Occupational Therapy Activities Research Articles

Association of Rate of Functional Recovery With Therapy Time and Content Among Adults With Acquired Brain Injuries in Inpatient Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo examine associations among the time and content of rehabilitation treatment with self-care and mobility functional gain rate for adults with acquired brain injury. DesignRetrospective cohort study using electronic health record and administrative billing data. SettingInpatient rehabilitation unit at a large, academic medical center. ParticipantsAdults with primary diagnosis of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or nontraumatic brain injury admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit between 2012 and 2017 (N=799). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresGain rate in self-care and mobility function, using the Functional Independence Measure. Hierarchical regression models were used to identify the contributions of baseline characteristics, units, and content of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology treatment to functional gain rates. ResultsMedian length of rehabilitation stay was 10 days (interquartile range, 8-13d). Patients received an mean of 10.62 units of therapy (SD, 2.05) daily. For self-care care gain rate, the best-fitting model accounted for 32% of the variance. Occupational therapy activities of daily living units were positively associated with gain rate. For mobility gain rate, the best-fitting model accounted for 37% of the variance. Higher amounts of physical therapy bed mobility training were inversely associated with mobility gain rate. ConclusionsMore activities of daily living in occupational therapy is associated with faster improvement on self-care function for adults with acquired brain injury, whereas more bed mobility in physical therapy was associated with slower improvement. A potential challenge with value-based payments is the alignment between clinically appropriate therapy activities and the metrics by which patient improvement are evaluated. There is a risk that therapists and facilities will prioritize activities that drive improvement on metrics and deemphasize other patient-centered goals.

Incorporating Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Improve Handwriting Skills in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Within the field of occupational therapy, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is becoming more widely recognized and utilized as a supplement to traditional therapeutic interventions. As this area is still an emerging area of practice within occupational therapy, research is necessary to better understand the effect of AAT on children’s progress toward various goals. The purpose of this research study was to analyze the effectiveness of using Animal-Assisted Therapy to improve children's performance with and engagement in handwriting activities in outpatient pediatric occupational therapy. This study utilized a Quasi-experimental design, assigning participants to two groups. One group participated in handwriting activities while using AAT, and the other participated in handwriting activities via traditional occupational therapy. Each participant completed the Evaluation Tool of Children’s Handwriting (ETCH) for a pre-and post-test assessment. For five weeks, each child participated in approximately 15 minutes of handwriting during their occupational therapy sessions. A paired samples t-test found that pre-and post-test assessments indicated significant differences on three subtests on the ETCH for both groups respectively. Additionally, an independent samples t-test determined that both satisfaction scores and time engaged in handwriting activities were significantly different between the AAT group and the therapist-led group. The findings of this research demonstrate that progress toward handwriting-related goals can be made with consistent intervention during occupational therapy sessions regardless of the intervention techniques being used. However, using AAT can greatly increase children’s satisfaction and enjoyment with handwriting and increase the time they are willing to engage in these types of activities.

Planning for the Implementation of Fine Motor Work Therapy Activities for Special Needs Pupils

Occupational therapy activities can assist pupils with special needs in resolving some of their fine motor issues. Teachers should increase special needs pupils' pre-writing preparation with planned and structured activities that are methodical and have increasing qualities. This study aimed to observe how far Special Education teachers could go in planning appropriate activities based on their pupils' abilities by selecting occupational therapy activities and then sharing the potential impact expectations of fine motor ability of special needs pupils, particularly pupils with learning difficulties. This is a qualitative study that employs the hands-on method, observation, discussion, and interviews with 41 teachers and 17 pupil management assistants who participated in a continuous professional development course, which the researcher conducted at the Institute of Teacher Education Campus level and were able to produce a planning of activities that has the learned characteristics of advanced tolerance, focus, adaptability, and choosing the simplest to most complex occupational therapy activities. Furthermore, teachers can share the outcomes of activity planning and group discussion, as well as set expectations for the potential of the targeted pupils. Finally, this study suggests that special education teachers should collaborate and receive professionalism training on an ongoing basis to foster the proliferation of ideas and skills in planning appropriate activities to improve the fine motor skills of pupils with special needs.

