comprehensive sensory-perceptual-motor assessments that involve both extremities must be performed in detail at the earliest possible stage, in order to minimize the existin...

Erratum to: The Wide-Awake Approach to Dupuytren’s Disease: Fasciectomy under Local Anesthetic with Epinephrine

Hand — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:06:51 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ErratumDOI 10.1007/s11552-010-9260-1Authors Rebecca Nelson, Dalhousie University Department of Plastic Surgery Suite C204, 600 Main St Saint John NB E2K 1J5 CanadaAmanda Higgins, Dalhousie University Department of Occupational Therapy Suite C204, 600 Main St Saint John NB E2K 1J5 CanadaJoseph Doumit, University of Ottawa Department of Plastic Surgery 1919 Riverside Drive, Suite 402 Ottawa ON K1H 1A2 CanadaJoanie Conrad, University of Ottawa Department of Occupational Therapy 1919 Riverside Drive, Suite 402 Ottawa ON K1H 1A2 CanadaMike Bell, University of Ottawa Department of Plastic Surgery 1919 Riverside Drive, Suite 402 Ottawa ON K1H 1A2 CanadaDon Lalonde, Dalhousie University Department of Plastic Surgery Suite C204, 600 Main St Saint John NB E2K...

Interpretation gestalt of a sexual violence inside family

Psicologia em Estudo — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:27:15 +0100

This article shows the results of a qualitative research of orientation phenomenological-existential gestalt, which aimed to reveal some meanings attributed to the sexual violence inside family. It was configured as a case study in which the informant, from 9 to 11 years, was victimized by her father. The data were obtained in ONG República of Emaús, contemplating reading of documents, informal reports, participant observation and interview. The analysis conjugated, whenever possible, the theory of the interpretation of Ricoeur, concepts of the Gestalt-therapy (contact, figure-bottom and psychological nutrition) and of the Occupational Therapy (areas, components and acting contexts). Units of significance agglutinated meanings of the speech, that revealed positive aspects such as revelat...

Mock MRI: reducing the need for anaesthesia in children

Pediatric Radiology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:26:45 +0100

Conclusion Mock MRI reduces the need for GA in children with the greatest effect evident in children aged between 3 and 8 years. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00247-010-1554-5Authors Amanda J. Carter, Royal Children’s Hospital Department of Occupational Therapy Level 3 Coles Health Services Building, Herston Road Queensland Australia 4029Mary-Louise C. Greer, Royal Children’s Hospital Department of Medical Imaging Queensland AustraliaSimon E. Gray, Royal Children’s Hospital Department of Medical Imaging Queensland AustraliaRobert S. Ware, School of Public Health, University of Queensland Queensland Australia Journal Pediatric RadiologyOnline ISSN 1432-1998Print ISSN 0301-0449 (Source: Pediatric Radiology)

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3-month physiotherapy and occupational therapy programme did not improve mobility and independence in older care home residents with limitations in these areas

Evidence-Based Nursing — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:47:57 +0100

(Source: Evidence-Based Nursing)

Intergenerational Service Learning: To Promote Active Aging, and Occupational Therapy Gerontology Practice

Gerentology and Geriatrics Educations — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:30:49 +0100

(Source: Gerentology and Geriatrics Educations)

Children's participation in home, school and community life after acquired brain injury

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This research describes difficulties encountered by Australian children with ABI in participating in community-based activities with their same aged peers. This study adds to the current literature describing patterns of participation of United States children who have sustained brain injuries, and provides useful information for Australian therapists to consider when addressing children's return to school and engagement with their peers following brain injury. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Complex regional pain syndromes: new pathophysiological concepts and therapies

European Journal of Neurology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as Sudeck's dystrophy and causalgia, is a disabling and distressing pain syndrome. We here provide a review based on the current literature concerning the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of CRPS. CRPS may develop following fractures, limb trauma or lesions of the peripheral or CNS. The clinical picture comprises a characteristic clinical triad of symptoms including autonomic (disturbances of skin temperature, color, presence of sweating abnormalities), sensory (pain and hyperalgesia), and motor (paresis, tremor, dystonia) disturbances. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical signs. Several pathophysiological concepts have been proposed to explain the complex symptoms of CRPS: (i) facilitated neurogenic infl...

Dems May Add Health Provisions - Including COBRA Subsidies And Medicare Fixes - To Jobs Bill

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Lawmakers may include a number of Medicare "fixes" in the jobs bill, now that the health overhaul bill has stalled, The Hill reports. They would include restoring Medicare provisions that expired Jan. 1 or are set to expire later this year. "Nursing homes and rehabilitation therapy providers, along with patient groups, are pushing legislation to undo a hard-dollar cap on Medicare coverage of physical, speech and occupational therapy. Hospitals are seeking to restore special payments to large rural and small urban hospitals... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Evaluation of cognitive technologies in geriatric rehabilitation: a case study pilot project

Occupational Therapy International — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate low-cost technology for cognitive rehabilitation in older individuals with dementia and document changes stemming from a clinical case study using these tools. An activity board, a calendar, a routine organizer and a software program were used and evaluated by specialists (n = 7). A pre-post-case study with an elderly male with dementia was undertaken for four months. All rehabilitation resources were classified as appropriate by the specialists. Post-intervention scores demonstrated improvement in cognitive functioning and daily activities at home. There is a need for further research to assess the therapeutic effects in patients with dementia applying equipment and software to improve cognitive function. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Son...

An evaluation of a problem-based learning experience in an occupational therapy curriculum in the UK

Occupational Therapy International — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objectives of the study was to evaluate an adapted approach to problem-based learning (PBL) on a pre-registration Masters course in Occupational Therapy at the University of East Anglia in the UK. The adaptation, named placement PBL, required students to write and select the material based on their placement experiences, for the cohort's learning. The evaluation purpose was to determine the students' views of the efficacy of placement PBL for facilitating their learning in the final 3 months of their pre-registration education. Placement PBL was evaluated using both questionnaires and focus groups, with two cohorts of students for data collection. Placement PBL was seen to provide current, relevant and complex learning scenarios that help students to move from a theoretical understandi...

Occupational Therapists - Guide to Occupational Therapy

Disabled World — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:52:13 +0100

Occupational Therapy - a guide for the general public - Occupational therapists, or OT's, work with anyone who may be experiencing physical, psychological and/or social problems, either from birth or as a result of trauma, illness or ageing. (Source: Disabled World)

Psychometric comparisons of the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale

Quality of Life Research — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:54:41 +0100

Conclusion Because the SIS had better overall responsiveness and the SIS hand function showed medium responsiveness and good criterion validity, the SIS appears to be more suited for assessing changes after stroke rehabilitation. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11136-010-9597-5Authors Keh-Chung Lin, National Taiwan University The School of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine Taipei TaiwanTiffany Fu, National Taiwan University The School of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine Taipei TaiwanChing-Yi Wu, Chang Gung University The Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Clinical Behavioral Science 259 Wen-hwa 1st Road Kwei-shan, Taoyuan 33302 TaiwanYu-Wei Hsieh, National Taiwan University The School of Occupational Therapy, College ...

