scholarly journals Assessing fitness to drive after stroke

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-129
Author(s):  
Aisling Helen Stack ◽  
Orla Duggan ◽  
Tadhg Stapleton
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Clinical Guidelines ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Fitness To Drive ◽  
Therapy Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Practices ◽  
Education Training

Purpose The assessment of fitness to drive after stroke is an emerging area of occupational therapy practice in Ireland. Despite this, little is known about occupational therapists’ evaluation practices, and there are no internationally agreed clinical guidelines to inform best practice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate occupational therapy evaluation practices for fitness to drive after stroke in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional study design targeting occupational therapists working with people after stroke using an online survey. Summary and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the returned surveys. Findings In total, 47 occupational therapists participated. Off-road driving assessment was completed by 68 per cent of respondents. Functional assessment and non-driving-specific assessments were most widely used and perceived to be the most useful in informing the off-road assessment. A total of 89 per cent referred clients for on-road assessments; however, some referred without first completing an off-road assessment. The therapists who completed formal post graduate education/training in driving assessment reported greater confidence and competence in their skills and ability to assess fitness to drive. A vast majority of participants agreed that clinical guidelines regarding best practice in this area would be beneficial. Research limitations/implications A majority of occupational therapists are assessing fitness to drive after stroke in Ireland with non-driving-specific assessments and functional observations; however, there are many gaps and wide variations between services. Education/training in evaluating fitness to drive after stroke is recommended. The development of clinical guidelines to inform practice would facilitate a consistent approach nationally. Originality/value This is the first study completed in Ireland to investigate occupational therapy evaluation practices for fitness to drive after stroke.

scholarly journals Play and play occupation: a survey of paediatric occupational therapy practice in Ireland

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Moore ◽  
Helen Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Childhood Play ◽  
Primary Focus

Purpose Play occupation has been identified as an essential part of children’s lives, and it subsequently features in paediatric occupational therapy. However, few studies address the current place of play and play occupation in occupational therapy practice. This study aims to address this gap in knowledge by exploring paediatric occupational therapists’ perspectives on the place of play and play occupation in occupational therapy practice in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to gather data about the current use of play in the occupational therapy for children under 12 years. Convenience sampling and snowball recruitment techniques were used to recruit paediatric occupational therapists. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Findings In total, 65 therapists responded to the survey (estimated response rate, 32%). Results are organised into four sections: demographics and practice context, play assessment practices, use of play in practice and perceived barriers to play-centred practice. Respondents reported that they valued play as a childhood occupation. However, the survey findings identified that the primary focus was on play as a means to an end. Lack of education on play (research, theory and interventions) and pressures in the workplace have been identified as barriers to play-centred practice. Research limitations/implications Findings indicate that there is a mismatch between therapists valuing play as an occupation and how play is used in occupational therapy practice. Unless clarifications are made about play occupation as being different to skills acquisition in childhood, play occupation will continue to get overlooked as an authentic concern of occupation-centred practice. Thus, play as occupation deserves further attention from educators, researchers and practitioners as a means of strengthening occupation-centred practice, in particular play-centred practice in the paediatric context. Originality/value Play has been described as an important occupation in childhood, and consequently, it features in paediatric occupational therapy. However, little is known about the current place of play in occupational therapy practice. This study addresses this gap by considering the current place of play in occupational therapy practice in Ireland.

Defining the role of occupational therapy with people living with and beyond cancer: Perspectives of British and Irish occupational therapists

2020 ◽  
pp. 030802262096374
Author(s):  
Lynette Mackenzie
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Publicly Funded ◽  
The United Kingdom

Introduction More people are surviving cancer treatment and face challenges in everyday life. Occupational therapists may often interact with people living with and beyond cancer. This study aimed to identify the perspectives of United Kingdom and Irish occupational therapists about their views on the role of occupational therapy with people living with and beyond cancer. Method A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via the United Kingdom and Irish occupational therapy professional associations, social media invitations and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 141 occupational therapists (56.6% from Ireland and 43.4% from the United Kingdom) responded; however, some did not answer every question. The largest group were those who worked in publicly funded community service settings: National Health Service, Health Service Executive in Ireland and social care ( n = 49, 33.8%), or publicly funded hospitals ( n = 45, 31.0%), and 40% ( n = 54) frequently worked with people living with and beyond cancer. Participants rated the most common interventions used, therapeutic gaps, barriers to best practice in survivorship care and opinions about further education needed. Conclusion Participants agreed that the occupational therapy role with people living with and beyond cancer was under-developed. The study identified gaps in best practice that need to be addressed to accommodate the predicted growth in numbers of people living with and beyond cancer.