Formation of Practical Readiness of Future Officers to organize Forms of Physical Training with Servicemen of different age groups

According to the results of the analysis of the scientific and methodical literature, it was established that an insufficient number of scientific and methodical works are devoted to the actual issue of the formation of theoretical knowledge and practical skill s of the organization of the physical training system with the future subordinate staff by those obtaining higher education of higher military educational institutions.
 The main goal of the study is to develop organizational and pedagogical conditions for the formation of practical training of future officers in the direction of their organization of forms of physical training with an emphasis on the use of modern technical means of training and fitness technologies.
 As a result of theoretical research, we have developed organizational and pedagogical formations of practical training of future officers in the direction of their organization of forms of physical training (with an emphasis on the use of modern technical means of training and fitness technologies) with future subordinate personnel. We expect that the introduction of the proposed organizational and pedagogical conditions into the system of physical and special physical training of the representatives of the studied category will contribute to the formation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of organizing forms of physical training with servicemen of different age groups (categories). In addition, in the future it is possible for future officers to organize occupational therapy activities with military personnel of various categories after treatment of injuries, illnesses, and wounds.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in People with Mental Health

Unfortunately, in our country, in some situations, the level of occupational therapy activities is limited to the precarious material conditions in different types of institutions. Despite the current improvements, there is still an acute need for adequate spaces and materials to carry out quality occupational therapy activities. The presence of these negative aspects, which is added to the lack of qualified personnel in the field, diminishes the quality of the recovery process in the institutions. The scientific challenge that is the subject of this paper is to highlight the role of occupational therapy in the exploration of specific resources for institutionalized persons, necessary for the development of autonomy. The objective of the research is to implement an intervention program, through remedial activities, that will contribute to direct involvement in daily life for people with mental health problems. The main conclusion of the research is that by applying remedial activities adapted to the specific needs of the client, the components of occupational performance can be improved, by increasing the degree of involvement in daily activities for institutionalized people.

The “COGS CLUB” : A psychosocial intervention for people with Alzhiemer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundThe “Cogs Club” is a multi‐modal intervention based on the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST, Spector A.).CST is cost‐effective for people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia and is recommended in the UK by NICE. CST, in our adaptative model, is related to other psycho‐social activities (OT, music, physical activity). Cogs Club changes a traditional session of about an hour into 4 hours of activities.Objectives: the aim of this study is to verify the efficacy of this muldimodal psychosocial interventionMethodthe project is promoted by the local Alzhemer’s associations situated in Modena (Italy) and conducted by 3 professionals (a psychologist, an OT and a fisioterapist) who provide scheduled interventions ad : cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), occupational therapy and physical activities with music. Partecipants who took part in the study (n° 26 people with mild‐ moderate Alzheimer’s dementia, M9: F17, mean age 78.23 ±5.11 years, education: 7.2 ± 3.86 years) were submitted at T0 (basal evaluation) and T1 (after 3 months) to an assessment composed by ACE‐R, GDS‐15, DAD, QoL‐AD and ZBI. People with sensorial deficit, motor or behaviour disorder was excluded.Resultat T1 all indicators (cognitive: MMSE 22,6 vs 23,4, p 0,096; ACE – R 63,54 vs 65,96 p 0,066; functional: DAD 0,68 vs 0,69, p 0,103; emotional‐affective : GDS 5,35 vs 4,12 p 0,039 and quality of life : QoL AD pz 31,5 vs 33,38, p 0.129; Qol AD cg: 29,04 vs 30,96, p 0,459) of the PWD have improved even if only the depression is of clinical relevance. Regarding the caregiver we found an improvement in their quality of life even with an increase in perceived care stress (Zarit 34,09 vs 36,65, p 0,098).Conclusionthe purpose of the project is also to create a context for the socialisation and a net of formal and informal connection to people with mild‐ moderate dementia who traditionally don’t ask to access health services. The main goal is to delay as much as possible the development of the disability but further studies are necessary to encourage this preliminary results.

Review Current and Emerging Treatment Options for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive function, memory, and behavior. Currently, available treatments for AD primarily focus on managing symptoms, rather than addressing the underlying disease process. However, there is ongoing research and development in the field of AD treatment, with the hope of finding new and more effective therapies. Medications, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, are primarily used to treat cognitive symptoms of the disease. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive and memory training, occupational therapy, social and recreational activities, and environmental modifications, can also play a significant role in managing the symptoms of AD. Emerging treatments for AD include drugs that target beta-amyloid and tau protein, stem cell-based therapies, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, and dietary and lifestyle interventions. The results of ongoing clinical trials will provide important information on the safety and efficacy of these treatments and will help to guide future research. It is important to note that while there are promising developments in the field, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of AD and to develop effective treatments. This paper provides an overview of current and emerging treatments for AD. It discusses the role of medications, non-pharmacological interventions, and emerging treatments in managing the symptoms of AD. It also provides an update on the latest emerging treatments for AD, including drugs that target beta-amyloid and tau protein, stem cell-based therapies, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, and dietary and lifestyle interventions. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for further research and development in the field of AD treatment.