The Reason for Failure of Participation in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy During Cancer Inpatient Rehabilitation and the Effect of a Simple Intervention (727)

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Recognize what limits cancer patients from participating fully on an inpatient rehabilitation unit. (Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management)

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Via Christi to consolidate occupational therapy

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:30:11 +0100

The Via Christi Wichita Health Network is relocating the occupational therapy services at St. Joseph Hospital to its St. Francis campus, effective Feb. 1. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

The role of healthcare students (England) in pandemic flu - excluding medical students

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:30:00 +0100

Published in November 2009, this 8-page guidance from the Department of Health outlines the role of healthcare students (excluding medical students) in a pandemic flu situation. Separated into six sections, the guidance covers nursing and midwifery students, student paramedics, physiotherapy students, operating department practitioner students, occupational therapy students, and diagnostic radiography students. The guidance is in PDF format. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences nursing gateway)

Preliminary reliability and repeatability of the Brazilian version of the Revised Knox Preschool Play Scale

Occupational Therapy International — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study demonstrated the reliability and repeatability of the Brazilian version of the RKPPS. This is a preliminary study and further studies are needed in order to validate the scale to be administered in the Brazilian population. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Occupational Therapy International)

LiFE Pilot Study: A randomised trial of balance and strength training embedded in daily life activity to reduce falls in older adults

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: LiFE was effective in reducing recurrent falls in this at-risk sample. However, there were minimal changes in secondary measures. The study was feasible in terms of recruitment, randomisation, blinding and data collection. A larger randomised trial is needed to investigate long-term efficacy, mechanisms of benefit and clinical significance of this new intervention. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Noninvasive Treatment Strategy for Swallowing Problems Related to Prolonged Nonoral Feeding in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II

Dysphagia — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:42:24 +0100

Abstract A 25-year-old patient with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type II was referred due to swallowing problems related to prolonged nonoral feeding. Restriction of jaw movement, neck stiffness, absence of oral food intake, and weakness of the oropharyngeal and laryngeal muscles were considered to be the main factors contributing to the deterioration of his swallowing function. Treatment comprised exercises to improve flexibility of the neck and temporomandibular joint, tactile oral stimulation, passive and active oropharyngolaryngeal exercises, and supraglottic swallowing maneuvers. Treatment was performed for 30 min per day, three times a week, for 7 months. On initial videofluoroscopic examination, the patient was unable to safely tolerate any per-oral nutri...

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Startup at UCLA tech incubator to begin clinical trials for wireless body-monitoring system

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

MediSens Wireless, a startup company in UCLA's on-campus technology incubator at the California NanoSystems Institute, has obtained approval under federal Food and Drug Administration guidelines to begin clinical trials on its novel wireless body-monitoring system, which assesses muscle and neuromotor functions in the upper extremities. The Clinical Movement Assessment System (CMAS) is designed for a wide variety of medical applications and could potentially benefit health care professionals and facilities specializing in the areas of physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, orthopedics, and physical and occupational therapy, among others. MediSens moved to the new CNSI incubator in 2009 to begin commercializing licensed technology originally...

The functional impact of a traumatic hand injury on people who live in rural and remote locations.

Disability and Rehabilitation — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:08:02 +0100

Conclusion. A significant impact on occupational performance has been highlighted, which reflects common issues within this rural and remote population. Confirmation of the extent of these identified issues within the larger rural and remote Australian population will contribute to the formulation of policy and consequent improvements in health for this traditionally underserved population. PMID: 20055571 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Disability and Rehabilitation)

Effect of opioid administration on cardiorespiratory and muscle oxygenation during lifting in chronic back pain patients

European Journal of Applied Physiology — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:37:29 +0100

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of opioid administration on the acute cardiorespiratory and muscle oxygenation responses during a repetitive lifting and lowering test (RLL) to voluntary fatigue in participants with chronic low back pain (LBP). Written informed consent was obtained from 27 LBP participants (mean age 50.9 ± 16.4 years) who completed one testing session during which they were administered a saline placebo and opioid (1 μg/kg of fentanyl intravenously) in random order. The participants performed the RLL at a rate that they felt that they could sustain for an 8-h working day. Acute opioid administration increased the total lifting time and total work done during RLL by 35 and 48%, respectively (p < 0.05). However,...

Family caregivers' perceptions of hospital-based allied health services post-stroke: Use of the Measure of Processes of Care to investigate processes of care

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The number of families being affected by stroke is predicted to rise substantially in the near future. Allied health professionals have a significant role to play in supporting family caregivers. Results highlight caregiver-identified areas of weakness in current clinical practice. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Examination of the change in Assessment of Motor and Process Skills performance in patients with acquired brain injury between the hospital and home environment

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The AMPS was shown to reflect a change in occupational performance for many of the research participants. This research supports previous studies which indicate that some individuals' motor and process skill abilities appear to be affected by the environment in which they perform. This suggests that occupational therapists wishing to know how an individual will perform activities of daily living should evaluate the individual's performance in the environment in which they will be functioning. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

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Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome: a review of the evidence.

Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Published RCTs can only provide limited evidence to formulate recommendations for treatment of CRPS. In this review, no study was excluded based on factors such as sample size justification, statistical power, blinding, definition of intervention allocation, or clinical outcomes. Thus, evidence derived from "weaker" trials may be overemphasized. Further well-designed RCTs are warranted. PMID: 20054678 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia)

Comparison of the play of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by subtypes

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Studies have found differences in the nature and severity of social problems experienced by children with different subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Given that play is often the context for acquiring social skills, there is surprisingly limited research examining whether these differences distinguish the play of children within the groups.Methods: Using the Test of Playfulness (ToP), we examined the similarities and differences in play between children (aged 5[ndash]11 years) diagnosed with the threeDSM-IV ADHD subtypes: inattentive (I-subtype;n = 46), hyperactive-impulsive (HI-subtype;n = 28) and combined subtypes (C-subtype;n = 31).Results and conclusions: Bias interaction, an item-by-item analysis, revealed that the hierarchy of ToP items was simi...

Impact of fatigue on everyday life among older people with chronic heart failure

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Fatigue had a negative impact on ADL mainly from physical rather than from mental causes. Improved energy conservation strategies to reduce the consequences of fatigue are needed. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Investigation into the occupational lives of healthy older people through their use of time

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These data contribute to the growing evidence base regarding older people as occupational beings, indicating that they are a diverse group of individuals who are meeting their needs with dynamic, positive activities. This highlights the importance of a client-centred approach to occupational therapy, as it enables the clients to have choice, control and diversity in their activities when meeting their needs. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

The Roles of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech/Language Pathology in Primary Care

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article describes the different rehabilitation disciplines and some of the ways in which their services may benefit patients. (Source: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners)

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In-Home Virtual Reality Videogame Telerehabilitation in Adolescents With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Use of remotely monitored virtual reality videogame telerehabilitation appears to produce improved hand function and forearm bone health (as measured by DXA and pQCT) in adolescents with chronic disability who practice regularly. Improved hand function appears to be reflected in functional brain changes. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Blueprint for entry-level education.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Baum C, Barrows C, Bass-Haugen JD, Chasanoff D, Dale L, Jenkins G, Kramer P, Moore MC, Raisor J, Wade B, Harvison N PMID: 20131579 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Cognitive versus functional approaches to rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury: commentary on a randomized controlled trial.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Giles GM I describe the findings of one of the largest randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) ever conducted, examine the theoretical relationship between cognitive and functional rehabilitation after TBI, and describe the historical preference for cognitive (top-down) rather than functional (bottom-up) interventions. I also contrast the goals and principles of cognitive rehabilitation and of the neurofunctional approach of Giles and Clark-Wilson (1993; Giles, 2005)--a bottom-up approach. Findings of the RCT provide empirical support for both functional and cognitive interventions following acute TBI. In addition, they provide evidence that each type of intervention offers significant advantages for a specific subpopulation. Th...

