Provision Of Occupational Therapy Research Articles

Effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions on function and satisfaction with occupational performance among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm: a protocol for a systematic review.

Functional hand use post injury is important in enabling a person's engagement in daily living tasks. Without proper treatment, there may be difficulties in self-care, engaging in job roles, or leisure pursuits. Occupational therapists are key health care practitioners for people with upper limb conditions. This systematic review aims to appraise and summarise current evidence regarding effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. A systematic review of randomised control trials and quasi randomised controlled trials will be completed. MEDLINE OVID, CINAHL, CENTRAL, COCHRANE, PUBMED and EMBASE databases will be systematically searched. Grey literature will be searched for via Google Scholar. Studies will be included if they include provision of occupational therapy to adults with a hand, wrist, or forearm condition when compared to treatment as usual or an alternative treatment option. The primary outcome will be function. Secondary outcomes will include satisfaction with occupational performance, quality of life, pain experience, and participation. The Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions will be used to categorise outcomes. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework will be utilised to assess quality. A pooled meta- analysis will be completed using RevMan, depending on the uniformity and availability of data. This review aims to synthesise high quality evidence to identify the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions with patients with a hand, wrist, or forearm condition, categorising outcomes in relation to the ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions. By synthesising the evidence there is potential for improved evidence base for clinicians; improved outcomes for patients; as well as potential economic benefit.This study is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42022337070.

Occupational Therapy Making Salted Eggs On Improving Ability And Independence Of ODGJ

The need for social interaction is a basic human need, in minimizing social welfare problems, especially for people with disabilities, namely people with mental disorders, the role of an agency is needed, one of which is the Ngletih Community Health Center in Kediri. However, at the Ngletih Mental Health Center posyandu there are no activities that can improve the ability and independence of ODGJ. Seeing this problem, we provide a solution by providing occupational therapy as an effort to increase the independence of ODGJ at the Ngletih Health Center. The research activity aims to determine the increase in the ability and independence of ODGJ before and after being given occupational therapy to make salted eggs. The research was conducted at the Ngletih Mental Health Center Posyandu with 13 people who came. The method used is pre-experiment research with a one-group pretest-posttest design, data collection using questionnaires, analysis techniques using pre post data scale statistics. The results of the research that have been carried out produce an average value before treatment is 50.76 while the average ability to make salted eggs ODGJ after being given treatment or occupational therapy is 81.15 this proves that the ability to make salted eggs increases after the provision of salted egg making occupational therapy, so it can be concluded that the provision of occupational therapy to make salted eggs can increase the independence and ability of ODGJ in the Ngletih Puskesmas Mental Health Post.

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the delivery of occupational therapy: How technology use affected practice during COVID-19 among occupational therapists in British Columbia.

COVID-19 activity restrictions altered clinical practice around the world. Anecdotal evidence observed by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - British Columbia (CAOT-BC) suggested a rapid adjustment to virtual care technologies occurred among occupational therapists in the initial restrictions. The purpose of the study was to determine the scope of how COVID-19 restrictions impacted the use of technology to provide client care in British Columbia. It will inform the future provision of occupational therapy in the developing technological landscape related to heath care provision. This descriptive cross-sectional survey was completed using Qualtrics, an online survey tool. Registered occupational therapists received the survey via email invitations. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS Software. Of 342 participants, 98.4% reported increased technology use to support practice with the advent of COVID-19 restrictions. Those with some technology experience prior to COVID-19 reported higher intent to continue using technology following COVID-19 restrictions. Overall, occupational therapists were confident in their perceived abilities to use technology in their practice. Occupational therapist-related, client-related, and practice area considerations occurred with the rapid uptake of technology. Some components of practice were perceived to be improved and others impaired with the use of technology. Occupational therapists substantially increased their use of technology to enable ongoing client care during the Covid-19 restrictions. Implications for improvements and reduction of limitations in care delivery are substantial, given the intent to continue using technology going forward. These implications can be further explored to understand how the advances in occupational therapists' ability to use technology may impact rural or remote care, which practice areas may be most amenable technology use, and how policies and funding can facilitate effective and appropriate use of technology to support clinical care in public and private settings.

