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Introduction: Occupational therapists require research and evaluation skills to deliver evidence-based care, making research education integral to their training. We aimed to develop a student and staff-informed strategy to further embed research into the occupational therapy programmes and enhance the research culture at a United Kingdom Higher Education Institution. Method: We used group concept mapping to gather ideas from students and staff on how to embed research and improve research culture within the occupational therapy programmes at a United Kingdom Higher Education Institution. Participants generated, sorted and rated ideas for importance and success. We analysed the data to create a concept map and identified rating values for the themed clusters and their ideas. Results: The concept map contained four themed clusters of ideas: Wider research community, Integration of research into the core programme, Advanced research support and capacity building and Research awareness. Successes and improvement targets were identified within each cluster. Conclusion: Group concept mapping provided a structured and comprehensive method to develop a strategy for embedding research and fostering a research culture in occupational therapy programmes at a higher education institution. The four-themed concept map and identified priority targets serve as a foundation for implementing the strategy and improving research integration in occupational therapy education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parent/carers of disabled children want timely and personalized support. Research suggests that technology may address some limitations associated with traditional methods of communication with therapists (e.g. letter, telephone). This exploratory study examined United Kingdom (UK) parents and carers views on the use of digital technology (i.e. computers/phones) in supporting their child and the potential for its greater use in the care of children with complex needs. Methods: An online survey was distributed via special schools and support forums/networks. Questions explored use of and attitudes to digital technology in the care of children with complex needs. Descriptive statistical analyses and content analyses were undertaken on the data. Results: Respondents were 43 parents/carers whose children used rehabilitation services prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority used digital technology frequently to support their child and saw the potential for greater use in rehabilitation services – provided this was not at the expense of in-person therapist contact. Conclusion: Parents and carers held positive views of digital technology as a tool to support their child and enhance rehabilitation services. Recommendations include regular service consultation on parental/child attitudes to digital service delivery and longitudinal studies to assess related health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The top 10 priorities for occupational therapy research in the United Kingdom were identified via a priority setting partnership and published in 2020. This study aimed to evaluate utilisation of the top 10 priorities since 2020 and identify recommendations to re-focus research efforts. Method: A mixed methods approach involving evidence checking and stakeholder consultation was undertaken. Direct and selective methods were used to recruit stakeholders, including previous steering group members, who were invited to take part in 30-minute semi-structured interviews. Results: Eighty-one evidence sources were included and addressed the research priorities 127 times. Stakeholders (N = 7) discussed the top 10 priorities in relation to five key themes: (1) what has been done; (2) the most addressed priorities; (3) the least addressed priorities; (4) barriers to using the priorities (three barriers emerged); and (5) what should be done next (six strategies emerged). Conclusion: There was strong agreement that research priority 1 (how does occupational therapy have an impact and make a difference on everyday lives?) was the most addressed; however, all research priorities require more attention. Recommendations to refocus research efforts included continuing to support priority-driven research and greater promotion of the priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study explored treatment of executive functioning impairment in adults after acquired brain injury (ABI), clinician's confidence and support received, in a sample of occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. Methods: A 24-item online questionnaire was sent to 750 members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist-Section in Neurological Practice. Data was collected at a nominal and ordinal level and included yes/no Likert-type scale and free field comments. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed. Results: Seventy-six occupational therapists working in a range of neurological settings completed the survey. Frequently used interventions included education (n = 57, 75%), task modification (n = 56, 73%), instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (n = 54, 71%), personal ADL (n = 53, 70%) and goal setting (n = 53, 70%). Seventy-one percent used metacognitive strategies. Occupation-based metacognitive approaches were rarely used. Thirty-one (41%) participants reported being fairly confident and 28 (37%) were very confident. Support for clinical practice was accessed most frequently through joint clinical sessions (n = 30, 39%). Findings: Participants used various clinical interventions to treat service users with executive dysfunction after ABI. Meta-cognitive strategies were employed; however, occupation-based metacognitive approaches were infrequently utilised, suggesting uncertainty in adopting these in practice. The need for further training on evidence-based interventions and knowledge translation support was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research paper on the use of adaptive equipment after a total knee replacement. Studied population include total knee replacement patients from a general hospital through the assessment from occupational therapy staff. Also evaluated are optimal functional outcomes after surgery.

