Online Hybrid vs. Face-to-Face Instruction in Applied OT Theory

Minimal evidence exists regarding online education in occupational therapy. This study explored entry-level occupational therapy (OT) student responses to two methods of instruction in an applied OT theory course. The investigator used a retrospective quasi-experimental, nonrandomized comparison group design with mixed methods to compare two cohorts of entry-level OT students. Data included midterm exam, final exam, and cumulative course grades, as well as qualitative data from a final exam essay question. Demographic data and cohort mean grade-point averages were collected at the program level. One cohort received face-to-face instruction, while the other received online hybrid and face-to-face instruction. The face-to-face cohort had statistically significantly higher summative course grades. The investigator could not factor out pre-program GPA, which may have impacted results. With qualitative analysis, the investigator found evidence for a priori themes of the value of theory and growth in theory application. Emergent themes included use of theory for clinical reasoning, client-centered practice, theory integration in practice, and theory in the OT process. Students in the online hybrid section perceived that the course required more busywork. Online and hybrid instruction can be an effective means of content delivery for OT applied theory

Occupation as Spiritual Activity

Although spirituality is rarely explicitly mentioned in the occupational therapy literature, it is implied as an interwoven part of the human system. This article explores the meaning of occupation in the context of sociological and Judeo-Christian theological frameworks and the meaning of spirituality in the occupational therapy clinic. A case is made for acknowledging spirituality in clinical reasoning as a centralizing component of the patients\u27 motivation and assignment of meaning to life

Self-Reflection and Measurement of Professional Behavior Growth in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Students

Occupational therapy (OT) educators have recognized the need to facilitate student professional development along a continuum of behavior that leads them toward professionalism. Reflection has often been a tool assisting in that process. The teaching of professional behavior has been a curricular thread throughout entry-level OT programs. Few studies exist, however, that have measured use of a self-assessment tool for reflection and development of professional behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine how self-perception of professional behaviors changed in two cohorts of an entry-level occupational therapy program. Investigators compared two cohorts of students at two points in time for both longitudinal and cross-sectional differences. Participants demonstrated significant increase from Time 1 to Time 2 in a greater number of professional behaviors in the area of Fieldwork vs. Academics. Students demonstrated unequal growth in categories, suggesting that academic environments may prompt growth in different professional behaviors than do fieldwork environments. In comparing the two cohorts, the second-year cohort demonstrated significantly higher scores in clinical reasoning (at Time 1), communication, and responsibility and reliability (at Time 2). Qualitative data suggested that students perceived reflection as a valuable tool for observing improvement and goal-setting in professional behaviors. Investigators summarized that self-reflection prompted awareness of changes in professional behaviors among entry-level OT students. Authors recommend utilizing both quantitative and qualitative means of self-reflection, with individualized review with academic advisors, in order to facilitate growth in professional behaviors

The Digital House of Care: information solutions for integrated care

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a digital tool in an English county striving towards a vision of integrated information that is used to underpin an increasingly integrated future of health and social care delivery. Design/methodology/approach – It discusses the policy context nationally, the origins and implementation of the initiative, the authors’ experiences and viewpoint highlighting key challenges and learning, as well as examples of new work undertaken. Findings – In all, 12 health and care organisations have participated in this project. The ability for local commissioners and providers of services to now understand “flow” both between and within services at a granular level is unique. Costs are modest, and the opportunities for refining and better targeting as well as validating services are significant, thus demonstrating a return on investment. Key learning includes how organisational development was equally as important as the implementation of innovative new software, that change management from grass roots to strategic leaders is vital, and that the whole system is greater than the sum of its otherwise in-silo parts. Practical implications – Data linkage initiatives, whether local, regional or national in scale, need to be programme managed. A robust governance and accountability framework must be in place to realise the benefits of such as a solution, and IT infrastructure is paramount. Social implications – Organisational development, collaborative as well as distributed leadership, and managing a change in culture towards health and care information is critical in order to create a supportive environment that fosters learning across organisational boundaries. Originality/value – This paper draws on the recent experience of achieving large-scale data integration across the boundaries of health and social care, to help plan and commission services more effectively. This rich, multi-agency intelligence has already begun to change the way in which the system considers service planning, and learning from this county’s approach may assist others considering similar initiatives.N/

Environmental pathways of radionuclides to animal products in different farming and harvesting systems

Chapter 5. This chapter outlines the key environmental and metabolic pathways of radionuclides relevant for animals and animal products after NREs. The different methods used to quantify the transfer of radionuclides between relevant environmental pathways are also described. Detailed information is provided for the most important radionuclides that contaminate animals and animal products, namely radiocaesium, radioiodine and radiostrontium. Observed effects on agricultural and game animals after two NREs are also briefly described

Webportal

Establish (and maintain) an innovative webportal (the Radioecology Exchange). Ahead of schedule an interim open access website (wiki) was created in time for the STAR project to be publicised at the International Conference on Radioecology and Environmental Radioactivity held in Hamilton, Canada in June 2011. Prior to this a protected access website (also a wiki) was created for STAR partners to exchange information. The open access website was upgraded in October 2011 and is continually developing as the project progresses

Q&A: Epistasis

Molecular and Cellular Biolog

Evolution in Natural Area Monitoring at Indianapolis Parks

The Indianapolis Land Stewardship (ILS) team’s first restoration was in 1992 with high school students planting acorns in a 13-acre field. Since then, managed acreage has increased to nearly 1,900 acres across 37 parks. ILS’ monitoring has evolved to meet the challenges of an expanding program. This is accomplished through improved GIS tracking and mapping techniques. Additionally, scientific survey work has broadened from initially a few vegetation surveys to now include longer-duration studies and other taxa for a more balanced and complete assessment