27 research outputs found
A Review of Occupation and Impairment Based Assessments Used in Occupational Therapy
Objective: The objective of this paper was to analyze the psychometrics, efficacy, and usefulness of assessments to measure occupational performance and occupation-based outcomes.
Methodology: Eight Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students at Nova Southeastern University, along with their professor, analyzed and appraised 46 commonly used assessments to discover and explore the assessments’ purposes, theory-bases, psychometric properties, and usefulness as outcome measures.
Results: We found that many high quality assessments exist and meet the standards for validity and reliability. Although some assessments are client-centered and useful, some still require additional research to strengthen their psychometric properties.
Conclusion: Some widely used assessments are better for assessing occupation-based outcomes while others are better for assessing specific client factors. Despite their lack of psychometric information, some of the assessments we analyzed may still be useful in practice
What does the Evidence say about Student, Fieldwork Educator, and New Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perceptions of Successful Level II Fieldwork and Transition to Practice? A Scoping Review
This study explored occupational therapy (OT) student, fieldwork educator, and new practitioner perceptions of successful Level II fieldwork experiences and how those experiences related to transitioning into practice. A scoping review was conducted where articles related to OT fieldwork experiences were analyzed using key terms and databases. A total of 14 articles related to OT fieldwork experiences and transitions into practice were critically analyzed. Three studies explored student perceptions of fieldwork experiences and perceived self-efficacy, two studies investigated student perspectives of fieldwork educators, four studies explored transition to practice of recently graduated OT students, two studies investigated student perceptions of preparedness for practice, and three studies explored recently graduated OTs’ perceptions regarding professional confidence, ethical tensions encountered in practice, and near-misses and mistakes in the workplace. Eight articles were determined to be level IV evidence, and six articles were determined to be qualitative studies. Most of the studies found that confidence, professionalism, and setting/environment were important factors to a successful fieldwork experience or transition into practice. Recommendations for further research and more rigorous studies include investigating OT students’ perspectives on what a successful second Level II fieldwork is and how that relates to transitioning into practice. This review reflects the limited research about students’, fieldwork educators’, and new occupational therapists\u27 perceptions of Level II fieldwork and transition to practice
Update on productive aging research in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2013, and overview of research published 2009-2013.
In light of the Centennial Vision charge of supporting practice through evidence, this article reviews productive aging research published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) in 2013 and as a whole from 2009 to 2013. Thirteen such articles were published in 2013, consisting of 4 systematic reviews that identified effective occupational therapy interventions for older adults with low vision; 1 randomized controlled trial that examined changes in occupational therapists\u27 mental health practices with DVD training; and 8 descriptive articles addressing instrument development, practitioner decision making, patient management of medications, and effects of task activities on pain and participation levels. From 2009 to 2013, the quantity and quality of AJOT articles on productive aging increased; 63 articles were published, including 24 effectiveness studies, 14 basic research studies, 15 articles on instrument development and testing, 1 article linking occupational engagement and health, 6 articles on professional education, and 3 articles addressing professional questions
Evidence Regarding Occupational Therapists Working With New Fathers and the Co Occupation of Kangaroo Care: A Systematic Review
Purpose: The purpose of this review was to explore the role of occupational therapy in providing kangaroo care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with fathers.
Method: Several databases were searched using selected terms for occupational therapist facilitated kangaroo care in the NICU. Quality of studies were evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool to minimize risk of bias. All studies were reviewed by both authors for consensus.
Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria; six were qualitative, one systematic review, and two pre-post comparison Level III studies. Studies were categorized into five themes: (1) single family rooms, (2) father participation, (3) kangaroo care, (4) kangaroo mother care versus kangaroo father care, and (5) occupational therapy outcomes.
Conclusion: Additional high-quality research is required to determine the benefits of father kangaroo care as a prospective occupational therapy intervention in the NICU
What Does the Evidence Say about Student, Fieldwork Educator, and New Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perceptions of Successful Fieldwork and Transition to Practice? A Scoping Review
Purpose: This study explored occupational therapy (OT) student, fieldwork educator, and new practitioner perceptions of successful Level II fieldwork experiences and how those experiences related to transitioning into practice.
Method: A scoping review was conducted where articles related to OT fieldwork experiences were analyzed using key terms and data bases.
Results: A total of 14 articles related to OT fieldwork experiences and transitions into practice were critically analyzed. Three studies explored student perceptions of fieldwork experiences and perceived self-efficacy, two studies investigated student perspectives of fieldwork educators, four studies explored transition to practice of recently graduated OT students, two studies investigated student perceptions of preparedness for practice, and three studies explored recently graduated OTs’ perceptions regarding professional confidence, ethical tensions encountered in practice, and near-misses and mistakes in the workplace. Eight articles were determined to be level IV evidence, and six articles were determined to be qualitative studies. Most of the studies found that confidence, professionalism, and setting/environment were important factors to a successful fieldwork experience or transition into practice.
Conclusion: Recommendations for further research and more rigorous studies include investigating OT students’ perspectives on what a successful second Level II fieldwork is and how that relates to transitioning into practice. This review reflects the limited research about students’, fieldwork educators’, and new occupational therapists\u27 perceptions of Level II fieldwork and transition to practice
Occupational Therapy & Transgender Populations: Perspectives & Recommendations
Transgender populations remain an underserved population. They often experience barriers that affect mental and physical health, and limit participation and engagement in meaningful daily activities within the community. Transitioning from one gender to another requires the learning of new occupational skills related to self- care, community integration, socialization and ways of being
Update on Mental Health (CEU)
Occupational therapy is preparing to re-enter mental health practice in an environment that is quite different from our earlier psychosocial work history. In this session, we will discuss current efforts to create opportunities and roles for OT in mental health; the preparation of students and practitioners to address the mental health needs of varied populations; and look at the evidence building on the SAMSHA website. Participants will be able to: review new trends in the provision of services; discuss current evidence about mental health interventions; identify opportunities to create/provide occupational therapy services in mental health in their own communities; discuss the relationship between Healthy People 2020 and occupational therapy; articulate the public health implications of mental health practice
The Effectiveness of Emotional Support Dogs on Veterans with Disabilities
There is a paucity of research about the effectiveness of emotional support dogs for veterans with disabilities. Many veterans returning home from the war have acquired multiple disabilities decreasing their success in community reintegration. There are a number of services for this population; unfortunately suicide remains a high risk for these individuals
Utilization of Assistive Devices among Individuals with Low Vision
Purpose: The mixed method pilot study was conducted to identify visual aids most commonly used, their level of accessibility, the education received on device, and which devices are most and least effective by individuals with low vision.
Method: Subjects were verbally administered an 80-item survey and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Low accessibility to obtain assistive devices was reported due to financial limitations and lack of awareness of devices at time of low vision diagnosis. Findings show among listed assistive devices, magnifiers were considered the most and least effective forms of assistive devices.
Conclusion: The results of this study infer that the population of individuals diagnosed with low vision are not provided adequate education or resources to obtain beneficial assistive devices, effecting their quality of life and executions of occupations