Geriatric research.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article provides a review on the state of the occupational therapy research published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) in the area of productive aging in the past 2 years (2008-2009). The article identifies the types of research published, assesses how well the journal is meeting the Centennial Vision in productive aging research, and discusses implications for utilization of the evidence by occupational therapy practitioners. Although many basic research articles provide a foundation for future intervention development and further define practice roles, the AJOT articles addressing productive aging represent diverse research questions and have produced a body of knowledge that is not easily translated to practice. More effectiveness studies are needed to provide...

Facilitating evidence-based practice: process, strategies, and resources.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the steps of EBP and offers recommendations to overcome common barriers. For EBP to become integrated into practice, greater communication and collaboration among all stakeholders must occur. EBP and knowledge translation require multiple processes and coordinated efforts. Therefore, everyone from practitioners to employers has a role in increasing EBP and transferring knowledge for practice. To encourage discussion and actions, the article provides implications and recommendations for practitioners, researchers, educators, organizations, and policymakers. PMID: 20131576 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Beyond flow: temporality and participation in everyday activities.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Larson E, von Eye A Experience sampling examined how temporality, the lived experience of time, varied related to specific activity qualities and experiences in everyday life. Thirty-five students completed electronic surveys regarding their current activity and feelings and rated the activity's novelty and complexity, their depth of emotional and intellectual engagement, the direction and depth of attention, and the demands of the activity on their skills. Using configural frequency analysis and an analysis of narrative responses, configurations of factors (types) associated with variations in perceived temporalities were described. Four composite types identified occurred with any temporality. In most habitual activities, time was perceived as passing the same as clock time....

Doing, being, and becoming: a family's journey through perinatal loss.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article is a description of that process for me and my family in our journey through perinatal loss. This autoethnography uses a personally situated account of perinatal death. This article is a form of self-narrative that places me and my family in social context through the lens of an occupational therapist. This article aims to convey the meanings attached to the experience of grief and loss in the context of participation in everyday occupations. By sharing a perspective on the lived experience and connecting it to the literature on grief and occupation, readers will be able to decide if the connection holds as valid from a theoretical and clinical perspective. PMID: 20131574 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Reconstructing meaning through occupation after the death of a family member: accommodation, assimilation, and continuing bonds.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hoppes S, Segal R Reactions to death have been studied extensively from psychological, behavioral, and physiological perspectives. Occupational adaptation to loss has received scant attention. Qualitative research was undertaken to identify and describe occupational responses in bereavement. The constant comparative approach was used to analyze and interpret the occupational responses. Adaptive strategies of occupational accommodation and assimilation were used after the death of a family member. Desire to sustain bonds with the deceased motivated specific occupational engagements. These occupational responses served to reconstruct meaning after the death of a family member. These findings contribute to understanding adaptation after death by adding an occupational perspective...

Relationship between handwriting and keyboarding performance among fast and slow adult keyboarders.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Results suggest that occupational therapists and educators should consider a variety of factors before recommending keyboarding as an alternative written communication method for people with handwriting difficulties. Moreover, different recommendations appear to be warranted for slow and fast keyboarders. PMID: 20131572 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Establishing criterion validity of the Useful Field of View assessment and Stroke Drivers' Screening Assessment: comparison to the result of on-road assessment.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: UFOV and SDSA are valid assessments of driving ability for stroke. The Divided Attention subtest of the UFOV can guide decision making of occupational therapists in stroke driver rehabilitation and in determining those who require further assessment on road because they pose a safety risk. Screening assists people with stroke to decide whether they are ready to have an on-road assessment. PMID: 20131571 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Near-vision acuity levels and performance on neuropsychological assessments used in occupational therapy.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study illustrates that cognitive evaluations used throughout the lifespan may require the appropriate visual acuity level to maximize performance. Occupational therapists' understanding of client factors and their effect on performance is fundamental to the client evaluation process. PMID: 20131570 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Grasping naturally versus grasping with a reacher in people without disability: motor control and muscle activation differences.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Efficient motor control, which requires both time and practice, is needed to successfully use a reacher. Clients presented with reachers without sufficient time to develop motor skills unique to reacher use may be more likely to abandon this assistive device and fail to benefit from its function. PMID: 20131569 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Influence of age and bolus size on swallowing function: basic data and assessment method for care and preventive rehabilitation.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Higashijima M Objective numerical data on swallowing function are needed to aid in eating and swallowing intervention and preventive rehabilitation. Using noninvasive methods, the influences of age and differences in size of water bolus on laryngeal activity and respiratory activity were examined in healthy young and older women. Swallowing function was influenced by age and bolus size. Influence of bolus size was recognized only in duration of laryngeal movement in younger women, with no apparent influence in older women. Results for older women were thought to be related to declines in swallowing function with the physiological aging of respiratory and swallowing muscles. In the future, noninvasive methods need to be developed for evaluating function and therapeutic effects ...

Documenting progress: hand therapy treatment shift from biomechanical to occupational adaptation.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jack J, Estes RI The investment of time and self to develop therapeutic relationships with clients appears incongruent with today's time-constrained health care system, yet bridging the gap of these incongruencies is the challenge therapists face to provide high-quality, client-centered, occupation-based treatment. This case report illustrates a shift in approach from biomechanical to occupational adaptation (OA) in an orthopedic outpatient clinic. The progress of a client with lupus-related arthritis who was 6 days postsurgery is documented. The intervention initially used a biomechanical frame of reference, but when little progress had been made at 10 weeks after surgery, a shift was made to the more client-centered OA approach. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure ...

Telerehabilitation and electrical stimulation: an occupation-based, client-centered stroke intervention.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Data suggest feasibility and efficacy of a remotely based, inexpensive approach using functional electrical stimulation for affected arm rehabilitation after stroke. PMID: 20131566 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Randomized controlled trial of the Breast Cancer Recovery Program for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a randomized controlled study of one program, designed to achieve synergistic improvements in physical and emotional BCRL symptoms. People in the treatment group received an exercise and relaxation program, The Breast Cancer Recovery Program (N=16). The control participants (N=16) continued with health professionals' recommendations. Participants were tested at entry, 2.5 weeks, 5 weeks, and 3 months. Treatment group participants, compared with control participants, demonstrated significant treatment effects for improved bioimpedance z, arm flexibility, quality of life, mood at 3 months, and weight loss. Adherence was high for this safe and effective program, which improved lymphedema physical and emotional symptoms. PMID: 20131565 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American ...

Development and standardization of a "do-eat" activity of daily living performance test for children.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the Do-Eat is a reliable, valid tool for identifying children at risk for DCD. PMID: 20131564 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Reliability and validity of the Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting-Cursive (ETCH-C) using the general scoring criteria.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The ETCH-C, using the general scoring criteria, is a reliable and valid test of handwriting for children using alternative scripts. PMID: 20131563 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

The Log Handwriting Program improved children's writing legibility: a pretest-posttest study.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence indicates that an 8-week Log Handwriting Program is feasible and improved handwriting in primary school children. PMID: 20131562 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Effect of assistive technology in a public school setting.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Watson AH, Ito M, Smith RO, Andersen LT The Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) requires assistive technology (AT) be considered at the yearly individualized education program (IEP) meeting of every student in special education. IDEA also directs that AT be implemented on the basis of peer-reviewed literature despite a paucity of research on AT's effectiveness in the public schools. This repeated-measures quasi-experimental study explored AT's effect in a public school special education setting. Participants (N=13) were a heterogeneous group of students in 1 school system who had newly provided AT to address academic and communication goals in one school year. Results suggest that relative to other interventions, AT provided by a multidiscipl...

