Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie最新文献

Background. Current health and occupational therapy literature lacks discussion on textured hair care as a meaningful occupation. In the Canadian context, this topic remains unexplored. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore textured hair care as a meaningful occupation through experiences and perceptions of Canadian occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants who identify as Black or Mixed race. Method. A qualitative thematic design was adopted; 11 occupational therapists and one occupational therapist assistant were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and subsequently coded. Themes and subthemes were identified using thematic analysis. Seven participants engaged in a focus group to confirm preliminary findings. Findings. Five main themes were identified: textured hair is diverse, personal perceptions of textured hair, societal perceptions of textured hair, barriers to participating in textured hair care and addressing knowledge gaps in the profession. All themes are accompanied by subthemes. Conclusion. All participants acknowledged textured hair as a meaningful yet under-addressed occupation. This study begins a critical conversation based on lived experiences with textured hair to promote culturally safer research, education, and practice.

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt occupational disruption for all people. However, some populations, like older adults, were disproportionately impacted particularly in the earlier waves. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how the occupational participation of community-dwelling older adults was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) to contextualize findings. Method. Sixty-seven older adults participated in semi-structured interviews from September 2020 to May 2021, 37 of which also participated in a follow-up interview one-year later. Findings. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) experiences of loss are complex and layered for older adults, (2) technology as a medium for occupational participation, (3) risk perception influences return to occupation, and (4) age-related challenges for older adults resuming volunteer work. Conclusion. Increasing frequency and severity of influenza pandemics and other disasters are a global concern, and OTs can use their skillsets to foster participation and expand occupational possibilities for older adults. The CanMOP was a helpful tool to understand the nuances underlying the participation of older adults in this context.

Background. COVID-19 pandemic restrictions necessitated curricular modifications in Canadian occupational therapy education. Documentation and reflection on temporary or permanent curriculum modifications and their perceived impact on student learning and outcomes is critical. Purpose. To explore and compare reported curricula changes (academic and fieldwork) during restricted and post-restricted delivery periods together with the perceived impact on learners. Method. A cross-sectional online descriptive survey was sent to key representatives from administration, curriculum, and fieldwork at all 14 accredited occupational therapy university programs in Canada. Findings. Overall, many pandemic-restricted curricula delivery and assessment changes shifted back toward pre-pandemic methods. Changes that were maintained were congruent with universal design or perceived limited adverse impact on learning. Both in-person and virtual learning were perceived as important for changing practice needs. Fieldwork placement recruitment remained a challenge, with some programs increasing the use of simulation. Interpersonal competency development and assessment method integrity were more visible and of concern. Conclusion. Interpersonal competency development and assessment method integrity were more visible and of concern. Programs demonstrated remarkable flexibility to shift, adapt, and deliver curricula, but the human cost for this accomplishment is still palpable.

Background. Given the necessity to demonstrate that occupational therapy services are a good use of resources, understanding the state of economic evidence is essential. Purpose. This article presents a rapid review of this evidence. Method. Relevant articles were identified using SCOPUS. Eligible studies included economic analyses of interventions that included occupational therapy and were published in English or French after 1999. The findings were synthesized and then appraised using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) template. Results. The 135 studies identified were conducted in 23 countries and most commonly: with adults/older adults; in home, inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitation centre settings; with individuals with cerebrovascular accident and orthopaedic conditions. The specific occupational therapy role was specified in 60% of the studies. Approximately 50% of the investigations used a randomized controlled trial and a cost effectiveness analysis, and 40% used a societal economic perspective. The average QHES score was 74.4/100 (reasonable quality). Implications. This review has revealed areas of relative strength, some important gaps, and potential directions for future action. Economic evidence that specifically identifies the occupational therapy contribution must continue to be gathered. The profession should consider the strategic alignment of its economic research (e.g., home care) to maximize its impact.

Background: To address the learning needs of student Occupational Therapists with diverse academic backgrounds, educators must understand the factors that influence anatomy academic outcomes. Purpose: To compare anatomy learning outcomes of students with and without previous anatomy coursework over time and on higher- versus lower-order thinking skills. Method: An observational cohort study was conducted with entry-level occupational therapy students. Anatomy quizzes, were designed using the Blooming Anatomy Tool, were administered progressively throughout the term. Grades and thinking skills were compared between groups. Findings: At the start of term, students with anatomy coursework fared better than those without; the difference between groups was no longer present in the last four quizzes of the term. In general, students had lower grades on higher-order assessments; this did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Students without anatomy coursework achieved similar assessment outcomes as their peers; however, lower grades at the start of the term indicate that there was an adjustment period to anatomy learning.