Comparação entre o desempenho e competência de estudantes de terapia ocupacional em estágios tradicionais e não-tradicionais: um estudo retrospectivo

Abstract Introduction Increasingly occupational therapy programmes have complemented traditional practice placements with Role Emerging Placements (REPs) in settings with no existing occupational therapy provision. Previous research has predominantly explored the student experience of such placements with largely favorable findings. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the professional practice-based skills students develop within REPs. Objective To measure and compare students’ competencies for occupational therapy practice developed within Role Emerging Placements (REP) to those in ‘traditional’ practice placements. Method A retrospective cohort study design was used to analyze data extracted from the Competency Based Fieldwork Evaluation for Occupational Therapists (CBFE-OT) of MSc pre-registration occupational therapy UK students (n=181). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis measured and compared student fieldwork competency scores between four placements, one of which was a Role Emerging Placement (REP). Results Students scored significantly higher in ‘Communication’ and ‘Professional Interactions’ compared to all other practice competencies but scored significantly less well in ‘Clinical Reasoning’ and ‘Practice Knowledge’ regardless of placement model. However, in a REP, students scored significantly higher in ‘Performance Management’ compared to traditional placements (z=-2.222 p=0.026). Conclusion Students can develop similar skills of competence to practise in a REP as traditional placements and may better develop leadership and time management skills. These additional skills may advantage students in developing their careers and scoping the profession.

The Size and Structure of the Swiss Occupational Therapy Workforce. A Survey Study / Anzahl und Struktur der Ergotherapie-Arbeitsplätze in der Schweiz: eine Online-Befragung

Abstract Background As in other health professions, there is a shortage of skilled labour in the field of occupational therapy in Switzerland. To plan and implement effective measures to counter this shortage, empirical data on the size and structure of the Swiss occupational therapy workforce are needed. Method We conducted an online survey aimed at employers of occupational therapists, team leaders and self-employed occupational therapists in Switzerland. We collected data on the size and structure of the workforce in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, regional distribution, areas of work, and related topics. To analyse quantitative data, we used descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Qualitative data were narratively described. Results We collected data from 968 respondents pertaining to 3,022 Swiss occupational therapists, with a response rate of 73.6% for medical institutions and 58.2% for occupational therapists in private practice. Women make up 90.1% of the Swiss occupational therapy workforce. Swiss occupational therapists most often work with clients who have difficulties in connection with injuries or illnesses of the upper limbs, neurological illnesses or injuries, or challenges with mental health. The ratio of occupational therapists per 10,000 inhabitants in Switzerland is at least 3.2. Swiss occupational therapy provision is least dense in Central Switzerland. The average reported turnover rate among occupational therapy teams was calculated to be 20% (SD=27.9). Conclusion The results illustrate the persistent lack of gender diversity in the profession. They also show some disparities in geographical distribution and area of practice, which will be analysed in more detail in subsequent publications.

Effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions on function and satisfaction with occupational performance among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm: a protocol for a systematic review

Background: Functional hand use post injury is important in enabling a person’s engagement in daily living tasks. Without proper treatment, there may be difficulties in self-care, engaging in job roles, or leisure pursuits. Occupational therapists are key health care practitioners for people with upper limb conditions. This systematic review aims to appraise and summarise current evidence regarding effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Methods: A systematic review of randomised control trials and quasi randomised controlled trials will be completed. MEDLINE OVID, CINAHL, CENTRAL, COCHRANE, PUBMED and EMBASE databases will be systematically searched. Grey literature will be searched for via Google Scholar. Studies will be included if they include provision of occupational therapy to adults with a hand, wrist, or forearm condition when compared to treatment as usual or an alternative treatment option. The primary outcome will be function. Secondary outcomes will include satisfaction with occupational performance, quality of life, pain experience, and participation. The Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions will be used to categorise outcomes. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework will be utilised to assess quality. A pooled meta- analysis will be completed using RevMan, depending on the uniformity and availability of data. Results: This review aims to synthesise high quality evidence to identify the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions with patients with a hand, wrist, or forearm condition, categorising outcomes in relation to the ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions. Conclusions: By synthesising the evidence there is potential for improved evidence base for clinicians; improved outcomes for patients; as well as potential economic benefit. This study is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42022337070.

