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To establish literature regarding healthcare professionals' perceptions of pulmonary rehabilitation as a management strategy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A critical interpretive synthesis was conducted; CINAHL, PsychINFO and MEDLINE were searched between 1988 and August 2019, using MeSH headings and key terms. Reference lists of accepted papers were also searched. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies, written in English, including healthcare professionals' perceptions of pulmonary rehabilitation were included. The search yielded 133 papers which were assessed for eligibility; 20 met the inclusion criteria. Two themes were identified, the first explored "Barriers to Pulmonary Rehabilitation" from a healthcare professional's perspective. This incorporated a lack of knowledge, a lack of resources, practical barriers, patient barriers, and healthcare professional's being unsure it is their role to refer. The second entitled "General Perceptions of Pulmonary Rehabilitation", highlighted ways in which the programme could be improved, the perceived positives and negatives, facilitators to referral, and perceptions of patients referred. This is the first systematic review to encompass the perceptions of healthcare professionals with ability to refer and those who deliver pulmonary rehabilitation. Referral was low, highlighting potential influencing factors such as a lack of programme knowledge, pulmonary rehabilitation beliefs, and communication skills. Given inclusion of studies from multiple geographical locations, the findings provide implications for any healthcare system that develops and delivers pulmonary rehabilitation. With respect of a lack of referrals to the programme, further research should highlight healthcare professionals' perceptions of the referral process, and the views of those in Secondary Care. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: •Pulmonary rehabilitation is a proven cost-effective management strategy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which reduces associated hospital admissions and increases quality of life. •Due to a lack of knowledge and negative perceptions surrounding pulmonary rehabilitation, further training and education is required for healthcare professionals surrounding non-pharmacological management strategies. •Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes should consider ways to increase awareness of the service amongst those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. •Those delivering pulmonary rehabilitation should consider ways to support healthcare professionals referring to the programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the process of implementing an evidence-based goal-setting package into five rehabilitation services across the continuum of rehabilitation. This study used a mixed methods approach guided by Medical Research Council (MRC) recommendations for conducting process evaluations, the RE-AIM framework, and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). This study will evaluate the reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the goal-setting package over six months. Environmental context and resources, the clinician's social and professional role and identity, social influences and clinician beliefs about goal-setting consequences and individuals' capabilities were all identified as barriers or enablers throughout the implementation process. Community rehabilitation services faced challenges implementing paper-based resources, whilst inpatient rehabilitation sites faced challenges engaging nursing staff in the interdisciplinary approach to goal-setting. Social influences were an enabler in two sites that used the case conference format to facilitate setting common goals. Clinicians in all sites continued to express difficulties implementing shared decision-making with people who had cognitive impairments or were no longer progressing in their rehabilitation. A team-based approach to implementing the goal-setting interventions centred around the case conference format appeared to be the most successful mode for implementing interdisciplinary person-centred goal-setting. The rehabilitation case conference forum can be used to facilitate teams to set interdisciplinary common goals. Rehabilitation teams should add further consideration to how they can involve clients as a member of the rehabilitation team throughout the rehabilitation process. Embedding changes into existing process and using structured templates and tools can enhance the process of goal-setting in rehabilitation. Strong leadership, dedicated facilitation, audit and feedback can enhance team's success in implementing elements of the goal-setting implementation package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate determinants of willingness to adopt telerehabilitation, willingness of technology use, core affect regarding using telerehabilitation, and digital competencies in rehabilitation professionals in Austria and Germany before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional paper-based and online survey was conducted before and during COVID-19, respectively, with three cohorts of rehabilitation professionals. Outcomes were the willingness to adopt telerehabilitation evaluated using the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology; willingness of technology use using the short scale for assessing the willingness of technology use; digital competencies and core affect using the Digital Competence Framework and semantic differential, respectively. Multivariate ordinal regression analysis was performed to determine predictors. Included were 603 rehabilitation professionals. Analysis revealed differences between Austria and Germany and before and during the pandemic for most outcomes. German residency, the pandemic, and a higher educational level were most important predictors of higher willingness to adopt telerehabilitation, willingness of technology use, digital competencies, and positive core affect. The pandemic increased most aspects of willingness to adopt telerehabilitation, willingness of technology use, digital competencies, and positive core affect. Results confirm that rehabilitation professionals with higher degrees are more prone to adopt innovations in healthcare.Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021464) The willingness to adopt telerehabilitation is associated with external factors increasing the need for alternative rehabilitation delivery, such as COVID-19, and with financial facilitators, such as reimbursement. As the willingness to adopt telerehabilitation is higher among speech and language therapists and dietitians, efforts are necessary to enhance its use in physiotherapists and occupational therapists. As a higher willingness to adopt telerehabilitation was observed in younger rehabilitation professionals and those with higher education, increasing the importance of telerehabilitation in education curricula and further knowledge transfer into practice for those already working in the field seems necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the perception of "relatives" during the rehabilitation of young adults with severe acquired brain injury (SABI). This longitudinal qualitative study followed eight young adults with a SABI from hospital discharge to a year and a half after discharge. The design encompassed professional records, interviews, and surveys, including a name generator list completed by the young adults and focus group interviews with both their families and professionals. We apply a sociological theoretical framework concerning friendship, and we employ social network analysis (SNA) methodology to capture, visualise, and analyse the young adults' significant social relations. Social relations engaged as relatives during rehabilitation are to a large extent determined by the perceptions of professionals and the parents of the young adult. These perceptions contain a limited number of social relations, with priority given to biological and juridical ties. This might reflect the reduced social support available for the young adult, who initially had a much larger social network. The authors suggest a professional rethinking of who "relatives" are as well as considering these social ties as dynamic. Rehabilitation professionals must be aware of and pay attention to differing perceptions that exist as to who qualifies as significant social relations in order to reconsider the practical implementation of relative involvement. The perception of who relatives are during the rehabilitation process should be reconsidered and extended to include who the young adult perceive as significant social relations. Relatives are not a fixed entity and should be considered dynamically throughout the rehabilitation process. Social relations of the young adult must to a larger extent be considered during rehabilitation to prevent social isolation in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The context of implementation plays an important role in the delivery of optimal treatments in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. Considering that stroke systems of care vary widely across the globe, the goal of the present paper is to compare healthcare providers' priority of key areas in translating stroke research to clinical practice among High Income Countries, Upper Middle- and Lower Middle-Income Countries (HICs, UMICs, LMICs). We also aimed to compare perceptions regarding the key areas' feasibility of implementation, and formulate recommendations specific to each socioeconomic region. Data related to recommendations for knowledge translation in stroke, from a primary survey from the second Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable were segregated based on socioeconomic region. Frequency distribution was used to compare the key areas for practice change and examine the perceived feasibility of implementation of the same across HIC, UMIC and LMICs. A total of 632 responses from healthcare providers across 28 countries were received. Interdisciplinary care and access to services were high priorities across the three groups. Transitions in Care and Intensity of Practice were high priority areas in HICs, whereas Clinical Practice Guidelines were a high priority in LMICs. Interventions specific to clinical discipline, screening and assessment were among the most feasible areas in HICs, whereas Intensity of practice and Clinical Practice Guidelines were perceived as most feasible to implement in LMICs. We have identified healthcare providers' priorities for addressing international practice change across socioeconomic regions. By focusing on the most feasible key areas, we can aid the channeling of appropriate resources to bridge the disparities in stroke outcomes across HICs, UMICs and LMICs. It is pertinent to examine the differences in priorities of stroke rehabilitation professionals and the feasibility of implementing evidence-based practice across socioeconomic regions. There is an urgent necessity for the development of clinical practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation in Low-Middle Income Countries, taking into consideration the cultural, economic and geographical constraints. In upper-middle income countries, encouraging family support and timely screening and assessment for aphasia, cognition and depression appear to be the low hanging fruits to enhance quality of life after stroke. Innovative ways to increase intensity of practice and channelling of resources to improve transitions in care may prove to be the most beneficial in advancing stroke rehabilitation in high income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with a rare cancer often face delays in their diagnostic and treatment trajectory, which may affect their work. In this study, we explored experiences and needs of: 1) patients with a rare cancer regarding return to work (RTW) and work retention, and 2) (health care) professionals (HCPs) regarding work-related support of patients with a rare cancer, throughout their disease trajectory. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with working-age patients with a rare cancer (n = 16), and HCPs (n = 9) were conducted. During the interviews, a predefined topic list was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by means of thematic analysis. In total, three themes emerged from the interviews: 1) Awareness in patients and HCPs as a first step towards work, 2) Being/becoming an expert is a tough job, and 3) Enhancing employability through early personalized guidance. Patients with a rare cancer are confronted with uncertainties regarding work, due to an overall lack of knowledge and experience with these types of cancer. Raising awareness among patients, HCPs and employers about rare cancer and its implications, and providing timely individualized, supportive occupational care are required to improve rare cancer patients' ability to work. Recognizing and paying attention to the work-related consequences of a rare cancer diagnosis and its treatment is essential to facilitate rare cancer patients' occupational rehabilitation process. Multidisciplinary collaboration and involvement of HCPs specialized in rare cancer are required to provide suitable work-related support. A personalized approach is necessary to adequately address rare cancer patients' RTW and work retention needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed to synthesize knowledge about multi-criteria decision analysis methods for supporting rehabilitation service design and delivery decisions, including: (1) describing the use of these methods within rehabilitation, (2) identifying decision types that can be supported by these methods, (3) describing client and family involvement, and (4) identifying implementation considerations. We conducted a rapid review in collaboration with a knowledge partner, searching four databases for peer-reviewed articles reporting primary research. We extracted relevant data from included studies and synthesized it descriptively and with conventional content analysis. We identified 717 records, of which 54 met inclusion criteria. Multi-criteria decision analysis methods were primarily used to understand the strength of clients' and clinicians' preferences (n = 44), and five focused on supporting decision making. Shared decision making with stakeholders was evident in only two studies. Clients and families were mostly engaged in data collection and sometimes in selecting the relevant criteria. Good practices for supporting external validity were inconsistently reported. Implementation considerations included managing cognitive complexity and offering authentic choices. Multi-criteria decision analysis methods are promising for better understanding client and family preferences and priorities across rehabilitation professions, contexts, and caseloads. Further work is required to use these methods in shared decision making, for which increased use of qualitative methods and stakeholder engagement is recommended. Multi-criteria decision analysis methods are promising for evidence-based, shared decision making for rehabilitation. However, most studies to date have focused on estimating stakeholder preferences, not supporting shared decision making. Cognitive complexity and modelling authentic and realistic decision choices are major barriers to implementation. Stakeholder-engagement and qualitative methods are recommended to address these barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore and compare the perspectives of patients and their parents (PPs) with a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) with those of health care professionals (HCPs). We conducted a study using a questionnaire among PPs and HCPs. Importance of different outcome categories was scored on a Likert scale. Items were linked to corresponding categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Means were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Data were collected from 184 patients and 65 HCPs. We found a difference in 7/14 outcome categories between joint PP groups and HCPs. Parents scored outcome evaluation categories as more important than patients, categories filled out together by patient and parent scored in between (p < 0.05). The majority of PPs and HCPs rated outcome assessment as important in more domains than "Body functions" and "Body structures". The biggest difference was found in the importance of evaluation of pain. Outcome assessment in the domains "Activities and participation" and "Environmental factors" was rated as important by both PPs and HCPs. Evaluation of pain was more often scored as important by PPs. Different domains seem to be underestimated by HCPs and need more attention during consultation. The importance of outcome evaluation concerning "Pain", "Interaction with peers", and "Interaction with medical and paramedical specialists" should be taken into account in the rehabilitation for this specific group of patients and their parents (PPs). Comparison of perspectives on functioning between brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) PPs and health care professionals. Outcome assessment in domains "Activities and participation" and "Environmental factors" is important. Health care professionals undervalue the importance of pain evaluation in BPBI as compared with PPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore stakeholders' perceptions of the coordination of health and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone. A qualitative study including seven focus group discussions with health, rehabilitation, and disability organisations stakeholders in Sierra Leone. Content analysis was used for data analysis. One theme emerged; poor governance in implementing disability policies, healthcare, and rehabilitation services, which