Job Stress in Occupational Therapy: Coping Strategies, Stress Management Techniques and Recommendations for Change

1993 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 140-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace M Sweeney ◽  
Keith A Nichols ◽  
Maggie Cormack
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
District Health ◽  
Management Techniques

This article, the second in a series of two on job stress in occupational therapy, reports the results of 30 semi-structured interviews with a random sample of occupational therapists from the Bath District Health Authority and selected local authority social services departments. All 30 subjects had participated in a larger study which set out to identify the factors contributing to job stress in this professional group,1 and the follow-up interviews aimed to examine coping strategies which were used by the subjects in their work situation. This is an applied article, where the attempt is to distil the main findings of the combined studies (the postal survey and the interviews) to recover information that can be made available to occupational therapy managers and to clinical occupational therapists.

Job Stress in Occupational Therapy: An Examination of Causative Factors

1993 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace M Sweeney ◽  
Keith A Nichols ◽  
Paul Kline
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Patient Contact ◽  
Causative Factors ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Professional Value

This article, the first in a series of two on job stress in occupational therapy, reports the results of a postal survey which set out to identify factors that contributed to stress in a sample of Britain-based occupational therapists. Three hundred and ten NHS and LASS occupational therapists were surveyed between November 1989 and February 1990. The results indicated that four different dimensions of job stress were relevant to occupational therapists, and these were labelled ‘professional value’, ‘resources and demands’, ‘rewards and recognition’ and ‘patient contact’. Further analysis indicated that occupational therapists who worked longer hours, who had been in the job for a longer period of time, and who were employed in social services tended to score higher on the dimension of rewards and recognition. Employment at the level of basic grade, senior II or senior i tended to be predictive of a high score on the dimension of stress related to patient contact. Occupational therapists who had been qualified for longer periods of time tended to score lower on both these dimensions of job stress. This article explores possible explanations for these differences, and the second article will propose individual and organisational strategies for stress reduction.

Exploring the meaning of value-based occupational therapy services from the perspectives of managers, therapists and clients

2021 ◽  
pp. 030802262110300
Author(s):  
Su Ren Wong ◽  
Bi Xia Ngooi ◽  
Fang Yin Kwa ◽  
Xiang Ting Koh ◽  
Rachel J J Chua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Therapeutic Relationships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Therapeutic Communication ◽  
Main Concept ◽  
Therapy Services

Introduction There is a worldwide trend towards value-based health care, which strives to control healthcare costs while maximising value for clients. The main concept of value has been defined as health outcomes achieved per US dollar spent. This research explored how clients of occupational therapy services, managers and occupational therapists perceived value in occupational therapy services. Method A qualitative design was used to explore the perspectives of clients ( n = 11), occupational therapists ( n = 7) and occupational therapy managers ( n = 7). Appreciative inquiry guided the two phases of semi-structured interviews ( n = 5) and focus groups ( n = 6). Inductive and deductive coding were used to establish themes. Findings Three themes encompassed the participants’ perceived value of occupational therapy services: (1) outcomes which are meaningful to daily life, (2) a constructive client–therapist relationship and (3) affordable, coordinated and understandable therapy. Conclusion Participants attributed value to occupational therapy services when they encountered personalised goal setting, focused on meaningful outcomes, managed personal costs and experienced positive therapeutic relationships. Enhancing services could focus on (1) developing skills in collaborative goal setting, (2) determining suitable outcome measures which are meaningful at personal- and service-level reporting, (3) encouraging self-management strategies, and (4) emphasising therapeutic relationships and supporting therapeutic communication skill development.

‘Positive Preparation’: Educational Input on HIV/AIDS in British Occupational Therapy Schools

1994 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 76-78
Author(s):  
Sue Rugg
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Group Settings ◽  
Hiv Aids

This article presents the results of a national postal survey to determine the type and amount of educational input on HIV/AIDS received by British occupational therapy students. All respondents (18/25 courses, 72%) indicated that they currently provided such input, with an average of 11.9 hours of course time being devoted to it. The majority of presenters were occupational therapists, although colleagues from many other backgrounds were also involved. Much of the material was considered in small group settings, with the content being balanced among a range of aspects. The article concludes that most British occupational therapy students are ‘positively prepared’ to work with clients with HIV/AIDS.

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.

A Survey of Current Occupational Therapy Practice for Parkinson's Disease in the United Kingdom

2003 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 193-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
K H O Deane ◽  
C Ellis-Hill ◽  
K Dekker ◽  
P Davies ◽  
C E Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Postgraduate Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Health And Social Care

Little is known about the current character of occupational therapy practice for Parkinson's disease in the United Kingdom. The study aimed to document this in order to inform plans for a future multicentre randomised controlled trial. Two hundred and forty-two occupational therapists that treated people with Parkinson's disease were sent a questionnaire regarding demographics, service organisation and therapy content. One hundred and sixty-nine occupational therapists (70%) responded. They had worked with people with Parkinson's disease for a median of 6 years and personally treated a median of 15 people with Parkinson's disease annually. Most (86%) were at senior grade or above; 87% worked in the National Health Service and 12% in social services. Forty per cent worked in specialist Parkinson's disease clinics. Most (79%) felt that they needed more specialist postgraduate training. Occupational therapists are employed in both health and social care settings. The character of the occupational therapy is often determined by the location in which it is provided. Current occupational therapy appears to focus on functional activities rather than on the wider social and psychological aspects of occupation. Many occupational therapists felt that they needed more specialist postgraduate training to treat people with Parkinson's disease effectively.

