scholarly journals Irish occupational therapists use of evidenced-based falls prevention programmes

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Lombard ◽  
Laura Desmond ◽  
Ciara Phelan ◽  
Joan Brangan

Purpose As one ages, the risk of experiencing a fall increases and poses a number of serious consequences; 30 per cent of individuals over 65 years of age fall each year. Evidence-based falls prevention programmes demonstrate efficacy in reducing the rate and risk of falls among older adults, but their use in Irish occupational therapy practice is unknown. This study aims to investigate the implementation of falls prevention programmes by occupational therapists working with older adults in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data on the use of falls prevention programmes among occupational therapists working with older adults in any clinical setting across Ireland. Purposeful, convenience and snowball sampling methods were used. The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland acted as a gatekeeper. Descriptive statistics and summative content analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Findings In all, 85 survey responses were analysed. Over 85 per cent of respondents reported “Never” using any of the evidence-based falls prevention programmes. The “OTAGO” Exercise Programme was the most “Frequently” used programme (9.5 per cent, n = 7); 29 respondents reported using “in-department” developed falls prevention programmes and 14 provided additional comments regarding current falls prevention practices in Ireland. Originality/value In the absence of Irish data on the subject, this study provides a benchmark to describe the use of evidence-based falls programmes by Irish occupational therapists with older adults.

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1085-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carri Casteel ◽  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
Paula Gildner ◽  
James M. Bowling ◽  
Susan J. Blalock

The objectives were to examine falls risk factors to determine how the magnitude of risk may differ between homebound and non-homebound older adults, and to describe falls prevention behaviors and participation in falls prevention education. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with convenience samples of community-dwelling older adults recruited through Meals on Wheels programs (homebound, n = 80) and senior centers (non-homebound, n = 84) in North Carolina. Data were collected during home visits and included an interview and medication inventory. Multivariate negative binomial regression with robust variance estimation modeled risk factors for falls. Risk factors for falls observed in both the homebound and non-homebound populations are consistent with what is known in the literature. However, the magnitude of the risk was higher in the homebound than in the non-homebound population with respect to vision impairments, number of high-risk and over-the-counter medications, and use of walking aids .Few participants reported participating in a falls prevention program.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B. Krueger ◽  
Melissa M. Sweetman ◽  
Malissa Martin ◽  
Thomas A. Cappaert

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Charlotte Lindström ◽  
Susanne Bernhardsson

Introduction. Understanding of attitudes, knowledge, and behaviour related to evidence-based practice (EBP) and guidelines in Swedish occupational therapy is limited. The study aims were to investigate attitudes, knowledge, and behaviour related to evidence-based practice and guidelines of Swedish occupational therapists in primary care.Methods. A web-based survey of 94 Swedish primary care occupational therapists (response rate 53.7%). Data were analysed using logistic regressions.Results. Attitudes towards EBP and guidelines were highly positive (97%–98%). About half of the respondents reported confidence in finding and using evidence. Almost two-thirds reported being aware of guidelines and 47% knowing where to find guidelines. Four-fifths stated that they had easy access to guidelines and 75% that they used guidelines frequently. Men were more likely to feel confident to find research (OR 8.58, 95% CI 1.03 to 71.66;p=0.047) and have easy access to guidelines (OR 9.10, 95% CI 1.94 to 42.83;p=0.005). Occupational therapists older than 50 years were more likely to integrate patient preferences with guideline use (OR 6.44, 95% CI 1.14 to 36.57;p=0.035). Few reported reading scientific articles, and many expressed uncertainty in finding research. The main barrier for using guidelines was reported to be lack of time.Conclusion. Although attitudes among primary care occupational therapists towards EBP are positive and a large proportion report using guidelines, many state that they want to learn more and improve their evidence-based practice skills. The findings suggest that education measures need to be taken to address the identified shortcomings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 431-450
Author(s):  
Kweku Bedu Simpson ◽  
Aloysius Sam

