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.

Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of the Arabic Version of the Role Checklist Version 3 (RCv3)

Arab occupational therapists are in need either to develop their own outcome measures or to translate well-known outcome measures to their culture. The objective of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate preliminarily the Role Checklist Version 3 (RCv3) into Arabic language. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process of the RCv3 into Arabic language was conducted in four main steps: (a) forward translation, (b) back translation, (c) expert panel review process, and (d) psychometric testing (Validity). The expert panel established the face validity and the content validity of the Arabic RCv3. Pilot testing was conducted, and the utility and content validity of the tool were confirmed. The final version of the Arabic RCv3 is now available for use in the Arab countries. However, further psychometric properties including reliability and responsiveness of this tool is warranted, thus supporting its wide use and proper application.

Exploring a Novel Tool to Measure Wandering Behavior in the Early Childhood Classroom

Wandering, or random movement, affects cognitive and social skills. However, we lack methods to objectively measure wandering behavior. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the use of the Ubisense real-time location system (RTLS) in an early childhood setting to explore wandering in typically developing (TD) children ( n = 2) and children with or at risk for developmental disabilities (WA-DD; n = 3). We used the Ubisense RTLS, a tool for capturing locations of individuals in indoor environments, and Fractal Dimension (FD) to measure the degree of wandering or the straightness of a path. Results of this descriptive, observational study indicated the Ubisense RTLS collected 46,229 1-s location estimates across the five children, and TD children had lower FD ( M = 1.36) than children WA-DD ( M = 1.42). Children WA-DD have more nonlinear paths than TD children. Implications for measuring wandering are discussed.

The Development and Validation of the Planning to Make Meals Performance Measure

The Planning to Make Meals Performance Measure (PMMPM) was initially created as an outcome measure for an occupation-based program dedicated to helping individuals living in poverty maximize their food resources. This article briefly describes the PMMPM and the results of a cross-sectional study examining construct validity. Forty-two participants completed the PMMPM, Food Skills Confidence Measure (FSCM), and Cooking Skills Confidence Measure (CSCM). Analysis using Spearman’s correlations revealed that one or more PMMPM score significantly correlated with the FSCM ( r = .37–.50, p ≤ .05) and the CSCM ( r = .44–.49, p = .01). These findings add to the psychometric properties of the PMMPM, promoting its usefulness as an alternative to self-report measures for programs seeking to enhance food, cooking, or resource management skills. Creating authentic and direct performance measures that assess complex constructs or skills is another way occupational therapy can contribute to health and well-being.

A Call to the Front: Occupational Therapy Practice in Addressing School Bullying

Students with disabilities are more likely to be bullied at school than nondisabled students. This study aimed to understand occupational therapists’ practices and roles in addressing bullying against students with disabilities. An electronic survey was distributed in the United States to school-based occupational therapists to collect information on roles, practices, and barriers in addressing bullying. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics, frequencies, percentages, and content analysis. A total of 151 occupational therapists participated. The results illuminated critical gaps in occupational therapy practice. The majority of occupational therapists see or hear of bullying but do not address it. They reported the lack of evidence and interventions to draw upon and time due to caseload as key barriers. Occupational therapists can contribute to anti-bullying practices as a member of the interprofessional team, bringing in strategies and interventions from occupational therapy to create safer environments for all students.

Establishment of Reliability of the Occupation-Based Practice Assessment

The profession’s foundational construct; occupation, is therapeutically effective, but there remains inconsistent use as a therapeutic medium. A psychometrically strong tool can measure and maximize the use of occupation. This study establishes preliminary psychometric properties of the Occupation-Based Practice Assessment (OBPA). This methodological study tested inter-rater reliability using simulated video cases to examine the OBPA. Overall reliability was acceptable with at .868. All subsections were acceptable including Meaning and Purposeful Occupation (.871), Therapeutic Intent (.819), and Engaged Participation (.807). Two items, Context (.946) and Actual Doing (.981), demonstrated excellent reliability; while three items, Meaning (.747), Adaptation (.799), and Participation (.735), fell slightly below the acceptable level. Preliminary investigation of the OBPA reveals acceptable inter-rater reliability and suggests potential for use following additional in-vivo testing to measure therapeutic interactions to enhance student learning, optimize clinical practice, facilitate professional development, evaluate programs, and quantify occupation-based practice in research.

Survey of Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors’ Rehabilitation Interventions With Older Drivers

The rehabilitation strategies used by occupational therapy driver assessors with older drivers with age-related decline or health conditions are not well understood. The objective of the study was to describe driver rehabilitation interventions used by Australian driver assessors, identify factors that guide rehabilitation choices, and identify barriers and facilitators encountered. An online survey was emailed to 300 driver assessors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and to rank order participant responses. A total of 148 respondents selected from a combined total of 655 interventions. The four most common rehabilitation methods were (a) graded driving (18%, n = 118), (b) practicing specific maneuvers (17.7%, n = 116), (c) using a modified vehicle (16.9%, n = 111), and (d) graded driving in local areas only (15.1%, n = 99). The most common barrier limiting driver rehabilitation was cost ( M = 2.92, SD = 1.24). The most frequently used driver rehabilitation method was on-road training. Practice can be enhanced by collating and evaluating resources, and ensuring effective interventions are more accessible.

Using Subthreshold Vibratory Stimulation During Poststroke Rehabilitation Therapy: A Case Series

Subthreshold vibratory stimulation to the paretic wrist has been shown to prime the sensorimotor cortex and improve 2-week upper extremity (UE) therapy outcomes. The objective of this work was to determine feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of the stimulation over a typical 6-week therapy duration. Four chronic stroke survivors received stimulation during 6-week therapy. Feasibility/safety/efficacy were assessed at baseline, posttherapy, and 1-month follow-up. For feasibility, all participants wore the device throughout therapy and perceived the stimulation comfortable/safe. Regarding safety, no serious/moderate intervention-related adverse events occurred. For efficacy, all participants improved in Wolf Motor Function Test and UE use in daily living based on accelerometry and stroke impact scale. Mean improvements at posttherapy/follow-up were greater than the minimal detectable change/clinically important difference and other trials with similar therapy without stimulation. In conclusion, the stimulation was feasible/safe for 6-week use. Preliminary efficacy encourages a larger trial to further evaluate the stimulation as a therapy adjunct.