Background. Technology-enabled upper limb (UL) rehabilitation improves therapy intensity and impairment outcomes, however clinical usage remains low and evidence for functional outcomes is limited. While benefits of single-mode technologies have been demonstrated, a combination of technology modes or "hybrid" approach is an emerging option with shoulder to fingertip capability. Investigation of this approach within a hospital setting is warranted to inform occupational therapy practice with neurological patients. Purpose. This study examines feasibility of hybrid technology-enabled UL rehabilitation for in-patients with neurological impairments. Method and Analyses. A Phase II feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare usual care versus hybrid technology intervention using three technology modes (robotics, virtual reality, sensor-based therapy) plus usual care. Pre-post outcomes for UL impairment, activity, participation and self-reported function will be analyzed using 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA. Effect sizes will inform a power analysis for a full-scale RCT. Field observations and participant surveys will capture feasibility factors. It is anticipated hybrid technology for UL neurorehabilitation will be feasible in a hospital setting and show preliminary effectiveness for improving UL use in daily activities. Ethics and Dissemination. Ethics granted from RBWH Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2020/QRBW/67076) and The University of Queensland (2021/HE002211).

Background. Children with developmental disabilities are less likely than their peers without disabilities to meet the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines which provide daily recommendations for time spent in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are well-positioned to support the engagement of preschoolers with developmental disabilities in movement but little is known about if, and how, they might use these guidelines. Purpose. This study examined knowledge, awareness, and guideline-, client-, and environment-related factors influencing the use of the guidelines by OTs working with children (aged 3-4 years) with developmental disabilities. The secondary purpose was to explore relationships between these factors and OT education and experience. Method. The validated Clinician Guideline Determinants Questionnaire (n = 51 items) was administered via Qualtrics to a sample of Canadian pediatric OTs. Descriptive statistics were employed. Findings. Participants (n = 28 OTs) reported moderate to high agreement with the guidelines varying by movement type. Participants agreed they possessed the skills, knowledge, and external support to use the recommendations in practice but were less likely to agree with having training, implementation tools, and self-efficacy to implement the guidelines. Conclusion. Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines hold potential for use by OTs, but capacity-building is required to support implementation.

Background: Technology is rapidly being developed to improve healthcare outcomes. However, the attitudes and perceptions of occupational therapists (OTs) on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare are not yet known. Purpose: This study aims to: explore Canadian OTs' (a) understanding and knowledge on AI, (b) opinions and perspectives on AI, and (c) perceptions of potential benefits and risks AI might bring to occupational therapy practice in Canada. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed method approach was used to gather perspectives of Canadian registered OTs. Two hundred and eighty-two survey respondents and 15 focus group participants took part in the study. Findings: Three main themes emerged: "AI Knowledge and Implementation," "Use of AI in Occupational Therapy," and "Human vs. Machine." OTs have various levels of understanding of AI, and its capabilities within practice and are open to AI use in practice. Although ethical concerns must be addressed, OTs do not perceive AI to pose a threat to employment. Conclusion: OTs have the ability to implement and guide policy changes for technology adoption, and understanding their current perspectives creates opportunities to advocate for change in the field. Further education is needed to better prepare professionals for clinical usage of AI.

Background: This study explores occupational therapists' (OTs) perceptions of using the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years in their practice with preschool-aged clients (aged 3-4 years) with developmental disabilities. Method: This study captured perspectives of the guidelines from OTs working in Canada via in-depth, virtual interviews (n = 11). Applied, deductive thematic analysis situated in the knowledge, attitudes, behavior framework, which provides a structured approach to understanding and addressing healthcare practitioners' perspectives on implementing guidelines in practice, was conducted. Findings: Eight themes were identified: awareness and familiarity; agreement; outcome expectancy; self-efficacy; motivation; external-clients; external-guideline use; and external-environment. The results illustrate that while OTs may be motivated to incorporate the guidelines, concerns regarding their rigidity and applicability to diverse client needs hinder application in practice. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for additional resources and training to enhance OTs' ability to adapt and apply the guidelines effectively, ensuring they meet the individual needs of children with developmental disabilities. This research underscores the potential for OTs to play a crucial role in promoting healthful movement behaviors in early childhood through the tailored application of the guidelines.

Introduction. Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) often experience academic challenges. Although children with DCD are frequently referred to Occupational Therapy (OT) to help alleviate some of their motor and functional challenges, the actual practices of OTs regarding academic activities remain underexplored in this group. Objectives. This study aimed to describe the nature and extent of Canadian OT practices regarding academic activities in children with DCD. Methods. A survey was sent to pediatric OTs through national and provincial OT associations and licensing organizations, to gather information on assessment and intervention practices related to core academic activities in children with DCD. Findings. A total of 229 OTs completed the survey (170 females, 74%). Occupational Therapies reported assessing or providing intervention for academic activities, most frequently handwriting (96% assessed and 85% intervened), writing (74% and 65%), mathematics (72% and 68%), and reading (66% and 59%). With respect to intervention services, up to 78% of OTs provided direct intervention, compared to 51% for indirect or consultative services. Conclusion. Most Canadian pediatric OTs typically assess and provide intervention for handwriting and, to a lesser extent, other academic activities. These practices vary depending on work setting and experience.