Workplace mental health: Current practice and support needs of Ontario occupational therapists

2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. 408-417
Author(s):  
Sandra E. Moll ◽  
Caitlin M. Heino ◽  
Alison H. LeBlanc ◽  
Lydia B. Beck ◽  
Laura M. Kalef
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Workplace Mental Health

Background. Workplace mental health (WMH) is an important and expanding practice area for occupational therapists. Purpose. This cross-sectional study explores the current practices and support needs of Ontario-based occupational therapists in WMH. Method. Registrants from the provincial association who provide mental health and/or work-related services were invited to participate. Ninety-three therapists completed an online survey; 10 participated in follow-up focus groups. Analysis involved descriptive statistics of the survey data and content analysis of the focus group data. Findings. Return to work, reactivation, and functional cognitive assessment were the most commonly reported services. Key challenges were limited funding and training and lack of awareness of the occupational therapy role. Therapists emphasized the importance of raising the competence, credibility, and profile of occupational therapy in WMH. Implications. Defining the role of occupational therapy, developing training and resources, and advocacy are needed to advance occupational therapy practice within this rapidly changing field.

scholarly journals A Survey of Occupational Therapists on a New Tool for Sensory Processing

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Mills ◽  
Elisabeth Michail ◽  
Rosalind A. Bye
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Planning Tool ◽  
Processing Differences ◽  
Further Development

Occupational therapy is the leading profession with regard to supporting children who experience difficulties with occupations as a result of sensory processing differences. However, there are mixed reports with regard to the efficacy of various sensory interventions and approaches, leaving little clear guidance for occupational therapists supporting children with these difficulties. The Sensory Form is a planning tool developed in 2017 to guide occupational therapists in their professional reasoning for assessment and intervention of sensory processing differences. To date, no research has been conducted on its use. Researchers introduced the tool to 20 occupational therapists with relevant experience and conducted an online survey of their perceptions about The Sensory Form. Findings were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Therapists reported that they found the tool acceptable for use, described key strengths and weaknesses of The Sensory Form, and outlined changes to improve the tool. The Sensory Form may have an application in guiding the practice of therapists supporting children with sensory processing differences. Further development of associated resources may be warranted.

Implementation of Lean Six Sigma in Saudi Arabian organisations

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saja Ahmed Albliwi ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Norin Arshed ◽  
Abhijeet Ghadge
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Saudi Arabian ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Although the popularity of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology has illustrated many benefits over the years for those organisations who have implemented it, this strategy has received less attention in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the current status of LSS implementation in Saudi Arabian organisations. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a descriptive survey questionnaire which has been derived from two systematic literature reviews. The survey was distributed to 400 organisations in Saudi Arabia using Qualtrics online software. In total, 146 responses were received where 102 responses were completed and analysed. Findings The findings of the survey highlighted that the implementation of LSS is still in the early stages in organisations within Saudi Arabia. This was clearly shown by many factors such as years of deploying LSS, LSS infrastructure, level of awareness of LSS, impact of LSS on business functions and so on. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation of this study is that data has been collected from an online survey and therefore no deeper insights could have been captured from the survey. This calls for future research to be undertaken by executing semi-structured interviews in selective organisations within Saudi Arabia. Originality/value This paper contributes to the current status of LSS in Saudi Arabian organisations. It also gives recommendations to guide the future of LSS in Saudi organisations by comparing LSS literature with best practice.

scholarly journals Apprehension and interest

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Linnane ◽  
Alison Warren
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapy Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Republic Of Ireland ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Time Basis ◽  
Therapy Education

Purpose Role-emerging placements have been used internationally within occupational therapy education but are relatively new to Ireland. At times, there has been a debate in the profession regarding the use of this placement model. This paper aims to generate views from both occupational therapists and occupational therapy students on the use of role-emerging placements in the Republic of Ireland. Design/methodology/approach Electronic surveys were administered to occupational therapy students and occupational therapists in Ireland. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS Statistics software package and the content of the open question responses were analysed into themes. Findings Occupational therapists (n = 60) and occupational therapy students (n = 45) indicated that there were inconsistent views surrounding role-emerging placements. It is deemed as an effective method for student learning, but apprehension exists around inclusion within occupational therapy programmes in the Republic of Ireland. Preference was indicated towards inclusion of role-emerging placements on a part-time basis within formal occupational therapy education. Originality/value Both respondent groups viewed that role-emerging placements can positively influence new areas of occupational therapy practice and concern over the use of the placement model requires further exploration and debate. This study is from an Irish context, although there are similarities with other countries’ use of the placement model. There is a need for research through an in-depth exploration of the learning experience of undertaking role-emerging placements from the students’ perspective and identification of supports required to promote an optimal learning experience.

scholarly journals Occupational therapy consensus recommendations for functional neurological disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (10) ◽  
pp. 1037-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Nicholson ◽  
Mark J Edwards ◽  
Alan J Carson ◽  
Paula Gardiner ◽  
Dawn Golder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Neurological Disorder ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Therapy Assessment ◽  
Consensus Recommendations ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Functional Neurological Disorder

