Measurement in Occupational Therapy: Scientific Criteria for Evaluation

1987 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Law
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Criteria For Evaluation ◽  
Intended Use

Measurement Instruments are used by occupational therapists to describe patients, predict recovery and evaluate immediate treatment effect within their clinical practice. An instrument's development and methodological properties are guided by the purpose of the instrument. In this paper, criteria are proposed for evaluating the utility of measurement tools used by occupational therapists. These criteria are discussed within the framework of the intended use of the instrument. The criteria include the instrument's purpose, clinical utility, construction and scaling, standardization, reliability, validity and responsiveness. An algorithm to guide therapists' appraisal of measurement instruments is included.

Considering Spirituality in Occupational Therapy Practice

1994 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Egan ◽  
M. Denise Delaat
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Occupational Performance ◽  
Exact Role ◽  
Therapy Guidelines

Despite its prominent place in the Occupational Therapy Guidelines for client-centred practice, the exact role of spirituality in clinical practice has been difficult to delineate. In this paper current concepts of spirituality are outlined and ways in which these concepts have been applied in health care are described. To illustrate these spiritual concepts, the experiences of individuals whom the authors have met in their clinical practice are outlined in a series of vignettes. Finally, a revision of the model of occupational performance which enhances consideration of spirituality in occupational therapy practice is proposed, and some guidelines for occupational therapists wishing to incorporate spiritual concerns in therapy are suggested.

Spirituality and Occupational Therapy in a Secular Culture

1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Travis Kroeker
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Religious Traditions ◽  
Spiritual Meaning ◽  
Secular Culture ◽  
Open Dialogue ◽  
The Mind

In an attempt to help plot the territory of the role of spirituality in occupational therapy, this paper examines the understanding of the mind-body-spirit paradigm in modern secular culture in order to examine critically its spiritual assumptions. It also suggests that occupational therapists might continue to explore the meaning of spirituality in a secular, pluralist culture through open dialogue that considers the spiritual meaning and aims of clinical practice with reference to particular religious traditions and symbols.

scholarly journals Neonatal Occupational Therapy in Australia: A Survey and Recommendations for Developing Guidelines for Clinical Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Nancy McPharlin ◽  
Hugh Stewart ◽  
Deanna Gibbs ◽  
Holly Bowen-Salter ◽  
Kobie Boshoff
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Part Time ◽  
The Many ◽  
High Level ◽  
Training Opportunities

Aim and Background: Occupational Therapists form an essential part of the development and care of infants and families in Neonatal Units (NNU) across the world, however, little is documented about their practice in Australia. This article aims to develop a greater understanding of the role of Occupational Therapy in NNU in Australia, compared with international practice guidelines, and recommends the adoption of UK guidelines until Australia specific guidelines emerge. Method: An online questionnaire was developed from a systematic scoping review and piloted by an expert panel. Invitations were sent to thirty Occupational Therapists working in NNUs around Australia. Data analysis included using descriptive statistics and qualitative themes. Results: Twenty two (73%) of NNU Occupational Therapists responded to the survey, representing all levels of NNU. Results describe the current Occupational Therapy role in Australia as encompassing assessment, intervention, teamwork and a variety of ‘other’ activities, all of which required advanced knowledge, skills and paediatric experience, and involved ongoing high-level professional development. Occupational Therapy has a unique role to play in neonatal units. Future development of the role is reliant upon good advocacy and promotion, specialised training opportunities, prospects for networking, support and mentorship for the many Therapists working part-time, and ongoing research. The Australian Occupational Therapy NNU role compares similarly with those cited internationally (UK & US). The development of guidelines for evidence based clinical practice of neonatal Occupational Therapy in Australia was highly sought by clinicians. The adoption of the ‘Occupational Therapy in neonatal services and early intervention: practice guideline’ (RCOT 2017) is proposed until the emergence of specific Australian guidelines.  

