Occupational Therapy Intervention Research Articles

Sensory Processing Difficulties and Occupational Therapy Outcomes for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Occupational therapy (OT) consensus recommendations and articles outlining a sensory-based OT intervention for functional neurological disorder (FND) have been published. However, limited research has been conducted to examine the efficacy of OT interventions for FND. We performed a retrospective cohort study aimed at independently replicating preliminarily characterized sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and reporting on clinical outcomes of a sensory-based OT treatment in this population. We hypothesized that (1) a history of functional seizures, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder would be associated with increased sensory processing difficulties and (2) the number of OT treatment sessions received would positively relate to clinical improvement. Medical records were reviewed for 77 consecutive adults with FND who received outpatient, sensory-based OT care. Data from the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile characterized self-reported sensory processing patterns across 4 quadrants (low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, and sensory avoidance) in this population. Following univariate screenings, multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify neuropsychiatric characteristics associated with discrete sensory processing patterns. Clinical improvement was quantified using an estimated, clinician-determined improvement rating ("improved" vs "not improved"), and relationships between clinical participation, baseline neuropsychiatric factors, and outcomes were investigated. Patients with FND reported sensory processing patterns with elevated scores in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance compared with normative values; differences in sensory processing scores were not observed across FND subtypes (i.e., motor, seizure, and speech variants). In linear regression analyses, lifetime history of an anxiety disorder, history of migraine headaches, current cognitive complaints, and a comorbid major neurologic condition independently predicted individual differences in sensory processing scores. Following a sensory-based OT intervention, 62% of individuals with FND were clinician determined as "improved." In a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for baseline characteristics associated with improvement ratings, number of treatment sessions positively correlated with clinical improvement. These findings support the presence of sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and provide Class IV evidence for the efficacy of an outpatient, sensory-based OT intervention in this population. Controlled prospective trials are warranted.

1. Daily life in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a qualitative study

Topic: Patient Reported Outcomes/Quality of Life Background: Variant transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a rare genetic disease that affects patients’ quality of life by affecting various organs and tissues. Despite a wealth of research on medical and psychosocial interventions, the impact of occupational therapy on patients with ATTRv is not well understood. This research focuses on the assessment of activities of daily living and occupations as a fundamental tool in the management of patients after diagnosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop an occupational therapy programme for the improvement of daily functioning and quality of life in patients with ATTRv. Methods: After an initial semi-structured interview, fourteen patients with ATTRv were enrolled in the study. The occupational therapist worked with the patient to develop short- and medium-term occupational goals, based on the Model of Human Occupation. During the six-month intervention period, weekly or ten-day sessions were held to monitor and adjust the guidelines. Outcomes were measured using scores for activities of daily living and psychological well-being. Results: The results showed that twelve patients stayed the same in their activities of daily living, two got worse and eight improved their psychological scores and the occupational situation. The study highlights the importance of early intervention and further research into the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for patients with ATTRv. It also notes that patients who received occupational therapy intervention reported that 6 months was not enough and emphasizes the fundamental role of the therapist in providing motivation, facilitating meaningful activities, improving daily living and routines.

Occupational therapy and chronic pain - the didactic experience at academic pain league at the University of São Paulo medical school

Occupational Therapy interventions for people with chronic pain focus on promoting independence/autonomy and rescuing meaningful activities (interrupted after the limitations brought about by illness). Various strategies can be used, such as: guidance on energy conservation and joint protection techniques, prescription and/or manufacture of positioning devices, prescription and/or manufacture of assistive technology equipment, development of creative and expressive activities, training activities of daily living, environmental assessment, guidance for family members and caregivers. This article aims to present the implementation of the Occupational Therapy Service at the FMUSP Pain League, developed since 2023. The work focused on implementing Occupational Therapy as one of the professions that make up the FMUSP Pain League, on a permanent and continuous basis; and, in addition, allow undergraduates teaching opportunities (theoretical and practical) related to the multidisciplinary care of people with chronic pain, as well as promoting research actions in the area of ​​Occupational Therapy and Chronic Pain. In OT, a student and the supervising teacher work, together with the multidisciplinary team. Activities are weekly and take place at night. Remote and in-service supervision is carried out. The implementation took place in 3 stages. In the first stage, we sought to understand the dynamics of the league, as well as characterize the patients and their specific demands, through participant observation. The second stage was structured around the specific OT intervention; evaluations of league users were carried out, with the application of evaluation and recording instruments. The third stage focused on monitoring patients and families, with new assessments carried out when necessary. Interventions follows through individual plan care, family guidance, development of educational material, prescription and/or production of assistive technology devices. The service uses a specific evolution form and the data feeds into a service database. We consider that the results obtained are satisfactory, as theoretical and practical learning was possible for the participating student. Currently, Occupational Therapy is already part of the League's routine activities, with participation in the Introductory Course, in the Board of Directors and in planning activities for 2024.

