Scope Of Occupational Therapy Research Articles

307 - An Occupational Therapy Program for Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant: An Action Plan for Empowerment

The purpose of this poster is to propose a comprehensive, occupation-based program for patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) highlighting intrinsic motivation to facilitate engagement with activities of daily living and personal goal attainment to ease transition to community-based skills and engagement. Research has highlighted gaps in supportive care provided in oncology settings in the areas of psychosocial and emotional well-being (Burg et al., 2015; Sleight & Duker, 2016). These unmet needs contribute to functional limitations significantly reducing occupational performance, decreased role retention and decreased quality of life (Somerfield, Curbow, Wingard, Baker, & Fogarty, 1996). The scope of occupational therapy provides the unique ability to help patients cope with the psychological, physical, and emotional side effects of cancer. By educating and empowering patients to set functional goals and begin to self-manage symptoms, occupational therapists have the potential to drastically improve quality of life (Ferrell et al.,1992). Our program includes pre-transplant patient evaluation, education of baseline ADL/IADL function, and assistance with the development of patient-centered goals. Throughout the patient's hospital stay, occupational therapy interventions will include: motivational interviewing, fatigue management, lifestyle redesign, routine building, practical application of coping and/or stress management strategies, safety awareness, executive cognitive training, and instruction to adapt/improve ADL engagement for a successful transition into home and community-based activities following the transplant. Patients will use a Goal Attainment Scale and self competency ratings to track progress and measure program effectiveness.

Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy and Adult Cancer Rehabilitation: Part 2. Impact of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation and Psychosocial, Sexuality, and Return-to-Work Interventions.

This article is the second part of a systematic review of evidence for the effectiveness of cancer rehabilitation interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that address the activity and participation needs of adult cancer survivors. This article focuses on the use of multidisciplinary rehabilitation and interventions that address psychosocial outcomes, sexuality, and return to work. Strong evidence indicates that multidisciplinary rehabilitation benefits cancer survivors and that psychosocial strategies can reduce anxiety and depression. Moderate evidence indicates that interventions can support survivors in returning to the level of sexuality desired and help with return to work. Part 1 of the review also appears in this issue.

Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy and Adult Cancer Rehabilitation: Part 1. Impact of Physical Activity and Symptom Management Interventions.

This article is the first part of a systematic review of evidence for the effectiveness of cancer rehabilitation interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that address the activity and participation needs of adult cancer survivors. This article focuses on the importance of physical activity and symptom management. Strong evidence supports the use of exercise for cancer-related fatigue and indicates that lymphedema is not exacerbated by exercise. Moderate evidence supports the use of yoga to relieve anxiety and depression and indicates that exercise as a whole may contribute to a return to precancer levels of sexual activity. The results of this review support inclusion of occupational therapy in cancer rehabilitation and reveal a significant need for more research to explore ways occupational therapy can positively influence the outcomes of cancer survivors. Part 2 of the review also appears in this issue.

Mindfulness for Physical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review

Abstract Date Presented 4/8/2016 This scoping review describes how mindfulness interventions are being used for rehabilitation of physical disorders. Mindfulness interventions fit within the scope of occupational therapy for physical disorders, but there is a dearth of research translating this to practice-based settings. Primary Author and Speaker: Mark Hardison Contributing Author: Shawn C. Roll

The Portrayal of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science in Canadian Newspapers: A Content Analysis

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. The demand for occupational therapists in Canada is expected to grow sharply at an annual growth rate of 3.2%, compared to 0.7% for all occupations. At the same time, it is believed by occupational therapists in Canada that the Canadian public does not understand the role of occupational therapy. Occupational science is an emerging basic science field that supports the practice of occupational therapy. Given that newspapers are one source the public uses to obtain information and that newspapers are seen to shape public opinions, the purpose of this study is to investigate how “occupational therapy” is covered in Canadian newspapers from the term’s first appearance in 1917 until 2016 and how “occupational science” is covered from the term’s first appearance in 1989 to 2016. We interrogated the findings through the lens of three non-newspaper sources—two academic journals: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy (CJOT) and Journal of Occupational Science (JOS); and one Canadian magazine: Occupational Therapy Now (OTN). We found that medical terms were prevalent in the newspaper articles covering occupational therapy similar to the presence of medical terms in the CJOT and OTN. However, the newspapers missed contemporary shifts in occupational therapy as evident in the CJOT, OTN and JOS—such as the increased engagement with enablement, occupational justice and other occupational concepts. The newspapers also failed to portray the societal issues that occupational therapy engages with on behalf of and with their clients, and the newspapers did not cover many of the client groups of occupational therapy. Occupational science was only mentioned in n = 26 articles of the nearly 300 Canadian newspapers covered with no concrete content linked to occupational science. The scope of occupational therapy presented in Canadian newspapers may be one contributing factor to a situation where occupational therapists in Canada think that there is lack of public understanding around their role, as readers are not getting the full picture and as such approach occupational therapy with different expectations. Given the lack of coverage of occupational science, readers will likely obtain limited knowledge about occupational science and its focus.

Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Visual and Visual-Perceptual Impairments to Improve Occupational Performance in Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Visual and visual-perceptual impairments occur frequently with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and influence occupational performance. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve occupational performance for adults with visual and visual-perceptual impairments as a result of TBI. Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, OTseeker, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched, and 66 full text articles were reviewed. Sixteen articles were included in the review. Strong evidence supports the use of scanning, limited evidence supports the use of adaptive strategies, and mixed evidence supports the use of cognitive interventions to improve occupational performance for adults with TBI. Evidence related to vision therapy varies on the basis of the specific intervention implemented. Although the strength of the research varied, implications are discussed for practice, education, and research.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Reducing Negative Behavioral Symptoms: A Scoping Review.

The management of negative behavioral symptoms among residents with dementia is a challenge that nursing homes face in delivering quality care. This study examines evidence documenting non-pharmacological interventions that reduce negative behavioral symptoms among nursing home residents with dementia and the role occupational therapy practitioners have in this area. A scoping review was completed for intervention studies published from 1987 to 2014, targeting negative behavioral symptoms among nursing home residents above 60 years of age with dementia. Interventions were categorized based on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Four types of interventions were identified: occupation-based interventions, context and environment interventions, exercise interventions, and daily routine-based interventions. The non-pharmacological interventions were found to align with the scope of occupational therapy. This suggests that occupational therapy practitioners can contribute to the development and evaluation of non-pharmacological interventions aimed to reduce negative behavioral symptoms.

Effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration® and Sensory-Based Interventions for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review examines the literature published from January 2006 through April 2013 related to the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) and sensory-based interventions (SBIs) within the scope of occupational therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder to improve performance in daily life activities and occupations. Of the 368 abstracts screened, 23 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Moderate evidence was found to support the use of ASI. The results for sensory-based methods were mixed. Recommendations include performing higher level studies with larger samples, using the Fidelity Measure in studies of ASI, and using carefully operationalized definitions and systematic methods in examination of SBIs.

Scope of Occupational Therapy in the U.S. Criminal Justice System

Abstract Date Presented 4/18/2015 In this study, we describe the presence of occupational therapists (OTs) in the U.S. criminal justice system; define primary practice models, assessments, and intervention approaches used by OTs in corrections; and delineate pedagogical strategies used to train students and the range of topics that occupational therapy researchers are examining in correction settings.

Enabling occupation at the end of life: A literature review.

Occupation, or meaningful activity, can contribute to the well-being and quality of life of all individuals. It is thus a logical tautology that occupation should be enabled for those at the end of life. Our present review examines current provision of these processes by Occupational Therapist, who can be much-valued members of multidisciplinary palliative care teams. Following a literature search and critical selection, 10 global papers were identified examining occupation and occupational therapy at the end of life in the acute, hospice, and community environments. Universally, there appeared to be a dearth of therapists working in end-of-life care. Provision of palliative care in hospitals was found to be compensatory or rehabilitative. Hospice therapy emerged as pleasingly occupational, though the number of hospice places was disappointingly few. Community literature was sparse, so it proved challenging to draw definitive conclusions. Promising research refracted light on occupation at home; however, it also revealed stretched domiciliary services, where clients are not well informed about the potential scope of occupational therapy. A "good death" involving a quality end-of-life experience is the foundational goal overarching all therapy and medicine in the provision of palliative care. Arguably, an occupation-focused approach provided by therapists meets client needs to enable meaningful experiences in the limited time left to them. Current occupational therapy practice environments are not necessarily achieving these goals in commensurate fashion. There is a need to promote the role of occupational therapy and circumscribe what therapists can offer. Further research is necessitated across all environments and future funding for therapist positions in palliative teams. End-of-life care can be complex and challenging; however, therapists can facilitate fulfillment of client-centered occupational goals. In engaging with personally constructed nuances of meaning, quality of life can be improved in those deserving of a significant and emotionally rich daily existence during their final days.

