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Background/aim: Australian guidelines and policies recommend the use of sensory approaches in mental health care. Nevertheless, many Australian psychiatric units report difficulty sustaining these approaches. To inform efforts to close the gap between recommendations and practice, the aim of this study was to understand the patterns of use of sensory approaches and what demographic and clinical factors influence their use, across one health region in Queensland, Australia. Methods: Using a cross‐sectional survey design, a custom‐designed questionnaire was distributed via email and in paper form to health professionals and peer support workers working in acute, secure, and community care psychiatric units across one health region. Information on demographics and the use of various sensory interventions was gathered utilising both open‐ended and Likert scale questions. Results: Useable questionnaires were collected from 183 participants from various disciplines (77% nursing). The majority reported using sensory approaches with a limited number of consumers, and almost 9% never used the approach. Activity‐based sensory interventions and sensory equipment were most often used, whereas sensory assessments, sensory plans, and sensory groups were least used. Sensory interventions were mainly used to reduce consumer anxiety and agitation and to assist with emotional regulation. Factors positively correlated with frequency of use for all interventions were discipline (occupational therapy); working in an acute inpatient unit; and training in sensory approaches. Age was negatively correlated with frequency of use only for weighted modalities. Conclusions: This study revealed that sensory approaches were used by most staff though with a limited proportion of consumers in psychiatric units in one large metropolitan health service. It provides insights into the factors influencing frequency of use, highlighting the importance of training in sensory approaches and access to occupational therapists. With this knowledge, we can work towards closing the gap between recommendations and the practice of sensory approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The number of occupational therapy degree programs in Australia has increased substantially over the last decade. During this time, Australian academics have produced a significant amount of scholarship focussed on entry‐level education; however, the landscape of this scholarship has not been examined. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the scholarship of entry‐level Australian occupational therapy education programs, specifically the topics explored and methods employed. Methods: An extensive search of nine databases produced 1,002 papers related to occupational therapy education. Two researchers screened each paper using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seventy‐six articles, published between 2000 and September 2019, were included. Data were extracted using a coding tool, and entered into NVivo, where data were analysed using queries and tallies of the characteristics of the articles. Results: Sixty‐eight articles were research and eight were other peer reviewed literature. Articles primarily focussed on student characteristics and perceptions. Quantitative research designs were predominant with surveys the most frequently used method. There were few articles that addressed the topic of teaching methods and approaches, and of these none addressed occupation‐centred teaching. No articles addressed the learning environment. Four articles reported on an educational intervention that targeted participation, and attitudes/perceptions or knowledge/skills of students and/or academics. These findings inform understanding about what has been completed so far in the scholarship; and what topic focus and research designs could address gaps in existing knowledge. Conclusions: This review elucidated topics that have been well researched (student focus), as well as gaps in the scholarship (teaching methods and approaches including occupation‐centred teaching, and the learning environment). It showed that quantitative designs were predominant, with qualitative approaches less frequently adopted. The results of this review could assist academics and researchers to focus their scholarship on topics that require further investigation and diversify research methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Scientific conferences provide a forum for clinicians, educators, students and researchers to share research findings. To be selected to present at a scientific conference, authors must submit a short abstract which is then rated on its scientific quality and professional merit and is accepted or rejected based on these ratings. Previous research has indicated that inter‐rater variability can have a substantial impact on abstract selection decisions. For their 2015 conference, the Occupational Therapy Australia National Conference introduced a system to identify and adjust for inter‐rater variability in the abstract ranking and selection process. Method: Ratings for 1340 abstracts submitted for the 2015 and 2017 conferences were analysed using many‐faceted Rasch analysis to identify and adjust for inter‐rater variability. Analyses of the construct validity of the abstract rating instrument and rater consistency were completed. To quantify the influence of inter‐rater variability of abstract selection decisions, comparisons were made between decisions made using Rasch‐calibrated measure scores and decisions that would have been made based purely on raw average scores derived from the abstract ratings. Results: Construct validity and measurement properties of the abstract rating tool were good to excellent (item fit MnSq scores ranged from 0.8 to 1.2; item reliability index = 1.0). Most raters (24 of 27, 89%) were consistent in their use of the rating instrument. When comparing abstract allocations under the two conditions, 25% of abstracts (n = 341) would have been allocated differently if inter‐rater variability was not accounted for. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, even with a strong abstract rating instrument and a small rater pool, inter‐rater variability still exerts a substantial influence on abstract selection decisions. It is recommended that all occupational therapy conferences internationally, and scientific conferences more generally, adopt systems to identify and adjust for the impact of inter‐rater variability in abstract selection processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Employment of occupational therapists in generic roles in public mental health services (PMHSs) constrains capacity to undertake discipline‐specific activity meaning consumers may be unable to access valuable occupational therapy assessments and interventions that could promote recovery. Establishing a dedicated occupational therapy clinic has been identified as one way of improving care provided and outcomes for organisations, therapists, and consumers. To inform such developments, this paper reports evaluation of feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of a pilot clinic established within a PMHS. Methods: An observational evaluation was used combining quantitative and qualitative data collected from service documents, clinic records, and in semi‐structured interviews with 42 stakeholders. Quantitative data were used to describe referrals and flow through the clinic. Framework analysis of qualitative data examined the process and outcomes of referrals and enabled understanding of acceptability, perceived impact and areas for improvement. Results: Substantial ground work, particularly stakeholder engagement, and redistribution of resources enabled establishment and successful operation of an assessment clinic for 12 months. Assessments were completed for 68% of the 100 accepted referrals, with the remainder in process or unable to be completed. Stakeholders agreed that the clinic enabled clinicians' timely access to specialist assessment, improving care for consumers. Occupational therapists valued the opportunity to deploy and develop discipline‐specific skills and when there was some impact on work flow of occupational therapists' 'home teams', team managers judged the investment worthwhile. Strong leadership by the discipline lead and support from team managers who enabled allocation of occupational therapists to the clinic were critical to success. Conclusion: An occupational therapy assessment clinic can be established and operate successfully within a public mental health setting. Redistribution of resources supported increased efficiency and consumer access to specialist interventions that support their recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Up to 50% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also present with difficulties with motor proficiency. Several assessments of motor proficiency are available for occupational therapists, though the validity of these measures in an ADHD population requires further exploration. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the consistency of scores obtained using the long‐form and short‐form of the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency—Second Edition (BOT‐2) in a school‐age ADHD sample. Method: The BOT‐2 long‐form was administered to 84 school‐age children (78 males) with ADHD; short‐form scores were extracted from the relevant long‐form items. Results: Long‐form and short‐form total scores were highly correlated (r =.87), though the average short‐form score was significantly higher. As a categorical measure, 52 children were classified as "at‐risk" for movement difficulties by the long‐form; but only 36 by the short‐form, yielding a false‐negative rate of 30.77%. The sensitivity of short‐form could be improved by raising the cut‐off thresholds of short‐form scores as identified by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis but did not yield practical utility. Interpretation: As a continuous indicator (i.e. total scores), the short‐form is comparable to the long‐form. However, the short‐form overestimates the child's motor proficiency relative to the long‐form and yields an unacceptably high rate of false negatives as a categorical measure. The current revision of the short‐form is therefore not recommended as a screening nor diagnostic instrument in an ADHD population. In the absence of ADHD‐specific norms, use of the long‐form provides greater opportunity for occupational therapists to identify those at‐risk for movement difficulties. However, any assessment of motor proficiency should be accompanied by a broader comprehensive assessment to best understand a child's motor functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim The successful development and maintenance of professional identity is associated with professional development and retention in the health workforce. This paper explores students' perspectives on the ways pre-entry experiences and curricula content shape professional identity. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was sent to students enrolled in the final year of entry-level programmes in five countries. Descriptive statistical analyses of data were completed. Results The results reflect the perceptions of 319 respondents from five countries. Respondents identified professional education (98%) and professional socialisation during placement (92%) as curricula components with the greatest influence on professional identity formation. Discipline-specific knowledge such as, occupation-focussed models and occupational science were ranked lower than these aspects of practice. The students' length of programme and level of entry-level programme did not impact on these results. Conclusion When designing curricula educators need to be mindful that students perceive practice education and professional socialisation have the greatest affect on professional identity formation. The findings reinforce the need for curricula to provide students with a range of practice experiences, which allow the observation and application of occupation-based practices. It highlights a need for educators to provide university-based curricula activities, which better prepare students for a potential dissonance between explicit occupation-based curricula and observed practice education experiences. The study indicates the need for further research into the role curricula content, and in particular practice education, plays in the multidimensional formation of professional development within entry-level programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Childhood picky eating occurs when there is limited intake or variety of food and/or unwillingness to try new foods. Within research settings, standardised assessments are used to describe picky eating behaviours in children. However, little is known about assessment practices of occupational therapists. Similarly, occupational therapy interventions for picky eating in the literature focus on; providing strategies for parents, and working with the child on self‐feeding skills. Despite this, interventions and strategies utilised by occupational therapists in clinical practice within an Australian health‐care context are unknown. This study examines Australian health professionals' observations of picky eating behaviours, the use of childhood picky eating assessments and interventions, and differences between occupational therapists and other professionals. Methods: Health professionals (n = 179) were recruited through professional organisations, such as Occupational Therapy Australia. Participants completed an online survey between March and May 2021. Independent variables were reported using descriptive statistics, with logistic regression used to consider differences between occupational therapists and other health professionals. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse responses to open‐ended questions. Results: The final sample included 109 eligible participants, with an average of 8.5 years working with picky eaters. Results indicated picky eating behaviours aligned with those reported in the literature. Participants relied on clinical observations and workplace designed assessments. The most common interventions were education, coaching, and the sequential oral sensory approach to feeding. Occupational therapy participants were significantly more likely than other health professional participants to report always using coaching and education. Conclusion: Although few health professionals used standardised or validated assessments, the use of education and coaching by occupational therapists aligned with the literature. Results highlight the need for more rigorous investigation to determine the sensitivity of current assessments to differentiate between clinical and typical picky eating, and the effectiveness of interventions for childhood picky eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with motor and psychosocial consequences, can significantly impact children's quality of life. In Australia, most children with diagnosed/suspected DCD have received occupational therapy services, more so than any other health service. As such, occupational therapists are key in identification and treatment and require a sound knowledge of diagnostic criteria and the best evidence for practice. This study explored current occupational therapy services for children with DCD. Areas for development are identified to improve the identification of, and subsequent intervention for, children with DCD. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, an online survey was completed in September and October 2020 by 175 occupational therapists working in Australia. Results: Although all therapists worked with children who met the criteria for DCD diagnosis, 70% worked with children with no specific diagnosis and 50% worked with children with outdated diagnostic labels. Australian occupational therapists used similar models/frameworks (commonly a multisensory/sensory processing approach) to guide practice with children with DCD, regardless of therapist characteristics, practice setting (clinic/community, rural/urban), how therapy is funded, or the state where the therapists completed their training/currently practiced. Although assessment practices did not differ significantly, therapists with greater years of paediatric practice and those who studied and/or practiced in Western Australia were more likely to assess to identify DCD. Half of the therapists did not assess to identify DCD; however, 60% of assessing therapists reported best practice methods in assessment for DCD, indicating emerging best practices in the Australian context. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that small adaptations to current occupational therapy practice may enhance the early identification of children with DCD in Australia. The existing gaps in evidence to practice must be addressed to improve current Australian practice and increase access to appropriate services and ultimately improve the quality of life for children with DCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Occupational therapists working in community aged care play a key role in service provision because of their expertise in considering the person, their occupations, and environmental context. To further understand occupational therapy practice in community aged care, this study aimed to explore the approaches, models, frames of reference, assessments, interventions, and outcome evaluation methods being used by Australian occupational therapists in aged care. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed, piloted, and delivered to occupational therapists working in community aged care in Australia. Responses to closed‐ended questions were analysed using descriptive statistics, and a summative approach to content analysis was applied to open‐ended questions. Results: Seventy‐one occupational therapists employed in community aged care across Australia participated in the questionnaire. Almost half of the respondents were employed in private practice. All respondents used a compensatory approach to practice, whereas just over three‐quarters used a restorative approach. The Person‐Environment‐Occupation (PEO) model was the most frequently used occupation‐focused model (n = 45). The biomechanical and rehabilitative frames of reference were each used by over two thirds of respondents. Cognitive assessments were most common, followed by functional and environmental assessments. The interventions of equipment and home modifications were very common followed by remedial therapy. Conclusion: Community aged care occupational therapists show coherence in theory‐to‐practice application, but there is wide diversity in practice decisions and possibly gaps in practice. Occupational therapists remain firmly client centred but apply compensatory approaches more than reablement approaches. This trend may be due to the influence of aged care funding models and limits on time. In addition to reacting to crisis, there is scope for occupational therapists to have a greater focus on early intervention to support dementia care and prevent falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Older adults in residential aged‐care facilities (RACFs) experience segregation from society and face limited opportunities to meaningfully engage on a social and/or occupational level due to various structural and systemic challenges. An occupational therapy‐coordinated intergenerational live‐in student programme (ILiSP) with allied health students was successfully pioneered across Sydney (Australia) to facilitate ongoing intergenerational contact. We explored how ongoing intergenerational contact influenced meaningful engagement of older adults in RACFs by investigating routinely collected clinical data and exploring stakeholders' perspectives. Research design and methods: We employed a concurrent nested mixed‐methods design. Residents' attendance in weekly organisational activities and students' monthly volunteer hour reports were analysed to produce statistics for demonstrating the changes in residents' activity attendance alongside ongoing intergenerational contact. Qualitative data from discussions directed by the nominal group technique (NGT) with staff, management and students, individual interviews with relatives and residents, and narrative clinical documentation were thematically analysed. Results: The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test indicated that residents' activity attendance increased during intergenerational contact. Qualitative data yielded three main themes—interdependence, meaningful engagement, and kinship—all associated with intergenerational contact as part of established ongoing relationships. The NGT highlighted consensus on on‐site living for maintaining a cohesive and supportive collective. Conclusion: Despite structural and systemic challenges within RACFs that dissuade community integration, ILiSP created opportunities for students to connect/reconnect residents to new/established networks and to support residents to maintain or re‐engage with previous lifestyle preferences. Therefore, ongoing intergenerational contact fostered a cohesive collective in support of the social and occupational needs of residents, which should be capitalised on by policymakers (e.g., the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program) and