Role Of Occupational Therapy Research Articles

The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment of Presbyvestibulopathy

The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment of Presbyvestibulopathy

The role of occupational therapy serving LGBTQIA+ people: Retrospective perceptions of an occupational therapist

Introduction and aim: LGBTQIA+ people constitute a minority group that navigate their occupational engagement within a historically entrenched system of oppression. This opinion piece addresses a subject matter that is increasingly garnering attention from the international health science community, yet it remains insufficiently explored in South African occupational therapy dialogues. The aim of this paper is to stimulate critical reflection among occupational therapists on the discourses that underpin our daily practice. By utilising the person- environment-occupation model, we seek to demonstrate the unique and essential role of occupational therapy in serving LGBTQIA+ people within the South African context.
 Conclusion: Although occupational therapists are trained to consider all aspects of a person, discussions around gender are rarely emphasised in undergraduate training or clinical practice. This opinion piece demonstrates the roles that occupational therapists may play when working with LGBTQIA+ people to provide services that are holistic and relevant to their needs and contexts. Recognizing the impact of everyday occupational therapy practices on LGBTQIA+ individuals is crucial, requiring a commitment to inclusivity and continuous reflection within the field of occupational therapy.
 Implications for practice
 Occupational therapists can play an important role in serving LGBTQIA+ individuals when they are committed to recognizing how dominant discourses about this group can be sustained through the everyday practices of delivering occupational therapy.

Anxiety disorders and Quality of life: The Role of Occupational Therapy

Introduction Anxiety disorders represent the most common mental illnesses, which are listed among the ten most important causes of disability worldwide. According to DSM-5, they are defined as “disorders that share characteristics of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioral disorders”. Patients exhibit low levels of quality of life. Their daily routine is affected negatively. However, Occupational Therapy has been proven to play a crucial role in their treatment, improving quality of life through the involvement in occupations.ObjectivesTo highlight the contribution of Occupational Therapy in ameliorating the quality of life in anxiety disorders.MethodsA review of 50 articles -from 2013 to 2023- on PubMed and Google Scholar, regarding the beneficial impact of Occupational Therapy in the Anxiety Disorders’ treatment.Results Occupational Therapists can intervene in many negatively affected -by the disease- life domains such as: Activities of Daily Living, Education, Work, Play, Social Interaction and Sleep. The most effective Occupational Therapy methods are based on the cognitive behavioral approach and include: Psychoeducation, Relaxation techniques, Social skills training and Systematic desensitization.Other methods involve training in Activities of Daily Living such as feeding, maintaining good personal hygiene, and using public transport. Furthermore, Art Therapy (visual arts, use of clay) has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety, while promoting creativity and enhancing self-esteem.ConclusionsAdditional research is needed regarding the effectiveness of Occupational Therapy in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from Anxiety Disorders. The important “take home message” is that the amelioration of the patients’ quality of life should be the main goal of the therapeutic intervention and not a secondary result of it.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Occupational Therapy Role in Addressing Urinary Incontinence for Children with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury through Biofeedback, a Case Series

Occupational Therapy Role in Addressing Urinary Incontinence for Children with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury through Biofeedback, a Case Series

The role of Occupational Therapy in community development to combat social isolation and loneliness

Background: Social participation activities, an important area of occupation, have been effective in reducing social isolation and loneliness. However, most attendees are women, warranting the need to explore older men’s social participation needs. Methods: Qualitative methods, including interviews and a collaborative workshop, were used to explore the research aim. Public involvement included establishing partnerships with six staff from four community organisations and twelve older men. The project was informed by a steering committee. The steering group offered insight into all aspects of the research except analysis, which was performed thematically. Findings: Intergenerational engagements and the appropriate environment to establish connections with their communities were highlighted as beneficial to men. However, there is a lack of appropriate local spaces to connect communities through social participation. This suggests the need for occupational therapists to diversify their roles, moving beyond the individual and into community development. Conclusions: Occupational therapists’ unique and varied skill set, including the understanding of the profound impact of the environment on occupational engagement and, thus, well-being would offer valuable contributions to community development roles, including the built environment to ensure all communities have places for connection where individuals of all ages can thrive.