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the contemporary strategies for Health and Safety (H&S) management practices at the construction sites in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed method approach in conducting a cross-sectional survey at 28 active construction sites in the Kumasi and Accra metropolises of Ghana using questionnaires and interview guide by using purposive, convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected from 170 survey respondents and 18 interview participants comprising artisans and management staff. Findings On H&S management practices, the study found that most construction sites have policies for H&S delivery and are duly followed and enforced. Nonetheless, construction workers moderately agreed that there was reward for; the avoidance and reduction of accidents and illnesses, good H&S behaviour and provision for insurance and hospital claims. It was also revealed that most of the construction sites adopt either one or a combination of mandatory H&S standards. Generally, most workers possessed a fairly positive perception about the H&S management practices at their sites and were either satisfied or very satisfied with its performance. Research limitations/implications Generalizing the findings beyond the study areas is limited because of the use of the non-probability sampling techniques. Originality/value This study focused on the active construction sites in the study areas to investigate their H&S practices against the backdrop of numerous publications describing the general H&S situation in Ghana as poor. It revealed the current H&S performance of the construction sites for the benefit of the construction industry, researchers and the academia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv28-iv33
Author(s):  
Nivedha Balachandar ◽  
Silvia Sim ◽  
Pey June Tan ◽  
Jagadish Mallya ◽  
Noor Hafizah Ismail ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction A multitude of modifiable factors can contribute to one’s fall risk. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are equipped to identify such factors, and make appropriate recommendations to help older adults prevent falls. However, there is limited evidence on the awareness and practice of this in Asian communities. Thus, this paper aims to understand the participation and barriers for community-dwelling Singaporeans to discuss falls with their HCPs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a nationally-representative sample of Singaporeans aged ≥60 living in the community. Participants were asked if they have fallen in the past 12 months, if they discussed what they can do to avoid falls with their HCPs (doctor/nurse) and for their perceived barriers via a semi-structured questionnaire with multiple responses. Unstructured data was coded using content analysis by two researchers and pooled with structured data. Sub-group differences between fallers and non-fallers were anaylsed using chi square tests. Results Of 549 participants (70.6±6.9 years and 61% female), most (n=447, 81%) have never talked to their HCPs. More fallers discussed falls prevention with HCPs than non-fallers (p=0.037). The top barriers cited for discussing falls with HCPs – low perception of fall risk (55%) and misconceptions regarding falls and/or HCPs (29%) – were more prevalent amongst non-fallers (p=0.008) and fallers (p<0.001) respectively. Other barriers identified include competing priorities (8%) and actively taking alternate management to mitigate falls risk (4%). Discussion Fallers and non-fallers have different reasons behind not discussing falls with HCPs. Findings indicate that despite having higher fall risk, fallers may still not talk to HCPs as they are either unaware that fall risk can be mitigated, or of HCP’s role in fall prevention. Future studies should address fallers’ knowledge and attitudes to improve their participation in interventions in the community, and investigate health practitioners’ readiness to address concerns about falls.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Shreyan Kar ◽  
Tushar Kanti Das ◽  
Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽  
Brajaballav Kar ◽  
Anupama Senapati ◽  
...  

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard Alvarez ◽  
Cristian Justribo ◽  
Tobias Sundberg ◽  
Oliver P. Thomson ◽  
Matthew J. Leach

Abstract Background Although evidence-based practice (EBP) is largely supported across healthcare professions, its implementation in manual therapy professions such as osteopathy remains limited and debated. There is currently little knowledge of how Spanish osteopaths relate to EBP. Objectives The main aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes, skills and use of EBP among Spanish osteopaths. A secondary aim was to identify barriers and facilitators for the adoption of EBP in the Spanish osteopathic context. Methods National cross-sectional survey of Spanish osteopaths registered and non-registered to an osteopathic association in Spain. Eligible participants were invited by a range of recruitment strategies including email and social media campaigns to complete the Spanish-translated Evidence-Based practice Attitude and utilization Survey (EBASE) anonymously online. Results A total of 567 osteopaths completed the survey which represents an approximate response rate of 9%. Participant’s attitudes toward EBP were largely positive. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that EBP was necessary in the practice of osteopathy (89.6%) and that professional literature and research findings were useful to their day-to-day practice (88.9%). Levels of perceived skill in EBP were reported as low to moderate with lowest levels for items related to ‘research conduct’. Except reading/reviewing professional literature and using online search engines to find practice-related literature, participant engagement in all other EBP-related activities was generally infrequent. The perceived proportion of clinical practice that was based on clinical research evidence was reported to be very small. Main barriers to EBP uptake included a lack of clinical evidence in osteopathy and insufficient skills for applying research findings. Main facilitators of EBP uptake included access to full-text articles, internet at the workplace and online databases. Conclusions Spanish osteopaths were largely supportive of evidence-based practice, had low to moderate skills in EBP and engaged in EBP activities infrequently. Formal regulation of the profession in Spain and the inclusion of osteopathic programs into the university sector would potentially improve EBP skills and use.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document