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

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.

1994 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Egan ◽  
M. Denise Delaat

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.


1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Travis Kroeker

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.


1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 100-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Golledge

Part 1 of this article explores how occupational therapists use the terms occupation, purposeful activity and activity. A literature review of the topic is presented, followed by a personal reflection and definition. It is hoped that this will provide an illustrative example of how the terms could be used and may assist occupational therapy students and occupational therapists to appreciate the potential differences. It is suggested that the terms occupation and purposeful activity should be used to reflect more accurately what occupational therapists do in their professional practice.


1987 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Law

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.


2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (9) ◽  
pp. 372-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney Chu ◽  
Frances Reynolds

An occupational therapy delineation model of practice is presented, which guides a multidimensional understanding of the psychopathology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its management. Previous research has established that occupational therapists lack detailed training or theory in this field. The delineation model of practice is based on a literature review, clinical experience and a consensus study carried out with occupational therapists to determine their priorities for the evaluation of, and intervention with, children with ADHD. Part 1 of this article presents the model and examines its implications for evaluation and intervention at the levels of child, task and environment. A family-centred assessment and treatment package, based on the delineation model, is described. Part 2 of this article will report the results of a multicentre study, which was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of this package.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Nancy McPharlin ◽  
Hugh Stewart ◽  
Deanna Gibbs ◽  
Holly Bowen-Salter ◽  
Kobie Boshoff

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.  


1984 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia Swee Hong

The project attempted to look at the approach used by occupational therapists in Britain for children with perceptual motor disorders. It consisted of a review of literature published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy from 1970–81. The results suggested that occupational therapists used a variety of assessments and treatment methods with a slant towards sensory and perceptual motor approaches.


1987 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Polatajko ◽  
Carolyn Wright ◽  
Pat Clancy ◽  
Maria LeBlanc ◽  
Margie Vanhook

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.


2003 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seanne Wilkins ◽  
Bonny Jung ◽  
Laurie Wishart ◽  
Mary Edwards ◽  
Shelley Gamble Norton

Background. This paper examines the results of a critical literature review describing the provision of education and functional training programs by occupational therapists with older adults to maximize their occupational performance. Purpose. The critical review addressed the following question: What is the effectiveness of education and functional training programs in improving occupational performance and quality of life for older adults? Review methods are described and the outcomes of the critical review discussed. Results. The results indicate that there is evidence that programs are effective in three areas: prevention of functional decline and falls, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Methodological limitations exist in some studies. There are several randomized controlled studies in this area, though the description of specific occupational therapy interventions is often vague and the programs could not be easily duplicated by occupational therapists. Practice implications. Occupational therapists are provided with information through this critical review to facilitate evidence-based practice when working with older adults.


1994 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 384-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breda Mulcahy

The article presents the findings of a survey conducted to determine the status and use of sensory integration in Ireland. The survey questionnaire was distributed to occupational therapists who had completed a Sensory integration International approved course conducted at the School of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College, Dublin. The results are discussed in relation to occupational therapy practice, literature and research.


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