Exploring occupational therapists’ experiences in cross-cultural practice with Somali service users: A participatory approach to enhancing accessibility and cultural relevance

Is Occupational Therapy Adequately Meeting the Needs of People With Chronic Pain?

There is a notable lack of research exploring the perspectives of occupational therapy service users, particularly within ethnically diverse communities. Existing evidence highlights significant disparities in service utilisation among different ethnic groups. Developing a nuanced understanding of which populations are most at risk, alongside the specific barriers they face in accessing and engaging with occupational therapy services, is essential for achieving equity. This study focuses on the Somali community in England, an underrepresented group that experiences marked social and economic disadvantage. The aim is to explore perceptions of occupational therapy within this community, and to understand how cultural beliefs, lived experience, and systemic factors shape access and engagement. Six storytelling circles were conducted to provide participants with a space to share authentic experiences related to occupational therapy. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods, with recruitment materials co-developed in Somali and English to ensure cultural and linguistic relevance. The story circles were facilitated in both English and Somali. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three themes emerged from the data (1) Navigating the health care system and occupational therapy (2) Worth the Wait? The Human Cost of Delayed Occupational Therapy (3) Disclosure and trust. Story telling proved to be an effective, culturally sensitive method for capturing nuanced community voices. This study sheds light on the underexplored perspectives of Somali community members. It underscores the urgent need to reimagine occupational therapy service delivery through a lens of equity, cultural humility, and social justice. Occupational therapy services must invest in sustained community-led outreach initiatives that embed lived experience into service transformation. Without such change, the Somali community will continue to be underserved by occupational therapists. Not applicable.

More Than Good Intentions: Advancing Adherence to Therapy Recommendations

Special Issue: Innovations in occupational therapy measurement.

Background: Occupational therapists face many challenges in evidencing their impact and evaluating the complexity of practice including resource constraints, capability and capacity issues. Case study research may offer a potential solution. To date, however, research on the use of case study research within occupational therapy has been anecdotal or limited to a specific type of case study research, which has added to a lack of clarity on what case study research is. There is a need for high-quality, evidence-informed studies that explore what case study research is and how it can be used to contribute to the evidence-base. Whilst literature on case study research is growing in the complex intervention field, there is limited research specific to occupational therapy and no research has yet considered practitioner perceptions of it. This body of work aims to address this gap by building capability for the use of case study research in contributing to the occupational therapy evidence-base. Methodology: This thesis uses a multi-method methodology, consisting of two studies and is underpinned by pragmatism. A scoping review explored the range and characteristics of case study research methodologies used to contribute to the evidence-base for occupational therapy. A search of opinion, text and empirical studies from 2016 onwards within an occupational therapy context was carried out using the Joanna Briggs Institute method. A qualitative appreciative inquiry study explored occupational therapists’ perceptions of case study research and co-created resources to increase the capability for the conduct of case study research in occupational therapy practice. University ethical approval was granted and eight occupational therapists with a range of practice experience were recruited from a Scottish Health Board. Data collection consisted of six online appreciative inquiry workshops, including methods of group discussion, break-out groups and whiteboard activities. Collaborative software MURAL was also used for the co-creation of resources using idea generation, prioritisation and prototyping creative group activities. Data was analysed in Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: The scoping review identified 88 studies consisting of 84 empirical and four non-empirical papers. Findings suggested case study research has been conducted globally, adopted quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods designs and were used across a range of occupational therapy settings. It identified methodological inconsistencies, particularly identifying the ‘case’. This led to the development of a novel conceptual model and definition for case study research in occupational therapy. Four themes were generated from the appreciative inquiry study; understanding case study research as similar to practice, the benefits of case study research create buy-in, embedding case study research into practice and co-created resources for capability building. Practitioners co-created a video resource explaining the GAS-light outcome measure, an overview of training for case study research in practice and case examples. Overall findings suggest practitioners perceived case study research to be of value to practice but it also highlighted broader issues about the use of outcome measures and professional identity within occupational therapy practice. Conclusion: Case study research appears to be viable for developing the occupational therapy evidence-base, particularly when large scale inquiry is not appropriate. It is perceived positively by practitioners due to its perceived similarity to practice however the feasibility of collecting case data in practice with a larger sample requires exploration to substantiate these findings.