Impact of Occupational Therapy Activities On the Formation of Skills for Independent Living in Children Using Social Service

A number of scientific studies give reasons to assume that children raised and educated in the „Family-type accommodation center” need additional targeted activities to learn and improve the various activities of everyday life. The aim of the present study is to determine the impact of additional occupational therapy activities on the formation of skills for independent living in children raised and educated in social services. Scope of the study: there were studied 21 children aged 7 to 12 years, users of social services with the test „Formation of skills for independent living”. Test „Leisure Management”, the evaluation is on a 3-point scale. Statistical methods are Wilcoxon rank test, t-test of Student. In the final results of the test in 80,95% of the examined children there was an improvement between 0,5 and 1 point, which is statistically significant on a 3-point scale. In the initial values of all groups of activities there is a slight difference (within 0,23), as the results are below the „average level” (2 points) in the skills for independent living. In the final measurements, the results are within 2,42; 2,38 for the second and third groups of activities and 2,08; 2,18 in the first and fourth groups of activities, which is more than the „average level”. Preparing for independent living is part of the overall process of working with children which are receiving social support. The good final results in the conducted research are due to the individual purposeful work on the implementation of the activities of the occupational therapy program for the formation of skills for independent living. The application of a set of activities for the formation of their skills for everyday life is a priority goal in the work of the responsible institutions and specialists for improving the quality of child care. The various and meaningful activities provided in their individual programs support the process of acquiring a set of knowledge and skills that they will need in the future independent life. The inclusion of appropriate occupational therapy activities for the formation of skills for independent living in children raised and educated in the „Family-type accommodation center” has a beneficial effect on the overall personal development and formation of social skills.

Terapia ocupacional e cultura: dimensões em diálogo

Abstract This manuscript aims to deepen and enrich discussions surrounding the intersection of occupational therapy and culture. It explores the relationship between these fields across three different dimensions: i) the cultural aspects of human activities in occupational therapy; ii) the influence of culture in the historical evolution and constitutive processes of occupational therapy, where the arts play a central role; and iii) the potential for culture to serve as a field of practice for occupational therapists, informed by cultural policies and the recognition of culture as a human right. In this framework, culture acquires different contours, providing insights into its relevance for human activities within the scope of occupational therapy. The present debate proposes that culture should be considered in the context of individual, community, and territorial human activities. These activities also participate in hegemonic processes of power that require an occupational-therapeutic approach, one that is cognizant of the complexities of cultural reproduction, hierarchical systems, classifications, violations, and colonization processes, as well as resistance to these factors. The study posits that the links between art, culture, and occupational therapy are merely coincidental but are important to the profession’s historical development and ongoing practice. Moreover, it contends that there exists a specialized field of action directly related to cultural policies, one that requires its own set of theoretical and methodological frameworks. This, in turn, enables potential collaboration with health, social assistance, education, and other sectors.

Rehabilitation in Animal Models of Stroke.

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitation strategies in animal models of stroke and their correlation with human stroke studies. General description of a stroke, functional recovery, and rehabilitation modalities were included from published studies in the field of animal models of cerebral ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion. In stroke survivors, rehabilitation plays a significant role to improve motor function, cognition, and other subtle behaviors. Targeted pharmacological agents, including neuroprotective drugs, are helpful in animal models of stroke. However, no drug has yet been found that meets the criteria that would make it the Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for human stroke. Instead, the rehabilitation of stroke in humans is limited to physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, environmental enrichment, and social activities, as well as spiritual and family support. Studies on stroke injury and the significance of stroke animals' rehabilitation, including physical and pharmacological, approaches are highlighted.

Assessing the Impact of Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy on Attention in Preschoolers

Abstract Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has become increasingly popular as an adjunct to treatment across a variety of populations and disciplines. However, minimal empirical documentation for AAT exists in the literature. The purpose of this project was to assess the efficacy of animal-assisted occupational therapy (AAOT) on attention in preschoolers. We hypothesized that the presence of a specially trained canine in the treatment room would increase attention to therapist-directed activities during a table-based occupational therapy activity. A total of 12 preschool-aged children participated in this study during regularly-scheduled occupational therapy sessions. Data were collected based on the percentage of time the student was off-task during the activity. Results demonstrated statistical significance, with the children significantly less off-task on average when a dog was present during instruction than when a dog was not present (t (11) = 2.89, p = .015). This study provides additional research to support the efficacy of AAT with a focus on the preschool population, which is an area that is underrepresented in published literature.

