Psychometric evaluation of the Relative Mastery Scale: An Occupational Adaptation instrument

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Relative Mastery Scale (RMS). Valid and reliable client-centered instruments support practice in value-based health care and community-based settings. Participants were 368 community-dwelling adults aged 18 to 95 years. Researchers conducted validity and reliability examinations of the RMS using classical test theory and Rasch measurement model. A partial credit model allowed exploration of individual scale properties. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between items were statistically significant at the .01 level. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .94 showing strong internal consistency. In exploratory factor analysis, Factor 1 accounted for 71% of variance with an eigenvalue of 4.26. In Rasch analysis, the 5-point rating scale demonstrated adequate functioning, confirmed unidimensionality, and person/item separation. The RMS instrument demonstrates sound psychometric characteristics. A valid and reliable measure of internal occupational adaptation supports application to monitor progress of internal occupational adaptation across a variety of individuals.

Outcomes of Team-Centered, Occupational Adaptation-Based Versus Traditional Dementia Workforce Training

Background. Dementia workforce training aligned with Occupational Adaptation (OA) theory may facilitate teams resolving challenges in the care environment more than traditional skills-based (SB) training, although comparisons are needed. Purpose. This pilot study compared effectiveness of an OA and SB program on relative mastery and team development for dementia care teams at a continuing care retirement community. Method. In a quasi-experimental study, employees underwent nine sessions in an OA or SB program. Relative Mastery Measurement Scale and Team Development Measure results were collected pre-, mid-, post-intervention. A 3 × 2 ANOVA determined differences in group score changes across time. Findings. Data from 28 employees (14/group) showed group-by-time interaction reached statistical significance for both relative mastery ( F = 3.17, df = 2, p = .05) and team development ( F = 8.38, df = 2, p = .001). Implications. OA-based training may improve dementia care teams’ collaborative mastery over real-world challenges. While preliminary findings inform program developers, further research must explore clinical effectiveness.

Conserving dignity and facilitating adaptation to dependency with intimate hygiene for people with advanced disease: A qualitative study

Background: People at the end of life experience increased dependence with self-care as disease progresses, including care with intimate hygiene. Dependence with intimate hygiene has been identified as a factor that may compromise dignity at the end of life. However, adaption to increased dependency and subsequent impact on dignity with intimate hygiene is an under-researched area. Aim: This study sought to understand how people at the end of life experience dignity with intimate hygiene when function declines and how people adapt to increased dependence with intimate hygiene needs. Design: A qualitative design was employed using a hermeneutic phenomenological perspective which privileges participant perspectives. Findings were mapped against occupational therapy and dignity literature. Setting/participants: Participants were people with advanced disease receiving inpatient or community palliative care. Results: Eighteen interviews were conducted with people about their experiences and perspectives of dignity with intimate hygiene. The following themes were constructed from the data: (1) There’s a way of doing and a way of asking, (2) Putting each other at ease, (3) It’s just how it is, (4) Regaining and retaining control. How people adjust to dependence with intimate hygiene is individually mediated. Patterns of occupational adaptation to increased dependence with intimate hygiene and practical implications for care are discussed. Conclusion: Adaptation to increased dependence with intimate hygiene is facilitated by enabling moments of micro-competence and agency over how care is received. Carers play a pivotal role in compromising or conserving the dignity with intimate hygiene at the end of life.

Social-epidemiological prerequisites for dysbacteriosises formation of tunica mucosa of mouth

The purpose of the study was an exposure of social-epydemiological prerequisites for the dysbacteriosis of mouth's tunica mucosa. It was observed 195 patients, selected according to preventive measures and dental health service appealability. The assay samples (biomaterials) from miscellaneous biotopes of all patients were inspected during the microbiology study by system BMSB (WHO, 1984). As a result of researches it was revealed that most proportion of dysbacterioses accounts for patients living in city centre - 44,7±4,5%. The given index amongst patients with normal microflora was 18,1±4,6%. There was the decrease of sickness rate in pericentre - 30.1±4,2%, in uptowns - 16,3±3,3% and in villages - 8,9±2,6%. For dysbacteriosis formation of a mucous membrane of oral cavity (MMOC) the following social-epidemiological prerequisites had vital importance: a material trouble, unsatisfactory living conditions, residence in polluted by exhausts city centre and the certain social-occupational adaptation. Realization of measures for reduction of activity of the aboved mentioned social-epidemiological prerequisites permits to confine the risk of dysbacteriosis formation of MMOC. Key words: oral cavity, mucous membrane, dysbacteriosis

Development of the final version of the occupational adaptation questionnaire for family caregivers

Background Given the growing role of family caregivers in meeting the increasing demand for ageing-related care in Japan, the occupational adaptation of family caregivers needs to be evaluated. Methods This study developed the Occupational Adaptation Questionnaire for Family Caregivers (OAQC) and evaluated its reliability, validity, and effectiveness. To develop the OAQC item pool, the construct ‘Occupation of nursing care engaged in by family caregivers’ was evaluated. Using the Delphi method, 8 experts evaluated 64 items and confirmed that 41 items adequately represented the domain. The scale was then completed by 216 family caregivers of users of outpatient service establishments affiliated with hospitals in the Chubu region. The validity of the scale items was tested, and statistical analysis was performed. The construct validity and internal consistency of the OAQC were examined using exploratory factor analysis and the ω coefficient, respectively. Results The discrimination ability and difficulty level were calculated using the item response theory. The findings showed that the scale’s reliability and validity were satisfactory. Construct validity was acceptable for 16 items with 5 factors. The OAQC also had high internal consistency, reliability, and effectiveness. The item slope parameters and difficulty parameters revealed good item response, indicating that the scale could effectively measure family caregivers’ occupational adaptation. Conclusion The scale was compatible with the data obtained from family caregivers. Given its overall effectiveness, data obtained using the OAQC can contribute towards implementing personal care support programs for caregivers and enriching their lives by offering support from an occupational adaptation perspective.