The Perceptions of Four Novice Occupational Therapists\u27 Preparedness and Ability to Perform Occupation-Based Practice in Pediatric Practice

Although occupation-based practice (OBP) is considered best practice within the occupational therapy profession, practitioners continue to have a difficult time actively implementing OBP into treatment. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards necessitate the implementation of OBP. Within the literature, there are gaps in the research investigating novice therapists’ perceptions of incorporating OBP in practice, especially in the United States. Since children and youth is a rapidly growing area of practice, this study focused on investigating how novice therapists are implementing OBP in pediatric settings. This qualitative study therefore investigated the perceptions of four novice pediatric occupational therapists’ preparedness and ability to perform OBP in practice. By following a qualitative methodology, the following four themes emerged from the data: My academic program introduced me to the principles of OBP, but specific types of learning activities solidified my understanding; I generally know what OBP is, and it is important; but can be difficult to describe succinctly to others; The type of setting where I work influences how occupation-based I can be during intervention; and While I have every intention of providing OBP, the cultural environment of the workplace influences my progress. These findings can add an in-depth understanding of the four participants’ experiences as they relate to this profession-wide call to action

The destructive path of addiction: Experiences of six parents who are substance dependent

This qualitative study explored the experiences of five men and one woman who were parents, substance dependent, and receiving treatment. Data collected by observation and in-depth interviewing were analyzed using constant comparison method and thematic analysis. Findings were grouped into three categories: surviving my childhood and becoming an adult, the struggles oftrying to be a parent, and the roles ofspouses and extended family members. An overarching metathematic category, the destructive path and powerful appeal ofaddiction, describes why the participants reported feeling most comfortable in the role ofdrug addict and found order in the chaos in the addictive lifestyle. © Taylor & Francis Group

Addressing hemiplegia in children with cerebral palsy

Movement patterns resulting from cerebral palsy can be addressed while children have fun doing things they need and want to do

Are we really client-centered? Using the Canadian Occupational Performance measure to see how the client\u27s goals connect with the goals of the occupational therapist

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used as a tool to compare goals for intervention identified by seven clients living in a long-term residential program and diagnosed with schizophrenia, with their goals as identified by the occupational therapist. In-depth interviews were conducted in conjunction with the use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Data analysis revealed an overarching theme that described the clients\u27 concerns as, I want to accomplish goals outside of the residence program. During the analysis, however, the data revealed that the occupational therapist primarily focused her attention on goals to be achieved within the residence program, emphasizing programming and symptom management as each client\u27s priorities for intervention, rather than community involvement. The findings reveal how data from the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to reveal client/therapist disconnect in goal setting and the need to continue to examine client-centered practices in mental health settings. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Matthews Model of Clinical Reasoning: A Systematic Approach to Conceptualize Evaluation and Intervention

Clinical reasoning is a complex process required for effective therapeutic encounters. Its development is poorly understood. The clinical reasoning process is placed in a historical context based on the occupational therapy literature. An emerging model of clinical reasoning is proposed. This model of clinical reasoning provides a unique perspective in order to compartmentalize the person, environment, and occupation constructs around the person’s life story, connect it directly to the occupational therapy practice framework, and determine treatment priorities, emphasizing a client-centered perspective. A client-centered model of clinical reasoning supports efforts to provide effective intervention

Implementation of occupational therapy services for an adolescent residence program

Community-based programs focusing on adolescents who are diagnosed with a mental illness have been given little attention in the occupational therapy literature. This article describes a level-two student occupational therapy program that was successfully implemented at an adolescent residence in New Jersey. Six adolescents were evaluated using The Children\u27s Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning (CSAOF), based on the Model of Human Occupation. Through this evaluation process, many of the adolescents identified similar treatment priorities: (a) family reintegration, (b) wellness and healthy living, (c) development of independent and effective decision making, and (d) increasing feelings of self-worth. The OT students assisted the adolescents in setting goals and identifying strategies to achieve them. Two case studies are presented to further illustrate how family collaboration, cultural considerations and community awareness are emphasized during the treatment process. Administrators of the residence are now investigating ways to incorporate continued OT services within their treatment milieu. © 2005 by The Haworth Press. Inc. All rights reserved

The meaning of higher education for people diagnosed with a mental illness: Four students share their experiences

In this qualitative study, four participants diagnosed with a mental illness were interviewed to explore their experiences while attending a post-secondary school. Each participant described how education helped them to find a sense of purpose in their lives. Education is also described as a means of transition from the patient role to other roles such as student or worker. However, the symptoms and stigma associated with their mental illness has created additional challenges for them while in a school setting. Supportive professors and counselors were viewed as helpful in overcoming these barriers. Copyright 2007 Trustees of Boston University