Efficacy of a telerehabilitation intervention programme using biofeedback among computer operators

Computer operators spend long periods of time sitting in a static posture at computer workstations and therefore have an increased exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). The present study is aimed at investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of a tele-biofeedback ergonomic intervention programme among computer operators suffering from WRMSD. Twelve subjects with WRMSD were assigned an ergonomic intervention accompanied by remote tele-biofeedback training, which was practised at their workstations. Evaluations of pain symptoms and locations, body posture and psychosocial characteristics were carried out before and after the intervention in the workplace. The hypothesis was partially verified as it showed improved body position at the workstation and decreased pain in some body parts. Tele-biofeedback, as part of an intervention, appears to be feasible and efficient for computer operators who suffer from WRMSD. This study encourages further research on tele-health within the scope of occupational therapy practice.Practitioner Summary: Research concerning tele-health using biofeedback is scarce. The present study analyses the feasibility and partial effectiveness of a tele-biofeedback ergonomic intervention programme for computer operators suffering from WRMSD. The uniqueness and singularity of this study is the usage of remote communication between participants and practitioners through the Internet.

Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy–Related Interventions for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Part 1. Activity and Participation

This article is the first part of a systematic review of studies on occupational therapy-related intervention for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this systematic review was to critically appraise and synthesize the applicable findings to address the following focused question: What is the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice for people with multiple sclerosis? This article focuses on occupational therapy interventions aimed at activity and participation, including programs (e.g., inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation) in which an occupational therapy practitioner was one member of the team. Part 2 (Yu & Mathiowetz, 2014) focuses on interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to remediate impairment (e.g., exercise, cognition, emotional regulation).

Occupational therapy in the modern adult acute mental health setting: a review of current practice

Background Health care systems are changing and with them, the role and scope of occupational therapy. The inpatient mental health setting is one area where change has been rapid and expansive, directly impacting on the role of occupational therapy. Literature pertaining to the current practice of occupational therapy in this setting is currently overshadowed by a focus on community-based care. This article aims to describe and summarize the recently published literature regarding current practices of occupational therapy in this important setting. Methods Current practices were identified with reference to policy documents, text books and journal articles dating from 1990 to the present day. Findings There was found to be a paucity of current literature relating to occupational therapy practice in acute mental health. From the literature that was available, four core elements of occupational therapy practice in acute mental health were identified: individual assessment, individual treatment, therapeutic groups, and discharge planning. Conclusions It is suggested that the development and communication of the occupational therapy role focusing on the four core elements of practice will provide a sound base for the development of the clinical role of occupational therapy in acute mental health. Occupational therapists working in the acute mental health setting are encouraged to be aware of the available literature pertaining to this area and establish a renewed focus on clinical research to evaluate current practice and to guide debate on emerging occupational therapy roles.

The Relationship Between Professional Identity and Burnout Among Occupational Therapists

ABSTRACTHealth professionals have been identified as a high risk group for job-related stress and burnout. This study builds on the existing literature to examine the links between burnout and the development of professional values as well as the broad scope of occupational therapy, which may act as a hindrance to establishing a concise and well recognized professional identity. One hundred and twenty six occupational therapists completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Professional Identity Questionnaire. The factors that contribute to the relationship between a lack of professional identity in the field of occupational therapy and the levels of burnout among occupational therapists are identified and implications for establishing a strong and healthy workforce in occupational therapy are discussed.

Ever Vigilant: Maternal Support of Participation in Daily Life for Boys with Autism

ABSTRACTThis study presents emergent findings from a qualitative study of caregivers' well-being that illuminates why caregivers of children with autism are often found to be more stressed by their caregiving than caregivers of children with other disabilities. Nine mothers with diverse backgrounds whose sons had autism spectrum disorders participated. Data were gathered through intensive interviewing and analyzed using a deductive interpretive approach. Mothers characterized their caregiving as vigilance rather than burden. Yet, this vigilance was highly fatiguing. Mothers intensely attended to their children's activities. This intense focus promoted participation in self-care, leisure, and social activities, and prevented frustration and behavioral meltdowns. Mothers also performed “forensic analyses” to understand the root cause of participation problems. This parenting was intensive because mothers oversaw the children's activities at all times even during periods when mothers of typical children could take breaks. The children's continuing participation problems included limited self-care skills, difficulties in problem solving in novel situations, and lack of leisure skills. This intense vigilance may be a key factor in maternal health issues, such as anxiety and depression. While these problems fall within the scope of occupational therapy's expertise, it appears that many of these issues were not addressed by the current service-delivery models, leaving families to continue to struggle and the children to lack the skills for independent living as adults.