Appraising Psychiatric Care From a Different Angle: Occupational Therapy Activities and Cardiorespiratory Fitness for Inpatients With Chronic Mental Illness.

People with chronic mental illness (CMI) are at high risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness as a result of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity. Occupational therapy practitioners play a key role as advocates for positive lifestyle change for people with CMI. To determine the relationships between occupational therapy activities and cardiorespiratory fitness among inpatients with CMI. This retrospective research included three phases: descriptive cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. Psychiatric inpatient facility. Inpatients with CMI, ages 18 to 65 yr (N = 325). Data were collected over a 12-mo period. Each daily occupational therapy activity performed by participants was converted to energy expenditure (in kcal). Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by means of the 3-Minute Step Test. After daily occupational therapy activities, significantly more participants increased cardiorespiratory fitness than declined (McNemar χ2 [1] = 29.18, p < .05). Prevocational activities and moderate- to high-intensity exercises met the optimal energy expenditure level (>352 kcal) necessary to achieve an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness. Occupational therapists in psychiatric inpatient settings should prescribe individualized occupation-based or physical activities that meet the optimal daily energy expenditure for each client to improve their cardiorespiratory function. What This Article Adds: This study is one of the first attempts to explore cardiorespiratory fitness outcomes after daily occupational therapy activities for people with CMI. Physical benefits unfolded throughout psychiatric care, echoing the profession's stance on holistic practice.

Functional Improvement During Prolonged Hospitalization in a Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Utilizing Physical and Occupational Therapy Comanagement

Background and Purpose: Being physically active and mobile in the acute care setting has been shown to improve functional outcomes in individuals with cancer. Patient participation in occupational (OT) and physical therapy (PT) activities contributes to this; however, specific interventions and strategies are rarely described in the rehabilitation literature. Even more limited are descriptions of the purpose and implementation of OT and PT cotreatment therapy sessions. This case report describes OT and PT treatment interventions, including cotreatment therapy sessions, used in the management of a patient with prolonged hospitalization. Case Description: A 65-year-old man with a medical diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia was admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain, dehydration, and poor appetite. His hospital course totaled 101 days and included 27 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). Medical complications included graft-versus-host disease and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. At therapy evaluation, voluntary motor activation was not visualized or felt during transfers. The patient had impaired balance and impaired cognition, and he needed total assistance to sit at the edge of the bed. Intervention: The patient received 13 weeks of OT and PT treatment in the ICU and continued until hospital discharge. OT and PT cotreatment therapy sessions were used throughout this period of patient care to maximize the patient's recovery of mobility and endurance. Results: At hospital discharge, the patient was independent in bed mobility and ambulation using a 4-wheeled walker. He was able to navigate 6 stair steps using handrails. For activities of daily living, he was independent in grooming, upper body dressing, toileting, lower body dressing, and showering from a seated position. Discussion: The use of both cotreatment and individual therapy sessions may be beneficial for individuals with cancer at different stages of functional recovery in the acute care setting. Cotreatment therapy sessions were used in this case when both OT and PT providers could address their different therapy goals during the same treatment session. The patient in this case report initially required total assistance for functional mobility and activity and achieved near-full independence at hospital discharge.

Impact of Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Combined with Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on the Cognitive Performance of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe most common cognitive dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia are information processing, memory, and learning. Based on the hypothesis of rehabilitation and brain stimulation in memory and learning, adding a form of neuromodulation to conventional rehabilitation might increase the effectiveness of treatments.AimsTo explore the effects of psychosocial occupational therapy combined with anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive performance in patients with Schizophrenia.MethodsTwenty-four patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomized into the experimental and control groups. We used The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment battery (LOTCA) to assess spatial recognition, attention, visual memory, learning abilities, and high-level cognitive functions like problem-solving. All participants received customized psychosocial occupational therapy activities. Furthermore, the experimental group received 12 sessions of active anodal tDCS for 20 minutes with 2 mA intensity on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while the patients in the sham group received sham tDCS.ResultsCombining tDCS to conventional psychosocial occupational therapy resulted in a significant increase in spatial memory, visual learning, and attention.ConclusionsAnodal tDCS on the left DLPFC improved visual memory, attention, and learning abilities. Contrary to our expectations, we could not find any changes in complex and more demanding cognitive functions.