BackgroundPeople with functional neurological disorder (FND) are commonly seen by occupational therapists; however, there are limited descriptions in the literature about the type of interventions that are likely to be helpful. This document aims to address this issue by providing consensus recommendations for occupational therapy assessment and intervention.MethodsThe recommendations were developed in four stages. Stage 1: an invitation was sent to occupational therapists with expertise in FND in different countries to complete two surveys exploring their opinions regarding best practice for assessment and interventions for FND. Stage 2: a face-to-face meeting of multidisciplinary clinical experts in FND discussed and debated the data from stage 1, aiming to achieve consensus on each issue. Stage 3: recommendations based on the meeting were drafted. Stage 4: successive drafts of recommendations were circulated among the multidisciplinary group until consensus was achieved.ResultsWe recommend that occupational therapy treatment for FND is based on a biopsychosocial aetiological framework. Education, rehabilitation within functional activity and the use of taught self-management strategies are central to occupational therapy intervention for FND. Several aspects of occupational therapy for FND are distinct from therapy for other neurological conditions. Examples to illustrate the recommendations are included within this document.ConclusionsOccupational therapists have an integral role in the multidisciplinary management of people with FND. This document forms a starting point for research aiming to develop evidence-based occupational therapy interventions for people with FND.

scholarly journals Social enterprise: a model of recovery and social inclusion for occupational therapy practice in the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Joy Stickley ◽  
Kelly J. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Occupational therapists are increasingly working in organisations outside of the public sector. UK government policy over the past decade has promoted health and social care provision by social enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to examine the compatibility of occupational therapy practice and a social enterprise environment, within the UK and questions if this approach may enhance experiences of social inclusion for people who use these services. Design/methodology/approach Case study methodology was used with eight social enterprises in the UK. Data were collected through: semi-structured interviews, formal organisational documents, and field visits and observations. Interviews were conducted with 26 participants who were occupational therapists, service users and social entrepreneurs/managers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Occupational therapists experienced job satisfaction, professional autonomy and were able to practise according to their professional philosophy. Service users valued support with: employment, routine, social relationships, and developing a sense of identity, particularly outside of a medical model definition. To a degree therefore, people using these services claimed socially inclusive benefits. Challenges with funding social enterprises, however, impacted occupational therapy delivery in some cases. Research limitations/implications The majority of social enterprise research is drawn from case study methodology; however, this was the most appropriate research design to gain greatest insight into a small but developing phenomenon. Further research into occupational therapy practice within social enterprises is required, particularly on the effectiveness of returning to work and social inclusion. Social implications Social enterprises can provide therapeutic environments to promote recovery and social inclusion which is also compatible with occupational therapy practice. Originality/value This is the first known national research into occupational therapy provision in social enterprises within the UK, which evidences a compatibility within occupational therapy practice within a social enterprise environment and the benefits of this.

Canadian Occupational Therapists’ Use of Technology With Older Adults: A Nationwide Survey

2020 ◽  
pp. 153944922096134
Author(s):  
Aline Aboujaoudé ◽  
Nathalie Bier ◽  
Maxime Lussier ◽  
Christine Ménard ◽  
Mélanie Couture ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Barriers To Use

As rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapy practitioners play a gateway role regarding recommendation of various technologies for homecare. However, no study has investigated current occupational therapy practices concerning information and communication technology (ICT) for older adults in Canada. The objective of this study was to identify Canadian occupational therapists’ (OTs) knowledge and practices of ICT with older adults as well as factors associated with its recommendation. A Canada-wide, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted. Of 387 OTs, only 12.4% reported recommending ICT in practice. ICTs supporting communication and cognition were the main types recommended. The reported barriers to use in practice differed between ICT familiar users and nonusers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that clinicians with more years of clinical experience were more likely to recommend ICT. Clinicians’ services, work environments, and client diagnosis were also factors associated with ICT recommendation. Additional research is needed to understand how to overcome barriers to ICT recommendation in OT practice.

Was a global pandemic needed to adopt the use of telehealth in occupational therapy?

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Viktoria Hoel ◽  
Claudia von Zweck ◽  
Ritchard Ledgerd ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Traditional Service ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: An analysis of data from an international survey was undertaken to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth practice in occupational therapy worldwide, in addition to facilitators and barriers in utilising this form of service delivery. METHOD: The global online survey was circulated in the occupational therapy community by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) between April and July 2020, collecting responses to closed-ended questions, in addition to free-text comments. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess relationships between respondent characteristics and the utilisation of telehealth. Thematic statement analysis provided further insight regarding factors impacting telehealth use. RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant increase in the use of telehealth strategies with the onset of the pandemic among survey respondents, with many reported benefits. Bivariate analyses indicated telehealth users were more likely to score higher feelings of safety and positive work morale, as well as perceive employer expectations to be reasonable. Restricted access to technology, limitations of remote practice, funding issues and slow pace of change were identified as barriers for some respondents for use of telehealth. Facilitators included availability of supportive policy, guidelines and strategies, in addition to education and training. CONCLUSION: This study advances the understanding of the current scope of occupational therapy telehealth practice in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although results suggest long-term potential for telehealth use as an adjunct to traditional service provision, important considerations were identified regarding factors influencing integration of such strategies.

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