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Evaluation of social interaction during occupational engagement.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Simmons CD, Griswold LA, Berg B The Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI; Fisher & Griswold, 2008) assesses a person's performance of social interaction skills in the natural context with typical social partners during any area of occupation. We used Rasch analysis of 175 observations of 128 people, ages 4-73, to examine internal scale validity, the items' skill hierarchy and intended purpose, and the ESI's ability to differentiate between people with and without disabilities. The ESI demonstrated validity for 24 of 27 skills and six intended purposes, with a hierarchy of performance. Of the observations, 95.3% demonstrated goodness of fit to the Rasch model, indicating person response validity. People without a disability demonstrated significantly higher social skills p...

Online publication and the impact factor.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gutman SA PMID: 20131559 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

An exploration of participation in leisure activities post-stroke

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Implications revealed that post-stroke interventions need a more occupation-focussed approach, including return to leisure at an earlier stage of stroke rehabilitation. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Lessons learned from a multidisciplinary fall-prevention programme: The occupational-therapy element. - Bleijlevens MH, Hendriks MR, van Haastregt JC, Crebolder HF, van Eijk JT.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:14:17 +0100

Abstract Objective: To gain insight into the contribution of the occupational-therapy part of a multidisciplinary fall prevention programme towards the reduction of falls and functional decline. Design: A descriptive and exploratory study. Methods: Data we... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Attitudes of Students in Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy Toward Interprofessional Education

Journal of Allied Health — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:19:26 +0100

(Source: Journal of Allied Health)

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Predictors of disability and pain six months after the end of treatment for fibromyalgia.

Pain Physician — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:18:06 +0100

DISCUSSION: Self-efficacy and adherence are 2 modifiable factors that influence disability and pain intensity in FM. These psychosocial factors need to be addressed in FM treatment programs to assist patients in maintaining posttreatment improvements. PMID: 20026949 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Pain Physician)

The Community Approach to Participation: Outcomes Following Acquired Brain Injury Intervention

Brain Impairment — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Increased functional independence, community integration, and participation in both the Early and Late groups over a 12 month period demonstrates the potential for improved participation outcomes for people with complex needs following ABI, even many years post injury. (Source: Brain Impairment)

Changes in Care and Support Needs Following Community-Based Intervention for Individuals With Acquired Brain Injury

Brain Impairment — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: With a long term approach and contextualised intervention targeted at skill development in the areas that underpin personally valued participation, increased role performance and community integration can be achieved by people with severe ABI, even many years post injury. This increased capacity has been found to be associated with a reduction in care and support needs, including paid and gratuitous care hours, over time. (Source: Brain Impairment)

Parents' perspectives on occupational therapy and physical therapy goals for children with cerebral palsy.

Disability and Rehabilitation — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:58:05 +0100

Conclusions. The variability noted both in parents' desired role in goal setting and in goals important to parents highlights the importance of establishing trusting relationships with families so that family goals, values, individual circumstances, and desired level of participation in goal setting can be openly discussed. PMID: 20001831 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Disability and Rehabilitation)

[Deficits of routine occupational therapy services in rheumatic diseases : Results of the RheumaDat study.]

Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Thieme H, Löffler K, Borgetto B The purpose of the present study is to describe the frequency and potential determinants of occupational therapy routine services in patients with rheumatic diseases. The study is based on a secondary analysis of the RheumaDat database. The results of the survey on 907 patients were analyzed regarding frequency of occupational therapy routine services and related sociodemographic and disease-specific variables. Approximately 8% of the study population received occupational therapy, patients with rheumatoid arthritis representing the largest proportion of these at 13%. Only patients with osteoarthritis showed a clear treatment pattern. Patients from this group receiving occupational therapy were older, had a longer duration of disease and we...

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Happy and healthy only if occupied? Perceptions of health sciences students on occupation in later life

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Occupational therapists have potential to take an active role in undergraduate health science education and to inform the development of holistic models that would include spirituality as an avenue to live late life to its fullest potential. Photovoice emerged as a powerful teaching method to increase awareness, empathy and compassion of young adults towards ageing. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Inter-rater, intra-rater and internal consistency reliability of the Theory Application Assessment Instrument

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The instrument shows promise of being an efficient tool. However, this was an exploratory study with a small sample. Its replication with a larger more representative sample is needed to increase external validity. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Keeping current in ... effectiveness of occupational therapy in the school environment

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:01 +0100

Produced by CanChild, the Canadian Centre for Childhood Disability Research at McMaster University, this document is from a resource collection entitled 'Keeping Currents'. The 'Keeping Currents' 'provide an overview and summary of research evidence of what is known about a topic related to children with disabilities and their families. The topics are often based on a "hot" issue in children's rehabilitation and the need for a 'Keeping Current' may come from questions that CanChild receives from parents and service providers'. This document considers the effectiveness of occupational therapy in schools. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences nursing gateway)

Population-based study of migraine in Spanish adults: relation to socio-demographic factors, lifestyle and co-morbidity with other conditions

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:07:14 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of migraine in the general Spanish population and its association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, self-reported health status, and co-morbidity with other conditions. We analyzed data obtained from adults aged 16 years or older (n = 29,478) who participated in the 2006 Spanish National Health Survey (SNHS), an ongoing, home-based personal interview which examines a nation-wide representative sample of civilian non-institutionalized population residing in main family dwellings (household) of Spain. We analyzed socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, marital status, educational level, occupational status, and monetary monthly income); self-perceived health status; lifestyle habi...

Children’s Brittle Bone Foundation/Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Impact Grant

ScanGrants feed — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Children’s Brittle Bone Foundation/Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Impact Grant The Children’s Brittle Bone Foundation/Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Impact Grant is a grant to support people with OI in need of equipment or services that will improve their quality of life.Eligibility-- OI Diagnosis-- Financial need – if application is chosen as a finalist, income verification will be required.-- Request improves the applicant’s quality of life.-- Grant must be used within 12 months or less.-- Those receiving an Impact Grant are not eligible to apply for additional funding for one year.-- Applicant must be a United States resident, and funds may only be allocated within the United States. Allowable Use of FundsFunds may be used for one of the following:-- Orth...

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RefWorks Fall Updates

What's New on JEFFLINE — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:45:20 +0100

Updated Import Filter: OVID New Output styles: American Journal of Ophthalmology Annals of Medicine Annals of Occupational Hygiene Antiviral Research Biological Control Biological Invasions Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters BMC Malaria British journal of Occupational Therapy Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology Carcinogenesis Cell Research Chemico-Biological Interactions Clinical medicine Current Genetics Developmental Neurobiology Digestive and Liver Disease Emerging and Infectious Diseases European Journal of Medical Genetics European Journal of Pediatrics Experimental Parasitology In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant International Journal of Audiology Journal of Antibiotics Journal of Biochemistry Journal of Bu...