Record review of patients with Brain Abscess and Empyema at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Studies on brain abscess (BA) and Empyema are not routinely focused on the role of occupational therapy (OT) with these patients. There is a paucity of literature on deficits resulting from BA and Empyema other than hemiplegia. This study used a retrospective record review to determine the relationship between BA, Empyema, and resultant physical and psychosocial dysfunction. Patients with BA generally had more significant deficits than those with Empyema for both physical and psychosocial performance components. Hemiplegia was the most common physical deficit found with the most common psychosocial deficit being body concept. Remediation of these deficits falls within the scope of OT which is recommended for this patient population.

The Scope of Occupational Therapy: Our Asset and Our Challenge

Editorial| Online May 01 2006 The Scope of Occupational Therapy: Our Asset and Our Challenge Mary Corcoran Mary Corcoran Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Author & Article Information Online Issn: 1943-7676 Print Issn: 0272-9490 Copyright © 2006 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.2006 The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2006, Vol. 60(3), 247–248. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.60.3.247 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Mary Corcoran; The Scope of Occupational Therapy: Our Asset and Our Challenge. Am J Occup Ther May/June 2006, Vol. 60(3), 247–248. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.60.3.247 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentThe American Journal of Occupational Therapy Search Advanced Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright © 2006 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.2006 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Survey of Occupational Therapy Practice in Hong Kong in 2004

Background In order to meet the future challenges of the new healthcare-services system in Hong Kong, there is a rising need to understand the scope of occupational therapy (OT) practice within the local context. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey of 518 occupational therapists (OTs) in Hong Kong was conducted in 2004. Objective To describe the profile and scope of OT practice in Hong Kong. Methods A standardised questionnaire was sent to all OTs registered under the Occupational Therapists Board, as defined by the Special Supplement No.4 to Gazette No. 42/2003, published by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The OTs were requested to submit the completed questionnaires to the research team. Descriptive data were then collected for analysis. Results Of the 1,018 questionnaires that were sent out, 518 OTs responded (50.9%). Results indicated that 412 (81.6%) OTs had more than 5 years of clinical experience, 246 (47.5%) OTs had a Master's degree, and 178 (34.4%) reported that stroke was the most common type of treated condition. Other areas of OT practice were also described. Conclusions This survey provided the most recent and clear profile and scope of OT practice in Hong Kong. Four areas of OT practice which require extra attention were identified, and four strategic plans to ensure a sustainable development of OT in future are proposed.

Effective Interdisciplinary Teamwork: An Occupational Therapy Perspective

Objective: First, to describe the focus and scope of occupational therapy and some contributions of occupational therapy in mental health settings. Second, to identify opportunities for enhancing interdisciplinary teamwork so as to effectively address the full range of needs and issues experienced by people living with mental illness, from an occupational therapist's perspective. Conclusions: The significance of occupation for health and wellbeing needs to be better understood within the mental health field, and wider community, if interdisciplinary teams are to more effectively address the occupational and other needs of those living with mental illness. To this end, improved opportunities for dialogue through shared education and professional development, informed dialogue about balancing generic, specialist and nonprofessional roles in service delivery, as well as inclusion of consumers and carers in these dialogues, are recommended.

Spirituality and Palliative Care: The Attitudes of Occupational Therapists

The attitudes of 44 occupational therapists on the place of spirituality within palliative care were investigated. Their responses to a postal questionnaire indicated that spirituality was an important part of life for 35 (80%) respondents, helped 33 (75%) respondents with daily job responsibilities and was viewed as an important dimension of health and rehabilitation by 39 (89%) respondents. Spiritual issues were considered to be within the scope of occupational therapy by 33 (75%) respondents. However, only 8 (18%) respondents stated that they consistently addressed spirituality within assessment. The respondents described several activities that addressed clients' spirituality, including open-ended discussion, facilitation of activities of daily living that contribute to maximising quality of life and creative activities. Thirty-two (73%) respondents considered that their education had not prepared them to deal with clients' spiritual needs and 28 (64%) wanted further training in spiritual care. It is proposed that there is a need for further research and refinement of the conceptual understanding of spirituality in order to provide a firm framework for its inclusion in occupational therapy.