included seven subthemes: insufficient implementation of healthcare policies for persons with disabilities; changes, lack of coordination and communication between ministries governing disability policies and rehabilitation services; need for accurate disability data and clinical record keeping; absence of funds and poor political priority to healthcare and rehabilitation services; continuous support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide healthcare and rehabilitation service delivery; lack of coordination between different healthcare and rehabilitation service providers and calling for increasing persons with disabilities capacity for greater inclusion in society. Increasing governmental prioritisation, and ensuring coordination and trust between donors, NGOs, and governmental programmes were keys for sustainable health and rehabilitation services. Stakeholders need to ensure national coverage and equally distributed health and rehabilitation services. Including rehabilitation services and assistive technology in the Free Healthcare Initiative would contribute to implementing the Disability Act. Political prioritisation of persons with disability (PWD) need to increase to provide national coverage and equally distributed health and rehabilitation services for PWD. To ensure access to rehabilitation services and access to basic assistive technology for PWD, the government of Sierra Leone could agree on basic rehabilitation services and a priority list of assistive devices to be distributed through rehabilitation centres and funded by the Free Health Care Initiative programme or the Sierra Leone health insurance scheme. To increase access to health services for PWD, the government of Sierra Leone could ensure inclusion of PWD in the Free Health Care Initiative programme. The government, donors, and organisations providing or funding health and rehabilitation services for PWD need to mobilise and coordinate resources better and be mutually held accountable to maximise the benefits of PWD resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted inequities faced by persons with complex communication needs (CCN) in accessing health information and education. This study reports on the perspectives of South African rehabilitation professionals regarding access to health information and education for youth with CCN. Two asynchronous online written focus groups were conducted with 15 rehabilitation professionals. Participants' contributions were thematically analysed. Participants reported that youth with CCN faced a variety of challenges when accessing health information, related, amongst others, to the format and quality of the information. Participants reported on strategies they had successfully used to support comprehension of health information and the youth's communication during healthcare encounters. Participants suggested various Covid-19-related and general health topics of value to youth, as well as a variety of multimodal and multilingual presentation formats to make health information accessible. This information was used in the development of accessible health information resources that are now freely available on the authors' institutional website. The results confirmed that there is an urgent need to make accessible health information available in order to include South Africans with CCN in health services during the pandemic and beyond. Health information and education (including information and education provided with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic) has often not been accessible to youth with complex communication needs (CCN). South African rehabilitation professionals reported on a variety of challenges that youth with CCN face when attempting to access health information and education, but also reported on strategies that had helped to support them in this. They also highlighted Covid-19-related and general health topics that would be of value to youth, and suggested a variety of information formats and strategies to make health information more accessible. This information can assist in the design of appropriate and accessible health information resources for youth with CCN and other individuals who experience communication challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) and falls both commonly affect older people. While high-level evidence exists to prevent falls in older people, falls prevention is rarely considered within contemporary OA management. OA care and falls prevention have for too long been considered as separate clinical constructs. In the context of ageing populations and growing numbers of people with OA, the time to raise awareness and enact appropriate action is now. This Perspectives on Rehabilitation article draws on the findings from a comprehensive mixed-methods falls and OA research program (which uniquely spanned population, clinician, and consumer perspectives) to better understand existing evidence-practice gaps and identify key opportunities for improvements in clinical care. While high-level evidence exists to prevent falls in older people, falls prevention is rarely considered within contemporary OA management and this represents a concerning knowledge-to-practice gap. Given ageing populations and growth in the number of people with OA, it is time for falls prevention to be incorporated within routine OA care for older people. To achieve this, we need to re-shape current messaging around falls prevention and develop targeted resources to optimise clinician knowledge and skills in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore gym staff perspectives on the inclusion of people with disability in the gym setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 staff at four urban gym facilities, exploring perspectives on disability inclusion. An interpretive descriptive approach was adopted with reflexive thematic analysis of interview data and subsequent mapping of themes to the socioecological model. Consistent