Profiting from Consensus Methods in Occupational Therapy: Using a Delphi Study to Achieve Consensus on Multiprofessional Discharge Planning

2003 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Atwal ◽  
Kay Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Discharge Planning ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Consensus Methods ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
National Health Service Trust

In occupational therapy, there is much debate regarding many aspects of practice. In order to make effective decisions in situations where there is contradictory or insufficient information, it is important to reach a consensus decision. The Delphi technique is a survey method of research, which aims to gain consensus among a panel of experts using repeated rounds of a questionnaire. This article is based on the first author's experience of using a Delphi survey as part of an action research project, located in a large acute National Health Service trust. This project aimed to analyse and improve multidisciplinary teamwork in discharge planning. The aim of the article is to focus on the Delphi technique as a methodological approach and, to illustrate this, examples are used from the research study. However, before using the Delphi technique, occupational therapists must understand the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

Development of a Tool to Measure Clinical Competence in Occupational Therapy: A Pilot Study?

2000 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Salvatori ◽  
Sue Baptiste ◽  
Maureen Ward
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Clinical Competence ◽  
Discharge Planning ◽  
Program Planning ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Chart Audit ◽  
Supervisor Ratings ◽  
Stimulated Recall

Clinical competence is generally defined as a combination of knowledge, skill and professional behaviour. It is typically assessed using written tests, direct observation, chart audit, client satisfaction surveys and supervisor ratings. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a chart-stimulated recall (CSR) measure that combines the methods of chart audit and clinician interview to assess the clinical competence of practicing occupational therapists. The CSR tool was developed using the Canadian Guidelines for Client-Centred Practice and taps global domains of competence: use of theory, assessment, program planning, intervention, discharge planning, follow-up, program evaluation, clinical reasoning and professional behaviours. This pilot study involved two independent raters/interviewers who assessed twelve occupational therapy clinicians on two occasions using a random sample of client cases/records on each occasion Results indicate that the CSR tool is not only reliable and valid, but also sufficiently generic to be used in a variety of practice settings as a global measure of on-the-job performance.

An Evaluation of the Use of the Mayers' Lifestyle Questionnaire

1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (9) ◽  
pp. 393-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine A Mayers
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Related Research ◽  
Lifestyle Questionnaire

This article describes two studies that evaluated the use of two tools of a client-centred approach for use in community occupational therapy, namely the contact letter and the Mayers' Lifestyle Questionnaire. The first study involved community occupational therapists, mainly working in social services. They used the contact letter and the Lifestyle Questionnaire with their clients who had problems caused mainly by physical disability. The second study used an adapted Delphi technique in order to involve a Disability Action Group in the evaluation process. Finally, the article brings the reader up to date with the present use of the Lifestyle Questionnaire and related research being undertaken with clients with mental health problems.

An Analytical Algorithm for Delphi Method for Consensus Building and Organizational Productivity

2017 ◽  
pp. 62-79
Author(s):  
Abd Hamid Zahidy ◽  
Noor Azlinna Azizan ◽  
Shahryar Sorooshian
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Method ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Significant Variation ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Organizational Productivity ◽  
Modified Delphi ◽  
Practical Algorithm ◽  
Procedural Guidance ◽  
Study Application

The Delphi technique is being increasingly used in many complex areas where a consensus is to be reached. In such an environment, the Delphi technique allows researchers to acquire high quality, unbiased information from a panel of certified experts. Despite its vast uses, the Delphi method has seen a lack of consistent procedural guidance for its application. A review of literature revealed a significant variation in methodological approach of the method. The purpose of this paper is to develop a practical algorithm for the Delphi study application based on the literature review and the authors' practiced experiences. A few modifications are suggested to make the Delphi study more practical in research and decision making. Using the guidelines provided by this paper, it is expected that the reader may better understand the appropriate application and procedure of the modified Delphi process.