Improvements in motor control are associated with improved quality of life following an at-home muscle biofeedback program for chronic stroke

IntroductionChronic stroke survivors with severe arm impairment have limited options for effective rehabilitation. High intensity, repetitive task practice (RTP) is known to improve upper limb function among stroke survivors who have some volitional muscle activation. However, clients without volitional movement of their arm are ineligible for RTP-based interventions and require hands-on facilitation from a clinician or robotic therapy to simulate task practice. Such approaches can be expensive, burdensome, and have marginal effects. Alternatively, supervised at-home telerehabilitation using muscle biofeedback may provide a more accessible, affordable, and effective rehabilitation option for stroke survivors with severe arm impairment, and could potentially help people with severe stroke regain enough volitional activation to be eligible for RTP-types of therapies. Feedback of muscle activity via electromyography (EMG) has been previously used with clients who have minimal or no movement to improve functional performance. Specifically, training to reduce unintended co-contractions of the impaired hand using EMG biofeedback may modestly improve motor control in people with limited movement. Importantly, these modest and covert functional changes may influence the perceived impact of stroke-related disability in daily life. In this manuscript, we examine whether physical changes following use of a portable EMG biofeedback system (Tele-REINVENT) for severe upper limb hemiparesis also relate to perceived quality of life improvements. Secondarily, we examined the effects of Tele-REINVENT, which uses EMG to quantify antagonistic muscle activity during movement attempt trials and transform individuated action into computer game control, on several different domains of stroke recovery.MethodsFor this pilot study, nine stroke survivors (age = 37-73 years) with chronic impairment (Fugl-Meyer = 14-40/66) completed 30 1-hour sessions of home-based training, consisting of six weeks of gaming that reinforced wrist extensor muscle activity while attenuating coactivation of flexor muscles. To assess motor control and performance, we measured changes in active wrist ranges of motion, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Action Research Arm Test. We also collected an EMG-based test of muscle control to examine more subtle changes. To examine changes in perceived quality of life, we utilized the Stroke Impact Scale along with participant feedback.ResultsResults from our pilot data suggest that 30 sessions of remote training can induce modest changes on clinical and functional assessments, showing a statistically significant improvement of active wrist ranges of motion at the group level, changes that could allow some people with severe stroke to be eligible for other therapeutic approaches, such as RTP. Additionally, changes in motor control were correlated with the perceived impact of stroke on participation and impairment after training. We also report changes in corticomuscular coherence, which showed a laterality change from the ipsilesional motor cortex towards the contralesional hemisphere during wrist extension attempts. Finally, all participants showed high adherence to the protocol and reported enjoying using the system.ConclusionOverall, Tele-REINVENT represents a promising telerehabilitation intervention that might improve sensorimotor outcomes in severe chronic stroke, and that improving sensorimotor abilities even modestly may improve quality of life. We propose that Tele-REINVENT may be used as a precursor to help participants gain enough active movement to participate other occupational therapy interventions, such as RTP. Future work is needed to examine if home-based telerehabilitation to provide feedback of individuated muscle activity could increase meaningful rehabilitation accessibility and outcomes for underserved populations.

Occupational therapy assessments and interventions for patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a scoping review protocol.