Background Occupational therapy research has not fully utilized available research methods when exploring occupational therapists’ views on specific interventions and service provision nor when exploring consumer priorities and the impact of occupational therapy services. Q methodology, a quantitative method for the systematic assessment of qualitative data, is an approach that can be used to examine viewpoints related to occupational therapy. Aims/objectives To add experiential knowledge to guide researchers new to navigating Q methodology and encourage researchers to consider the application of Q methodology when exploring viewpoints pertinent to occupational therapy practice and research. Material and methods The application of Q methodology in published occupational therapy and occupational science research is identified, and an experience-based review of Q methods undertaken. Results More detailed explanation and reflection on each stage of Q methodology, including the factor analysis stage, than is currently available in the literature is presented to support successful implementation of this method. Conclusion Sharing experience in implementing Q methodology may inform and encourage researchers in its use as one method for bridging the gap between qualitative and quantitative data. Significance The rigor of the method's processes may add credibility to identified viewpoints and how they could inform occupational therapy practice. Key messages Q methodology can be used in occupational therapy research to explore consumer and therapist viewpoints regarding interventions, service provision, priorities and the profession itself. Q methodology employs a specific, repeatable process within each stage of the research process to ensure rigour. Q methodology provides an approach to combining qualitative research methods with quantitative analysis techniques to understand the viewpoints of interest.

History, Current Practice, and the Future of Wound Care for Occupational and Physical Therapists.

Rehabilitation Research

As a new Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® standard, knowledge translation (KT) is an important concept to occupational therapy. A better understanding of KT in occupational therapy research could inform its relevance to occupational therapy education, research, and practice. To answer the question "To what extent does published U.S.-based occupational therapy research that is explicitly underpinned by a KT theory, model, or framework reflect processes and concepts outlined in the knowledge-to-action (KTA) framework?" A systematic search was conducted to purposively sample U.S.-based occupational therapy research. A content analysis of 11 articles explored concepts of the KTA framework. KTA was used as a conceptual foundation. Multiple sources of data mapped onto concepts in the knowledge creation cycle and each of the first five concepts of the knowledge action cycle. We found that three concepts from the knowledge action cycle-monitor knowledge use, evaluate outcomes, and sustain knowledge use-were not well represented in the sample. Future research on the monitoring, evaluation, and sustained use of occupational therapy interventions is needed. The adoption of new interventions is important, and the knowledge of how they are sustained in practice will facilitate the clinical integration of future interventions. What This Article Adds: Occupational therapy research that uses KT lacks an emphasis on monitoring and sustaining evidence-informed interventions. Future research on the integration of such interventions into clinical practice is needed so that best practices in occupational therapy can be promoted.

This paper argues that participatory research is an approach to developing knowledge that can make significant contributions to occupational therapy. One project, working with older adults in Toronto to organize a new seniors' organization, is used to illustrate the ways in which this approach is participatory and how it can be understood as research. Other examples of participatory research from the occupational therapy literature are then presented. These include research among occupational therapists and research with participants who are typically clients of occupational therapy services. The examples are used to illustrate the conceptual links between client-centered, occupation-based occupational therapy and participatory research. Challenges of adopting a participatory research approach in occupational therapy are discussed, although many of these can be addressed through open discussions with participants. The paper concludes that participatory research is an approach to research that should be pursued more actively in occupational therapy.

Occupational Therapy Is a Vital Member of the Interprofessional Team-Based Approach for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Applying the 2022 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BackgroundOccupational therapists are considered an important workforce for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities globally. However, in India, the profession is just beginning to gain recognition within the national and state-level systems for health care. One of the reasons for this could be the paucity of specific research related to the development of occupational therapy (OT) and its benefits to the health systems. Therefore, it is of immense public health importance to explore the priorities and gaps in OT research in India. A vast majority of the OT research in India is promoted and disseminated through the All-India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) and its annual national conference (ANC).ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to descriptively review the conference abstracts of the AIOTA ANC published in the Indian Journal of OT (IJOT), an official publication of the AIOTA, from 2017 to 2021.Study DesignThe study design was a descriptive, nonsystematic review.MethodsReview of the abstracts selected for the AIOTA ANC published in the IJOT from 2017 to 2021. A data extraction form was developed and used to synthesize data related to the clinical and demographic characteristics of OT research in India.ResultsThe search yielded 218 abstracts. State-level trends indicated that close to 85% of the research submissions were from four states and no submissions from the northeastern states until 2020. Nearly 60% of the abstracts were clinical research with OT interventions. About 40% of these research abstracts were related to pediatrics, followed by neurology (17%), musculoskeletal (15%), mental health (10%), and ergonomics and assistive technology (8%). There were 1%-2% of research abstracts submitted related to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and geriatrics. About 85% of the research abstracts were related to impairment (39%), activity limitation (26%), and social participation (22%).ConclusionThis review highlights the need for diversifying the research in OT in India. This is particularly important in relation to expanding from selected states to pan-India research and development, especially in the northeastern states. Furthermore, the focus of OT research must move beyond impairments and approach disability from the biopsychosocial perspective. It is also very important to diversify the research in OT to areas that are of public health importance such as COVID-19, geriatrics, noncommunicable diseases, and rehabilitation in health systems. Priority setting for research in OT in India is an important implication of this review.