interested organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Two parallel versions (A and B) of the Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS) were developed in the United Kingdom (UK) as a stroke‐specific screen of five key cognitive domains commonly affected post‐stroke. We aimed to develop the Australian versions A and B (OCS‐AU), including Australian cut‐scores indicative of impairment. We hypothesised there to be no difference in performance between the UK and Australian normative data cohorts. Methods: Our multidisciplinary expert panel used the UK pre‐defined process to develop the OCS‐AU versions A and B. We then conducted a cross‐sectional normative study. We purposively recruited community‐dwelling, Australian‐born, and educated adults; with no known cognitive impairment; representative of age, sex, education level, and living location; at seven sites (four metropolitan, three regional) across four Australian states. Participants completed one or both OCS‐AU versions in a randomised order. Australian cohorts were compared with the corresponding UK cohorts for demographics using Pearson's chi‐squared test for sex and education, and Welch two‐sample t test for age. For the cut‐scores indicating cognitive impairment, the fifth (95th) percentiles and group mean performance score for each scored item were compared using Welch two‐sample t tests. The pre‐defined criteria for retaining OCS cut‐scores had no statistically significant difference in either percentile or group mean scores for each scored item. Results: Participants (n = 83) were recruited: fifty‐eight completed version A [age (years) mean = 61,SD = 15; 62% female], 60 completed version B [age (years) mean = 62,SD = 13, 53% female], and 35 completed both [age (years) mean = 64,SD = 11, 54% female]. Education was different between the cohorts for version B (12 years, p = 0.002). Cut‐scores for all 16 scored items for the OCS‐AU version B and 15/16 for version A met our pre‐defined criteria for retaining the OCS cut scores. Conclusions: The OCS‐AU provides clinicians with an Australian‐specific, first‐line cognitive screening tool for people after stroke. Early screening can guide treatment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Within Australia, the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has led to a growth in paediatric occupational therapists working in community settings. This growth has increased the demand for support from more senior paediatric occupational therapists to novice clinicians. Mentoring has long been valued by occupational therapists as a means to provide this support. Despite its apparent benefit, there is limited research on the contribution of mentoring as distinct from supervision, and its impact on mentees' skills and confidence in providing care. This study examined the contribution of mentorship to the development of professional capability in paediatric occupational therapy practice from the perspective of mentors and mentees. Methods: Interpretive description methodology was used. In‐depth interviews were conducted with nine mentors and eight mentees from three Australian states. Data were analysed inductively and thematically. Findings: All participants reflected on the challenges presented by the complexity of practice, requiring a knowledge base that mentees perceived they did not possess. The essential nature of non‐judgemental, emotional support allowed mentees to feel safe to discuss their concerns when they were often overwhelmed by practice. Mentorship was viewed as capacity building, building competence by scaffolding clinical reasoning and supporting theory to practice translation while developing resilience to cope with complexity. Conclusion: Study participants reported that successful mentorship assisted novice practitioners to integrate knowledge and skills required for complex clinical and professional reasoning. The emotional support provided through the relationship supported novice therapists to build their confidence and resilience while promoting professional identity and socialisation into the profession. The study raised questions related to how the profession best supports novice paediatric therapists in the current employment contexts, and the need to review how bodies of knowledge relevant to paediatrics are brought together to be used by both novice clinicians and senior therapists, who support them, for translation to effective practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dating is an occupation through which people form intimate relationships with others. Despite the importance of intimate relationships for wellbeing, there is limited information available in occupational therapy literature about the activities involved in dating and little guidance for practitioners who wish to support clients from diverse backgrounds who experience difficulties with dating. To address this gap, this study sought to explore dating among young adults (18–35 years) and compare dating activities between two contexts: Australia and Hong Kong. Methods: Data were collected using an e‐survey designed for this study and refined using cognitive interviewing (n = 12). It included questions about dating initiation and activities. Study design and reporting was guided by the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E‐Surveys. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and between group comparisons. Reponses to open ended questions were subjected to interpretative content analysis and quantified. Results: In total, 2208 young adults aged 18–35 who had at least one dating experience and resided in either Australia or Hong Kong completed the survey. Participants met their dates most commonly through school, friends, dating apps, and work. The most frequent ways to ask a person on a date were by suggesting 'hanging out' or going out for food, drink or to the movies. Most participants reported that organising a date required extended negotiation between the parties. Differences were found between participants from Hong Kong and Australia. Conclusions: This is the first study of contemporary dating from an occupational perspective and provides an understanding of dating activities in two different cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Research capacity building enhances the abilities of individuals and is critical within health systems for quality patient care and promotes a culture of excellence within the occupational therapy profession. A research capacity building toolkit was proposed identifying strategies to support allied health professionals to undertake research. This study evaluated participant‐reported outcomes of research capacity building toolkit implementation in an occupational therapy department. Methods: An observational pre–post‐cohort study at a tertiary hospital with volunteer occupational therapists using the standardised Research Capacity in Context Tool (RCCT) and an author‐designed quality improvement (QI) survey was employed. The RCCT measures research capacity and culture at organisation, team and individual levels. Semi‐structured interviews were used to elicit reflections regarding participant experience. Results: All levels of the toolkit were implemented successfully. The response rate was 59% (n = 36) at baseline and 49.1% (n = 26) at follow‐up. Eighty‐five percent of participants held direct clinical roles. Nine clinicians participated in the interviews. There were significant improvements in the estimate mean for the organisation (6.51 [2019] compared with 8.13 [2020], p = <0.001) and the team (5.52 [2019] compared with 7.15 [2020], p = 0.001). The individual level did not significantly change with an estimate mean of 4.20 in 2019 increasing slightly to 4.84 in 2020 (p = 0.128). This was supported by the QI survey where improvements were noted in the department but not at an individual level. The qualitative findings verified the components of the toolkit including 'supporting clinicians in research', 'working together', 'valuing research for excellence' and reflected the importance of 'individual attributes'. Conclusion: The toolkit supported the implementation of specific strategies to enhance research capacity and culture. Improvements within the organisation and team were evident; however, these were not seen at an individual level. Further research about the contribution of individual‐related factors and processes to the building of research capacity is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence indicates that assistance dogs placed in the home are effective in supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by increasing social and community participation and promoting quality of life. This study aimed to examine the outcomes of assistance dog placement on quality of life, independence, and participation of families including individuals with ASD placed with an assistance dog compared to families on the waiting list for an autism assistance dog and to evaluate the feasibility of the design for future studies. Methods: A cross‐sectional comparative study was conducted. The Adaptive Behaviour Analysis System, Social Responsiveness Scale, Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and Autism Family Experience Questionnaire were used to evaluate adaptive skills, behaviour, social difficulties, daily functioning, and family quality of life. Results: Six families who had an autism assistance dog placed with them, and 12 families who were on the waiting list were recruited using purposeful sampling. The pilot data found no significant differences between the two groups. However, trends were observed which suggested that assistance dogs can increase desired social behaviours, decrease ASD severity, and improve family wellbeing. For families with an assistance dog, more positive outcomes were observed for families who were partnered with an assistance dog for longer. Parents (and sometimes individuals with ASD) were able to complete and return the outcome measures via mail to collect the outcome data for the study. Conclusion: These study findings add to the developing evidence about the use of assistance dogs with this population. A larger sample size may have allowed for significant associations to be detected. The methods used were feasible to be applied in a larger study. These results may assist health professionals advocate for funding for assistance dog placement to individuals with ASD and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organisational, physical and social environment within residential aged care settings greatly influence its residents' sense of autonomy, choice and control and their ability to engage in meaningful occupations. Identifying to what extent these environmental