Self-managed occupational therapy and physiotherapy for adults receiving inpatient rehabilitation (\u2018My Therapy\u2019): protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial

BackgroundEnsuring patients receive an effective dose of therapeutic exercises and activities is a significant challenge for inpatient rehabilitation. My Therapy is a self-management program which encourages independent practice of occupational therapy and physiotherapy exercises and activities, outside of supervised therapy sessions.MethodsThis implementation trial aims to determine both the clinical effectiveness of My Therapy on the outcomes of function and health-related quality of life, and cost-effectiveness per minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in functional independence achieved and per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained, compared to usual care. Using a stepped-wedge cluster randomised design, My Therapy will be implemented across eight rehabilitation wards (inpatient and home-based) within two public and two private Australian health networks, over 54-weeks. We will include 2,160 patients aged 18 + years receiving rehabilitation for any diagnosis. Each ward will transition from the usual care condition (control group receiving usual care) to the experimental condition (intervention group receiving My Therapy in addition to usual care) sequentially at six-week intervals. The primary clinical outcome is achievement of a MCID in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) at discharge. Secondary outcomes include improvement in quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) at discharge, length of stay, 30-day re-admissions, discharge accommodation, follow-up rehabilitation services and adverse events (falls). The economic outcomes are the cost-effectiveness per MCID in functional independence (FIM™) achieved and per QALY gained, for My Therapy compared to usual care, from a health-care sector perspective. Cost of implementation will also be reported. Clinical outcomes will be analysed via mixed-effects linear or logistic regression models, and economic outcomes will be analysed via incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.DiscussionThe My Therapy implementation trial will determine the effect of adding self-management within inpatient rehabilitation care. The results may influence health service models of rehabilitation including recommendations for systemic change to the inpatient rehabilitation model of care to include self-management. Findings have the potential to improve patient function and quality of life, and the ability to participate in self-management. Potential health service benefits include reduced hospital length of stay, improved access to rehabilitation and reduced health service costs.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000313831; registered 22/03/2021, http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380828&isReview=true).

Self-managed occupational therapy and physiotherapy for adults receiving inpatient rehabilitation (\u2018My Therapy\u2019): protocol for a mixed-methods process evaluation

BackgroundProcess evaluations have been recommended alongside clinical and economic evaluations to enable an in-depth understanding of factors impacting results. My Therapy is a self-management program designed to augment usual care inpatient rehabilitation through the provision of additional occupational therapy and physiotherapy exercises and activities, for the patient to complete outside of supervised therapy. The aims of the process evaluation are to assess the implementation process by investigating fidelity, quality of implementation, acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility and adaptation of the My Therapy intervention; and identify contextual factors associated with variations in outcomes, including the perspectives and experiences of patients and therapists.MethodsThe process evaluation will be conducted alongside the clinical and economic evaluation of My Therapy, within eight rehabilitation wards across two public and two private Australian health networks. All participants of the stepped wedge cluster randomised trial (2,160 rehabilitation patients) will be included in the process evaluation (e.g., ward audit); with a subset of 120 participants undergoing more intensive evaluation (e.g., surveys and activity logs). In addition, 24 staff (occupational therapists and physiotherapists) from participating wards will participate in the process evaluation. The mixed-methods study design will adopt a range of quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Data will be collected via a service profile survey and audits of clinical practice across the participating wards (considering areas such as staffing profiles and prescription of self-management programs). The intensive patient participant data collection will involve structured therapy participation and self-management program audits, Exercise Self Efficacy Scale, patient activity logs, patient surveys, and patient-worn activity monitors. Staff data collection will include surveys and focus groups.DiscussionThe process evaluation will provide context to the clinical and economic outcomes associated with the My Therapy clinical trial. It considers how clinical and economic outcomes were achieved, and how to sustain the outcomes within the participating health networks. It will also provide context to inform future scaling of My Therapy to other health networks, and influence future models of rehabilitation and related policy.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000313831; registered 22/03/2021, http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380828&isReview=true).