With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, occupational therapy graduates need to be adequately prepared to support service users in this new policy context. There is, however, limited research informed by service users themselves to inform contemporary occupational therapy curriculum redesign. The aims of this study were: (a) to explore the experience of occupational therapy service provision from the perspective of service users with lived experience of disability; (b) to gain an understanding of the perceptions of people with lived experience of disability regarding the NDIS and whether it will change how they work with occupational therapists; (c) to gain an understanding of the perspectives of people with lived experience of disability regarding the NDIS, and how this influences curriculum content for occupational therapy education. A pragmatic qualitative design, underpinned by the constructivist paradigm was utilised. Demographic surveys and semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 participants who were purposively recruited. Peer debriefing and use of an audit trail were undertaken to enhance the rigour of the analysis. Three themes were identified: (a) Occupational therapists as gatekeepers for equipment provision; (b) experience of the NDIS (Knowledge and understanding of the NDIS; Uncertainty regarding the NDIS; Choice and control in the NDIS); (c) curriculum content for occupational therapy. The insights provided by the people with lived experience in this study inform key areas of focus for occupational therapy curriculum to adequately prepare graduates to work in the evolving NDIS environment. Involving service users in an authentic manner in curriculum design, content delivery and student assessment is crucial for "real-world" applicability of student education.

Occupational therapy (OT) enhances functional independence in the daily activities of people with disabilities and subsequently their quality of life. Research in OT generates evidence to provide safe and effective services to the disabled. However, OT research in India has been shown to have various methodological limitations. These methodological limitations are expected to impact the quality of OT research as well as the evidence derived from this research to inform decision-making in rehabilitation. The majority of the OT research is disseminated and promoted through the All India Occupational Therapists' Association's (AIOTA) annual national conference (ANC). Analyzing the abstracts, selected for the presentation at the ANC could help understand and strategically improve the quality of OT research in India. To explore and describe the quality of OT research in India. Descriptive analysis. Descriptive, nonsystematic review and analysis of the key methodological aspects of the conference abstracts submitted for the AIOTA ANC published in the Indian Journal of OT (IJOT) from 2017 to 2021 was carried out. Information related to the methodological aspects of the research abstracts was extracted using a data extraction form and the data were synthesized and reported descriptively. About 218 abstracts had been selected for either poster or oral presentations in the AIOTA ANC. All the abstracts were included for the review. A total of 8055 participants were recruited for the studies conducted from 2017 to 2021. About 5757 (72%) of the participants were recruited for cross-sectional studies. Nearly 72 (33%) of the abstracts presented were related to cross-sectional studies, 52 (24%) were case studies and 66 (30%) were experimental studies. However, research designs implying highest level of evidence such as systematic reviews were only 4 (2%) and randomized controlled trials were only 9 (4%) with 297 participants. Notably, 203 (98%) of the all the studies evaluating effectiveness of interventions or aiming to investigate associations reported positive results with statistically significant improvements and associations. The review provides invaluable information related to the quality of OT research in India. It implies the need to improve the scientific rigor of the evidence generated in relation to OT research in India. This review also implies the need for a radical change and strengthening of OT research within OT education and professional practice in India. National and global OT associations need to prioritize good quality OT research by enhancing the research skills and competencies of OTs in India. This could help promote evidence-based OT science and develop the OT profession in the world's second-most populous country. In addition, it is also expected to encourage those OT researchers who have been striving to build OT research standards in India.

The Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs held a workshop in May, 1988. The purpose of that discussion was to describe the current status and needs of occupational therapy research and to consider principles to direct further research. Currently, research in occupational therapy is very limited. The reasons for this lack of development are the isolation of present researchers, the small number of trained researchers, difficulty in obtaining external funding, and the inadequacy of quantitative research methodologies to answer questions in occupational therapy. This group presented a number of strategies intended to further the development of research in our profession. These strategies include increasing the number of trained researchers through the development of graduate programs in occupational therapy, use of varied methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative means, which fit the types of research questions asked. More collaboration is recommended which should increase successful procurement of external funding. Finally, occupational therapists are encouraged to focus research efforts on the specification and support of the scientific basisof our practice. The purpose of this paper is to describe the current status and needs of occupational therapy research in Canada, to bring forward for discussion principlesto direct future occupational therapy research and to state the position of the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs (ACOTUP) on strategies to increase research productivity in occupational therapy.