Health Literacy and Occupational Therapy: A Discussion on Assessing and Addressing Limited Health Literacy

Health literacy is multidimensional and goes beyond simply education level. In addition, age, gender, race and ethnicity, social network, and income level, among other things, can contribute to the level of health literacy and affect health outcomes. Many Americans cannot make sound decisions regarding their health care because of limited health literacy, yet health literacy is rarely considered during an occupational therapy evaluation and subsequent plan of care. This manuscript informs occupational therapists on strategies to address limited health literacy by using literature and evidence

Integrating disability studies concepts into occupational therapy education using service learning

Abstract: This article describes an occupational therapy educational program\u27s experience with service-learning courses that has fostered student learning about service to the community and disability as a multidimensional construct. Faculty-reflective perspectives about disability and ways to enhance learning about disability as a human experience are presented as an important consideration for health care education curriculum design and course development. Through review of educational evaluation described in research on service learning, the authors used a multi-method assessment matrix to capture students\u27 perspectives on their service learning. The community project investigated accessibility issues that persons with disabilities encountered in social participation at community arts venues. Results from student surveys, interviews, focus groups, and journal entries indicated that service learning contributed to occupational therapy students\u27 appreciation and understanding about disability as an individual, environmental, and societal construct

Systematic Assistive Technology Evaluation Within Occupational Therapy Practice.

This article presents a systematic approach to guide the overall evaluation process when assistive technology (AT) is seen as an occupation-based outcome to improve occupational performance. Distinguishing definitions and parallel conceptual frameworks for the evaluation process when AT is considered will be presented. Steps of the overall evaluation processes will be listed, and resources specific to best practices in AT assessment will be offered

A call for sustainable practice in occupational therapy

Abstract Background. The ability of the earth to sustain health among humans and in the natural world is under threat from overpopulation, environmental degradation, and climate change. These global threats are anticipated to harm health and human occupation in many direct and indirect ways. Strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of these threats and to build individual and community capacities to foster resilience. Purpose. This paper links issues of sustainability with occupational therapy philosophy and discusses how employing a sustainability lens with professional reasoning can help practitioners integrate sustainability into their practice. Key Issues. Human occupation is inseparable from the environments in which people live. Human occupation has caused the current environmental crisis, and targeted human action is required to safeguard future health and well-being. Implications. Occupational therapists have an ethical obligation to use professional reasoning strategies that, taken collectively, can help to build a sustainable and resilient future

A call for sustainable practice in occupational therapy

Background. The ability of the earth to sustain health among humans and in the natural world is under threat from overpopulation, environmental degradation, and climate change. These global threats are anticipated to harm health and human occupation in many direct and indirect ways. Strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of these threats and to build individual and community capacities to foster resilience. Purpose. This paper links issues of sustainability with occupational therapy philosophy and discusses how employing a sustainability lens with professional reasoning can help practitioners integrate sustainability into their practice. Key Issues. Human occupation is inseparable from the environments in which people live. Human occupation has caused the current environmental crisis, and targeted human action is required to safeguard future health and well-being. Implications. Occupational therapists have an ethical obligation to use professional reasoning strategies that, taken collectively, can help to build a sustainable and resilient future

Assessing assistive device needs of community dwelling older adults in tompkins county

Research has shown that for older adults (OAs), remaining at home encourages engagement in meaningful occupation. Physical and cognitive changes associated with aging result in functional changes that are a barrier to remaining independent. Assistive technology (AT) can be beneficial for OAs to maintain independence. In order to meet the AT needs of OAs living in Tompkins County, the university-based researchers were asked by the Finger Lakes Independence Center (FLIC) in Ithaca, New York, to identify the current AT needs of OAs who they serve. This is a market research study utilizing a nonexperimental descriptive survey design. After pilot testing the survey with experts to ensure content validity, the survey was given to a convenience sample of OAs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Review of the data indicates that magnification devices, laundry baskets on wheels, and amplified phone devices were the most frequently identified AT-related needs of participants. The research findings will be used by FLIC to augment the inventory of their AT loan program to better meet the needs of the OAs who they serve. © 2012 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc

Assistive technology and people: a position paper from the first global research,innovation and education on assistive technology (GREAT) summit

Assistive technology (AT) is a powerful enabler of participation. The World Health Organization’s Global Collaboration on Assistive Technology (GATE) programme is actively working towards access to assistive technology for all. Developed through collaborative work as a part of the Global Research, Innovation and Education on Assistive Technology (GREAT) Summit, this position paper provides a “state of the science” view of AT users, conceptualized as “People” within the set of GATE strategic “P”s. People are at the core of policy, products, personnel and provision. AT is an interface between the person and the life they would like to lead. People’s preferences, perspectives and goals are fundamental to defining and determining the success of AT. Maximizing the impact of AT in enabling participation requires an individualized and holistic understanding of the value and meaning of AT for the individual, taking a universal model perspective, focusing on the person, in context, and then considering the condition and/or the technology. This paper aims to situate and emphasize people at the centre of AT systems: we highlight personal meanings and perspectives on AT use and consider the role of advocacy, empowerment and co-design in developing and driving AT processes

Hospital Governance and Quality of Care: A Critical Review of Transitional Roles

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68899/2/10.1177_002570879305000402.pd