contexts are supportive and well‐coordinated could assist with promoting meaningful engagement of residents. The Residential Environment Impact Scale (REIS) was developed to measure the impact of the physical and social environment on residents. This study examined the benefits and barriers to implementing the REIS in four Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and factors to consider during implementation. Method: A multisite sequential mixed‐methods study was conducted. Research participants included occupational therapists conducting the REIS and leadership staff examining the REIS reports in four facilities. Data consisted of formal observations of the REIS assessment process, an online survey of all participants and two research consensus groups. Qualitative findings were generated from field notes, open‐ended survey questions and group discussions. Close‐ended survey questions provided quantitative data. Findings The REIS was considered a useful audit tool, generating a holistic overview of the RACF. It highlighted the quality of person‐centred care and the potential role of occupational therapists to promote opportunities for meaningful occupational engagement. Barriers included administration time, personal characteristics of residents and limited resources to action recommendations. Conclusion: The REIS has potential to be an audit tool for a whole‐environment approach to facility assessment of residents' sense of autonomy, occupational choice and meaningful engagement. As such, it provides occupational therapists with scope to support RACFs meeting national quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Driving is a valued occupation given the independence and freedom it provides. Safe driving performance can be impacted by medical conditions, change in functional status and ageing processes. Occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) provide invaluable driving recommendations; however, this requires specialist training for the therapist and is costly for clients. The number of OTDAs is not expected to meet the growing demand for expert services in this area, and little is known about the practices that non‐ OTDAs use to assist clients with returning to driving. The aims of this study were to investigate the practices of non‐OTDAs in a community‐based rehabilitation setting in Australia with respect to knowledge, confidence and skills in assessments, recommendations and outcomes for clients as part of the return to driving process. Methods: A descriptive study including medical record audits between April and September 2019 and staff surveys were completed at a large metropolitan community‐based rehabilitation facility. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarise data. Results: A total of 102 client medical records were audited, and 13 clinician surveys were completed. Medical record audits identified that return to driving was not consistently addressed by occupational therapists. Clinician surveys outlined a lack of knowledge and confidence of return to driving processes and available assessment tools to guide this process. Conclusion: All occupational therapists have an ethical obligation to address driving as an activity of daily living; however, non‐OTDAs report that they are not equipped for this role. This may negatively impact on driver safety, independence and overall health and well‐being of clients in community‐based rehabilitation. Further research is indicated to develop evidence‐based driving resources to support best practice of non‐OTDAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the introduction of consumer‐directed care in the Australian community aged care sector, there are more opportunities for occupational therapists to provide evidence‐based services that meet consumer needs. There is also an increasing requirement for health professionals to promote their interventions to consumers. Particularly for the implementation of new programs within organisations. However, occupational therapists have historically neglected widely promoting the role of occupational therapy services for older people. This study examines the perceptions of occupational therapists and their managers in promoting their service; the Care of People in their Environment (COPE) Program. Methods: This study utilised a qualitative interpretative description; including 28 in‐depth interviews. Purposeful sampling ensured a variety of occupational therapists from different health contexts. Thematic analysis captured key emergent themes related to promoting occupational therapy interventions and implementation. Results: Many occupational therapists were apprehensive about promoting or selling their services and interventions. Greater levels of confidence in promoting the program were present when the program aligned with traditional models of service delivery and organisational processes. Occupational therapists described having limited opportunity to directly promote the program to consumers as community case managers were mostly the main contact at the organisation. There was limited consideration of promotion strategies and therefore limited enactment of strategies by organisations. Not‐for‐profit and non‐government organisations recognise that the changed community aged care market provided new business opportunities. Conclusion: With changes in the Australian aged care system, occupational therapy has great opportunity to provide diverse, evidence‐based interventions driven by the needs of consumers. Reframing the notion of 'selling', to empowering consumers to be more informed about their options, will allow occupational therapists to build confidence in their promotional skills. Promoting evidence‐based programs will have positive outcomes for the visibility, professional identity and recognition of occupational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This prospective study examines the test–retest reliability of touchscreen DriveSafe DriveAware (DSDA). In a future study, the authors intend assessing the usefulness of DSDA to measure progress of patients undergoing treatment for neurological conditions. Evidence of test–retest reliability is required first. Methods: Australian adults with current driver's licences (N = 39) aged 20 to 91 years (Mage = 58) recruited from a convenience sample were assessed with DSDA. The assessment was repeated 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months later to match planned assessments of patients undergoing neurosurgical treatment in future research. DSDA classification, DriveSafe subtest score, and DriveAware subtest scores were analysed as a whole sample, and in three age groups. Results: DSDA classification and DriveAware scores were consistent over repeated tests. DriveSafe scores increased between test 1 and 2 (p =.006), and thereafter no significant change from test 2 to 4. DriveSafe scores of older participants (70+ years) increased between test 1 and 2 more notably than younger participants' scores. No DriveSafe scores decreased over time. Conclusion: DSDA classification and DriveAware scores demonstrated test–retest reliability for all age groups. DriveSafe scores did not demonstrate test–retest reliability between test 1 and 2 for participants 70+ years. However, DriveSafe scores demonstrated test–retest reliability after test 2, possibly indicating an initial learning effect for the DriveSafe score only. The authors posit that this result may have been influenced by older adults' reduced familiarity with iPad technology at first assessment. Further longitudinal research is required to confirm whether these results are consistent in a sample population with diagnosed cognitive impairment. Future research will assess whether repeated assessment of DSDA may be useful for monitoring and screening cognitive fitness to drive in patients who have undergone neurosurgical treatment and whether declining scores may indicate cognitive changes in ability to drive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dementia in adults with Down syndrome causes a progressive decline in daily occupations impacting both persons with Down syndrome and their informal caregivers. This study aimed to explore the scope of occupational therapy practice for adults with both Down syndrome and dementia and their informal caregivers living in their homes. Methods: A survey was conducted with occupational therapists having clinical experience in providing interventions for adults with Down syndrome. A web‐based survey was developed to explore occupational therapy practice for this group of people with Down syndrome and their informal caregivers. Responses to closed‐ended questions were analysed descriptively, and inductive content analysis was used for open‐ended questions. Results: Forty‐three occupational therapists from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States of America participated in the survey. Two‐thirds were from the United Kingdom, most of whom were employed in the public sector and had at least 10 years of clinical experience. Over 90% of respondents received one or more referrals in a typical month for adults with Down syndrome having dementia, 68% of which were for a decline in activities of daily living. Home environment and activities of daily living were frequently assessed areas, and the commonest interventions were compensatory strategies and environmental modifications. Only half the respondents provided interventions for informal caregivers. Risk and safety and manual handling were frequently addressed domains for informal caregivers. Collaboration and developing clinical expertise were the two key perceived enablers for providing effective occupational therapy services. Fragmentation of services and a lack of client‐centred care were the common perceived barriers. Conclusion: Occupational therapists often address decline in activities of daily living for individuals with both Down syndrome and dementia. To support participation in meaningful occupations for these people and support the needs of their informal caregivers, it is essential that services are offered in a collaborative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Children with disabilities often experience unsupportive environments that restrict their play opportunities and inclusion on the school playground. This exclusion can perpetuate inequities for children with disabilities, with lifelong implications. The Sydney Playground Project uses a simple, innovative intervention consisting of placing recycled materials on the playground and engaging parents and educators in risk reframing sessions to create increased playground choice, control, independence and inclusion for all children. Methods: The purpose of this study was to learn