with the socioecological model, the themes identified were "people with disability benefit from participation in gym settings" (personal); "positive interactions with people with disability" (interpersonal); "managing expectations of other gym users" (interpersonal); "inclusion is supported by a positive ethos, staff training and accessible facilities" (organisational); "people with disability lack awareness of inclusive exercise opportunities" (community); "desire to increase collaboration with healthcare professionals" (community); "access to transport can facilitate gym attendance" (community) and "local gym policy" (policy). Although an overall ethos of inclusion was apparent, areas identified for enhancement were: awareness of gym services in the community; inter-sectoral collaboration with healthcare and disability organisations; comprehensive disability inclusion training; transport systems and accessibility; engaging people with disability in gym service planning. Gym staff value collaboration with healthcare and rehab professionals to support inclusion of people with disability in exercise. Standardised disability inclusion training for gym staff is recommended. Individuals with disability should be empowered to contribute to the development of inclusive gym facilities and services. Rehab professionals have a role to play in raising awareness and advocating for inclusive exercise opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the experiences, views and beliefs of people with severe haemophilia and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on approaches for pain management, as well as their views on exercise being used as an aspect of management. Taking a qualitative inquiry approach using focus groups and semi-structured interviews, participants included people with severe haemophilia living with chronic pain and haemophilia HCPs. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Fourteen men with haemophilia with a median age of 47 (range 23–73) and six haemophilia HCPs agreed to participate. Of the people with haemophilia, 11 attended two focus groups and three were interviewed over telephone. Healthcare professionals were interviewed face-to-face. Two themes were conceptualised from the data: (i) haemophilia management and pain management is discordant (imbalance between good haemophilia care but poor pain management, historical medico-social influences on pain management, the need for trust); (ii) uncertain about exercise but clear on what matters (conflicting views on exercise, the need for proof of safety, personalised care). Options for effective pain management remain limited and what is used is heavily influenced by beliefs and experience. Exercise as a treatment option in pain management is conceptually acceptable for people with haemophilia. Effective pain management requires understanding of individual beliefs and fears, and a personalised approach supported by knowledgeable, trusted clinicians. Musculoskeletal joint pain and its relationship with bleeding in people with haemophilia continues to be a management challenge. Current pain management strategies are of limited effectiveness with little evidence of an approach that reflects the multi-modal pain experience. Whilst exercise and rehabilitation approaches are conceptually possible for people with severe haemophilia, barriers remain regarding perception of overall safety and effectiveness. People with severe haemophilia may consider exercise as part of a pain management strategy if it is individualised, and they are supported to do it by clinicians who understand them and their haemophilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major public health issue worldwide. The importance of physical rehabilitation following RTI is well documented. However, globally there has been very little research on the accessibility of rehabilitation services following road injury. Namibia is one of the five African countries with a fuel tax levy fund (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, MVAF), a system of case managers, medical care, and case management system for coordination of long-term care. We investigated the availability of physical rehabilitation services to RTI injured in Namibia, through interviews with RTI patients and health care workers. Unlike the few other studies done in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), most RTI injured individuals in Namibia report they are able to access some rehabilitation following injury. In large measure, this is due to the effective MVAF system which they felt ensures follow up care for many after having an RTI. However, we found that access to rehabilitation is skewed in favour of those living in Windhoek and other urban areas compared with those in non-urban areas. The MVAF model seems to enhance access to rehabilitation and is a model which could be replicated in other SSA countries and other low and middle income countries. Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major global public health challenge with over 1.2 million people killed and a high burden of disability and Namibia is one of the worst affected countries globally. There is lack of knowledge on the availability to physical rehabilitation following road injury in Namibia. Our study shows the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) model seems to enhance access to rehabilitation and is a model which could be replicated in Sub-Saharan Africa and other low and middle income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored audiologists' perspectives regarding their interactions with workers with hearing loss (WHL). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five audiologists working in the National Health Service (NHS) and independent companies (IC) in the UK and were thematically analysed. The developed themes and sub-themes (shown in parenthesis) are (1) Current practices and routines (Same approach for most patients; Variations between hearing care services; Audiologists' personal experience of hearing loss) (2) Perceived challenges (Non-routine and challenging cases; The role of hearing technology; Concerns about lack of awareness and knowledge; Communication difficulties between services, Limited funding and resources) (3) Scope for better support (Would like to be informed; Other potential service improvements). This study revealed that audiologists' perceived deficiencies in the hearing rehabilitation for WHL and identified ways to improve it. Key priorities for improvement were found to include addressing audiologists' informational and training needs, facilitating WHLs' access to appointments, improving communication between services, raising awareness in the workplace, developing relevant resources and extending funding for provision of longer appointments and hearing technologies. This is the first time this information has been reported in the literature. Opportunities for conducting further research in this area are suggested. Workers with hearing loss face many challenges in work life and have the option of audiologic rehabilitation to alleviate their difficulties and improve their wellbeing; however, this study suggests that workers' audiological care needs improvements. Audiologists should assess and consider patients' work needs and psychosocial concerns in consultations to provide personalised care. Audiology educational programmes, services, and the healthcare system can assist audiologists in helping workers with hearing loss by providing updated knowledge, continuous training and improved interprofessional communication and patients' access to useful resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with a disability may spend more time sitting and lying ("downtime") and less time standing and walking ("uptime"). Caregivers and therapists supporting individuals with Rett syndrome were surveyed, aiming to gather insights on how to support participation in "uptime" activities. An anonymous online survey including open ended questions about the enablers and barriers to "uptime" was administered to parent/caregivers and therapists/health professionals in an international sample. Responses were coded to the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) framework identifying barriers, enablers, and strategies for increasing uptime activities. Parents (N = 115) and therapists (N = 49) completed the survey. Barriers and enablers to "uptime" were identified for all ICF domains and additional data coded to enabling access to the physical environment. Strategies to promote "uptime" activities and participation particularly related to the individual's physical capacity and personal factors as well as social and physical environmental factors. Findings can inform the design of interventions aiming to increase "uptime" in individuals with Rett syndrome. Strategies should create individualised support by considering how to build fitness using activities that are motivating, at the same time creating opportunities for social interactions within a range of environments. "Uptime" participation comprised a dynamic interaction of "doing" the standing or walking activity, with a sense of self-engagement with the activities and interaction with others. Strategies to promote "uptime" participation should consider how to create support for person-related attributes, including building physical capacity for a greater volume of "uptime" in activities that are enjoyable and motivating. Strategies to promote "uptime participation should also include creating a supportive environment, comprising opportunities for social interaction within a range of environments". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listening in healthcare practice is often overlooked. This article addresses the misconception that listening in rehabilitation and healthcare is a simple skill, and proposes a conceptual framework of effective listening in healthcare conversations, based on conceptualizations, attributes, and outcomes associated with listening. A critical review was conducted, encompassing literature on listening in everyday and healthcare conversations. Articles were retrieved through database and hand searching. Although various types of listening have been proposed, they share common attributes, including being attentive, emotionally involved, and non-judgmental. A conceptual framework is proposed in which listening in healthcare is seen as a relational process fostered by the 'engaged and person-centred listener', leading to relational outcomes (e.g., mutual engagement, collaboration) and client-specific outcomes. Listening in healthcare conversations can be difficult due to situational conditions and the level of self-regulation required. Effective listening in healthcare differs from everyday listening with respect to its attributes, intentionality, and challenges. In healthcare, listening is essential to mutual engagement and other relational outcomes that mobilize the client towards pursuing goals. There is a need for greater understanding of the centrality and challenges to effective listening in healthcare conversations. Implications for rehabilitation practice are discussed. Listening in rehabilitation conversations is a core skill or advanced competency—not a 'soft' skill with little effect on client outcomes. Effective listening is essential to mutual understanding, engagement, relationship building, and collaboration, which mobilize the client towards pursing goals in rehabilitation. Listening effectively in rehabilitation conversations involves deliberately adopting a person-centred perspective. Effective rehabilitation professionals have several listening intentions in mind in addition to understanding, including engaging the other person in the therapy session, building relationship, and collaborating. Rehabilitation professionals can deliberately adopt the intention to be an "engaged and person-centred listener" who is with and for the client. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lack of social interaction during early stroke recovery can negatively affect neurological recovery and health-related quality of life of patients with aphasia following stroke. A Communication Enhanced Environment (CEE) model was developed to increase patient engagement in language activities early after stroke. This study aimed to examine staff (n = 20) and volunteer (n = 2) perceptions of a CEE model and factors influencing the implementation and use of the model. This study formed part of a broader study that developed and embedded a CEE model on two hospital wards. Six focus groups and one interview with hospital staff were conducted and analysed using a qualitative description approach. Feedback emailed by volunteers was included in the data set. Staff and volunteers perceived the CEE model benefitted themselves, the hospital system and patients. Staff identified a range of factors that influenced the implementation and use of the CEE model including individual staff, volunteer and patient factors, hospital features, the ease with which the CEE model could be used, and the implementation approach. This study provides valuable insights into staff perceptions which may inform the implementation of interventions and future iterations of a CEE model. A CEE model may promote efficiency and increased patient engagement in stroke rehabilitation. The CEE model information session and aphasia communication partner training, and the provision of resources, may be useful strategies to increase staff confidence in using communication supporting strategies with patients with aphasia. Behaviour change and implementation science strategies may provide a framework to address barriers and promote facilitators to embed hospital-based interventions that require individual, ward, cultural and systems level change to reduce the evidence-based gap in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with negative health outcomes and is prevalent post-stroke. This study explored SB after stroke from the perspective of stroke service staff. Qualitative mixed-methods study. Non-participant observations in two stroke services (England/Scotland) and semi-structured interviews with staff underpinned by the COM-B model of behaviour change. Observations were analysed thematically; interviews were analysed using the Framework approach. One hundred and thirty-two observation hours (October - December 2017), and 31 staff interviewed (January –June 2018). Four themes were identified: (1) Opportunities for staff to support stroke survivors to reduce SB; (2) Physical and psychological capability of staff to support stroke survivors to reduce SB; (3) Motivating factors influencing staff behaviour to support stroke survivors to reduce SB; (4) Staff suggestions for a future intervention to support stroke survivors to reduce SB. Staff are aware of the consequences of prolonged sitting but did not relate to SB. Explicit knowledge of SB was limited. Staff need training to support stroke survivors to reduce SB. Sedentary behaviour in the community was not reported to change markedly, highlighting the need to engage stroke survivors in movement from when capable in hospital, following through to home. Stroke survivor sedentary behaviour is influenced, directly and indirectly, by the actions and instructions of stroke service staff in the inpatient and community setting. The built and social environment, both in the inpatient and community settings, may limit opportunities for safe movement and can result in stroke survivors spending more time sedentary. Stroke service staff appreciate the benefit of encouraging stroke survivors to stand and move more, if it is safe for them to do so. Staff would be amenable to encourage stroke survivors to reduce sedentary behaviour, provided they have the knowledge and resources to equip them to support this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategy training is a promising stroke rehabilitation intervention commonly delivered in Western countries. We examined the perspectives of rehabilitation therapists who have delivered strategy training in Taiwan and the United States to understand the influence of culture on strategy training implementation. In this rapid ethnographic study, the maximum variation sampling approach was used to recruit seven therapists in Taiwan and seven therapists in the United States with experience delivering strategy training. Data was collected from multiple sources, including interviews, study documents, therapist notes, and reflective memos. Interviews with the recruited therapists in Taiwan and the United States were conducted in Mandarin and English, respectively. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. The following two themes were generated: (1) differences between conventional rehabilitation and strategy training, namely that conventional rehabilitation is therapist-directed and emphasizes impairment reduction, whereas strategy training empowers clients and focuses on real-life generalization, and (2) challenges in implementing strategy training in practice, including difficulty in achieving client buy-in and disengagement. Therapists from both countries shared similar perspectives on the perceived advantages of strategy training, such as enhancing client empowerment and engagement, and the generalization of strategies. Family involvement was more prominently discussed by therapists in Taiwan than by those in the United States. Strategy training differs from conventional rehabilitation in its emphasis on clients' life participation and empowerment, generalization of strategies, and enhancement of their engagement, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Therapists may face challenges related to client buy-in and disengagement as well as difficulties in establishing a therapeutic rapport at the beginning of strategy training because clients have different expectations from those of conventional