Refresher Education Policy: Results of a Survey

1987 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Polatajko ◽  
Carolyn Wright ◽  
Pat Clancy ◽  
Maria LeBlanc ◽  
Margie Vanhook
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Education Policy ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Manpower Shortage

Occupational Therapy experiences chronic manpower shortage. This is in part, due to loss of trained, experienced manpower. In many cases, female occupational therapists, like other women, drop-out of the work force to re-enter later. In an attempt to deliniate refresher education policy for re-entering, a mail survey of randomly selected members of Ontario occupational therapists and occupational therapy managers was conducted. The results of the survey suggested refresher education should be mandatory after an absence of 3–5 years, should be under the jurisdiction, at least in part, of the provincial association, should be oriented to specialists training and have a variety of formats including clinical practice.

Promoting Research in the Clinical Setting: A Local Inquiry and a Complementary Literature Review

1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Catherine Conroy ◽  
Jennifer A Pascoe ◽  
Gillian B Roder
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Career Path ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Training Support ◽  
Career Structure

A report on research prospects for occupational therapists employed in Southampton was commissioned by the Director of Occupational Therapy Practice. This article relates the comments gleaned from interviews with 25 people. Obtaining research training and the lack of a career structure were discussed. Acknowledgement was made of the dilemma facing occupational therapists inasmuch as research is required to Justify occupational therapy to purchasers whilst at the same time managing heavy clinical caseloads so that contracts can be met. Occupational therapy managers were concerned that, if research was conducted by existing members of staff, these targets may not be met. The challenge for occupational therapy managers and clinicians is to balance and address these needs skilfully. Subsequently, the second author reviewed the literature. The complementary literature review relates how others have viewed the relevance of research to occupational therapy, the provision of training, support and a career path for research, and ways of synthesising research and clinical practice.

Knowledge and Use of Theory among Occupational Therapists: A Canadian Survey

1989 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Law ◽  
Mary Ann McCoII
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Recent Interest ◽  
Academic Qualification ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Recent interest in occupational therapy theory has focussed attention on the utility of theory for clinical-practice and for research. However, for many therapists, knowledge and use of theory have changed notably since their educational days, and the process of keeping up to date on theory development may be difficult. This paper presents the results of a survey aimed at identifying the extent of use of theory and the level of knowledge about theory among practicing therapists in Canada. A random sample of 187 therapists from across the country was surveyed to ascertain their knowledge of authors and ideas in the occupational therapy theory literature. Results indicate that overall knowledge level is moderate. Factors which significantly predict theory knowledge include year of graduation, training in or outside Canada, academic qualification, and self-assessment of theory knowledge. There were no significant differences in theory knowledge according to area of clinical practice.

scholarly journals Implementing the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS) in universal services: Qualitative interviews with health visitors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa K Bird ◽  
Zoe Hindson ◽  
Abigail Dunn ◽  
Anna Cronin de Chavez ◽  
Josie Dickerson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Visitors ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Routine Assessment

A secure parent-infant relationship lays the foundations for childrens development, however there are currently no measurement tools recommended for clinical practice. We evaluate the clinical utility of a structured assessment of the parent-infant relationship (the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale, MPAS) in a deprived, multi-ethnic urban community in England. This paper answers the question: what are health visitors views on the parent-infant relationship, and experiences of piloting the MPAS? It explores the barriers and facilitators to implementation, and complements the paper on psychometric properties and representativeness reported in Dunn et al (submitted). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 health visitors and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Health visitors stressed the importance of the parent-infant relationship and reported benefits of the MPAS, including opening conversation, and identifying and reporting concerns. Challenges included timing, workload, the appropriateness and understanding of the questions and the length of the tool. Suggestions for improvements to the tool were identified. Our findings help to explain results in Dunn et al, and challenges identified would hinder routine assessment of the parent-infant relationship. Further work with health professionals and parents has been undertaken to co-produce an acceptable, feasible and reliable tool for clinical practice.

scholarly journals Translating Promising Biomarkers into Oncology Clinical Practice

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy G Lively ◽  
Michael C Sachs ◽  
Barbara A Conley ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Assay Development ◽  
Clinical Validation ◽  
Clinical Use ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Assay Optimization ◽  
Original Laboratory ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Intended Use

There is a clear need for biomarker assays that can assist in the choice of the best treatment for individual cancer patients. Many manuscripts can be found in the literature that describe promising correlations of molecular features with cancer outcomes, but few of these ever translate to assays that come into common clinical use. Some reasons for this lack of development are the failure to define a clear and compelling intended use for the biomarker assay, as well as the paucity of necessary and careful validation studies: the analytical and clinical validation of a given assay, optimization for clinical use, and demonstration of the clinical utility of the assay. These steps often require resources beyond those of the original laboratory that defined the correlation of the biomarker result to clinical outcome. This manuscript details some of the matters that are faced by assay developers, as well as some solutions for improved assay development and validation.

scholarly journals Clinical practice as a mean of the professional identity formation of prospective physical and occupational therapists

2021 ◽  
pp. 29-33
Author(s):  
Nataliia Bielikova ◽  
Nataliia Ulianytska ◽  
Svitlana Indyka
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapist ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
Professional Identity Formation ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Initial Choice

The professional identity formation of prospective physical and occupational therapists in the clinical practices process has been studied. The presence of the formed professional identity provides their orientation in the professional field and professional community that allows to realize more fully personal potential in a multidisciplinary team, to predict possible consequences of professional choice and to define own professional development prospects. There are three main stages in the formation of professional identity of the prospective physical therapy and occupational therapy specialists: an initial choice; a confirmation or refutation of the initial choice; an implementation of the initial choice in the activity. The dynamics of professional identity formation during the whole period of their professional training in a higher education institution has been determined. The peculiarities of early students` professionalization in the process of clinical practice have been revealed in a passive form, later - at the stage of active practice. Among the principles of professional identification development of future masters in physical and occupational therapy in the process of clinical practices, the principle of reflectivity and the principle of a value attitude forming to professional activity have been singled out. The clinical practice, taking place in medical and rehabilitation institutions, involving participation in the rehabilitation diagnosis establishment and in the rehabilitation program has been defined. Formation, development, a moral and psychological qualities complex, as an integral part of professional training of physical and occupational therapy specialists for their future professional activity; ensuring the growth of students` professional competence level; promoting self-identification and choosing the future professional activity direction are the main tasks of the research. The professional identification and personal identity formation of the prospective physical and occupational therapist is the unity of three processes: student`s self-acceptance as a prospective physical and occupational therapist; comparison with the professional ideal, norm and sample of a physical therapist; recognition by the external environment of the prospective specialist's affiliation to the professional group of practicing physical and occupational therapists. Throughout life professional identity is a product of continuous personal and professional development of the physical and occupational therapist.

‘Why are You doing That?’ A Project to Look for Evidence of Efficacy within Occupational Therapy

1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 487-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Catherine Conroy
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Emotional And Behavioural Problems ◽  
Related Activity ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Therapy Service

Nine occupational therapists working with children agreed to participate in a project designed to extend their awareness of evidence of efficacy in their clinical practice. Successful procedures would be developed for use in other areas of the occupational therapy service in Southampton. The occupational therapists divided themselves into three groups – those working with children whose needs were primarily physical, those working with children with emotional and behavioural problems and those working in mainstream schools with children with special needs – and used the following process to develop the project. They devised a statement related to their clinical practice. Electronic databases were used to search for relevant articles. Papers published during the past 10 years and available locally were distributed to the participating therapists. They reviewed the articles, using an agreed format. The articles were discussed by the therapists at regular meetings, culminating in a summary of the research findings, how they related to clinical practice and priorities for future research. There is evidence of increased research-related activity beyond that required by the project. Requests have been made by occupational therapists in other clinical areas to be included in this process.

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