EFFECTIVENESS OF ERGOTHERAPEUTIC AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS WITH DISABILITIES IN FAMILY-TYPE RESIDENTIAL CENTERS

The purpose of this study is to report the effectiveness of ergotherapy and occupational therapy activities included in upbringing and education of children and youths with disabilities that use the social service "Family-type accommodation center". Materials and Methods: The study included 37 users using the relevant social service in the Municipality of Pleven, distributed by age groups and degree of disability. A survey was conducted with 26 employees in these Centers to determine the impact of the program on consumer development. Tests were performed to assess the skills for independent daily life. The obtained results were processed statistically to determine their significance. Results: The data from the study show a statistically significant positive impact of the selected ergo- and occupational therapy program in children and young people with disabilities raised in Family-type Centers, and is most significant in children of preschool and primary school age. The improvement in young people with severe physical and mental disabilities is expected to be insignificant, but the results of the survey of employees show a positive effect on their psycho-emotional state. Conclusion: Inclusion of an appropriate ergo- and occupational therapy program in the upbringing and education of children and young people with disabilities, who are in a disadvantaged social position and use social services, has a favorable impact on the formation of their skills for independent living.

La Terapia Ocupacional comunitaria para la promoción del arte y la cultura: reflexiones desde el proyecto Tienda Cultural

Se presenta el proyecto de extensión universitaria Tienda Cultural: una ventana abierta para el arte, la ciencia y la ciudadanía, y las reflexiones derivadas de su implementación. Su objetivo fue promover, a partir del compromiso ético y político de la Terapia Ocupacional, la accesibilidad, la ciudadanía y la participación sociocultural a través de acciones artísticas, culturales y educativas. Fue una práctica de Terapia Ocupacional en el ámbito de la cultura desde una perspectiva comunitaria crítica y comprometida con la transformación social. La gestión cultural fue coordinada entre equipos transdisciplinarios y comunidades, y la programación se realizó en territorios periféricos de una ciudad mediana brasileña. Se incluyeron talleres artístico-culturales y educativos, exposiciones, cine, espectáculos con artistas y producciones culturales centradas en las demandas, los intereses y la producción artística de cada comunidad. Se generaron reflexiones sobre la cultura como derecho, el rol de la Terapia Ocupacional comunitaria y cultural, y la función social de la universidad pública. La Terapia Ocupacional y la cultura pueden contribuir a promover la diversidad, el reconocimiento y el acceso a la cultura; asimismo, a ampliar la participación social y la ciudadanía en estrecha colaboración con, para y desde las comunidades que enfrentan procesos de desigualdad y exclusión.

Implementing Partnering for Change in Québec: Occupational Therapy Activities and Stakeholders' Perceptions.

Background.The occupational therapy school-based Partnering for Change (P4C) model has mostly been documented in Ontario.Purpose.This implementation study describes the implementation of P4C in two Québec elementary schools (P4C-Q), as well as therapy practices, their impacts, factors perceived to influence implementation, and recommendations.Method.A sequential mixed-methods design was applied. Therapists (n=2) completed daily journals, describing activities by P4C-Q level. Therapists and other school-stakeholders (n=11) participated in semi-structured interviews, analyzed through a content analysis framework.Findings.Daily journals illustrated that the majority of therapy time was spent on activities targeting the entire classroom, and on collaboration with educators. Interviews illustrated how coaching was used across different practices and the impact of these practices for schools (e.g., capacity-building) and children (e.g., increased functioning), and highlighted how relationship-building is key to facilitating the implementation of this model.Implications.Lessons learned may be helpful for others implementing P4C in their own contexts.

Development of occupational therapy activities of daily living index to assess basic activities of daily living in an Indian context: A prospective quantitative study

Background: Activities of daily living (ADL) deficit is a common and significant problem after any condition. Many scales are more focused on assessing the patients' independence or dependence but are less understood on the different parameters such as importance and values of activity, satisfaction, ability to cope up, completion, and time taken for the activity. These parameters are not well defined in many ADL assessments. Objectives: The purpose of this index was to evaluate ADL not only based on independence but also to understand the patients' values, adequacy, safety, standard, and finally, acceptability. Study Design: A prospective quantitative study was conducted. Methods: We conducted prospective, quantitative study and developed a new scale. Items were generated from a review of literature, semi-structured interviews of adult as well as geriatric patients and discussions with experts were carried out. The new instrument was piloted among 290 patients with neurological and orthopedic conditions. Content validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Results: The new scale has good internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha = 0.984 and KR20 value = 0.97. Test–retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.87) was found to be good. Conclusion: Our research analysis indicates that Occupational Therapy (OT) ADL index is reliable for rating the Basic ADL skills for functional deficits in neurological and orthopedic conditions in adults. The OT ADL index may facilitate an objective assessment in the OT domains of basic ADL.