Empowering Elderly Women with Osteoarthritis Through Hands‐On Exploration of Adaptive Equipment Concepts
Abstract
The study investigated the participation experiences of elderly women with hand limitations in a maketools‐inspired activity for improving bottle openability and verified the usefulness of the results from this approach. Participatory design was used to stimulate participants' hands‐on fabrication of new bottle lid concepts. Air‐dry modeling clay, Crayola Model Magic® (Crayola LLC, 1100 Church Lane Easton, PA 18044‐0431), clay modeling tools sets and empty bottles were the tools used to explore feasible and user‐envisioned ideal lids that could potentially reduce hand pain and improve function when open...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - April 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Sharon R. Flinn, Elizabeth B.‐N. Sanders, Wei‐Ting Yen, Carolyn M. Sommerich, Steven A. Lavender Tags: Research Article Source Type: research
International Research Partnerships in Occupational Therapy: A Canadian–Zambian Case Study
Abstract
The country of Zambia's Sixth National Development Plan includes many objectives related to participation and health that align with values underlying occupational therapy. Given this link, occupational therapy research has the potential to advance the Sixth National Development Plan and thereby enhance the participation and health of Zambians. However, there is neither a school of occupational therapy nor many occupational therapists working in Zambia. Using an example of a global research partnership between Canadian occupational therapy researchers and Zambian researchers, this paper examines the partnership us...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - March 26, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Janet Njelesani, Marianne Stevens, Shaun Cleaver, Lombe Mwambwa, Stephanie Nixon Tags: Special Issue Paper Source Type: research
Ludic Content in Multisensory Stimulation Environments: An Exploratory Study about Practice in Portugal
This article aims to document the use of multisensory stimulation environments and its related perceptions, concerning ludic content, play and the computer‐mediated ludic activity, from the perspective of professionals organizing and delivering therapeutic activities in these spaces with children with developmental disabilities, in Portugal. Face‐to‐face open interviews with 12 professionals working in multisensory stimulation environments, selected by convenience criteria, were individually recorded, transcribed and submitted to content analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: multisensory stimulation envi...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - March 15, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Nuno Castelhano, Fabiana Silva, Márcia Rezende, Licínio Roque, Lívia Magalhães Tags: Research Article Source Type: research
A Qualitative Study Exploring the Usability of Nintendo Wii Fit among Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the usability of Nintendo Wii Fit to promote physical activity in adults with multiple sclerosis. Qualitative interviews were conducted as part of a pilot study that examined the health outcomes of a 14‐week Wii Fit home‐exercise programme in 30 adults with multiple sclerosis. We found participants reported that Wii Fit helped build confidence in abilities, achieve goals related to engagement in leisure activities and remove barriers associated with going to a gym to exercise. However, Wii Fit induced initial reactions of intimidation and worries about falling, and feed...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - March 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Matthew Plow, Marcia Finlayson Tags: Research Article Source Type: research
The Development of Adolescent and Young Adult Participation Sort – Taiwanese Version
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot research was to translate the Adolescent and Young Adult Participation Sort into Taiwanese (AYAPS‐T), an assessment tool measuring the activity participation and the self‐identified barriers of youth transitioning into adulthood. The study included five phases: translation, cultural adaptation, taking photographs, field testing for content validity and pilot testing of test–retest reliability. A literature review, expert review and translation with back‐translation were conducted for the initial activities. The activities were then edited on the basis of the feedback of 23Taiwanes...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - March 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Wang Hsin‐Yen, Christine Berg Tags: Research Article Source Type: research
Sustaining International Partnerships: The European Master of Science Programme in Occupational Therapy, a Case Study
Abstract
International partnerships are a mechanism for supporting the academic development of occupational therapy and promoting cultural competence. This case study describes the factors that have helped to sustain a post‐qualifying programme implemented by five higher education institutions in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK since 1999. Data collection methods were documentary analysis and the reflections of a purposive sample of six key informants. Cohort and outcome data, from 193 students from 31 countries who enrolled between 1999 and 2011, are reported. Each cohort comprises students from...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - March 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Irene Ilott, Anders Kottorp, Karen Cour, Fenna Nes, Hans Jonsson, Gaynor Sadlo Tags: Special Issue Paper Source Type: research
Innovation in Global Collaborations: From Student Placement to Mutually Beneficial Exchanges
Abstract
Five years ago, an academic department in the United States and the Ann Sullivan Center of Peru (CASP) initiated an international partnership to foster research collaborations and reciprocal consultation, and to create an advanced clinical placement for occupational therapy doctoral students. CASP is a globally recognized hub for community‐based research, demonstration and training for people with disabilities (most of whom are from low‐income families). CASP has provided occupational therapy students and faculty with a rich cultural environment in which to learn and collaborate as well as opportunities for de...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - February 25, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Yolanda Suarez‐Balcazar, Joy Hammel, Liliana Mayo, Stephanie Inwald, Supriya Sen Tags: Research Article Source Type: research
Professional Confidence: Conceptions Held by Novice Occupational Therapists in South Africa
This study aimed to explore how novice occupational therapists conceptualized professional confidence. Professional confidence is a dynamic personal belief that matures over time. It is closely linked to both competence and professional identity ensuring fitness for practice. Although professional confidence has been defined and a number of its attributes have been identified, how practitioners understand or conceptualize the phenomenon is not clearly understood. Eight novice occupational therapists undertaking their community service year in South Africa during 2011 participated in the study. Data, collected during semi...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - December 1, 2012 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Kathlyn Elena Holland, Lyn Middleton, Leana Uys Tags: Research Article Source Type: research
Sharing Stories: Using Narratives to Illustrate the Role of Critical Reflection in Practice with First Australians
Abstract
This paper aims to fill a gap in existing literature by using examples of reflective practice and how these informed service delivery and development with First Australians within a population health paradigm. Population‐based approaches have been proposed as useful for providing services that reach beyond the individual. They may be particularly helpful in providing a framework for occupational therapists working with First Australians, when modified appropriately.
“Healthy Ears” is a statewide ear health programme for First Australians. It is an example of a health promotion programme working to partner wi...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - December 1, 2012 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Jodie Booth, Alison Nelson Tags: Research Article Source Type: research
ELSiTO. A Collaborative European Initiative to Foster Social Inclusion with Persons Experiencing Mental Illness
Abstract
ELSiTO (Empowering Learning for Social Inclusion Through Occupation), an international collaborative partnership, with over 30 members from Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands, aimed to explore the nature and processes of social inclusion for persons experiencing mental illness. Members included persons experiencing mental illness and health professionals. Four international visits and local activities enabled a knowledge creation process that combined the experience of social inclusion as we lived and worked together with exploration of the processes of community projects, narratives of experiences and reflective...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - December 1, 2012 Category: Occupational Health Authors: M. Ammeraal, S. Kantartzis, M. Burger, T. Bogeas, C. Molen, L. Vercruysse Tags: Special Issue Paper Source Type: research