International Occupational Therapy Research Priorities

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lynette Mackenzie ◽  
Susan Coppola ◽  
Liliana Alvarez ◽  
Lolita Cibule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
International Research ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
The World ◽  
Survey Round

Occupational therapy is a global profession represented by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). International research priorities are needed for strategic guidance on global occupational therapy practice. The objective of this study was to develop international research priorities to reflect global occupational therapy practice. A Delphi study using three rounds of electronic surveys, distributed to WFOT member organizations and WFOT accredited universities, was conducted. Data were analyzed after each round, and priorities were presented for rating and ranking in order of importance. Forty-six (53%) out of 87 WFOT member countries participated in the Delphi process. Eight research priorities were confirmed by the final electronic survey round. Differences were observed in rankings given by member organizations and university respondents. Despite attrition at Round 3, the final research priorities will help to focus research efforts in occupational therapy globally. Follow-up research is needed to determine how the research priorities are being adopted internationally.

scholarly journals Home Quick – Occupational Therapy Home Visits Using mHealth, to Facilitate Discharge from Acute Admission Back to the Community

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Nix ◽  
Tracy Comans
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Home Visiting ◽  
Community Hospital ◽  
Discharge Planning ◽  
Home Visits ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Alternative Technologies ◽  
Number Of Patients

This article reports upon an initiative to improve the timeliness of occupational therapy home visits for discharge planning by implementing technology solutions while maintaining patient safety. A community hospital in Queensland, Australia, hosted a process evaluation that examined which aspects of home visiting could be replaced or augmented by alternative technologies. Strategies were trialled, implemented and assessed using the number of home visits completed and the time from referral to completion as outcomes. A technology-enhanced solution called “Home Quick” was developed using technology to facilitate pre-discharge home visits. The implementation of Home Quick resulted in an increase in the number of home visits conducted prior to discharge (50% increase from 145 to 223) and significantly increased the number of patients seen earlier following referral (X2=69.3; p<0.001). The substitution of direct home visits with technology-enabled remote visits is suitable for a variety of home visiting scenarios traditionally performed by occupational therapists. 

A Worthwhile Collaboration: Integrating Optometry and Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Children

2020 ◽  
pp. 221-236
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
The Body ◽  
Collaborative Practice ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Visual Deficits ◽  
Vision Deficits

Background: Vision deficits are highly prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders including those with motor delays, learning and reading difficulties, and maladaptive behaviors. These deficits can interfere with their participation and performance in everyday life activities and therefore, require a comprehensive approach to therapy. As such, optometrists and occupational therapists are an optimal team to provide interprofessional collaborative care, reported in research as best practice, in the treatment of these children. However, little is known about the long-called-for collaboration between these professions. The purpose of this study was to explore factors and implications associated with a collaborative practice between optometrists and occupational therapists in the co-management of vision deficits in the pediatric population. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was employed to explore perceptions of collaborative practice among teams of optometrists and occupational therapists in the remedial care of children with visual deficits. Following IRB approval, co-located optometrists and occupational therapists were recruited for this study. Semistructured interviews served as the primary data collection tool to investigate the factors and implications of collaborative practice. Results: Eleven professionals provided informed consent and took part in this study, including five occupational therapists and six optometrists. Following thematic analysis, four overarching themes emerged including 1) professional boundaries, 2) co-located, integrated practice, 3) professional growth, and 4) improved patient care. Participants indicated that although barriers exist, exercising humility, upholding patient-centered focus, maintaining mutual respect, communicating frequently, and co-location were factors that enable collaboration. Positive outcomes related to both the provider and the patient were further highlighted supporting the interprofessional collaboration between these professionals. Conclusions: The findings of this qualitative study add to the body of evidence underpinning interprofessional collaborative practice. Furthermore, this study supports the coordination of care, through optometry and occupational therapy collaboration, in the treatment of visual deficits in children with special needs.

scholarly journals Occupational therapists’ experiences of enabling people to participate in sport

2020 ◽  
pp. 030802262097394
Author(s):  
Deborah Bullen ◽  
Channine Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Local Populations ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health And Social Care

Introduction In response to growing demands on health and social care services there is an emphasis on communities addressing the needs of local populations to improve lives and reduce inequalities. Occupational therapists are responding to these demands by expanding their scope of practice into innovative settings, such as working with refugees, the homeless and residents of nursing homes, and within sport and leisure environments. The benefits of sport are widely acknowledged, and this paper argues that occupational therapists could play a pivotal role in enabling people to participate. Method This qualitative study drew on a phenomenological approach and used interviews and thematic analysis to explore five occupational therapists’ experiences of enabling people to participate in sport. Findings Findings revealed that participants demonstrated the uniqueness of occupational therapy when enabling people to participate in sport and practised according to their professional philosophy. There were opportunities to reach wider communities and promote the value of occupational therapy by collaborating with organisations, but there were also challenges when working outside of traditional settings. Conclusion The study emphasises the unique skills occupational therapists can bring to this setting. It highlights opportunities to expand their practice, to forge new partnerships in sports and leisure environments, and to address the national inactivity crisis.