Feasibility and effects of preventive home visits for at-risk older people: Design of a randomized controlled trial

BMC Geriatrics — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

DiscussionFeasibility indications to date are positive. Although the protocol has some limitations, we expect to learn enough about the intervention, delivery and effects to support a larger trial with a more stringent design and enhanced statistical power.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT00985283 (Source: BMC Geriatrics)

Rating Scale Use by Children With Disabilities on a Self-Report of Everyday Activities

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Personal and contextual variables are associated with children with disabilities' use of self-report rating scales. Younger children and children with intellectual disabilities use a modified response pattern. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Occupational therapy 'reduces rheumatoid arthritis work disability'

Arthritis Research Campaign — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

British and Australian scientists have found that occupational therapy can improve the chances of people with rheumatoid arthritis staying in work. (Source: Arthritis Research Campaign)

Validation of EQ-5D in patients with cervical cancer in Taiwan

Supportive Care in Cancer — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:59:22 +0100

Conclusion The EQ-5D questionnaire is reliable and valid for the assessment of health-related quality of life in patients with cervical cancer in Taiwan. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00520-009-0745-9Authors Hui-Chu Lang, National Yang-Ming University Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration No. 155 Li-Nong Street, Section 2 Taipei 112 TaiwanLinghsiang Chuang, University of York Centre for Health Economics York UKShiow-Ching Shun, National Taiwan University Department of Nursing Taipei TaiwanChing-Lin Hsieh, National Taiwan University School of Occupational Therapy Taipei TaiwanChung-Fu Lan, National Yang-Ming University Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine Taipei Taiwan Journal Supportive Car...

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'Coma' revelation leads to re-examination of other cases

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:57:28 +0100

Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which nearly all the body's voluntary muscles are paralysed, but the patient remains conscious and able to think and reason.It can be caused by traumatic brain injury, diseases of the circulatory system, overdosing on medication or diseases that destroy the insulating sheath surrounding nerve cells.There is no cure, although electrodes can be used to stimulate muscle reflexes in an attempt to activate some paralysed muscles.Most sufferers of the syndrome are able to move their eyes: the French journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby was able to write his memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, by blinking his left eyelid to choose each letter.But Rom Houben's paralysis extended to the muscles controlling eye movement, and he was left powerle...

Locked-in syndrome discovery leads to re-examination of other cases

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:57:28 +0100

Use of electronic anatomy practical examinations for remediating "at risk" students

Anatomical Sciences Education — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article describes a combination of anatomy testing and grading strategies to allow "at risk" (borderline failing) students an opportunity to remediate their lowest set of examination scores and pass their anatomy course. An alternative electronic practical examination for these students provided flexibility in laboratory scheduling, thereby increasing laboratory access for other students taking concurrent courses. Specifically, the electronic examinations allowed for a reduction in the amount of time the cadaver laboratory is locked down for examination purposes. Masters-level occupational therapy (MOT) students, physician assistant students (MPA), and doctoral level physical therapy (DPT) students participated in a prosection-based human cadaver laboratory and take cadaver-based prac...

Pushing the brain to find new pathways

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities. Although this belief has been refuted, an occupational therapy professor believes that the current health system is still not giving patients enough time to recover. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Child physiotherapy program expanded

CBC | Health — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:19:36 +0100

Children older than six who require daily physiotherapy or occupational therapy will soon be able to get it at three P.E.I. schools. (Source: CBC | Health)

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MU Occupational Therapy Professor Says Recovery From Brain Injuries Can Last A Lifetime

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

MU Occupational Therapy Professor Says Recovery From Brain Injuries Can Last A Lifetime

Stroke / Neuroprotection News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

MU Occupational Therapy Professor Says Recovery From Brain Injuries Can Last A Lifetime

Rehabilitation News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Scope of practice of occupational therapists working in Victorian community health settings

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Study findings have implications for occupational therapy training, and there is a clear need for input at policy level to address the significant resource allocation issues raised. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Pushing the brain to find new pathways

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Missouri-Columbia) Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities. Although this belief has been refuted, a University of Missouri occupational therapy professor believes that the current health system is still not giving patients enough time to recover. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Navigating ethical discharge planning: A case study in older adult rehabilitation

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Dialogue is needed to identify risks, help clients determine their personal level of acceptable risk and determine provisions to minimise risks. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Canceled Subscriptions for 2010

CWML Blog — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:52 +0100

Due to the budget challenges facing the library, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the following publications for 2010. We based the decisions on a review of usage data and journal citation data using the ISI Impact Factor. Please keep in mind that our excellent document delivery services can get any article you need, often within a day, from another library. Please see our Request Materials pages for more information. You can also easily place an interlibrary loan request using Yale Links. If you have comments or questions, please contact either your Library Liaison, or Daniel Dollar (Head, Collection Development and Management), daniel.dollar@yale.edu. 2010 Cushing/Whitney Medical Library Cancellation List Title �...

What Types of Community Services Are Available?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:16 +0100

Discussion Health care providers often view the patient through the medical lens and may not see the full view of all aspects of patients and families lives. Even many who work in community centered locations may not be aware of the breadth of services wanted and needed by families. Medical and community services are diverse in every location and often change as funding becomes available or dries up. One of the most difficult tasks for a health care provider (and patients and families) is to move to a new location and need to locate and access various services. Health care providers who take care of patients and families from a wide geographical area are at an additional disadvantage as the practitioner often is not aware of the availability or non-availability of local community services...

Physiotherapy Associates at National Workers Compensation and Disability Conference and Expo

Disabled World — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:36:13 +0100

Physiotherapy Associates workers compensation services encompass physical therapy, occupational therapy, functional capacity evaluations, and specialized return-to-work programs such as work conditioning. (Source: Disabled World)

Retirement: What will you do? A narrative inquiry of occupation-based planning for retirement: Implications for practice

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Occupational therapists have a unique understanding of the centrality of occupation to health and wellbeing. Thus occupational therapists are well-positioned to assist people identify, plan and engage in meaningful occupations outside work in retirement. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

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The Wide-Awake Approach to Dupuytren’s Disease: Fasciectomy under Local Anesthetic with Epinephrine

Hand — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:05:14 +0100

Abstract The Wide-Awake Approach to Dupuytren's contracture involves fasciectomy under local anesthetic with epinephrine and no tourniquet. The goal of this study is to show that the Wide-Awake Approach produces equivalent outcomes to fasciectomy under general anesthetic with a tourniquet, with fewer risks to the patient. A multicenter retrospective review was conducted on 111 patients with fasciectomies under local or general anesthetic between 2001 and 2007. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, cost, as well as range of motion was collected and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and SAS. Of 148 fingers, 102 were treated under local and 46 under general anesthetic. The average postoperative Total Active Motion (TAM) for general anesthetic patients was 199.0 ± 29...

The Association Between Rheumatoid Arthritis Related Structural Changes in Hands and Computer Keyboard Operation

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:14:13 +0100

Conclusion Severity of structural changes and age are significant predictors of keyboarding style for computer operators with RA. The keyboarding styles used by computer operators with RA appear to reduce typing productivity and have the potential to put stress on joints already affected by RA. Computer operators with RA may benefit from worksite modifications that address keyboarding style such as alternate keyboards. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10926-009-9216-xAuthors Nancy A. Baker, University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy 5012 Forbes Tower Pittsburgh PA 15260 USANorman P. Gustafson, University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy 5012 Forbes Tower Pittsburgh PA 15260 USAJoan Rogers, University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational ...