The proposed scoping review aims to explore the literature on the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), including assessment methods and intervention approaches used by OT practitioners, areas of impairment addressed, and practice settings where OT practitioners provide services. AS is a type of spondyloarthritis primarily involving inflammation of the spine. Studies have begun to examine the role of OT in addressing pain, function, and disability among AS patients. Given the increased recognition of OT services for this population, a comprehensive understanding of the assessment methods and intervention approaches used by OT practitioners when working with AS would benefit clinicians, providers, and patients and support future research efforts. The review will consider studies that include participants of any age diagnosed with AS and any form of OT assessment and intervention. All relevant published and unpublished studies will be considered, without date or language limitations, including all primary studies, gray literature, text and opinion papers, and clinical guidelines. The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Scopus (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, SportDiscus (EBSCOhost), OTDBase, OTSeeker, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will extract data from selected papers using a standardized tool modified for the review. The results will be presented using frequency tables and will be accompanied by a narrative summary. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VPY56.

Occupational Therapy in Psychiatric Short-Term Hospitalization Units: Scoping Review.

Given the context, the overarching aim is to identify scientific publications on occupational therapy in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units. Specific objectives include: (a) Analyzing the historical development of this research area; (b) Synthesizing existing evidence on the nature of documentary sources on occupational therapy in in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units; (c) Detailing the volume of scientific literature on occupational therapy in these units; (e) Evaluating available evidence on occupational therapy interventions to improve functionality, quality of life, and recovery in individuals admitted to in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units. A scoping review method was employed to conduct a historical mapping of research on in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units. The review proceeded in five stages following PRISMA guidelines. After applying selection criteria, the search identified 446 references. Findings are presented under three headings: (a) Historical trends in the scientific literature on occupational therapy and in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units; (b) Nature and volume of articles included in the occupational therapy synthesis in Psychiatric Short-Term Hospitalization Units; (c) Data extraction on methodological variables in the research of occupational therapy articles in in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units; and (d) Data extraction on research outcome variables of occupational therapy articles in Psychiatric Short-Term Hospitalization Units. The growth of occupational therapy in in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units is emphasized, with an increase in qualitative studies. Occupational therapy is underscored as an integral part of care, supporting the diversity and effectiveness of interventions. Common diagnoses include schizophrenia and depressive disorders. Group interventions and the spiritual dimension positively influence the quality of care and meaningful routines for recovery in in Psychiatric-Short-Term-Hospitalization-Units.

Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Autistic People Across the Lifespan.

Occupational therapy practitioners need evidence to support interventions that promote subjective well-being among autistic people and their families through optimal engagement and participation in occupations. These Practice Guidelines are informed by systematic reviews to expand knowledge of interventions that promote access, inclusion, engagement, and optimal participation in occupations that are meaningful to autistic people. Our intent was to foster occupational therapy practitioners' clinical decision-making and reasoning when working with autistic people and their care partners. These Practice Guidelines were developed on the basis of four systematic reviews, supporting evidence and literature, along with continued revisions and integration through an iterative and collaborative process. A total of 98 articles were included in the systematic reviews, which are the foundation for practice recommendations in these guidelines. Forty-eight of the systematic review articles were used to inform the clinical recommendations included in these Practice Guidelines. Strong to moderate evidence indicates the need for multidisciplinary, goal-oriented interventions to support autistic people in different contexts. Although there is only emerging evidence in the inclusion of autistic people's strengths, interests, and perspectives to guide occupational therapy interventions, such practices can enhance the delivery of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices. In addition, evidence is needed to support participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic youths. We recommend the use of strengths-based language to describe autistic people and the use of environmental adaptations, care partner education, and coaching to enhance occupational therapy service delivery. Plain-Language Summary: The literature is sparse regarding neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices for autistic youths, as well as for participation in activities of daily living (ADLs). These Practice Guidelines provide new information on positive mental health development; self-determination; ADLs, instrumental ADLs, play, and leisure occupations for children, adolescents, and adults; person-centered planning for adolescents and adults; and rest and sleep. Information on health management is also provided. Positionality Statement: This article uses the identity-first language autistic people. This nonableist language describes their strengths and abilities and is a conscious decision. This language is favored by autistic communities and self-advocates and has been adopted by health care professionals and researchers (Bottema-Beutel etal., 2021; Kenny etal., 2016). However, we respect the use of person-first language and have made a conscious decision to include research articles that have used this language.