Introduction: Community development approaches are increasingly used by occupational therapists in response to occupational justice theory, which posits that both individuals and community groups may be denied access to meaningful occupations through societal powers outside their control. Previous research has found that occupational therapists feel insufficiently prepared for a role in community development and tend to use their general skill set, sometimes in combination with generic community development approaches. This study explored whether the reflective framework for community development in occupational therapy is applicable and useful for occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used, combining an online questionnaire and focus groups with occupational therapists who already work in community development. Findings were compared with the framework. Findings: The participants recognised most aspects of the Framework in their own practice, but some key aspects such as collaboration with the community at every stage were less prominent. They found the framework applicable to the UK context, particularly for occupational therapists inexperienced in community development practice. Conclusion: This study has highlighted community development practice by occupational therapists in the United Kingdom and concluded that the framework would support them in fulfilling this role more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Occupational therapists have an integral role in the treatment of people with functional neurological disorder, yet there is evidence of variable implementation of occupational therapy in community settings. This study explored the barriers and enablers to delivering community-based occupational therapy to people with functional neurological disorder in the United Kingdom. Methods: Community-based neurological occupational therapists (n = 10) with experience in functional neurological disorder were invited to complete semi-structured qualitative interviews. The interview schedule and analysis were based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, a behavioural science tool for investigating barriers and enablers to clinical practice. Data were analysed using a combined content and framework analysis approach. Findings: Important barriers to treatment included limited published information to guide practice, lack of professional role clarity and restricted multidisciplinary team working. Enablers included occupational therapists' dual training in physical and mental health and focus on activity engagement. Service provision, quality and access varied across geographical locations. Conclusion: Occupational therapists are uniquely placed to help people with functional neurological disorder; however, findings suggest that existing community service structures in many regions in the United Kingdom are inadequate and limit the quality of treatment that can be provided. Additional resources are required to support occupational therapy service provision in community settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability in childhood. There is a false belief that children will recover better than adults and recent research confirms that younger age at injury can have a negative impact on rehabilitation outcomes, resulting in lifelong disability. Self-care is a key rehabilitation outcome for children and young people. Methods: This service evaluation reviews routinely collected clinical self-care data from one specialised residential rehabilitation centre in the United Kingdom. Admission and discharge scores from the United Kingdom Functional Independence Measure +Functional Assessment Measure, Rehabilitation Complexity Scale – E and Northwick Park Nursing Dependency Scale were analysed. Results: Twenty-six children and young people age 8 years and over with severe stroke were included. Mean scores of independence increased and mean scores of complexity and dependency decreased. A proportion of the sample had ongoing self-care needs in relation to support needed in washing, dressing and bathing. A small number remained highly dependent, requiring assistance from two carers. Conclusion: Children and young people make significant gains in self-care independence during specialised rehabilitation. However, a proportion return to the community with high self-care needs. Occupational therapists and the wider care team should address ongoing self-care needs in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence-based occupational therapy home programmes for children with unilateral cerebral palsy have demonstrated efficacy; however, uptake into routine practice is varied. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the therapist-perceived supports and barriers to using occupational therapy home programmes for children with unilateral cerebral palsy, based on evidence of best practice in the United Kingdom. Method: Fourteen occupational therapists completed semi-structured telephone interviews. Using a qualitative framework analysis approach, support and barrier factors were indexed against the Theoretical Domains Framework, before being categorised more broadly using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour Model. Findings: Common supports included: (a) strong leadership within the team to facilitate the translation of occupational therapy home programmes and evidence-based interventions into service-specific protocols; (b) knowledge exchange within professional networks and (c) mentorship. Common barriers included: (a) lack of resources; (b) restricted opportunities to review occupational therapy home programmes and (c) difficulties keeping up-to-date with the evidence in this area. Conclusion: To be effective, occupational therapy home programmes need to be based on evidence of best practice; analysis indicated an urgent need to capture outcomes, record parental practice, further integrate 'occupation' within goal-setting, and develop use of conceptual models of practice to both enhance family-centred care and articulate the profession's unique contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Placements are considered vital in promoting theory-to-practice learning. With role-emerging placements increasingly being offered, the learning processes experienced by students warrants further investigation. This research explored the learning experiences of students, from both supervisor and student perspectives, over the duration of a role-emerging placement in schools, to contribute to our understanding of this important student learning process. Method: Action research was used across four cycles with 14 students and 11 supervisors. Data were collected through reflective field notes, placement documentation and semi-structured interviews. Findings were analysed using template analysis. Findings: Limited established occupational therapy procedures and role models meant that the students created and used knowledge differently from role-established placements. The procedural knowledge upon which students most heavily relied in previous placements was largely inaccessible to students. Students relied on occupational therapy conceptual and dispositional knowledge, with the support of their peer and supervisor to guide practice. Tensions were seen between providing a service for the school and taking the necessary time to understand and implement the occupational therapy process systematically. Conclusion: Role-emerging placements are valuable for transformational student learning. These placements do, however, present challenges that require careful negotiation and structured guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Occupational therapy pre-registration programmes are increasing their academic entry criteria globally to positively impact on professional practice. However, there is a lack of evidence of how a range of variables influence student outcomes. Method An observational, retrospective cohort design measured previous degree, age, ethnicity