Occupational therapy protocol for amputees with targeted muscle reinnervation.

J Rehabil Res Dev — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:34:03 +0100

This article briefly describes the procedure and presents the protocol for postoperative, preprosthetic care. We also recommend a guide to patient training using standard-of-care prosthetic devices controlled by up to four intuitive, independent, and isolated myoelectric signals. We discuss the advantages of this new control paradigm and methods for optimizing clinical outcomes for patients with high-level upper-limb amputations. This material is based on more than 6 years of experience treating patients with TMR in a research setting. Detailed results of this research are reported elsewhere. PMID: 19882483 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Rehabil Res Dev)

Disparities in Outpatient and Home Health Service Utilization Following Stroke: Results of a 9-Year Cohort Study in Northern California

PM&R — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Variations in outpatient rehabilitation visits and in home health care exist in this large integrated health system in terms of age, gender, race/ethnicity, residence area, type of stroke, and length of stay in an acute care hospital. The Kaiser Permanente integrated health care system seems to have outpatient stroke rehabilitation and home health programs that are providing care without disparities in relation to non-white populations, but other disparities appear to exist that may be related to socioeconomic factors, referral patterns, family support systems, or other cultural factors that have not been identified. (Source: PM&R)

Integrated Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Care at a Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care Program

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The complex nature of combat wounded and polytrauma patients requires an integrated and interdisciplinary team that is innovative, adaptable, and focused on the needs of the patient. This article presents a description of the model and the experiences of our musculoskeletal rehabilitation team; it is our hope that this article will assist other centers and add to the small but emerging literature on this topic. (Source: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics)

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AOTA's societal statement on livable communities.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fagan LA, Cabrera C, PMID: 20092123 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

AOTA's societal statement on combat-related posttraumatic stress.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Amaker RJ, Woods Y, Gerardi SM, PMID: 20092122 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

AOTA's societal statement on autism spectrum disorders.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Watling R, Asher A, Chandler B, Mahaffey L, PMID: 20092121 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Providing occupational therapy using sensory integration theory and methods in school-based practice.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Roley SS, Bissell J, Clark GF, AOTA recognizes SI as one of several theories and methods used by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants working with children in public and private schools. Regardless of the theories and methods utilized, occupational therapy practitioners work within the framework of occupational therapy toward the desired outcome of health and participation through engagement in occupations that allow participation in a child's daily life (AOTA, 2008). When children demonstrate sensory-related deficits that interfere with their ability to access the general education curriculum, occupational therapy using a sensory integrative approach is appropriate. PMID: 20092120 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational ...

Occupational therapy fieldwork education: value and purpose.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20092119 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Occupational therapy's commitment to nondiscrimination and inclusion.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hansen RH, Hinojosa J, PMID: 20092118 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Specialized knowledge and skills of occupational therapy educators of the future.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20092117 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Guidelines for supervision, roles, and responsibilities during the delivery of occupational therapy services.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Brayman SJ, Clark GF, DeLany JV, Garza ER, Radomski MV, Ramsey R, Siebert C, Voelkerding K, LaVesser PD, Aird L, Lieberman D, These guidelines about supervision, roles, and responsibilities are to assist in the appropriate utilization of occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy aides and in the appropriate and effective provision of occupational therapy services. It is expected that occupational therapy services are delivered in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, relevant workplace policies, the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (AOTA, 2005), and continuing competency and professional development guidelines. PMID: 20092116 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Scholarship in occupational therapy.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20092115 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Is there enough evidence for evidence-based practice in occupational therapy?

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dirette D, Rozich A, Viau S PMID: 20092114 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Constantly changing lives: experiences of people with multiple sclerosis.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lexell EM, Lund ML, Iwarsson S The purpose of this study was to gain an enhanced understanding of how people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience their engagement in occupations. We interviewed 10 people and then analyzed the data gathered using the constant comparative method of grounded theory. The findings encompassed the core category "essentials of a constantly changing life", showing that along a continuum of change, the participants experienced a decreasing engagement in occupations that forced them to continuously struggle to maintain engagement. This struggle changed them and required them to construct a different life than before. Our findings suggest that professionals working in MS rehabilitation need to broaden their repertoire of interventions relevant to cond...

Power mobility for a nursing home resident with dementia.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The resident was unable to achieve self-mobility with an intervention involving a modified power wheelchair. However, this study demonstrates that even supervised mobility can have a positive impact on affect and social participation. Observations from this study are being applied to the design and testing of the next generation of power wheelchairs intended for use by nursing home residents with dementia. PMID: 20092112 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Measuring usability of assistive technology from a multicontextual perspective: the case of power wheelchairs.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arthanat S, Nochajski SM, Lenker JA, Bauer SM, Wu YW Assistive technology (AT) devices enable people with disabilities to function in multiple contexts and activities. The usability of such devices is fundamentally indicative of the user's level of participation in multiple roles and occupations. Seventy people who used power wheelchairs were interviewed using a novel tool, the Usability Scale for Assistive Technology (USAT). The USAT uses a human factors science framework to investigate the wheelchair user's perceived independence in mobility-related activities within home, workplace, community, and outdoors in accordance with the characteristics of the wheelchair, environmental factors, and abilities and skills of the user to operate the wheelchair. Descriptive analysis of t...

Evaluating the pressure-reducing capabilities of the gel pad in supine.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Use of the gel pad is not recommended to decrease pressure in supine. Because potential adverse effects may result from using the gel pad in supine and no clinical indicators were identified to direct practice, use of the gel pad in supine is not recommended as an intervention for decreasing interface pressure. PMID: 20092110 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Benchmark comparison of outcomes for clients with upper-limb dysfunction after stroke using the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy (AusTOMs-OT).

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Therapists at the facilities where the treatment was provided can feel confident that they are meeting benchmark standards and may strive in the future to achieve better outcomes. Further benchmarking studies are required to encourage therapists to evaluate their performance and implement strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of practice. PMID: 20092109 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Quality of Life in School (QoLS) questionnaire: development and validity.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. The QoLS may assist clinicians and educators in evaluating students' school Q0L from a multidimensional perspective, including the school's physical environment, which has received little attention. PMID: 20092108 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Factor structure of four visual-motor instruments commonly used to evaluate school-age children.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The VMI, TVMI, TVMS-R, and SVMPT exhibited multidimensionality, and it is recommended that the instruments be revised to enhance their construct validity and unidimensionality. PMID: 20092107 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Sensory processing abilities of children who have sustained traumatic brain injuries.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: These findings strongly support the need to include evaluation of sensory processing in any clinical assessment of children who have sustained TBI. PMID: 20092106 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Factors influencing satisfaction and efficacy of services at a free-standing psychiatric occupational therapy clinic.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we used Patton's (1997) Utilization-Focused Program Evaluation to explore scope of services, therapist and client satisfaction, and perceived efficacy of services in a free-standing community-based mental health occupational therapy clinic. Surveys were administered to 36 clients and 9 therapists and followed up by qualitative interviews with 6 therapists. We identified characteristics unique to a free-standing psychiatric occupational therapy clinic, along with factors contributing to satisfaction and perceived efficacy of services. The importance of a supportive therapeutic environment and emphasis on the therapist-client relationship were cited as key factors influencing both satisfaction and effectiveness of service. Results are presented and compared with the existing l...