Pediatric Occupational Therapists' Perspectives on Sleep: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Insufficient sleep is common among children seeking occupational therapy services but is rarely a focus of therapy despite sleep's critical impact on health. To examine pediatric occupational therapists' experiences, views, and confidence in addressing sleep concerns in their practice as well as barriers to and supports for doing so. A qualitative descriptive study with thematic analysis of data from 1-hr virtual interviews. Rapport building, multiple-coder analysis, and member checking were used to ensure reliability and validity. Interviews were conducted remotely at each participant's preferred time and location. Pediatric occupational therapists (N = 20) practicing across multiple settings in the United States were recruited through emails directed to their place of work and social media posts. A goal of 20 participants was set a priori with the goal of thematic saturation. A semistructured interview guide. Participants were predominately cisgender (95%), female (85%), and White, non-Hispanic (90%). Overall, they voiced the importance of sleep but reported almost never writing sleep-related goals. Reported barriers that affected the participants' ability to fully address sleep in practice included therapists' lack of confidence and knowledge and low caregiver buy-in. The findings identify themes on the basis of which actionable steps toward promoting occupational therapists as sleep champions can be developed. Future implications include increasing sleep education opportunities, enhancing awareness of sleep health's impact on goal areas, and facilitating discussions about occupational therapy's role within the medical system and family system in supporting sleep. Plain-Language Summary: This qualitative study identifies what helps and hinders occupational therapists in addressing the sleep health concerns of their clients. We give occupational therapy clinicians and educators key supports to seek out or barriers to address.

Occupational therapy role in enhancing creativity and intelligence development—A review study

This article provides a comprehensive review of the impact of occupational therapy (OT) on the development of creativity and intelligence, areas of growing interest within the field of cognitive and developmental psychology. Through a systematic examination of the literature, this review aims to elucidate the role of OT in enhancing cognitive functions that underpin creativity and intelligence, including problem-solving skills, cognitive flexibility, and executive functioning. The methodology employed involves a rigorous search of peer-reviewed articles, employing inclusion and exclusion criteria designed to capture relevant studies, followed by a qualitative synthesis of findings to identify common themes and insights. The review reveals that OT interventions, particularly those incorporating creative activities and tasks targeting executive functions, can significantly contribute to cognitive development. Studies highlighted within the review demonstrate improvements in cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and overall intelligence quotients (IQ) among participants engaging in OT. Theoretical frameworks, such as Cognitive Stimulation Theory and Environmental Enrichment Theory, provide insight into the mechanisms through which OT may foster creativity and intelligence. In conclusion, this article underscores the potential of OT to enhance creativity and intelligence, suggesting that OT interventions could be a valuable component of educational and developmental programs. By fostering engagement in meaningful and challenging activities, OT not only supports the rehabilitation and adaptive capabilities of individuals with various needs but also contributes to the cognitive and emotional growth of a broader population. This review advocates for the integration of creative and cognitively stimulating activities within OT practice, highlighting the importance of further research to expand our understanding of these relationships.

The potential role of occupational therapy in the treatment of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

Most individuals with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) never receive treatment, and treatment needs far exceed the current capacity of mental health services. Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on enhancing function in daily activities, including eating and feeding. Given OT's rich history in mental health and pediatric feeding disorder treatment, we spotlight the potential role of OT in ARFID treatment, current knowledge, and opportunities for future research. Through a preliminary exploratory inquiry involving a review of current literature and clinical practice, we investigated OT's current involvement, knowledge, and interprofessional collaborative practice gaps in ARFID treatment. While many occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) engage in ARFID treatment, interventions lack rigorous evaluation, and there is limited evidence defining OT's distinct role in interprofessional ARFID treatment. OTPs are uniquely positioned to provide interventions for individuals with ARFID across the lifespan, though research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of OT interventions. Future research suggestions include standardizing OT approaches to ARFID treatment and conducting single-case experiments and randomized controlled trials to compare OT approaches with alternative methods. Recommendations to address practice gaps include enhancing ARFID education for OT students and practitioners and fostering a greater understanding of OT's role on the interprofessional team. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Individuals with ARFID face barriers to eating that impact their health and function. On a multidisciplinary team, OTPs can treat diverse client populations by identifying and addressing barriers to daily participation, such as physical impairments, trauma history, and environmental barriers. More research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of OT practices in ARFID treatment.

The role of occupational therapy in Parkinson's disease

Occupational therapy works with Parkinson's sufferers and their caregivers to help them maintain or resume their activities of daily living and their independence, by recommending environmental adaptations, technical aids, compensation strategies and functional training.