and gender, on final academic and practice placement outcomes of previous MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) students (n = 153). Pearson’s product-moment correlation and one-way ANOVA tests were performed on the data to assess any significant relationships between variables. Results There was a significant positive correlation between final academic percentage and practice placement outcome, r = .245, n = 121, p = .007. Previous degree significantly correlated with final academic outcome, r = .333, n = 153, p = .000, but not with higher practice placement performance. Gender, ethnicity and age did not correlate with student outcomes. Students with previous degrees in the arts performed slightly better than those with social sciences. Conclusion Prior academic ability significantly predicts academic but not necessarily practice placement outcomes on an MSc Occupational Therapy programme. Although more academically able students appear to develop skills for practice to a higher standard, other student values-based attributes should be measured prior to admission. Research exploring the best combination of academic and interpersonal skills for recruitment is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction A national survey was conducted with United Kingdom (UK) occupational therapists to scope occupational therapy service provision for people with dementia and their family carers in the community. Method This was an online questionnaire with topics on occupational therapists’ roles, service provision, referral, assistive technology and assessment tools. Recruitment was through direct invitation, and promotion via occupational therapy networks, websites and newsletters. Results A total of 197 responded. Occupational therapy referrals most commonly came from the multidisciplinary team. Over half primarily undertook profession-specific work, with occupational therapy assessments the most common profession-specific task. Two-thirds of referrals for initial assessments were for people with mild-to-moderate dementia. A median of 2.5 hours for assessment/intervention was spent for each person with dementia. Almost two-thirds used the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool. Most could prescribe personal activities of daily living equipment and Telecare, with few able to prescribe equipment for reminiscence or leisure. Conclusion This national survey increases knowledge of UK community occupational therapy practice and service provision for people with dementia and their family carers. It informs occupational therapists about national trends within this practice area, and development of the community occupational therapy intervention (COTiD-UK) as part of the Valuing Active Life in Dementia research programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In England, the Payment by Results reimbursement system was introduced for mental health services. Occupational therapists developed the indicative care packages for identified clusters endorsed by the system. This study sought to systematically gather and document occupational therapists’ viewpoints on the appropriateness of a range of therapy aims and, thereby, inform the creation of the occupational therapy indicative care packages. Method: This study is a descriptive, internet-based survey of therapists in six National Health Service trusts in the United Kingdom. Findings: A total of 262 therapists completed the survey for a response rate of 61.07%. Most were female (85.5%) with varying levels of experience (less than 5 years [33%]; between 5 and 20 years [54%]; over 20 years [13%]). Therapists evaluated the most appropriate aims specified for three occupational performance levels of service users and for six occupational areas. Additional aims were reported by therapists, and there was near-consensus for more than half of the aims, with over 75% of therapists agreeing on their appropriateness. Conclusion: Findings from experts’ empirical knowledge inform practice by providing evidence for specifying service outcomes that are theory based and occupation focused in guiding the development of recommended occupational therapy objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: United Kingdom government agendas promoting widening participation in higher education and diversification of the health and social care workforce have contributed to changing student profiles in pre-registration occupational therapy education. Sixty-seven percent of the 2005 intake was mature, and students increasingly enter with a range of 'non-traditional' academic backgrounds. A small body of evidence suggests that final degree marks are indistinguishable for occupational therapy students holding traditional and non-traditional entry qualifications, but none of these studies considered students unable to complete or the potential influence of socioeconomic background or gender. Method: The progression routes and academic achievements of 239 consenting occupational therapy students from a single programme were analysed using inferential statistics and binary logistic regressions to explore the influence of entry qualifications, age at entry, gender, and socioeconomic background. Findings: None of these characteristics had a statistically significant impact on graduates' final degree marks. The regressions, however, highlighted male gender and less privileged socioeconomic backgrounds as significant predictors of poorer outcomes regarding passing at Level 4, 5, and 6, and achievement of a 'good' (upper second or first class) honours degree. Conclusion: The findings raise important questions about how a profession that promotes social justice supports diversity amongst its own ranks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Musculoskeletal conditions are a common cause of sickness absence and work disability. Little is known about the work-related advice and support that occupational therapists provide to this client group and their employers. The purpose of this study was to report on current occupational therapy practice in this area in the United Kingdom. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted, of United Kingdom occupational therapists treating employed clients with musculoskeletal conditions in community or outpatient settings. Questionnaires were posted to 960 hospitals or units, identified through National Health Service websites to reach as many respondents as possible, and the survey was also available online. Findings: 257 respondents reported on their provision of work-related advice and support. Of these, over 30% (n = 82) reported that this involved a moderate amount of their time; 60% (n = 154) had experience of contacting employers and 21% (n = 55) had met with clients' employers in the previous year. Time and resources, concern about legal implications, and having the appropriate skills had an impact on communication between therapists and employers. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate considerable variations in service delivery, interventions, and the contact made with employers. These need urgent attention if the profession is to meet the challenges of the government's agenda for improving health at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Payment mechanisms in English mental health services require professionals to describe treatments and demonstrate cost-effectiveness. A national occupational therapy study has prepared the way by profiling the occupational needs of service users and describing indicative care packages. This practice analysis reports on a local survey, which was conducted in parallel with the national study. Treatment aims were found to correspond with key elements of the occupational profiles. This supports the accuracy of the profiles. It also provides evidence towards the effectiveness of the service being provided by demonstrating the ability of occupational therapists to target the proven needs of service users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]