Reclaiming our heritage: connecting the Founding Vision to the Centennial Vision.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schwartz KB PMID: 20092104 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Creating a web of energy without a true spider.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moyers Cleveland P PMID: 20092103 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Functional and work outcomes improve in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who receive targeted, comprehensive occupational therapy

Arthritis Care and Research — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Work disability is a serious consequence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We conducted a 6-month, prospective randomized controlled trial comparing assessments of function, work, coping, and disease activity in employed patients with RA receiving occupational therapy intervention versus usual care.Employed patients with RA with increased perceived work disability risk were identified by the RA Work Instability Scale (WIS; score [ge]10). Patients were stratified into medium- (score [ge]10 and (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Does God Have a Place in Psychiatric Treatment Plans?

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:54:14 +0100

In 1992, my father drove (more like sped) me to the emergency of Lion's Gate Hospital. I was floridly psychotic. I ran from one end of the parkade to the other, shouting ‘I am one with God'. Neither of us knew what was happening. My dad describes it as one of the most terrifying experiences of his life, for me one of the most devastating yet liberating. My diagnosis: rapid-cycling, mixed stated bipolar disorder with mild temporal lobe epilepsy and generalized anxiety disorder. Yeah, say that five times fast! Over the next five years I had four further psychotic episodes, innumerable manias and suicidal depressions and five visits to the psych ward. I feel lucky, for the most part I had incredible health care providers - from the psychiatrist I saw weekly, to the nurses and orderlies who ...

A randomized single blind crossover trial comparing leather and commercial wrist splints for treating chronic wrist pain in adults.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Leather wrist splints were superior to a commercially available fabric splint for the short-term relief of pain and dysfunction.Key words: wrist, splints, ADL, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, occupational therapy (Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders)

Community-based intervention to optimise falls risk management: a randomised controlled trial

Age and Ageing — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:04:14 +0100

Conclusions: compared to usual care, a multi-faceted intervention increased referrals to physiotherapy and occupational therapy but did not reduce risk of falls. Similar falls reduction interventions cannot be recommended based on the results of this study. (Source: Age and Ageing)

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SCIRehab Project series: the occupational therapy taxonomy. - Ozelie R, Sipple C, Foy T, Cantoni K, Kellogg K, Lookingbill J, Backus D, Gassaway J.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:10:10 +0100

This article describes... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Multi-component health promotion and disease prevention for community-dwelling frail elderly persons: a systematic review

European Journal of Ageing — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:53:10 +0100

The objective was to investigate definitions of frailty used in studies of multi-component health promotion and disease-preventive (HPDP) intervention programmes for community-dwelling frail elderly persons and to review the content, organisation and effects of HPDP interventions. A systematic review of 19 articles was made, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used as a structural framework for the analysis. The result shows that a consensus was reached on including various aspects of impairments in body functions and structures as an integral part of the frailty concept, with the exception of one subgroup: mental/cognitive functions. Additionally, opinions varied quite consistently regarding aspects of activity limitations and partici...

Depression and anxiety are not related to nummular headache

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:28:07 +0100

Abstract Nummular headache (NH) is a clinical picture characterized by head pain that is exclusively felt in a round, elliptical, or oval area of the head. Although there is evidence supporting an organic origin for NH, some authors question this origin, hypothesizing a potential role for psychological factors. Our aims were to investigate the differences in anxiety and depression between NH patients and healthy controls, and to analyse if these conditions were related to pain parameters in NH patients. The Beck depression inventory (BDI-II) and the trait anxiety scale from state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) were administered to 26 patients with NH and 34 comparable matched controls. No significant interactions between group (NH patients, controls) in either depression (...

Impact of caring for a school-aged child with a disability: Understanding mothers' perspectives

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Many aspects of caregiving can be relentless and challenging. Occupational therapy clinical implications aimed at supporting mothers and their children are discussed. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Recruitment and retention issues for occupational therapists in mental health: Balancing the pull and the push

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results supported the development of a 'push and pull' conceptualisation of recruitment and retention issues, including job-related (intrinsic) and non-job-related (extrinsic) issues. This conceptualisation allows organisations to closely examine factors that attract practitioners to positions and those that support or damage staff tenure. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

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Restorative Physical and Occupational Therapy: A Critical Need for Patients With Chronic Kidney and End-Stage Renal Disease

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:03:26 +0100

Patients with CKD and ESRD present with many health problems, which may lead to increased mortality and dysfunction. Numerous comorbidities may contribute toward physical, emotional, and social problems and a decreased quality of life. Difficulty ambulating, balance deficits, joint pain and stiffness, muscle spasm and weakness, fatigue, neuropathy, and difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) may contribute to a decrease in functional independence. Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) aim to restore physical functioning, facilitate independence in ADLs, and promote functional independence by using various therapeutic procedures. PT and OT are the usual services of choice to address impaired function associated with acute and chronic pathology. The purpose of this ar...

WHEDA study: Effectiveness of occupational therapy at home for older people with dementia and their caregivers - the design of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial evaluating a Dutch programme in seven German centres

BMC Geriatrics — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe transfer from the Dutch mono-centre design to the pragmatic multi-site trial in a German context implicates several changes in design issues including differences in recruitment time, training of interventionists and active control group treatment.The study is registered under DRKS00000053 at the German register of clinical trials, which is connected to the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. (Source: BMC Geriatrics)

Lessons in living and dying from my first patient: an autoethnography.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines the challenges and rewards of a fieldwork student's first encounter with death in a clinical setting and describes occupational interventions that affirm the life of a client preparing for death. PURPOSE: To explore meanings, challenges, and lessons of end-of-life care for an occupational therapy fieldwork student. METHODS: A qualitative format, autoethnography, was used to develop a narrative that reveals the lived experience of a fieldwork student. FINDINGS. Findings include a description of what a fieldwork student was and was not able to accomplish in end-of-life care. The paper describes using self-care activities to normalize and cede control of end-of-life care to the client and developing a vision of how to help clients find closure. IMPLICATIONS: The study carr...

Paediatric occupational therapists' reflections on meaning in professional practice: a phenomenological study.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Smith KT, Kinsella EA BACKGROUND: The construct of meaning plays an important role in the theories and models that inform occupational therapy; yet little research has examined the construct of meaning within the professional practices of occupational therapists. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of the meanings occupational therapists identify within their professional practice occupations. METHODS: A phenomenological methodology was adopted for this study. Eight paediatric occupational therapists participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which were tape-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. FINDINGS: Seven major themes were identified: Relating to clients as human beings, making a positive difference, working as a team, permis...

Uses of the National Rehabilitation Reporting System: perspectives of geriatric rehabilitation clinicians.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wells JL, Egan M, Byrne K, Jaglal S, Dumbrell AC, Stolee P BACKGROUND: The National Rehabilitation Reporting System (NRS) is a minimum data set for inpatient rehabilitation units. The system was designed to support administrative decision making from the facility to the national level. PURPOSE: To conduct a pilot study to explore current and potential clinician uses of NRS data, particularly for hip-fractured clients. METHODS: Focus groups with rehabilitation teams from two urban academic geriatric rehabilitation units in Ontario. FINDINGS: Few current uses were identified; barriers to use included timeliness of data reports and perceived lack of sensitivity to clinically significant changes in functional status. Strategies for resolving these barriers were identified, includi...