Environmental Modifications for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Policy Analysis of Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services.

Environmental modifications are targets for occupational therapy intervention because they support activities of daily living, self-efficacy, personal control, independence, and community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). To examine how environmental modifications were provided to people with IDDs through Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) waivers across the United States in fiscal year (FY) 2021. Using a mixed-methods policy analysis, we examined FY 2021 Medicaid HCBS 1915(c) waivers from across the United States to examine whether, and how, states provided environmental modifications to people with IDDs. In FY 2021, 35 states projected spending $68.8 million on environmental modifications for 12,671 people with IDDs. The purpose of environmental modifications was most often to promote the health, welfare, and safety of people with IDDs (82.68%), and to promote their independence (69.29%). The most common examples of environmental modifications included ramps and/or lifts (70.08%), widening doorways and/or hallways (61.42%), bathroom modifications (58.27%), specialized electrical and/or plumbing for medical equipment (54.33%), and grab bars and/or handrails (53.54%). HCBS waiver data on environmental modifications for people with IDDs enhances an understanding of this funding source and provides a foundation of advocacy for occupational therapy practitioners to support people with IDDs with living, as well as aging, in the community rather than in institutions. An expansion of environmental modifications in HCBS for people with IDDs aligns with the aim of Medicaid HCBS waivers to promote community integration, self-determination, and independence, which are all benefits of environmental modifications. Plain-Language Summary: This study can help occupational therapy practitioners determine what funding sources are available in their state to help their clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities access environmental modifications. The findings can also help guide advocacy and lobbying efforts to expand access to environmental modifications.

Effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention in overcoming cognitive deficits to enhance quality of life in subjects with gliomas.

Background: Quality of life plays an important role that telling us the success of treatment of patients with brain tumors with all survival and live free from the disease. It is seen that the quality of life was less in patients with meningioma and neuromas. Cognitive decline may be the indicator of the progression of the disease and Quality of life is one of the parameters that characterize the success of brain tumor treatments, along with overall survival and a disease-free life. Objectives: This study assesses the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention in overcoming cognitive deficits to enhance quality of life in subjects with gliomas. Study Design: This study was a Quasi experimental pre-post study. Methods: Qualitative studies were included based on the objectives of the current review inclusion and exclusion criteria were prepared and based on that various database were used in selection of the study. Results: The review study included 250 potentially relevant articles out of which 200 studies were excluded as duplicate, 25 studies were excluded as they didn’t meet inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles didn’t mention the intervention and 10 studies were included for review. Conclusion: studies showed that there are many interventions related to cognition and its improvement but there are no specific studies on gliomas so that’s why there is a need to do further research.

Occupational Therapy Outcome Measures in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review.

With the rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), early assessment of preschool children is vital for occupational therapists. This scoping review aimed to provide detailed information about outcome measures used in occupational therapy interventions in preschool children with ASD and map the focus of the outcome measures based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) components. A thorough search from 2000 to 2022 was conducted that employed ICF linking rules to categorize the outcome measures. Seventy-four outcome measures were identified. They predominantly targeted body function and activity/participation, with less emphasis on environmental factors, and none assessed body structure. The most common measures were Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS-2), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). This study offers a diverse array of outcome measures and underscores the potential of the ICF framework in enhancing evaluations, particularly concerning broader environmental components as one of the primary facilitating/hindering factors in the participation of children with ASD.

Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve the Quality of Life of Older Adults with Dementia Living in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review.

The increase in older adults with dementia presents challenges in promoting research to improve the quality of life of this population. The objective of this study was to assess the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions in improving the quality of life of older adults over 65 years old with dementia living in nursing homes. The databases used were PubMed, Web of Science, OTSeeker, clinicaltrials.gov, Dialnet, Scopus, Cochrane, and SciELO between 2013 and 2023. The studies were selected and evaluated according to the Cochrane guidelines. The review was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 Statement. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into four groups according to the focus of the intervention: "meaningful activities/occupations", "physical, cognitive and sensory functioning", "performance areas", and "physical and social environment and staff training". The strength of evidence was moderate, and the risk of bias was low. The findings revealed that occupational therapy interventions based on participation in recreational activities, reminiscence, performance-based activities and the physical and social environment, and specialized staff training, could improve the perceived quality of life of older adults with dementia living in nursing homes.

Occupational Therapy Using Zones of Regulation™ Concepts: A Feasibility Study.

There is a lack of peer-reviewed research on occupational therapy using Zones of Regulation™ concepts for autistic youth. The purpose of this article is to describe the feasibility of a newly-developed occupational therapy intervention using Zones of Regulation™ concepts (OT-ZOR) for autistic youth. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate: (a) participant recruitment, retention, and attendance; (b) intervention fidelity, safety, and assessment completion; (c) intervention acceptability; and (d) preliminary participant outcomes. A single-arm feasibility study was completed with outcome measures before and after 10 weeks of OT-ZOR. Fourteen autistic youth ages 6 to 13 completed the study. Youth attended 94% of OT-ZOR sessions. Providers achieved 97% fidelity to the intervention. Occupational therapists and caregivers expressed overall satisfaction with the OT-ZOR intervention. Youth demonstrated significant decreases in irritability, hyperactivity, emotional reactivity, and dysphoria. OT-ZOR is feasible to implement, acceptable to providers and caregivers, and may improve self-regulation in autistic youth.

776 Use of Paraffin Wax During Occupational Therapy Treatment of Burn Survivors

776 Use of Paraffin Wax During Occupational Therapy Treatment of Burn Survivors

OTs Should Be Using Video Modeling to Teach Self-Care to Children with NDDs

ABSTRACT An evidence-based project aimed at finding whether utilizing video modeling as an occupational therapy (OT) intervention increased basic self-care skills in school-aged children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). A total of 11 pediatric outpatient OT clients, 6–12 years old, with one or more NDDs, participated in this project. Pre- and post-intervention surveys completed by their parents garnered information regarding parental views on their children’s self-care skills, parental stress, and quality of life. Real-time data gathered during the intervention revealed the efficacy of video modeling, showing an overall increase in the completion of basic self-care skills from 16.1% at baseline to 96.4%. Meaningful gains were achieved in all eight self-care skills addressed and with all participants, elucidating a combined mean percentage of 79.3% improvement using video modeling. Post-intervention, qualitative data showed resultant perspectives of less parental stress, improved quality of life for the children and their parents, and improved independence with basic self-care skills. Considering the increasing diagnosis of NDDs, the call for evidence-based interventions from both payers and NDD-related organizations, and the future socioeconomic ramifications of not addressing basic self-care skills, this project reveals the efficacy of video modeling as a viable, accessible, cost-effective intervention which can be utilized across environments to address these concerns.

Post-stroke depression, activities of daily living, and occupational therapy intervention: An observational survey

Introduction: Post-stroke depression is a frequent but under-diagnosed condition. Nevertheless, it impacts participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) and the rehabilitation process. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of post-stroke depression on participation in ADLs and on occupational therapy (OT) intervention in adults. Methods: An observational study was conducted through a survey. The questionnaire covered OTs view about the influence of post-stroke depression on ADLs and occupational therapy treatment. Data collected by online questionnaire were analyzed through STATA®, using a mixed method. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: Sixty-three surveys were valid. Stroke adults manifest hopelessness toward the future, crying and nervousness (“often” / “always” >50%). They have often worse occupational performance than patients with stable mood (55.56%), especially in self-care activities (35.92%). The performance limiting factors are low volition (41%), reduced motor skills (30%), and reduced cognitive skills (19%). OT intervention with these patients aims to increase volition (21.30%), recover roles (16.61%), and improve self-care activities (14.08%). Conclusion: Mood disorders negatively affect participation in ADLs and OT intervention. This study highlights the importance of volitional factors in promoting occupational engagement and provides guidance for OT treatment. Further investigation through specific studies appears necessary.

