Canine-assisted occupational therapy for children on the autism spectrum: Challenges in practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Hill ◽  
Jenny Ziviani ◽  
Carlie Driscoll ◽  
Judy Cawdell-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Ethical Practice ◽  
Therapy Dog ◽  
Additional Training ◽  
Reflection On Practice

Statement of context: Canine-assisted occupational therapy for children on the autism spectrum has been proposed as a means of enhancing goal-directed interventions, yet there remain no clear guidelines of its safe and ethical practice. Critical reflection on practice: Introducing a therapy dog into occupational therapy practices with children on the autism spectrum was found to require a complex and multifaceted set of skills requiring additional training to support the safety and wellbeing of both the client and the therapy dog. Implications for practice: Canine-assisted occupational therapy with children on the autism spectrum requires clear practice guidelines, as well as continuing professional development opportunities.

Analysing and interpreting outcomes data to support evidence-based practice using the example of AusTOMs-OT

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (10) ◽  
pp. 631-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn A Unsworth
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Therapy Outcome ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Reflection On Practice ◽  
Support Evidence

Statement of context Occupational therapists working with clients who have neurological impairments routinely collect outcomes data. However, data cannot inform practice unless it is routinely reviewed. The aim of this paper was to show how outcomes data collected on the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures – Occupational Therapy scale were analysed and interpreted. Although the example pertains to clients with neurological problems, the approach can be applied to all areas of practice. Critical reflection on practice When outcomes data are routinely analysed and findings reviewed, occupational therapists have an increased understanding of practice strengths and limitations. Implications for practice Incorporating analysis and interpretation of outcomes data for clients with neurological problems into practice contributes evidence to support therapy and ensures clinicians retain control of their data.

Continuing Professional Development: The Impact of the College of Occupational Therapists' Standard on Dedicated Time

2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 196-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth White
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Development Activity ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
The Impact

The 2001 College of Occupational Therapists' Research and Development Strategic Vision and Action Plan (Ilott and White 2001) gave as an objective that ‘managers will allocate regular, dedicated time within the work schedule for agreed research/quality-enhancement activities for all occupational therapy personnel’ (p275). This article describes a survey undertaken to establish the impact of the standard on the continuing professional development (CPD) activities of occupational therapy staff. The 1205 responses received demonstrated an increase in access to dedicated CPD time, which was used for individual study, group activities or service development. The monitoring of outcomes from this time investment was patchy. Dedicated CPD time was found to be beneficial to the individual, his or her service and the service users, although additional work pressure and a lack of study skills were noted. Some respondents were prevented from accessing CPD time owing to workload expectations, whereas others preferred to undertake development activities in their own time. Having a good CPD structure in place was found to contribute to clinical effectiveness and improved staff morale and recruitment. Creative approaches were described to manage competing time demands. It was evident that managerial support was crucial to the progress of development activity within the workplace.

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