scholarly journals Occupational Therapy and Multidisciplinary Working on Acute Psychiatric Wards: The Tompkins Acute Ward Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 545-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Simpson ◽  
Len Bowers ◽  
Jane Alexander ◽  
Caroline Ridley ◽  
Jonathan Warren
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multidisciplinary Working ◽  
Acute Psychiatric Wards ◽  
Interprofessional Working ◽  
Living Being

There is limited research into occupational therapy and interprofessional working on acute psychiatric wards. This study aimed to explore relations between occupational therapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team through structured interviews with 47 staff on 14 acute psychiatric wards. The study found that occupational therapists provided assessments, group activities and individual therapeutic work, with the assessment and development of activities of daily living being central. Linking patients with community resources in preparation for discharge was also important. Severity of illness among patients and speed of discharge were barriers to effective input. Nurses and psychiatrists appreciated occupational therapy input but rarely the breadth of the role. Multidisciplinary relations were generally positive, although some ward teams were disinclined to include occupational therapists in communications and decision making. The occupational therapists appreciated their professional knowledge and opinion being respected and considered. The study concluded that occupational therapists play an important if often misunderstood role on acute psychiatric wards, but that their involvement could be significantly increased through the employment of more experienced occupational therapists and the provision of interprofessional education. Further research is required to explore the facilities, resources and support required to maximise occupational therapy input and identify areas for increased interprofessional working.

Is Meeting Spiritual Need within the Occupational Therapy Domain?

2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 177-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Hoyland ◽  
Christine Mayers
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The profession's present interest in the topic of spirituality initiated the decision to undertake this study, which aimed to investigate the extent to which occupational therapists consider clients' spiritual needs as part of their domain. The objectives of the study were to ascertain whether this was part of the occupational therapist's role and to identify the ways in which occupational therapists addressed the spiritual needs of their clients. Six senior II occupational therapists participated in semi-structured interviews. The participants felt that all individuals have spiritual needs, although not all would recognise or acknowledge them as such. All the participants considered spiritual care to be part of their role, but there was some uncertainty regarding the relationship of spiritual care to occupational therapy in general. Spiritual needs were addressed by a listening and holistic approach.

Private Practice: Benefits, Barriers and Strategies of Providing Fieldwork Placements

2003 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kym Sloggett ◽  
Nancy Kim ◽  
Debra Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Placements ◽  
Health Care Professions ◽  
Practice Methods ◽  
The University ◽  
Implementing Strategies

Background. Occupational therapists are entering private practice in ever increasing numbers. In order to gain the skills to practice in this area, students should have the opportunity to experience private practice fieldwork placements. However, the number offered in private practice settings continues to be limited. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to identify the benefits, the barriers, and the strategies associated with providing fieldwork opportunities in private practice. Methods. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists in private practice. Results. Results indicated that participating in fieldwork education affords benefits to the profession of occupational therapy, to the clinician, and to the facility. Potential barriers included student characteristics, cost, time, travel and legalities. Involvement from the university and the private setting were considered necessary for providing and implementing strategies. Clinical Implications. The findings have implications for increasing private practice placements for future students in occupational therapy and other health care professions offering clinical placements as a component of their formal education.

Knowledge about Pain among Newly Graduated Occupational Therapists: Relevance for Curriculum Development

1999 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Strong ◽  
Leigh Tooth ◽  
Anita Unruh
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
New Graduates ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Pain Knowledge ◽  
The University

In recent years there has been a growing awareness amongst health professionals of the need to prepare undergraduate students more adequately for practice with clients who have pain. Occupational therapists have a central role in enabling such clients to have productive lives despite pain. In this study, an examination was made of the adequacy of preparation for pain practice in graduates from one Australian occupational therapy curriculum. Recent occupational therapy graduates from the University of Queensland, Australia, who responded to a postal survey, obtained an overall 53% correct response rate to a 69-item pain knowledge and attitudes questionnaire. Results indicated the need for further education in this area, especially in the areas of pharmacological management, and pain assessment and measurement. These results were comparable to those obtained from final year occupational therapy students at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia prior to undertaking an elective course about pain. Follow-up interviews with a number of new graduates supported the inclusion of an elective pain course in the undergraduate occupational therapy curriculum at the University of Queensland in Australia.

Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies in Basic Grade Occupational Therapists

1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 257-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Leonard ◽  
Susan Corr
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Informal Support ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
And Coping

Little research has been carried out investigating the sources of stress and methods of coping with them in recently qualified basic grade occupational therapists. A postal survey was conducted involving 80 basic grade occupational therapists nationwide who graduated in 1995. The results, from 62 respondents (78%), indicated that organisational issues were the most popular sources of stress, with ‘too much paperwork’, ‘limited resources for client/patient care’ and ‘staff shortages' being the top stressors. The findings suggest that many coping strategies are available to basic grades in the workplace, including formal supervision and informal support, and that they are using them.

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