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The impact of everyday racism on the occupations of African Canadian women.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study with 50 African Canadian women used mixed methods to explore the effects of racism on their occupational experiences. METHODS: Women aged 40-65 were interviewed in-depth about everyday experiences with racism and overall well-being. Three standardized instruments assessed frequency and stressfulness of race-related experiences. FINDINGS: Everyday racism had subtle, almost intangible, impacts, shaping women's engagement with and the meaning of leisure, productive, and caring occupations. IMPLICATIONS: As occupational therapy increasingly attends to issues of cultural difference, it is critical to also attend to racism. This means learning to ask thoughtful questions about how racism may shape clients' occupations. Attention to this aspect of the social environment will enhance pr...

Evaluating work readiness following acquired brain injury: building a shared understanding.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study explored how occupational therapists evaluate work readiness following acquired brain injury in order to develop an integrated model of the factors, processes, stakeholders, and contextual elements relevant to this evaluation. METHODS: Ten occupational therapists with expertise in vocational and brain injury rehabilitation were interviewed. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods to develop the work readiness evaluation model. FINDINGS: This model describes five processes formative to therapists' evaluation: (1) drawing upon diverse sources of information and perspectives; (2) assessing occupational capacity; (3) contextualizing occupational potential; (4) building a shared understanding of work readiness among stakeholders, including, clients, employers, insurers, and ...

Barriers and facilitators to participation in work among Canadian women living with HIV/AIDS.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barkey V, Watanabe E, Solomon P, Wilkins S BACKGROUND: The impact of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) on the participation of women in paid/unpaid work is a little understood phenomenon. PURPOSE: A research study exploring the lived experiences of Canadian women's engagement in paid/unpaid work and the barriers and facilitators mediating this phenomenon. METHOD: Study design employed a phenomenological approach using data subanalysis of transcripts, double coded for agreement and to ensure saturation of themes. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed an overarching theme of engagement mediated by interacting forces with eight subthemes: active management, agency constrained by structure, the nature of supports, HIV/AIDS sequelae, work a...

Occupational therapy: a thread that weaves a lifetime.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Korner-Bitensky N PMID: 19891295 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy)

Enabling scientific writing: recent strategies implemented through CJOT.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Finlayson M PMID: 19891294 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy)

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Excellence in regional stroke care: an evaluation of the implementation of a stroke care unit in regional Australia.

The Australian Journal of Rural Health — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our evaluation demonstrated that introduction of formalised stroke care to a regional hospital resulted in improved compliance with key performance indicators and better patient outcomes. Thus evidence-based specialised stroke care can be offered with confidence in regional populations. PMID: 19785681 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Australian Journal of Rural Health)

Observation of Amounts of Movement Practice Provided During Stroke Rehabilitation

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The amount of practice provided during poststroke rehabilitation is small compared with animal models. It is possible that current doses of task-specific practice during rehabilitation are not adequate to drive the neural reorganization needed to promote function poststroke optimally. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Poster 62: Black-White Disparities in Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: Associations between Physical and Occupational Therapy Interventions with Outcomes

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: After controlling for patient and treatment factors, we identified no significant association between race and discharge functional outcomes. Interventions provided within activities previously found to be associated with better outcomes, were in most cases also associated with higher discharge scores. However, we identified interventions within activities that were associated with worse outcomes even though those activities were found previously to be associated with better outcomes. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Poster 66: Comparing Skill Acquisition Using a Cognitive-Based Treatment Approach to Contemporary Occupational Therapy in Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Preliminary analysis indicates larger improvements in skill performance in the CO-OP group compared to the COT group, as rated by both therapists and participants. Study limitations include non-blinding and small sample size, but the results are promising, warranting a larger-scale investigation. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Poster 91: Social Interaction as a Focus in Community Programming

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: It appears when intervention in a natural context is guided by an assessment focused on social interaction occupational therapy can positively influence social skill performance in occupations that are meaningful and relevant for the client. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

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Making decisions about service delivery in early childhood programs.

Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: To establish fluid service delivery models, therapists need to (a) plan collaboratively with teachers so that the model selected meets the teacher's preferences, (b) design flexible scheduling systems that emphasize inclusive practice, and (c) maintain precise documentation about when and how services are provided. PMID: 19801403 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools)

Post-stroke fatigue: qualitative study of three focus groups

Occupational Therapy International — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Fatigue affects many persons after cerebrovascular accident, particularly those with mild stroke. A qualitative methodology using focus groups with 19 community-living post-stroke survivors was utilized to explore the occupational impact of fatigue as communicated by the participants. Although self-report of a small sample of the United States' post-stroke population will have limitations in generalizability, this study identifies specific health-related quality of life issues that can occur with post-stroke fatigue. The participants felt unprepared for the fatigue phenomenon and struggled to adapt, with fatigue having a debilitating influence upon daily occupational performance and roles, including social participation, return to work, driving, reading and sleeping. The participants indic...

Occupational Therapy Home Programs for Cerebral Palsy: Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

PEDIATRICS — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Pediatricians can advise families that OTHPs developed with a collaborative, evidence-based approach and implemented by parents at home were clinically effective if implemented 17.5 times per month for an average of 16.5 minutes per session. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Prospective Payment System 2008 Home Health Therapy Utilization Trends

Home Health Care Management — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The focus of this article is to identify therapy trends in prediction and utilization since the 2008 Home Health Prospective Payment System changes were implemented on January 1, 2008. The interdisciplinary attention is on the utilization of therapy services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology, in the home health setting, specific to beneficiaries using the Medicare Part A benefit. (Source: Home Health Care Management)

Excellence in regional stroke care: An evaluation of the implementation of a stroke care unit in regional Australia

Australian Journal of Rural Health — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our evaluation demonstrated that introduction of formalised stroke care to a regional hospital resulted in improved compliance with key performance indicators and better patient outcomes. Thus evidence-based specialised stroke care can be offered with confidence in regional populations. (Source: Australian Journal of Rural Health)

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PhD Bursary opportunity: Social Enterprise/ Allied Health professionals

NHS Networks — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:38:19 +0100

The University of Northampton have an opening for a PhD Bursary. The role will be to establish if allied health professional services, in particular occupational therapy, can be provided through social enterprises Applications are invited for a three year full-time PhD bursary studying the role of social enterprises in providing allied health professional services, in particular occupational therapy. The proposed project will study current and planned social enterprise schemes aimed at delivering allied health professional services, in particular occupational therapy. The project has five objectives, as follows: To identify and critically review policy, theoretical and research literature concerning the use of social enterprise to deliver health and social care servi...

Increasing the occupational therapy mental health workforce through innovative practice education: A pilot project

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Though limited by its small sample size, this pilot trial has demonstrated the potential of innovative placement models to provide valuable student learning experiences in mental health. The profession needs to develop expertise in the use of innovative placement models if students are to be adequately prepared to work with the mental health issues of the Australian community now and in the future. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Clock drawing from the occupational therapy adult perceptual screening test: Its correlation with demographic and clinical factors in the stroke population

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The Clock Drawing Test may be a useful and quick screen of cognitive impairments following stroke. Age-related decline must be considered and it is essential that clinicians use this only as a strategy to determine whether a more comprehensive assessment is required. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

An evaluation of the construct validity of the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration using the Rasch Measurement Model

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Theoretically, the VMI items are developmentally ordered; however, this ordering was not mirrored by the item logit difficulty scores obtained. This has scoring implications, where scoring a respondent's VMI test booklet is terminated after three consecutive items are not passed. Clinicians should also be aware that item 9 may exhibit bias related to gender. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)