from participants about the utility of the intervention for promoting choice and control among children with disability on the school playground. Data included evaluative interviews with 27 school staff (teaching assistants, teachers, therapists, school leadership) across five participating schools after completing of the intervention. Analysis was thematic and explored prominent ideas first within schools, and then between schools. Results: Prior to the intervention, participating school staff focused on active supervision to support play and student needs. During the intervention, school staff experienced role shift and confusion as they allowed the children increased independence while using the recycled materials and learned to navigate how much independence to give the children. Children engaged in increased imaginative and social play, and school staff adopted higher expectations of children's capabilities. Conclusion: Interventions such as the Sydney Playground Project that collaboratively shift adult perceptions to focus on the capabilities of children with disabilities and increase the supportiveness of the physical environment have great promise in increasing play choice and inclusion on the school playground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Occupational therapy can delay functional decline and improve quality of life of older people. Yet people may not seek occupational therapy services as they may not be aware of their scope or benefits. The aim of this study was to ascertain what the general public in Australia knows about occupational therapy services for older people. Methods: A cross‐sectional cohort study completed via a consumer panel provider PureProfile (https://www.pureprofile.com/au/) a company specialising in online survey programming to registered participants of the general public ('panel'). For a fee, a client can include a question in a weekly survey, and receive approximately 1000 responses (including detail about the respondents' gender, age group and place of residence). We asked a free‐text question about the participants' understanding of occupational therapy and its role in supporting older adults. We used descriptive statistics to summarise sociodemographic data. Thematic approach to analysis was used to explore themes from the free text responses. Chi‐squared test for independence was used to explore association and/or differences between age group, gender, place of residence and understanding about occupational therapy for older people. Included were people aged ≥18 years living in Australia. Results: We received 1004 responses; about half were female (50.9%) and one‐fifth (20.1%) aged 65 or over. Of the 1004 respondents, approximately 10% could provide a good or advanced description of occupational therapy. Over half of the participants had some, but limited knowledge about the profession with references to general rehabilitation, physical therapies and return to work type interventions. Conclusion: Knowledge about the role of occupational therapy in supporting older people is limited. There is a need to address misconceptions that occupational therapy is only concerned with workplace or physical health‐related matters to enable better service engagement in the consumer‐driven care model in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Validity is a dynamic process and as part of a continual process of evaluation of tools, this study aimed to evaluate content validity of the WorkHab functional capacity evaluation, a tool used in occupational rehabilitation. Methods: A cross sectional survey of health professionals who conduct FCEs investigated their ratings of item relevance and item difficulty across different categories of work and injuries. The survey also explored the relationship of the WorkHab FCE items with the physical demand items of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). Results: The majority of items of the WorkHab FCE were rated as relevant for manual work and vocational retraining with over 90% agreement between the 106 respondents. Therapists identified the WorkHab items of climbing, crawling and balance as less relevant for sedentary work. Lifting items were perceived as the most difficult for those with a lower back injury, or an upper limb injury. Sixteen of the 18 WorkHab FCE items had 100% agreement with the equivalent items on the DOT. The WorkHab FCE items that had poor agreement with the DOT were mainly sensory items such as see, feel, talk and hear. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the content validity for the WorkHab FCE specifically in relation to manual work and for vocational retraining purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Assessment of cognitive function in people with neurosychiatric disorders can be challenging, due to behavioural and psychiatric symptomatology. The Behavioural Assesment Tool for Cognition and Higher Functioning (BATCH) is a validated observational tool that complements formal cognitive testing in this patient population. This study aimed to determine the capacity of the BATCH as a predictive tool for discharge planning. Method: BATCH scores for 330 consecutive admissions for assessment to a specialist neuropsychiatry unit between 2007 and 2015 were analysed. The variables of interest included discharge destination, diagnosis, length of stay, age at discharge and BATCH scores (both subdomain and total). Significant predictors of discharge destination were identified using logistic regression analysis. Results: After adjusting for age at discharge, three variables were found to be significant predictors of discharge destination – length of stay, diagnosis, and BATCH total score. The odds of being discharged to a destination other than home decreased by 3% for each additional BATCH total score unit. The length of stay remained a significant predictor of discharge destination when adjusting for BATCH total score, age at admission and diagnosis. Conclusion: BATCH total scores, but not subdomain scores, were predictive of discharge destination, along with the patients' length of stay and diagnosis. Knowledge of this relationship may guide clinical discharge planning, when working with the complex needs of this group of patients. A larger study is indicated to determine the range and cut‐off scores for discharge destinations other than home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Professional practise placements in occupational therapy education are critical to ensuring graduate competence. Australian occupational therapy accreditation standards allow up to 200 of a mandated 1000 placement hours to include simulation‐based learning. There is, however, minimal evidence about the effectiveness of simulation‐based placements compared to traditional placements in occupational therapy. We evaluated whether occupational therapy students completing a 40 hour (one week block) Simulated Clinical Placement (SCP) attained non‐inferior learning outcomes to students attending a 40 hour Traditional Clinical Placement (TCP). Methods: A pragmatic, non‐inferiority, assessor‐blinded, multicentre, randomised controlled trial involving students from six Australian universities was conducted. Statistical power analysis estimated a required sample of 425. Concealed random allocation was undertaken with a 1:1 ratio within each university. Students were assigned to SCP or TCP in one of three settings: vocational rehabilitation, mental health or physical rehabilitation. SCP materials were developed, manualised and staff training provided. TCPs were in equivalent practice areas. Outcomes were assessed using a standardised examination, unit grades, the Student Practice Evaluation Form‐Revised and student confidence survey. A generalised estimating equation approach was used to assess non‐inferiority of the SCP to the TCP. Results: Of 570 randomised students (84% female), 275 attended the SCP and 265 the TCP (n = 540, 94.7% retention). There were no significant differences between the TCP and SCP on (i) examination results (marginal mean difference 1.85, 95% CI: 0.46–3.24; P = 0.087); (ii) unit score (mean (SD) SCP: 71.9 (8.8), TCP: 70.34 (9.1); P = 0.066); or (iii) placement fail rate, assessed using the Student Practice Evaluation Form‐Revised (100% passed both groups). Conclusion: Students can achieve equivalent learning outcomes in a 40 hour simulated placement to those achieved in a 40 hour traditional placement. These findings provide assurance to students, educators and professional accreditation bodies that simulation can be embedded in occupational therapy education with good effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Australian accreditation standards for occupational therapy courses require consumer participation in the design, delivery and evaluation of programs. This study investigated whether a mental health consumer – as one of two assessors for an oral assessment in a mental health unit – impacted engagement, anxiety states and academic performance of undergraduate occupational therapy students. Methods: Students (n = 131 eligible) self‐selected into two groups but were blinded to the group differences (assessor panel composition) until shortly prior to the oral assessment. Control group assessors were two occupational therapy educators, while consumer group assessors included an occupational therapy educator and a mental health consumer. Results: Pre‐ and post‐assessment data were successfully matched for 79 students (overall response rate = 73.1%). No evidence was found of significant differences between the two groups for engagement, anxiety or academic performance (all P values >0.05). Conclusion: Including mental health consumers as assessors did not negatively impact student engagement and academic performance, nor increase student anxiety beyond that typically observed in oral assessment tasks. The findings provide support for expanding the role of mental health consumers in the education and assessment of occupational therapy students. Development of methods to determine the efficacy of consumer involvement remains an area for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Knowledge translation (KT) aims to reduce research‐practice gaps. Few studies have investigated methods to build clinicians' capacity for KT. To: (i) evaluate the impact of a multifaceted KT capacity‐building intervention; (ii) understand barriers and enablers to clinicians' use of KT; and (iii) identify useful strategies. Methods: A pre‐post study to develop KT capacity amongst occupational therapy clinicians (n = 46) in a large metropolitan hospital. A customised questionaire (baseline and 18 months) identified KT‐related behaviours and barriers and enablers guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). McNemar's tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were completed on matched data (n = 20). At follow‐up additional items explored perceptions of change and usefulness of strategies. Results: At follow‐up, participants had read more clinical guidelines (10 vs. 17) and more participants reported using strategies to increase the use of recommended clinical practices (P = 0.006). The main barriers at baseline were from the TDF domains of 'attention, memory and decision processes', 'knowledge' and 'environmental context and resources', while main enablers were from 'social/professional role and identity', 'reinforcement', 'social influence' and 'beliefs about consequences' domains. At follow‐up, significant improvements were seen in 'knowledge' (p < 0.001), 'environmental context & resources' (P < 0.001), 'skills' (P = 0.008) 'beliefs about consequences' (P = 0.011), 'beliefs about capabilities' (P = 0.018), and 'memory, attention & decision processes' (P = 0.048) and participants agreed that KT had become part of the departments' culture. Strategies perceived most useful included working as a team, having a dedicated staff member, mentoring meetings, department leader support, learning about KT over time, and training sessions. Conclusions: The KT capacity‐building intervention changed one clinician‐reported behaviour and perceived impact of barriers across six domains. Clinicians reported perceived improvement in understanding of – and confidence in – KT, and changes in the culture to one of engaging with KT as part of clinical practice. Further research into KT capacity building is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: The delivery of evidence‐based health care requires the routine adoption of outcome measures that are valid and reliable. The Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy (AusTOMs‐OT) was developed in Australia to capture a global snapshot of status for any client, and has preliminary psychometric evidence to support use. Building on the psychometric evidence of the AusTOMs‐OT will provide therapists and researchers with further information as to how best to apply the AusTOMs‐OT in their field. This study reports on the reliability of the 12 AusTOMs‐OT scales, which are each scored on the four domains of Impairment, Activity Limitation, Participation Restriction and Distress/Wellbeing. Methods: A total of 31 occupational therapists rated 12 written case studies on two occasions, separated by two weeks. Test–retest reliability, inter‐rater reliability, intra‐rater reliability (using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs)) and measurement error were calculated, in line with the COnsensus‐based guidelines for the Selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). Results: The ICCs for inter‐rater reliability for all domains for all scales ranged from 0.531 to 0.922 suggesting moderate to very high reliability. Therapist intra‐rater reliability ranged from ICC 0.675 to 1.000, suggesting moderate to high consistency. The stability of the scales was demonstrated with test–retest ICCs coefficients ranging from 0.616 to 0.960. The measurement error was found to be below 0.5 point for all scales and domains except for Scale 1, Impairment (just over at 0.604) and similarly the error range for each scale was also all below 1 point except Scale 1, Impairment. Conclusion: The AusTOMs‐OT scales possess moderate to very high reliability across the 12 scales. Occupational therapists can continue to use AusTOMs‐OT with confidence with all clients to establish global outcomes and to build evidence to underpin practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Parent proxy reports are well used in occupational therapy, yet historically parent report instruments of motor skill have not required parents to report on the same motor skills that their children are assessed on. The aim was to examine how well a parent report of children's fundamental movement skill (FMS) was associated with children's actual FMS. Method: A sample of 100 children aged 7–9 years from Melbourne, Australia, were recruited. Parents/guardians completed proxy report (parent version of the 'Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence' (PMSC)) and children's actual motor skills were assessed ('Test of Gross Motor Development' 3rd edition (TGMD‐3)). Data were first analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficients and then hierarchical linear stepwise regression was conducted with actual skill as the outcome variable in each model. Results: The PMSC‐Parent (r = 0.36, P < 0.001) was moderately associated with children's actual skill. After age and sex adjustment, the PMSC‐Parent explained 11.4% of variance in total skills. Parent report of their children's object control scores (PMSC object control scale) was significantly associated with children's actual object control (B = 0.36, P < 0.001) and explained 11.3% of the variance. Parent report of children's locomotion scores (PMSC locomotion scale) was associated with children's actual locomotor skills (B = 0.27, P = 0.007) and explained 6.2% of the variance. Conclusion: Parents are able to report to some degree on their children's FMS competency, in particular, their object control competence. Parent proxy report of FMS may help inform occupational therapists to identify children with low FMS competency to develop interventions targeting FMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Occupational therapists offer a unique perspective regarding the contribution of the environment to occupational performance. Therefore, a scale that measures the unique characteristics of the primary school classroom environment where children complete their daily schoolwork occupations is needed. The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate a new teacher‐report questionnaire that measures a number of environmental characteristics of primary school classrooms. Methods: Participants (N = 117) completed the Classroom Environment Questionnaire (CEQ), which utilises a 4‐point Likert scale where teachers rate 51 environmental characteristics of their classroom. Teachers also rate the extent to which they believe the physical, social, temporal, institutional and cultural classroom environmental domains contribute to students' schoolwork performance using a 10‐point scale. The structural validity of the CEQ was examined using principal component analysis (PCA). Inter‐item correlations were examined using Pearson r correlations, while the internal consistency of the CEQ was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Results: PCA revealed the CEQ to be multidimensional, with 31 items loading onto nine viable factors, representing the unique nature of classroom environments. Based on the PCA results, 20 items were removed from the CEQ. Cronbach's alpha and correlation analysis indicated that most CEQ subsections had acceptable internal consistency (alpha range 0.70–0.82), with four subsections demonstrating a lower level of internal consistency (alpha range 0.55–0.69). Conclusion: Preliminary structural validity and internal consistency analysis findings confirm that the CEQ has potential to be a useful scale for professionals wishing to examine the unique characteristics of primary school classrooms that influence the occupational performance of students. Ongoing analyses will be undertaken to further explore the CEQ's validity and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Academic integrity is the moral code of academia. Students who demonstrate trustworthiness in an academic setting are more likely to be dependable in a clinical setting. It is, therefore, important for occupational therapy academic and fieldwork educators to know the academic integrity profile of their students and to address any areas of academic dishonesty in curriculum design and delivery. To date, there has been no baseline description of the academic honesty profile of Australian occupational therapy students. Aim: To establish a baseline of academic integrity and academic dishonesty among occupational therapy undergraduate and graduate‐entry masters students in a cohort of Australian students. Methods: Seven hundred and one students from five Australian universities completed a self‐report questionnaire comprising demographic questions and six standardised scales measuring academic integrity. Results: Overall, occupational therapy students reported high levels of academic and fieldwork integrity; however, some areas of concerns exist. Students report copying material without citations at least once during their studies (55%), obtaining test questions at least once during their studies (42.6%) or padding out a bibliography (39.5%). Conclusion: Occupational therapy education needs to continue to emphasise the importance of academic and fieldwork integrity. Students need to be explicitly taught what academic honesty and dishonesty is and be provided with the resources and time to complete academic work to reduce the risk of academic dishonesty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health‐care expenditure is rapidly increasing in Australia with increasing pressure on health‐care services to review processes, improve efficiency and ensure equity in service delivery. The nursing profession have improved efficiency and patient care by investigating time‐use to describe current practice and support development of workforce planning models. There is, however, a lack of information to understand factors that impact on occupational therapists time‐use in the clinical setting impacting the development of workforce planning models which adapt occupational therapy service delivery to match resources with demand. The objective of this review was to systematically identify known factors which impact on occupational therapists time‐use in the clinical setting. Method: A systematic review of Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases and grey literature was completed in September 2016. Two authors independently screened studies for inclusion and quality was evaluated using the Downs and Black scale. Variables impacting on occupational therapists time‐use were categorised and thematically analysed to synthesise key themes. Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Three key categories of factors influencing time‐use were identified. These were: patient‐related factors (e.g. level of function, therapy required, type, complexity of injury), therapist‐related factors (e.g. experience, clinical vs non‐clinical responsibility), and organisational‐related factors (e.g. workplace characteristics, availability of staff, presence of students). Conclusion: Occupational therapist time‐use in clinical settings is complex and difficult to quantify in research. How occupational therapists spend their time is impacted by a number of patient, clinician and service related factors reflecting the breadth of occupational therapy practice and client‐centred nature of the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgically based treatment for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD), can result in a significant improvement of motor symptoms. However, the broader impact of DBS and the changes it creates are not well understood. Greater understanding of the experiences and needs related to DBS would enable development of relevant outcome measures and supports. Objectives: To explore the lived experiences of people undergoing DBS for Parkinson's disease. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study was undertaken exploring experiences, perspectives and outcomes with key stakeholders. Semi‐structured, audiotaped interviews were undertaken with people with PD who have had DBS, their family members and health professionals across four states and territories in Australia. Results: Perspectives and experiences of 14 people with PD undergoing DBS, 10 family members and 11 health professionals were analysed. Occupations emerged as a key aspect throughout the DBS experience. Two major themes captured the role of occupation in relation to DBS: Occupations as a barometer, where occupational experiences and performances shaped people's understanding of their condition, the impact of treatments and their overall adjustment; and Shifting occupational identity where the life transition of DBS altered the occupational experiences of relationships, volition, roles and responsibilities of people with PD and their family members. Conclusion: Occupational experiences and changes served as an important way for people with PD and their families to understand and communicate their experiences of PD and related treatments. There is an identified need for outcome measures and clinical education and interventions to reflect this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Within the context of growing concerns about a potential oversupply of occupational therapist, this research examines when, where and how long new graduates take to gain employment and identifies influences upon the health and university systems. Method A mixed method research design, using an online survey was adopted to investigate the topic. Two consecutive cohorts of graduates from a single university program were invited to participate. Results Seventy-five (58%) responses were received, with 63 (84%) currently employed in an occupational therapy role. Of the 12 (16%) not employed, only 3 (4%) described themselves as actively seeking employment in an occupational therapy role. A wide spread of employment settings and scope of practice areas was reported. Conclusion Findings suggest that occupational therapy graduates are gaining employment in a range of settings and practice areas, relatively quickly. This research adds evidence to the conversation around graduate employment within a region of Australia. The Australian population, health system and university changes are possible factors influencing employment. The research reveals the difficulties in understanding the current situation with limitations in data collected, varied terminology and an ever changing job seeking environment. The research provides a starting point for the occupational therapy profession to further understand the directions the profession is taking. University programs may also benefit by using the research to tailor course content to assist graduates in gaining employment or to present students with the prospects of new employment opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim With increasing rates of cancer survival in Australia, more people are living with long-term side effects of cancer and its treatment, and cancer survivorship is now considered a distinct phase of cancer care. While occupational therapists play an integral role in multidisciplinary care for people with chronic conditions, there is little evidence documenting the occupational therapy role for people living with chronic cancer-related conditions. This study aimed to explore the views of Australian occupational therapists about current practice and what constitutes best practice for cancer survivors. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was developed and distributed via emailed invitations to the Occupational Therapy Australia membership to collect responses from occupational therapists in a range of locations and practice settings around Australia. Results A total of 204 completed surveys were returned (response rate of 4%). More than 70% ( n = 143) of respondents worked with people with cancer at least sometimes and most worked in acute (13.8%, n = 28) or community (11.2%, n = 23) settings. Participants rated equipment provision as the most common intervention (94%, n = 192), followed by energy conservation (91%, n = 185) and pressure care (78%, n = 160). Lack of funding for occupational therapy positions and a lack of recognition of the role of occupational therapy by health professionals and consumers were identified as key barriers to survivorship care. Conclusion Research is needed to provide evidence supporting the role and practice of occupational therapy with cancer survivors. Collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams is needed to develop long-term routine treatment pathways that include occupational therapy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim The Assistance to Participate Scale ( APS) measures the assistance parents provide to children with disability to participate in play and leisure. The primary aim of this study was to extend the psychometric development of the APS through application to a typically developing sample. Methods Parents ( N = 125) of typically developing Australian children aged three to eight years completed an online questionnaire comprising the APS, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory ( PEDI), Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (Peds QL) (caregiver scales) and demographic questions. Guided by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments ( COSMIN), structural validity of the APS was investigated using principal components analysis; internal consistency reliability through calculation of Cronbach's α; construct validity through convergence with previously validated measures of paediatric occupational performance and quality of life ( PEDI, Peds QL) and investigation of five research hypotheses developed a priori. Results Structural validity of the APS was confirmed. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.76) was good for this unidimensional scale. Construct validity was substantiated by moderate correlations with the PEDI and Peds QL (physical), and data that supported all research hypotheses. Statistically significant differences were found in APS scores based on sex ( P = 0.018), age ( P < 0.001), school attendance ( P < 0.001) and elder sibling ( P = 0.006). Conclusions Results of this study indicate the APS is a valid and reliable measure of the parental role in a typically developing child's play. Validation upon a typically developing sample offers preliminary guidelines regarding the normative pattern of assistance provided to children during play. Further research in line with the COSMIN is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim Practice education is an integral component of the learning process for occupational therapy students. The dramatic increase in Australian occupational therapy programmes and students enrolled over the last decade is placing exponential demands on universities and practice education providers to meet accreditation and registration requirements. This study aimed to explore practice education from the perspectives of Australian occupational therapy university programmes. Methods A purpose-designed survey was emailed to the heads of all Australian occupational therapy programmes. The survey gathered qualitative and quantitative data on courses offered, number of students, practice education hours and models, practice education administration and funding, and challenges for stakeholders. All data were summarised and are presented descriptively. Results Responses were received from 21 (95.5%) Australian university occupational therapy programmes, with a total enrolment of 5569 undergraduate and 659 graduate-entry masters students. Practice education hours were predominantly in the later years of study and used an apprenticeship model for supervision. There was a trend for observation, simulation and service-learning experiences to be placed in the early years of programmes. Participants reported that the increasing student numbers presented difficulties within the changing clinical contexts. There was a call to re-examine the 1000-hour requirement for practice education. Conclusion Practice education is a critical issue for Australian occupational therapy. Increasing student numbers place mounting financial and resource demands on education programmes and practice education providers. There is a need for a national, collaborative approach to develop guidelines and processes to ensure sustainability relating to practice education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim Few studies have examined graphomotor skills in children with prenatal alcohol exposure ( PAE) or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder ( FASD). Methods Graphomotor skills were assessed in 108 predominantly Australian Aboriginal children aged 7.5-9.6 years in remote Western Australia using clinical observations (pencil grasp; writing pressure) and standardised assessment tools (the Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting; and the Miller Function and Participation Scales - The Draw-a-Kid Game). Skills were compared between children (i) without PAE, (ii) PAE but not FASD and (iii) FASD. Results Most children used a transitional pencil grasp and exerted heavy handwriting pressure (83.3% and 30.6% of the cohort). The percentage of letters (M = 62.9%) and words (M = 73.3%) written legibly was low. Children with FASD were more likely than children without PAE to use a cross-thumb grasp ( P = 0.027), apply heavy writing pressure ( P = 0.036), be unable to write a sentence ( P = 0.041) and show poorer word legibility ( P = 0.041). There were no significant differences between groups for drawing outcomes, although some children with FASD drew pictures that appeared delayed for their age. There were no significant differences between children without PAE and those with PAE but who were not diagnosed with FASD. Conclusions Overall, graphomotor skills were poor in this cohort, but children with FASD performed significantly worse than children without PAE. Findings suggest the need for improved occupational therapy services for children in remote regions and evaluation of graphomotor skills in children with PAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim Clinical supervision is important for effective health service delivery, professional development and practice. Despite its importance there is a lack of evidence regarding the factors that improve its quality. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the quality of clinical supervision of occupational therapists employed in a large public sector health service covering mental health, paediatrics, adult physical and other practice areas. Methods A mixed method, sequential explanatory study design was used consisting of two phases. This article reports the quantitative phase (Phase One) which involved administration of the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale ( MCSS-26) to 207 occupational therapists. Results Frequency of supervision sessions, choice of supervisor and the type of supervision were found to be the predictor variables with a positive and significant influence on the quality of clinical supervision. Factors such as age, length of supervision and the area of practice were found to be the predictor variables with a negative and significant influence on the quality of clinical supervision. Conclusion Factors that influence the perceived quality of clinical supervision among occupational therapists have been identified. High quality clinical supervision is an important component of clinical governance and has been shown to be beneficial to practitioners, patients and the organisation. Information on factors that make clinical supervision effective identified in this study can be added to existing supervision training and practices to improve the quality of clinical supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim Loss of body sensations is common after stroke, impacting negatively on recovery and performance of activities of daily living. Despite advances in the evidence for the assessment and treatment of somatosensory impairment post-stroke, the translation from research into clinical practice has been slow. The aim of this study was to determine current clinical practice of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of somatosensory impairment post-stroke. Methods A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey of occupational therapists and physiotherapists currently working with stroke clients in Australian health organisations, identified through an audit of stroke rehabilitation services and a professional member association. Results 172 clinicians, 62.8% occupational therapists and 37.2% physiotherapists currently working with stroke clients completed the survey. Most respondents (93.0%) indicated routinely assessing for sensory loss in stroke clients. The most commonly used measures were light touch and proprioception, with the majority (70.4%) not using standardised measures. Most respondents (97.7%) reported providing treatment to address sensory impairment, with compensatory strategies and sensory re-education the two most frequently reported. Evidence-based treatment choices were not common and therapists frequently relied on colleagues' opinions and previous experience to inform practice. Therapists commonly experienced barriers to implementing evidence-based sensory rehabilitation, including time constraints, large caseloads and lack of access to evidence-based somatosensory assessment and treatment resources. Conclusions Most therapists perceived somatosensory assessment and treatment as important. However, frequently utilised methods lack a sound theoretical or empirical basis. Despite published evidence regarding somatosensory assessment and treatment, an evidence-practice gap exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure ( COPM) is an outcome measure of clients' self perceptions of performance and satisfaction with occupational performance and is widely used in paediatric research. The aim of this study was to explore how a new outcome measure, the Belief in Goal Self-Competence Scale (Bi GSS), was perceived by paediatric occupational therapists to compliment the COPM as a way of documenting client confidence in goal pursuit. Methods Two hundred and forty-one occupational therapists participated in an online survey through paediatric listserv groups and professional networks. Therapists' views about goal setting and the utility of the Bi GSS were analysed descriptively and open ended questions were analysed thematically. Results Overall, goal setting was viewed as a highly important aspect of therapy ( n = 221, 90.7%) although only 22% ( n = 52) of respondents indicated using formal goal setting tools. For the subset of respondents who frequently used the COPM ( n = 101, 42%) almost all (97.87%) indicated that they would find the Bi GSS to be moderately or highly useful to their current practice. Suggestions for improvement of the measure involved wording and formatting. Conclusion This study supports existing evidence that goal setting is highly valued by occupational therapists, however, formal tools are not always used. There was preliminary support for a measure such as the Bi GSS as a means of documenting children's and families confidence in goal pursuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim The Better Access to Mental Health program has enabled eligible occupational therapists to provide services to people with a mental health condition. No studies have yet reported the influence of occupational therapy under this scheme. The aim of this study was to investigate whether attending an occupational therapist under this initiative influences change in psychological distress of clients as measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Method A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, using pre-existing data collected in the process of regular treatment was used. Data from a total of 31 clients (mean = 17.13 years, SD = 3.603) were accessed for this study. Pre- and post-intervention scores on the K10 were used to determine if psychological distress had changed over the course of intervention. Results Highly significant improvements ( P < 0.001) were found between the K10 pre-intervention score (mean = 25.68, SD = 9.944) and the K10 post-intervention score (mean = 21.00, SD = 9.212). Male K10 post-intervention scores (mean = 17.64, SD = 5.3) significantly improved ( P = 0.05), whereas results for females were not statistically significant. Medication use, diagnosis, age, number of sessions and prior contact with health services did not influence the results. Results from specific evidence-based interventions were not able to be considered in this study. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate effectiveness of occupational therapy services for adolescents and provide support for the ongoing participation of occupational therapists in this scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Networking, together with knowledge acquisition and resource sharing, are key components of occupational therapists' professional development. To enhance the connectedness and clinical support available to occupational therapists, OT AUSTRALIA Queensland developed an online community of practice (CoP). No research regarding the use of online CoPs by occupational therapists has been conducted. This study aimed to explore occupational therapists' perceptions of the benefits of, barriers to, and reasons for using or not using the online CoP. Methods: Two focus groups were conducted, one with therapists who had used the CoP (n = 5) and the other with therapists who had not used it (n = 9). Participant responses to focus group questions informed the development of a survey asking therapists about their use of the CoP, its benefits and reasons for using/not using it, which was sent via email to all OT AUSTRALIA Queensland members. Results: Motivation to use the CoP, technology, workload management impacts, potential benefits and time considerations emerged as themes from the focus groups. Of the 55 survey respondents, 58.2% were aware of the CoP but only 32.7% had accessed it. Potential benefits of the CoP identified by participants included time efficiency, structural flexibility, networking capabilities and mentoring opportunities. Reasons for not accessing and/or participating in the CoP included access difficulties, usability difficulties, personal communication preferences and perceived irrelevance of available information. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the CoP is still in the early stages of development; however, it has the potential to be further embraced by therapists if further promotion, training and minor usability modifications are undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based practice (EBP) and research utilisation (RU) are promoted as ways for clients to receive the best level of care. However, limited research has evaluated the use of these approaches by occupational therapists. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, practices of and barriers to EBP and RU of a group of paediatric occupational therapists from Australia. Questionnaires were received from 138 participants (response rate 46%) who completed the Research Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Research Survey, the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey and the Barriers to Research Utilisation Scale. The participants held positive attitudes towards research, and were willing to access new information to guide practice approaches. However, participants were less confident in their research knowledge and practices and implemented research findings into clinical practice. Multiple barriers to RU were perceived, particularly associated with the presentation and accessibility of research. Participants reported limited engagement in conducting research studies, although the majority of the participants reported implementing the findings of research into their clinical practice to some extent. Additional research education and support within organisations would be beneficial to ensure that children and families are receiving occupational therapy services that are based on sound, high-quality research evidence. The findings of this study provide insight into the perceived research knowledge, attitudes, practices of and barriers to Australian paediatric occupational therapists, enabling specific strategies to be implemented to increase the use of EBP and RU within the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]