Going Beyond Management and Maintenance: Occupational Therapy's Role in Primary Prevention for Adults at Risk of Obesity-Is the Elephant in the Room Still the Biggest Challenge?

In this response to the Schwartz & Proffitt (2024) letter to the editor, Muntefering et al. (2023) agree that the profession has a duty to support the occupational participation of diverse individuals, including diverse body types, but also affirm that health management is an area of occupation within the practice framework.

Cautioning the Role of Occupational Therapy in Addressing Obesity.

Cautioning the Role of Occupational Therapy in Addressing Obesity.

A Mixed Method Study: Exploring Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Experiences and Perceptions of Virtual Care for Neurological Conditions

Objective: This study comprehensively investigates the experiences and perceptions of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) regarding virtual care for neurological conditions, with a particular focus on patient-centered practice and interprofessional collaboration. Methods: A mixed-methods survey involving 170 OTPs specializing in neurological conditions was conducted to gather data. Quantitative data were analyzed to calculate percentages and statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to gain insights into the practitioners’ perspectives. Results: The study found that 72% of OTPs expressed comfort with performing virtual assessments, and 70% felt comfortable with virtual treatments. However, there were variations in comfort levels, particularly concerning assessments in the adult neurological population, with only 20% feeling comfortable in this context. Video conferencing was the most widely adopted virtual care platform (65%), followed by electronic health records (48%) and mobile apps (30%). The survey revealed that OTPs provided a range of services virtually, including psychosocial support (62%) therapeutic exercise and activities (78%), and patient/ caregiver education (60%). OTPs working with pediatric populations reported a higher perceived value in telehealth services (76%) compared to those working with adult populations (61%). Key facilitators to promote usage of telehealth with neurological conditions included telehealth-specific training programs, digital assessment tools, interprofessional collaboration, and patient engagement strategies. Barriers included training gaps, especially in adult neurological assessments. Conclusion: This study highlights the evolving role of occupational therapy in the realm of virtual care for neurological conditions. While the majority of practitioners recognize the importance of virtual care, tailored training and support programs are needed to address variations in comfort levels, particularly in assessments for adult neurological patients. Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for enhancing patient care. The study provides valuable insights for practitioners, educators, and healthcare institutions to optimize virtual care in the digital age.

Role of Occupational Therapy in Prewriting Skills for Children with Special Need: A Clinical Study

Role of Occupational Therapy in Prewriting Skills for Children with Special Need: A Clinical Study

Role of occupational therapy in person-centred dementia care: Exploring family member and clinician perceptions.

This study aimed to explore the role of occupational therapy in dementia facilities using a person-centred model of care, from the perspective of family members, occupational therapists and multidisciplinary health professionals. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted, and all data were evaluated using thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were completed with eight family members and five multidisciplinary health professionals. Four occupational therapists practising in dementia care also provided qualitative data via an online survey. The analysis identified two key themes around perceptions of occupational therapy in person-centred dementia care. These themes were (1) the poorly defined scope of the occupational therapy role and (2) the perceived features of the occupational therapy role. While the perceptions and experiences of participants varied, the scope of this role is currently poorly defined. Occupational therapists in this setting commonly facilitate positive social interaction and present-oriented occupational engagement with residents and are also recognised as building workforce capacity with multidisciplinary colleagues. Without a clearly defined scope of practice, the role of occupational therapy in enabling health and well-being for people with dementia cannot be coherently articulated. This could lead to underutilisation of occupational therapy services, and lost opportunities for residents to experience improved health and well-being.

Enhancing occupational therapy service provision with military veterans through policy reform: Findings from a national survey.

Almost half a million Australians have served with the Australian Defence Force. Given the high prevalence of physical and mental health conditions and complexity of civilian life adjustment after military service, high-quality occupational therapy services are critical. However, there is limited description of occupational therapy service provision to individuals funded by the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs to inform government policy. The aim of this study was to describe the practice of Australian occupational therapists working with former service members and identify opportunities to enhance practice and policy. A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to collect information from occupational therapists providing services to Department of Veterans' Affairs clients. Frequency analyses were performed to describe quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. No consumer or community involvement occurred. Participants included 123 Australian occupational therapists residing in metropolitan (47%), regional (28%) and rural/remote (23%) areas. Most occupational therapists (69%) had over 15 years of clinical experience and worked in private practice (87%). Common interventions included home modifications, equipment prescription and assistive technology (77%), goal-oriented rehabilitation (16%) and activities of daily living or function assessments and education (13%). Three themes describing practice issues were identified: (1) Service provision as rewarding yet underfunded, (2) Administrative complexity and lack of understanding of the occupational therapy role and (3) Need for specialist professional development opportunities. Australian occupational therapists are providing a range of services to Department of Veterans' Affairs clients although mostly relating to physical conditions. Occupational therapy practice with former Australian Defence Force members should be expanded to meet their diverse and complex needs. Further research and education are needed to support use of specialist knowledge and interventions. Advocacy by peak associations and policy reform are urgently required to ensure sustainable services, particularly in rural areas.