“We Weren’t Taught How to Recover from a Pandemic:” Recent Occupational Therapy Graduates’ Reflections on COVID-19

In the spring of 2020, graduates from occupational therapy (OT) programs across the globe were entering a world of clinical unknowns. The students from this graduating cohort likely had little to no education or training on how to deliver OT in the wake of COVID-19. How well prepared did these new graduates perceive themselves to be to enter a healthcare climate in a pandemic and what were their biggest concerns? The objective of this study was to understand new graduates’ perspectives of the impact of COVID-19 on their future as occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), and their sense of preparedness to address the challenges they might face. To do so, nine recent OT graduate students participated in semi-structured individual interviews. First cycle data analysis used descriptive and in-vivo codes and second cycle coding used pattern coding to identify emergent themes from across interviews. Three themes emerged in data analysis that represented how participants saw COVID-19 impacting their lives and their role as OTPs on multiple levels of systems and practice. These themes are: 1) Micro: COVID-19’s impact on work with clients; 2) Meso: COVID-19’s impact on the profession and the provision of OT; and 3) Macro: COVID-19’s impact on systems and structures. Based on these findings, implications for educators moving forward include: methods for preparing students to work with clients virtually and in a post-pandemic world; recommendations for developing strategies for working in unpredictable and unknown contexts; and, suggestions for addressing issues of equity and social justice.

Occupational therapy in oncology palliative care for adolescents and young adults: Perspectives of Australian occupational therapists.

Palliative Care Australia suggests current needs (emotional wellbeing, understanding of cancers impact on relationships, everyday activities, and life milestones) for adolescent and young adults in palliative care are unmet due to a lack of age-specific palliative care facilities in Australia. This includes the provision of occupational therapy that can impact these unmet needs. Although the occupational therapy role in palliative care has been documented, little is known about existing occupational therapy services or occupational needs for young people with palliative care needs. The aims of this study were to obtain occupational therapists insights of working with this population in Australia regarding (1) gaps in palliative care services for this population; (2) facilitators and challenges to providing occupational therapy for this group; and (3) perceived occupational needs of young people living with a life-limiting cancer diagnosis. Using snowball sampling, an online survey was distributed to occupational therapists with experience working in palliative cancer care with adolescents and young adults. Available for 6weeks, the survey included demographic, work history, and service delivery questions. Forced-choice questions were summarised descriptively, and content analysis was used to analyse free-text data. Eleven completed surveys were returned. Overall, therapists perceived current palliative care services for this population within Australia to be lacking. Two gaps emerged: age-appropriate facilities and gaps in provision of psycho-social and occupational therapy services. Funding, lack of knowledge of the occupational therapy role, and professional confidence were highlighted as challenges to practice. Main occupational needs related to maintenance of as "normal" a life as possible: maintaining occupational role engagement, continuing connection with others, and being heard regarding their occupational needs. Findings suggest a need for service changes, including custom-designed facilities, improved funding, training and mentoring, to support age-appropriate and occupation-focussed care for the young person in cancer-specific palliative care.

Skilled Nursing Facility Organizational Characteristics Are More Strongly Associated With Multiparticipant Therapy Provision Than Patient Characteristics.

ObjectivesMultiparticipant physical and occupational therapy provision has fluctuated significantly in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) under shifts in Medicare reimbursement policy. Multiparticipant therapy includes group (2–6 individuals per therapist) and concurrent therapy (2 individuals per therapist). This study uses recent patient-level data to characterize multiparticipant therapy provision in SNFs to help anticipate shifts under new Medicare policy and the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis secondary analysis used data on 1,016,984 post-acute rehabilitation stays in SNFs in 2018. This analysis identified patient predictors (eg, demographic, clinical) and organizational predictors (eg, ownership, quality, staffing) of receiving multiparticipant therapy using mixed-effects logistic regression. Among individuals who received any multiparticipant therapy, those patient or facility factors associated with high rates of multiparticipant therapy provision were also determined.ResultsLess than 3% of individuals received multiparticipant therapy in 2018. Patient functional and cognitive impairment and indicators of market regulation were associated with lower odds of multiparticipant therapy. Effect sizes for organizational factors associated with multiparticipant therapy provision were generally larger compared with patient factors. High multiparticipant therapy provision was concentrated in <2% of SNFs and was positively associated with for-profit ownership, contract staffing, and low 5-star quality ratings.ConclusionSNF organizational characteristics tended to have stronger associations with multiparticipant therapy provision than patient factors, suggesting that changes in patient case-mix, as expected during the COVID-19 pandemic, may have less of an impact on multiparticipant therapy provision than organizational factors. Results suggest that for-profit SNFs in states with higher market regulation, SNFs providing high volumes of therapy, and SNFs utilizing high proportions of assistants and contract staff may be more responsive to Medicare policy by increasing multiparticipant therapy provision.ImpactThis study may help identify SNFs that are more likely to increase multiparticipant therapy provision under new Medicare payment policy.

A scoping review of occupational therapy interventions in the treatment of people with substance use disorders

Purpose Diagnosis of substance use disorders and addictive behaviours are growing worldwide. It is timely to examine and collate literature on the nature of occupational therapy intervention in this field, to increase understanding of current practice and inform future directions. The purpose of this paper is to source and synthesise literature on occupational therapy interventions used in the treatment of people experiencing addiction. Design/methodology/approach Four databases were searched in August 2019. A total of 597 titles were screened, and 18 studies with varying methods met inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of the included literature was arranged into themes to summarise key findings. Findings Findings were grouped into three themes about occupational therapy provision to people experiencing addiction: single occupation focused intervention; skills training (including sub-themes on daily living skills and vocational skills); and establishing a community-based sober routine. Research limitations/implications Further research on this topic should focus on efficacy of treatments and build on current findings to develop more rigorous research with appropriate sample sizes to support evidence-based practice. Originality/value This study presents a synthesis of how occupational therapy interventions have been used to treat people experiencing addiction issues. Findings indicate occupational therapy appears to fit well within addiction treatment and assert that occupational therapy is most supportive when interventions go beyond the teaching of skills alone to prioritise occupational engagement and client centred practice.

Determining the Initial Content Validity of the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool (CAT) for Occupational Therapists Treating Patients with Neurodegenerative Disease

The provision of occupational therapy (OT) interventions for people with neurodegenerative disorder (NDD) requires advanced clinical competency; therefore, a means to evaluate that competency is needed. The Clinical Competency Assessment Tool for Occupational Therapists Treating Patients with Neurodegenerative Disease (CAT) was recently developed as a self-report assessment that aims to identify gaps in clinical competence and measure outcomes of professional development programs specific to occupational therapists treating patients with NDD. The purpose of this study is to explore preliminary content validity of the CAT. Classical test theory was used to test for content validity. A panel of 10 expert occupational therapists, who met specific inclusion criteria, rated the 24 items on the CAT. The number of participants who rated each item as essential was used to quantify each item’s content validity using the content validity ratio (CVR). A CVR of .62 was sought for each item on the CAT, based on the size of the panel of expert occupational therapists. At least half of the expert clinicians rated 16 of the 24 items on the CAT as essential, resulting in a 0 or positive CVR. Six items met the researchers’ criteria of a .62 CVR. Three items on the CAT were rated as essential by all members of the expert panel. This study demonstrates some degree of content validity that supports the CAT in its initial form and provides direction for further development as a tool to inform and measure outcomes of OT educational programs focused on increasing the clinical competence of occupational therapists who treat patients with NDD.

Telehealth for the Provision of Occupational Therapy: Reflections on Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, healthcare professionals worldwide abruptly shifted from an in-person to a telehealth service delivery model. Many did so without advanced training or preparation. This cross-sectional study explored how occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) used telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether they found it to be an effective service delivery model that should be a permanent option for providing occupational therapy services. An online survey was disseminated; it included Likert scale questions, multiple option questions, and open-ended questions regarding telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 230 respondents, 176 (77%) support telehealth as a substitute for in-person services; 179 (78%) support telehealth as a permanent option for occupational therapy service delivery. This information lends support to the uninterrupted use of telehealth by OTPs when government emergency orders in response to COVID-19 expire.

Evaluation of the Jail-Based Occupational Therapy Transition and Integration Services Program for Community Reentry.

Transition and integration reentry services continue to grow in carceral settings; however, related provision of occupational therapy is limited. To examine the implementation fidelity of an occupational therapy-administered interprofessional reentry program initiated in an urban jail. Retrospective, mixed quantitative and qualitative design. Community-based reentry services provided prerelease in a Midwestern urban jail and postrelease in the local St. Louis community. Occupational therapy practitioners tracking process measures for identifying reentry project feasibility. Provision of recruitment, assessment, and skilled occupational therapy services with people held in a short-term jail facility and follow-up during community reentry. Detailed logs were analyzed to describe attendance at and duration of sessions. We coded barriers to and facilitators of implementation from weekly team meeting notes and logs using social-ecological categories. Findings indicate that it was feasible to implement prerelease jail-based services (N = 63) because of jail operations and community partnerships (facilitators) and to overcome institutional policies and environmental limitations (barriers). Full 8-wk prerelease programming was completed by 38% (n = 24) of participants, and 52% (n = 33) participated less than 8 wk. All who completed the full prerelease program and transitioned to the community (n = 15) initiated postrelease occupational therapy services. The iterative feedback provided by process evaluation supported the feasibility of implementing the jail-based Occupational Therapy Transition and Integration Services program. This process evaluation provides evidence that implementation of an occupational therapy-based transition program in an urban jail is feasible.

Experiences of people with a personality disorder or mood disorder regarding carrying out daily activities following discharge from hospital

Introduction People with a diagnosed personality or mood disorder can experience challenges to participating in everyday life. Having a relapse of symptoms and an admission to hospital can further disrupt daily life. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of people with a personality or mood disorder regarding carrying out everyday activities following discharge from hospital. Method Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 service users, by a researcher with lived experience of mental health problems and admissions to hospital. Findings Five themes were identified: The cumulative effect of multiple admissions on activities of daily living; the consequences of long admissions on daily living; reduced activities caused by social isolation in the first few months post-discharge; activities that people would like to do better post-discharge from hospital and longer term goals. Conclusion The findings of this study identified challenges people with a personality or mood disorder experience post-discharge from hospital regarding developing a daily routine, managing their home environment and participating in social activities. This indicates the importance of occupational therapy provision following discharge from hospital.

Social enterprise: a model of recovery and social inclusion for occupational therapy practice in the UK

PurposeOccupational therapists are increasingly working in organisations outside of the public sector. UK government policy over the past decade has promoted health and social care provision by social enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to examine the compatibility of occupational therapy practice and a social enterprise environment, within the UK and questions if this approach may enhance experiences of social inclusion for people who use these services.Design/methodology/approachCase study methodology was used with eight social enterprises in the UK. Data were collected through: semi-structured interviews, formal organisational documents, and field visits and observations. Interviews were conducted with 26 participants who were occupational therapists, service users and social entrepreneurs/managers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsOccupational therapists experienced job satisfaction, professional autonomy and were able to practise according to their professional philosophy. Service users valued support with: employment, routine, social relationships, and developing a sense of identity, particularly outside of a medical model definition. To a degree therefore, people using these services claimed socially inclusive benefits. Challenges with funding social enterprises, however, impacted occupational therapy delivery in some cases.Research limitations/implicationsThe majority of social enterprise research is drawn from case study methodology; however, this was the most appropriate research design to gain greatest insight into a small but developing phenomenon. Further research into occupational therapy practice within social enterprises is required, particularly on the effectiveness of returning to work and social inclusion.Social implicationsSocial enterprises can provide therapeutic environments to promote recovery and social inclusion which is also compatible with occupational therapy practice.Originality/valueThis is the first known national research into occupational therapy provision in social enterprises within the UK, which evidences a compatibility within occupational therapy practice within a social enterprise environment and the benefits of this.

Rehabilitation of revision total hip replacement: A multi-centre survey of current practice.

Demand for revision total hip replacement (RTHR) is increasing. Outcomes after RTHR are varied, with reasonable pain relief but smaller gains in function and mobility. Whether sub-optimal rehabilitation contributes to poorer functional outcomes is unclear. Current rehabilitation is not well defined and there is little research into RTHR rehabilitation. To gather information about the current rehabilitation of patients undergoing planned, single-stage revision or re-revision THR surgery. An online survey was developed and sent to clinicians at 117 orthopaedic centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Questions were asked about standard rehabilitation practice pre-operatively, post-operatively and immediately after discharge. The frequency (%) of responses to closed questions was analysed and free-text comments were summarized thematically. There were 133 respondents: mostly physiotherapists (92, 69%) and occupational therapists (39, 29%). Pre-operative education was common (112, 84%) but not uniform, and for 52 (46%) the same as for primary THR patients. Respondents were more likely to agree about the general objectives of rehabilitation, for example gait re-education with walking aids (93, 70%), and retraining functional mobility (92, 69%) rather than about specific elements including exercise prescription, duration of hip precautions and provision of occupational therapy. The provision of rehabilitation following discharge varied considerably. This survey adds to sparse information about rehabilitation RTHR. No consensus emerged about optimal rehabilitation. The diversity in approach and lack of clear structure suggests work is needed to develop rehabilitation interventions that are tailored to this population.

The Analytical Survey Method: A valuable tool for efficient and effective Occupational Therapy service provision for a patient/client population

This paper describes the effective integration and application of a hybrid analytical survey method in order to obtain a substantive profile and resource information about a patient/client population. Integrating the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability, the survey is used as a primary tool for planning intervention, evaluation and planning in occupational therapy practice. The process has been used extensively in action research in practices throughout South Africa and the United Kingdom and results have shown that it allows for a more targeted and efficient provision of intervention and treatment. This paper briefly describes the development of the Analytical Survey Method and details how the procedure is implemented using the example of its application in a UK mental healthcare facility. Its contemporary relevance is highlighted in the context of healthcare challenges and the need to demonstrate efficient and effective occupational therapy provision. Key words: Occupational Therapy; analytical survey; analytical survey method: OT service planning and evaluation; Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability; action research: service efficiency

Reclaiming compassion as a core value in occupational therapy

The current drive to promote values within all health care professions invites a review of compassion within occupational therapy, to reclaim this as both a core value and an observable behaviour in our professional practice. Compassion has been largely neglected in occupational therapy literature although it lies at the heart of professional relationships and person-centred practice. While compassion is generally accepted as a motivation for people choosing occupational therapy as a career, there is virtually no mention of it in the literature. Since 2013, interest in compassion within nursing, medicine, and midwifery has increased, defining its meaning, exploring service users’ perceptions of compassionate care, and identifying organisational supports and barriers to compassion in health care services. In comparison, occupational therapy literature rarely discusses compassion as the basis for care (Stoffel, 2013). Compassion can be viewed as both a core virtue and an emotional response which is acknowledged in action (Blane and Mercer, 2011). While there are many different definitions in the literature, these definitions commonly imply a sense of connection to another human, illustrating a significant difference between care, as a physical action, and compassion, which involves ‘an awareness of, or sensitivity to, the pain and suffering of others that result in taking verbal, nonverbal or physical action to remove, reduce, or alleviate the impact of such affiliation’ (Crawford et al., 2014: 3591). Simply put, it is possible to care for either an inanimate object, such as a car or a plant, or for a person without experiencing compassion. Unlike compassion, the concept of empathy is frequently identified as the basis of the therapeutic relationship, and is more widely acknowledged in the literature and in education. Taken from the psychotherapeutic frame of reference, empathy is the ability to recognise and understand a person’s experience, but does not necessarily involve a response to that experience. Developing empathy does not necessarily result in better health care. One can be empathic to a client without converting the awareness into a positive action. Indeed, an awareness of a patient’s distress or fear could be used negatively to assert power over that person. Therefore, compassion plays a pivotal role in the provision of occupational therapy. Compassion may be seen as the fuel for occupational therapists’ interventions, including the verbal, non-verbal and physical actions that make

국내 대학병원 신생아중환자실 작업치료의 현황

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to provide some basic information about current status of occupational therapy in Korean University Hospital NICUs. Method : This study was conducted by mail and by analyzing 61 survey questionnaires sent out pediatric occupational therapist in 39 university hospitals. Result : 23 people of the current pediatric occupational therapists worked in NICU under many constraints. Some reasons for not providing occupational therapy services in the NICU were lack of pediatric occupational therapists(55.3%), funding difficulties(42.1%) and problem in the hospital system(42.1%). Conclusion : The results of this study can be used as a basis to increase the provision of occupational therapy in the NICU. Further research is needed to improve the role of occupational therapy in the NICU.

Occupational Therapy for Care Home Residents with Stroke: What is Routine National Practice?

Introduction: Information is currently lacking on the provision of occupational therapy for care home residents with stroke. The aim of this study was to identify current routine occupational therapy practice for this stroke population. Method: A questionnaire targeting qualified occupational therapists with work experience in a care home setting was designed, piloted, and transferred to an online survey. An invitation to participate was distributed via three of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Sections, social networking sites, and flyers at conferences. Findings: Responses were analysed from 114 respondents representing the United Kingdom, the majority (72%) of whom were employed by the National Health Service. Ninety-two respondents (81%) had delivered occupational therapy to a care home resident with stroke in the last year but only 16% were ‘stroke specialists’. The most common aims of intervention were to: maintain participation in activities of daily living, improve posture and positioning, and provide training. Non-standardized assessment was the most common form of assessment used. The functional approach was most frequently adopted. The most frequently provided intervention was ‘seating and positioning’. Conclusion: Occupational therapy is available to some stroke survivors in care homes; however, interventions are not commonly evidence based and are not routinely delivered by stroke specialists.