Occupational therapy practice with burn injuries: A Rapid Review

Introduction: The Occupational Therapy Association of South African commissioned a task team to gather evidence that would inform upcoming National Health policies on the role and practice of occupational therapists. This rapid review aimed to identify level 1 and 2 peer reviewed published evidence that describes occupational therapists’ practice and intervention in all types of burn injuries, at all levels of care, and for all age groups.
 Method: Using the South African Department of Health template and the Cochran Rapid Reviews method guide, a search for level 1 and 2 evidence sourced articles from CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE (EBSCO), the Cochrane Library (Wiley) and OTSeeker data bases through the Stellenbosch University library with hand searching of references in the selected articles. Rayyan was used for the screening and selection of articles. The CASP appraisal tool was used for risk bias and quality assessment of the selected articles. Data was captured in Excel and Word, and analysed and synthesised in Microsoft Excel and Taguette. Results were presented in the form of an online workshop to stakeholders and discussions and questions incorporated into the discussion and conclusion of this review.
 Results: Eleven articles were selected and their quality assessed. Seven categories of evidence of occupational therapy interventions were extracted from selected articles: pain, oedema, scaring and abnormal skin sensations, joints and range of motion, psycho-social and functional impact of burn injuries, the education of burn injury victims and their families, and vocational rehabilitation. All interventions took place in healthcare facilities. Nine articles referred to occupational therapists working in multi-disciplinary teams. Occupational therapist worked with children and adult burn injury victims and with a variety of type of burn injury from acute to post discharge phases.
 Conclusion: There is level 1 and 2 evidence conderming occupational therapy intervention with burn injury victims with all ages and at all stages of injury within healthcare facilities. None of the evidence found is from the South African context. Such levels of evidence are needed to promote occupational therapy intervention in primary, preventative and community contexts.
 Implications for practice:
 Internationally there is level 1 and 2 evidence that conderms occupational therapists are members of multi-disciplinary teams addressing the functional ability and participation in activities of burn injury victims. None of this evidence is from South Africa. As a matter of priority, South African clinical occupational therapy practice and intervention within the deeld of burn injury, need to be researched and disseminated as level 1 and 2 evidence

Occupational therapy interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders - a Rapid Review

Introduction: This rapid review aimed to synthesise evidence for occupational therapy intervention in the management of autism spectrum disorders. The review forms part of a series of rapid reviews commissioned by the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa to help inform decision making as South Africa prepares for a new health system.
 Method: Level I and II research studies published from 2017 - 2022 were considered for inclusion. Electronic database searches were conducted on the Cochrane database. The identified records were screened in Rayyan according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessment of the selected articles was done with the CASP appraisal tool. Data were extracted to a custom Microsoft Excel® worksheet and analysed quantitatively by percentage/frequency and qualitatively by thematic analysis of statements.
 Results: Thirty-eight records were selected. These included 30 systematic reviews and eight randomised controlled trials. Twelve intervention domains across four age groups were identified with sensory integration and social skills interventions most frequently examined. Interventions were delivered across various venues, including mediation and technology (e.g., telehealth interventions). A number of different outcome measures were used.
 Conclusion: There is evidence to support the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan for twelve different domains.
 Implications for practice
 
 Occupational Therapists are involved in the provision of therapy intervention across all age groups for people with ASD.
 Intervention can successfully take place in a clinic setting, but also at home or through means of technology.
 There is growing evidence for sensory integration therapy or techniques when considering functional outcomes when treating people with ASD.
 There is a lack of Level I and II research in the form of randomised control trials and systematic reviews regarding ASD intervention in sub-Saharan Africa.
 

Exploring coping strategies among caregivers of children who have survived paediatric cancer in Jordan

ObjectiveTo explore the coping strategies of caregivers of children who have survived paediatric cancer in Jordan.Materials and methodsThis study used a cross-sectional survey design and convenient sampling. The sample included...

Promoting Social Participation among Older Adults with Chronic Disease: Identifying Modifiable Targets for Occupational Therapy Intervention

Promoting Social Participation among Older Adults with Chronic Disease: Identifying Modifiable Targets for Occupational Therapy Intervention

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Efficacy of the Motor Skill Occupational Therapy Intervention ON ASD (MOTION-ASD) on Functional Performance in Young Autistic Children

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Efficacy of the Motor Skill Occupational Therapy Intervention ON ASD (MOTION-ASD) on Functional Performance in Young Autistic Children