Occupational Therapy’s Role within the Middle and High School Settings in the United States

ABSTRACT There is a need for occupational therapy (OT) in the middle and high school settings, yet the role practitioners (OTPs) play in these settings is not clearly defined. School-based OT is in alignment with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) which recognizes health is supported and maintained when clients are able to engage in their home, school, workplace, and community (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). OTPs serving students in the middle and high school settings ensure successful engagement while at school by addressing not only the occupations specific to education but also by addressing the factors that disrupt or empower these occupations American Occupational Therapy Association (2020). Evidence suggests OTPs are struggling to provide relevant service due to limited clarity of their role . A scoping review was conducted to describe the role of American-based OT in the middle and high school settings, identify barriers that affect practitioners, and provide practitioners with information about the role of the OT. Researchers utilized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses-Scoping Review extension guidelines. Inclusion criteria included were articles published in English, peer-reviewed journals, within the past twenty years and within the scope of OT practice. A total of 1,107 records were identified of which 24 articles were included. Three themes emerged: 1. specific interventions used in middle and high school settings such as transition readiness, social participation, fine motor/handwriting, assistive technology, literacy participation, and life skills; 2. barriers to service delivery; 3. and the need for advocacy. More research is needed to develop conclusive evidence relating to the current practices of occupational therapy in the middle and high school settings.

Analysis of the role of psychological occupational therapy in the process of cultural tourism with tourists

The rapid development of cultural tourism in recent years refers to a process of cultural experience of tourist objects with cultural characteristics. It can not only vigorously carry forward the rich and colorful history and cultural deposits, but also combine the huge economic and cultural benefits generated by tourism, and promote the rapid development of cultural construction. Cultural tourism is a kind of way that all kinds of social groups enjoy, and it is a deep and lasting way of communication, which can promote the communication between people of different social strata. The existing literature has explored the influence of tourists’ psychological carrying capacity, but failed to explain the process and degree of influence. Based on behavioral and experience theories, this paper proposes that culture has a positive impact on tourists’ psychological carrying capacity through tourist experience, and tests relevant hypotheses. The primary psychological traits of historical and cultural tourists include curiosity about historical mysteries, the desire for historical knowledge, motivation to collect spiritual enrichment, academic interest in cultural heritage exploration, and an aesthetic appreciation for classical history. Key determinants include the scale and conservation of historical and cultural resources, their combination with natural attractions, and the personal qualities of tourists and the cultural competence of tour guides. The mental health care model combines tourism and psychology to facilitate both physical and mental well-being through professional psychological counseling services, aiding tourists in their recovery and self-healing. This integrated approach offers a broad scope and potential as an effective tool for addressing negative emotions, with demonstrated therapeutic effects focusing on psychological and social factors.

Primary care occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy role adaptation in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Occupational, physical and respiratory therapists are relatively new to primary care settings, and thus their roles are still emerging. The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of abrupt changes in professional roles. Professional role adaptations are integral to the ability of health care teams to respond to day-to-day care delivery challenges, such as the current physician and nurse shortage, as well as disaster situations. This study explored the role adaptation of occupational, physical, and respiratory therapists in Canadian primary care settings throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as barriers and facilitators to adaptation. This longitudinal interpretative descriptive study purposively sampled primary care occupational, physical, and respiratory therapists from two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and Ontario). We asked participants to prepare at least 10 semi-structured audio-diary entries during a 12-week period (April - Oct 2020), followed by two semi-structured interviews (Dec 2020, Apr 2021). Questions focused on changes happening in their practice over time. Analysis was iterative, including developing a individual summaries and coding data using both inductive and pre-determined codes. We then entered an immersion/crystallization process to develop key themes related to role adaptation. We represent our findings with the metaphor of the game of Role Adaptation Snakes and Ladders (aka Chutes and Ladders). The pandemic was certainly not a game, but this metaphor represents the tension of being a pawn to circumstance while also being expected to take control of one's professional and personal life during a disaster. The object of the game is to move through three phases of role adaptation, from Disorienting, through Coping and Waiting, to Adapting. In the Adapting phase, the therapists creatively found ways to provide vital services for the pandemic response. The therapists were influenced both negatively and positively (snakes and ladders) by their personal circumstances, and professional meso and macro contexts. Each therapist moved across the board in a unique trajectory and timeline based on these contexts. Rehabilitation professionals, with adequate meso and macro system supports, can maximize their role on primary care teams by adapting their services to work to their full scope of practice.

