Active Learning and Occupational Therapy Theory: A Mixed Methods Study of a Course Redesign

The use of theory to guide practice is what distinguishes an occupational therapist’s professional judgment and reasoning from simply technical skills. However, occupational therapists continue to lack confidence and skills in understanding application of theory to inform practice. Thus, effective course design related to theory is imperative in professional formation. This study assessed the effectiveness of a graduate-level occupational therapy theory course redesigned using andragogical, learner-centered, and active learning principles to address gaps in applying and understanding theory. A mixed methods retrospective cohort design was utilized. This included a pretest/post-test survey along with end-of-semester course and instructor evaluation. Eighty-four students engaged in the course and completed pre/post-testing and end of course evaluations. Course and instructor evaluations from an original (pre-redesign) cohort of 28 students were used for comparison. Results suggest that the course redesign was effective at helping students understand and apply occupational therapy theory in a real-world context while also being able to articulate the importance of theory-guided practice. Instructors should structure theory coursework around andragogical, learner-centered, and active learning principles to improve engagement and interaction with theoretical concepts. Results of this study can inform instructors in best practices and student preferences when instructing theory-related coursework and how to create learning opportunities which have distinct value in creating occupational therapy practitioners who are confident in utilizing theory to inform practice decisions

Occupational Therapy’s Opportunity to Impact Care at the End of Life

Navigating and managing the end of life can be difficult. The focus of occupational therapy in care at the end of life is to aid the patient and caregiver through these challenges by facilitating improved safety, comfort, and quality of life through the participation in meaningful occupations. Despite the ways that occupational therapy benefits these patients, occupational therapy involvement in care at the end of life is misunderstood, under-researched, and underutilized. There is a general lack of awareness regarding this topic and a stigma that occupational therapy focuses only on rehabilitation and therefore does not belong in care at the end of life. To combat these issues, there needs to be additional education and training for all healthcare professionals, including occupational therapy practitioners, about occupational therapy’s role in care at the end of life. Occupational therapy professionals in this area of practice must strive to educate others and advocate for their role to improve the understanding of this practice area and thus positively impact more patients and families

A Retrospective Study of Healthcare Needs of Unpaid Caregivers in the United States

Introduction: Demand for caregivers is on the rise. In the US, 53 million individuals provided care in 2020. Older adults constitute nearly half of all care recipients and often receive care from a family member. This study identified the health care needs of caregivers regarding health care use, access to resources, and unmet needs. Methods: We used a retrospective, cross-sectional design to examine existing data collected between 2013 and 2018 regarding caregiver experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test of independence. Results: Caregivers were primarily female, White, between the 18 and 64 years of age, and often provided care to family members experiencing physical or mental conditions impacting safety and independence. Additional data were categorized and reported on the state of care, caregiver perceptions, and impact on the dyad. Conclusion: This study provides important insights into caregiver experiences. Occupational therapists can use this information to reach a broader demographic of caregivers currently not well represented in the caregiver data