Promoting Occupational Therapy Mental Health Research: Proceedings From the 2017 AOTF Mental Health Planning Grant Collective

2021 ◽  
pp. 153944922110054
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Gutman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Therapy Services

Although occupational therapists were once integrally involved in mental health practice, the percentage of therapists presently working in this clinical area is low. In 2017, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation convened a planning grant collective (PGC) to generate research to support populations with serious mental health challenges. The PGC’s primary mission was to identify key research areas in which occupational therapists and colleagues could work collaboratively to demonstrate evidence for occupational therapy services supporting mental health community participation. Participants included 21 members from six professions and three program officers from federal funding establishments. The PGC identified seven overarching research concepts, three broad areas of research inquiry, and eight possible studies addressing occupational therapy’s contribution to research promoting community participation and health outcomes for people with mental illness. This article provides a summary of the PGC proceedings so that researchers can collaboratively implement identified research topics.

scholarly journals Enhancing Our Understanding of Transitional Care Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 136-137
Author(s):  
Katherine McGilton ◽  
Shirin Vellani ◽  
Alexandra Krassikova ◽  
Alexia Cumal ◽  
Sheryl Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Transitional Care ◽  
Discharge Planning ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Hospitalized Older Adults

Abstract Many hospitalized older adults experience delayed discharge. Transitional care programs (TCPs) provide short-term care to these patients to prepare them for transfer to nursing homes or back to the community. There are knowledge gaps related to the processes and outcomes of TCPs. We conducted a scoping review following Arksey & O’Malley’s framework to identify the: 1) characteristics of older patients served by TCPs, 2) services provided within TCPs, and 3) outcomes used to evaluate TCPs. We searched bibliographic databases and grey literature. We included papers and reports involving community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years and examined the processes and/or outcomes of TCPs. The search retrieved 4828 references; 38 studies and 2 reports met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in Europe (n=19) and America (n=13). Patients admitted to TCPs were 59-86 years old, had 2-10 chronic conditions, 26-74% lived alone, the majority were functionally dependent and had mild cognitive impairment. Most TCPs were staffed by nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and physicians, and support staff. The TCPs provided 5 major types of services: assessment, care planning, treatment, evaluation/care monitoring and discharge planning. The outcomes most frequently assessed were discharge destination, mortality, hospital readmission, length of stay, cost and functional status. TCPs that reported significant improvement in older adults’ functions (which was the main goal of the TCPs) included multiple services delivered by multidisciplinary teams. There is a wide variation in the operationalization of TCPs within and between countries.

scholarly journals The developing role of occupational therapists in school-based practice: Experiences from collaborative action research in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 375-386
Author(s):  
Debbie Kramer-Roy ◽  
Denise Hashim ◽  
Nighat Tahir ◽  
Areeba Khan ◽  
Asma Khalid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Collaborative Action Research ◽  
School Level ◽  
Collaborative Action ◽  
School Based

Introduction Occupational therapists around the world increasingly seek to support the participation of children with disabilities and special educational needs in mainstream education. Contemporary school-based occupational therapy practice is progressing from an individual, impairment focus towards collaborative, universal interventions at the whole class and whole school level. Participation-focused practice and collaboration is particularly important, but uncommon, in low-resource contexts such as Pakistan. Methods This article reports on collaborative action research that developed the role of occupational therapy in inclusive education in Karachi, Pakistan. A research team consisting of occupational therapists and teachers worked with five local primary schools, using the action research cycles of plan–implement–observe–reflect to develop practical strategies, materials and inclusive lesson plans to facilitate the participation of all children in all school-based occupations. Findings Support from school management and interdisciplinary collaboration were crucial for implementing change. In addition, strategies like inclusive lesson planning were found to benefit all children in class. Collaborative action research led to increased professional confidence in the teachers and occupational therapists, and skill development through developing a resource guide, running workshops and presenting at (inter)national conferences. Conclusion Collaborative action research was an effective means to develop the occupational therapy role in inclusive education practices in Pakistan, develop culturally appropriate educational resources, and upskill local therapists and teachers.

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