Identifying Facilitators of and Barriers to Referrals to Occupational Therapy Services by Israeli Cancer Health Care Professionals: A Qualitative Study.

Persons living with and beyond cancer (PLWBC) are rarely referred to occupational therapy services despite their functional difficulties. An understanding of the barriers to and facilitators of occupational therapy referrals from the perspective of cancer health care professionals could help minimize referral gaps. To explore cancer health care professionals' perspectives on and knowledge of occupational therapy's role in cancer care, identify the barriers, and explore solutions to optimize referrals. Multiexplanatory qualitative case study. Community and hospital cancer clinics in Israel. Six in-person focus groups of cancer care Israeli nurses and social workers, totaling 28 participants. Two main themes were identified: (1) barriers to occupational therapy referrals and (2) partial facilitators of occupational therapy referrals. The four barriers subthemes were (1) gaps in knowledge about symptoms' effects on daily functioning, (2) gaps in knowledge regarding occupational therapy's role in cancer care, (3) bureaucratic and organizational barriers, and (4) unavailability of occupational therapy services. The two facilitators subthemes were (1) collaborations and communication with occupational therapists and (2) awareness of occupational therapy services. Participants suggested practical solutions for improving occupational therapy referrals, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, and integrating occupational therapy into cancer care. Barriers to referrals included gaps in participants' knowledge that link side effects to functional difficulties indicating a need for referral to occupational therapy. Participants' suggestions to bolster referrals can be implemented by occupational therapists to reduce patients' unmet needs and bridge existing gaps in cancer care. Plain-Language Summary: This research helped to identify barriers and facilitators regarding insufficient knowledge about occupational therapy's role in cancer care and adds a better understanding of gaps in referrals to occupational therapy. In addition, cancer health care professionals who participated in the study suggested practical solutions for reducing barriers and maximizing support for referral. With these nuances, occupational therapy practitioners can work with medical cancer care units (i.e., acute care hospitals, medical cancer centers, and community health care clinics) to target the use of strategies that work for their units to ensure that persons living with and beyond cancer receive needed occupational therapy services.

Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives on the Provision of Rehabilitation Following Road Traffic Injuries in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a major cause of injuries, deaths and disability. To reduce levels of disability associated with road traffic injuries (RTIs), rehabilitation is crucial. However, limited information is available regarding rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia, particularly the role of occupational therapy following RTIs. This paper explores occupational therapists’ perspectives on Saudi Arabian rehabilitation services. This descriptive qualitative study included semi-structured interviews with 13 occupational therapists working in rehabilitation settings in Saudi Arabia. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to identify themes related to their experiences and the potential for improved rehabilitation guidelines and practices. Five themes were identified. (i) Accessibility to rehabilitation following RTI was impacted by geographical location, high service demands, social support and financial issues. (ii) Pathway to rehabilitation following RTI varied, typically physician-led, with multi-disciplinary teams in rehabilitation services. (iii) Occupational therapy role in rehabilitation is perceived as poorly understood by others. (iv) Limitation to current rehabilitation services includes few highly experienced therapists, challenges to individualised care, and underdeveloped community reintegration. (v) Research is needed for better rehabilitation services through understanding people’s experiences and perspectives to improve rehabilitation services. Overall, occupational therapists highlighted that the limited number of well-established rehabilitation facilities, mostly located in the central region of Saudi Arabia, negatively impact service provision and functional outcomes. Effective utilisation of occupational therapists’ insights into the challenges of rehabilitating individuals after RTIs could improve the implementation, operation, governance, and investment in rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia.