scholarly journals Assessment of in-hand manipulation by occupational therapists in paediatric practices in South Africa

Author(s):  
Annelize Kruger ◽  
Monique Strauss ◽  
M Marieta ◽  
Mariette Nel

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Assessment of in-hand manipulation is fundamental to guide treatment for children with fine motor delays. Limited literature is available on how South African occupational therapists assess in-hand manipulation. This study aimed to describe which current in-hand manipulation assessment methods are used and what the preferences of occupational therapists in all areas of paediatric practices are regarding a suitable instrument METHODS: Quantitative cross-sectional study design with a non-probability purposive sampling method was used. Participants completed an EvaSys survey system online questionnaire RESULTS: Two-hundred-and-ninety-two (n=292) occupational therapists registered with the HPCSA participated. Limited familiarity (n=50; 17.1 %) with the formal assessment instruments described in literature was reported. The informal assessment methods most commonly used were subjective observation of tasks (n=287; 98.3%) of scholastic tasks (n=261; 89.4%) and play tasks (n=255; 87.3%) for children between the ages of five to six years (n=273; 93.5%). Preferences supported a descriptive instrument accompanied by a user manual that is administered under 15 minutes, in multiple languages, and with attention to the quality of movements and compensatory techniques used by the child CONCLUSION: Results showed that the current and preferred assessment methods used by occupational therapists might provide guidance for the future development of a contextual, relevant in-hand manipulation instrument for paediatric practices in South Africa Keywords: in-hand manipulation; assessment methods; paediatric practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julius Muchui Thambura ◽  
Jeanette G.E du Plessis ◽  
Cheryl M E McCrindle ◽  
Tanita Cronje

Abstract Introduction Anecdotal evidence suggests that medical professionals in trauma units are requesting additional regional images using conventional x-ray systems, even after trauma patients have undergone full-body Lodox scans. Patients are then exposed to additional radiation, additional waiting times and an increased medical bill. This study aimed at investigating the extent to which Lodox systems were used in trauma units (n=28) in South Africa. Method In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the researcher invited one radiographer from the 28 hospitals in South Africa that use Lodox systems. Radiographers who were most experienced in using the Lodox system completed an online questionnaire. Results Twenty (71.43% n=20) out of twenty-eight radiographers responded. Most hospitals (90%, n=18) were referring patients for additional conventional x-ray images. Radiographers indicated that conventional x-rays were requested for the chest (27.80%, 10/36), the abdomen (16.67%, 6/36), the spine (13.89%, 5/36) and the extremities and skull (19.44%, 7/36). Additionally, radiographers reported using Lodox to perform procedures and examinations usually performed on conventional x-ray systems when conventional x-ray systems were not operational. Conclusion Currently, it is not clear if the use of conventional x-ray imaging following Lodox is necessary, but the results suggest that the practice is commonplace, with healthcare workers in most hospitals (90%, n=18) requesting additional x-ray imaging. The researcher thus recommends that an imaging protocol for Lodox imaging systems should be developed to guide the referral of the patients for further imaging.


Author(s):  
Omphile Mogole ◽  
Natalie Schellack ◽  
Cara Hollander ◽  
Lebogang Ramma

Background: There is a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), cancer and malaria in South Africa, and the drugs used to treat these conditions can be ototoxic. It is therefore important that healthcare professionals are able to identify and understand these drugs and their effects to ensure effective care of the patient.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity amongst final year, medicine, pharmacy, audiology and nursing students across South African universities.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to identify the participants at the universities which train audiologists, pharmacists, medical and nursing students.Results: An overall response rate of 41% (n = 720) was obtained. Sixty-four per cent (n = 461) of respondents were women (median age: 23 years). The majority of the respondents (95%) knew what pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity was, but a few (39%) knew the general signs and symptoms of ototoxicity. Furthermore, just less than half of the sample (48%) could identify the specific ototoxic medicines and the type of damage caused by this medication.Conclusion: To manage pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity effectively, a multidisciplinary healthcare team must have sufficient knowledge about ototoxicity. Therefore, efforts should be made to introduce extensively concepts of pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity into the undergraduate curricula of pharmacy, medical, nursing and audiology programmes.


Hand Therapy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-152
Author(s):  
Kirsty van Stormbroek ◽  
Helen Buchanan

Introduction Hand rehabilitation needs in some parts of the world extend beyond the impact of specialised hand therapists. This study aimed to establish what hand rehabilitation services novice occupational therapists in South Africa were providing; the supports and barriers for such services; and, therapists’ perceptions of being equipped for hand rehabilitation. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and an online questionnaire was sent to all occupational therapists in their first year of practice (n = 240). Data were analysed with Stata 12 and IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21.0. Responses to open ended questions were post-coded. Results A 43.3% response rate was obtained. Participants (n = 104) treated an average of 20 clients requiring hand rehabilitation per month often without adequate equipment (73%). Central nervous system (91.3%), bone and joint (72.8%) and arthritic conditions (72.4%) were treated most frequently. Most participants felt confident (64%) and competent (79%) in hand rehabilitation. Conclusion Participants were undertaking hand rehabilitation that in other contexts is considered to require specialised skills. To ensure quality rehabilitation, supervision and mentoring of novice therapists and appropriate professional development opportunities are required.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Klamroth ◽  
Michael Gemperle ◽  
Thomas Ballmer ◽  
Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin ◽  
Jessica Pehlke-Milde ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impedes therapy and care activities. Health care at a distance (HCD) is a promising way to fill the supply gap. However, facilitators and barriers influence the use and experience of HCD in occupational therapists (OTs) and midwives.We identified use of services and appraisal of experiences of Switzerland-based OTs and midwives regarding the provision of HCD during the lockdown as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. 1. Hypothesis: Profession, age in years, and area of work have a significant and meaningful influence over whether HCD is provided. 2. Hypothesis: Profession, age in years, area of work, possibility of reimbursement by health insurance, and application used have a significant and meaningful influence on the experience of HCD.Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 5755 OTs and midwives were contacted to fill out an online questionnaire with 13 questions regarding demographic information, use of HCD and experiences while providing the service. Eleven potential facilitators and barriers and areas where there was desire for support were identified.Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1269 health professionals (response rate 22.5%). 73.4% of responding OTs (n=431) and midwives (n=501) provided HCD during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Profession and area of work had a significant influence on whether HCD was provided. Age had only a significant influence on the use of videotelephony, SMS and chat services.OTs experienced HCD significantly more positively than midwives (log odds=1.3; p≤.01). Video-telephony (log odds=1.1; p≤.01) and use of phone (log odds=1.1; p=.01) were positive predictors for positive experience, while use of SMS (log odds=-0.33; p=.02) was a negative predictor. Among OTs, 75.7% experienced HCD as positive or mostly positive, while 13.9% experienced it as negative or mostly negative. Among midwives, 53.7% experienced it as positive or mostly positive, while 36.1% experienced it as negative or mostly negative. Most respondents desired support concerning reimbursement by health insurance (70.8%), followed by law and data protection (60.4%).Conclusions: HCD during the early COVID-19 pandemic was generally perceived as positive by OTs and midwives. There is need for training opportunities in connection with HCD during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Klamroth-Marganska ◽  
Michael Gemperle ◽  
Thomas Ballmer ◽  
Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin ◽  
Jessica Pehlke-Milde ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic impedes therapy and care activities. Tele-health, i.e., the provision of health care at a distance (HCD), is a promising way to fill the supply gap. However, facilitators and barriers influence the use and experience of HCD for occupational therapists (OTs) and midwives. We identified use of services and appraisal of experiences of Switzerland-based OTs and midwives regarding the provision of HCD during the lockdown as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. 1. Hypothesis: Profession, age in years, and area of work have a significant and meaningful influence over whether HCD is provided. 2. Hypothesis: Profession, age in years, area of work, possibility of reimbursement by health insurance, and application used have a significant and meaningful influence on the experience of HCD. Methods In a cross-sectional survey, 5755 OTs and midwives were contacted to fill out an online questionnaire with 13 questions regarding demographic information, use of HCD, and experiences while providing the service. Eleven potential facilitators and barriers and areas where there was desire for support were identified. Results The questionnaire was completed by 1269 health professionals (response rate 22.5%). 73.4% of responding OTs (n = 431) and midwives (n = 501) provided HCD during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Profession and area of work had a significant influence on whether HCD was provided. Age only had a significant influence on the use of videotelephony, SMS, and chat services. OTs experienced HCD significantly more positively than midwives (log odds = 1.3; p ≤ .01). Video-telephony (log odds = 1.1; p ≤ .01) and use of phone (log odds = 0.8; p = .01) were positive predictors for positive experience, while use of SMS (log odds = − 0.33; p = .02) was a negative predictor. Among OTs, 67.5% experienced HCD as positive or mostly positive, while 27.0% experienced it as negative or mostly negative. Among midwives, 39.5% experienced it as positive or mostly positive, while 57.5% experienced it as negative or mostly negative. Most respondents desired support concerning reimbursement by health insurance (70.8%), followed by law and data protection (60.4%). Conclusions HCD during the early COVID-19 pandemic was generally perceived as positive by OTs and midwives. There is need for training opportunities in connection with HCD during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Pereira Pernambuco ◽  
Raquel de Carvalho Lana ◽  
Janaíne Cunha Polese

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the profile and knowledge of physiotherapists and occupational therapists from Minas Gerais about the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) application in professional practice, trying to understand the reason for the underutilization of this universal instrument in Brazil. Observational and cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire prepared by specialists. An email was sent to all physiotherapists and occupational therapists enrolled in the Regional Council of the 4th Region. Of 22,121 emails, 1,313 were answered. 53% of the sample had graduate certificate, 65% had between two to ten years of experience, and 62% reported that clinics and patients’ houses are the places where they work. 72% of the professionals knew the ICF and 84% correctly answered the meaning of the acronym. However, 71% of professionals are unaware of the fields that make up this classification. The first contact with the ICF happened during graduation to 50% of professionals, and 28% had never had contact with ICF. 74% reported not using it in clinical practice. However, 82% of the participants believed that the use of ICF is viable in clinical practice. Most professionals had graduate certificate, worked in clinics and patients’ homes and, although most of them claim to know the ICF, the largest portion of the sample reported they did not use this classification in their professional lives, even though believing the ICF use is feasible. The lack of knowledge about the ICF prevents professionals from complying with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Brazilian National Health Council (CNS) and COFFITO (Brazilian Federal Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy) on the adoption of this instrument in exchange of information about health and clinical practice.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2279
Author(s):  
Federica Grant ◽  
Maria Luisa Scalvedi ◽  
Umberto Scognamiglio ◽  
Aida Turrini ◽  
Laura Rossi

To limit the spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a nationwide lockdown started in Italy in March 2020. In this unpredictable situation, a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was carried out by the Observatory on Food Surplus, Recovery and Waste of CREA Food and Nutrition Centre. The aim of this work was to evaluate how Italian habits changed during this period, the determinants of changes, and the effect on food waste prevention. In a sample of 2678 respondents, 62% showed low Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (AMD). During lockdown many of participants improved the quality of their diet, increasing their consumption of fruit (24.4%), vegetables (28.5%), legumes (22.1%), nuts (12%), and fish or shellfish (14%). Unfavorable changes were observed with the excessive consumption of sweets or pastries (36.9%) and comfort foods (22.7%), and a lack of physical activity (37.2%). The main novelty of this study was the examination of dietary changes identified by a cluster analysis. Respondents with generally high AMD improved their eating habits, while the habits of the respondents with generally low AMD remained unchanged. In addition, nearly 80% of respondents were sensitive to food waste. The study provides a useful contribution to the debate on nutritional recommendations in case of further lockdown.


Author(s):  
Marta Maes-Carballo ◽  
Manuel Martín-Díaz ◽  
Luciano Mignini ◽  
Khalid Saeed Khan ◽  
Rubén Trigueros ◽  
...  

Objectives: To assess shared decision-making (SDM) knowledge, attitude and application among health professionals involved in breast cancer (BC) treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire, sent by several professional societies to health professionals involved in BC management. There were 26 questions which combined demographic and professional data with some items measured on a Likert-type scale. Results: The participation (459/541; 84.84%) and completion (443/459; 96.51%) rates were high. Participants strongly agreed or agreed in 69.57% (16/23) of their responses. The majority stated that they knew of SDM (mean 4.43 (4.36–4.55)) and were in favour of its implementation (mean 4.58 (4.51–4.64)). They highlighted that SDM practice was not adequate due to lack of resources (3.46 (3.37–3.55)) and agreed on policies that improved its implementation (3.96 (3.88–4.04)). The main advantage of SDM for participants was patient satisfaction (38%), and the main disadvantage was the patients’ paucity of knowledge to understand their disease (24%). The main obstacle indicated was the lack of time and resources (40%). Conclusions: New policies must be designed for adequate training of professionals in integrating SDM in clinical practice, preparing them to use SDM with adequate resources and time provided.


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