rehabilitation. Cultural differences in norms and expectations and the clinical experiences of therapists may influence the delivery of strategy training to clients. Family support may influence the success of strategy training. Thoughtful conversations to reach a mutual understanding regarding the expectations of strategy training among clients, family, and rehabilitation practitioners are necessary prior to implementing strategy training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the processes of community reintegration of children and families at least one year following a paediatric brain injury from the perspective of caregivers and outpatient/community service providers. A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews from outpatient or community service providers (N = 14; occupational, physical, and speech and language therapists, neuropsychologists, school counsellors, recreational providers) and caregivers of six children (N = 8) at least one year after their injury. Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using deductive (employing Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory) and inductive approaches. Themes from both providers and caregivers indicated additional supports needed at all levels of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (i.e., individual, microsystem, mesosystem/exosystem, macrosystem, chronosystem). Participants felt that several characteristics would be needed in an ideal service system following paediatric brain injury including: community solutions ("it takes a village"), long-term approaches to care, and new financial approaches. The results suggest that children and families have substantial community reintegration needs following paediatric brain injury. Multi-system interventions are needed to support long-term community reintegration, especially those that increase communication and support transitions. There is also a strong need for alternative funding to support these efforts. Families with a child with a moderate to severe brain injury face challenges with community reintegration a year or more after their child's injury. Effort should be put into helping families navigate the complex medical, insurance, and school systems with a navigator service and step-down care to ensure a continuum of care and to support community reintegration. Special support should be provided during transitions, such as transitions from hospital care to outpatient care, and across school transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of innovative models of student practice placements are emerging due to pressures on universities to provide quality practice placements and on health services to deliver rehabilitation efficiently, safely and cost-effectively. The student-resourced service delivery (SRSD) group program is one such model in occupational therapy. There is a paucity of research evidence to guide services in planning, implementing and evaluating the SRSD model. The study aimed to explore and identify the factors that key stakeholders perceived as contributing to the successful development and implementation of the occupational therapy student-resourced service delivery group programs. Participants in this multi-site study were rehabilitation inpatients, clinicians, Clinical Education Liaison Managers and students completing practice placement in the student-resourced service delivery group program. Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and focus groups. A total of 83 participants consented to the study. Four themes emerged from the data. Planning needs to be an iterative process that commences before and continues during the program. Support processes need to be established for students and clinicians during and across placements. The creation of an engaging, client-relevant and graded group dynamic is critical for success. Establishing a culture whereby groups are valued by the clients, therapy and multidisciplinary teams is important. The above-mentioned factors were perceived as contributing to successful operationalisation of a student-resourced service delivery group program, and may be helpful when developing student-resourced service delivery professional practice placements in other settings. Student-resourced service delivery of groups are one way to achieve additional professional practice placements for students and delivery of therapy services for patients. Ongoing investment for planning and preparation, provision of continual support for students, a culture of valuing groups and students, and creating a group dynamic that engages group participants were perceived by stakeholders as key ingredients for successful implementation of the student-resourced service delivery group model. Clinicians and educators are encouraged to use the perceived success factors identified in this study as a resource for future student-resourced service delivery program development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to gain an understanding of access to rehabilitation services and disability allowances for children with disabilities and their families from the perspectives of service providers. We interviewed 21 service providers in Bangladesh and used thematic analysis to analyze data. Participants reported their perspectives on two major themes: (a) challenges in providing services to children with disabilities (e.g., limited availability of services and favouritism); and (b) facilitators in providing services to children with disabilities (e.g., cooperation from community leaders and satisfaction). Providers' perspectives revealed unique insights that might be interesting for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. The findings reinforce the need to consider the availability of rehabilitation professionals and disability allowances to meet the greatest needs of children with disabilities and their families in Bangladesh. The findings also call for further research on policymakers' perspectives on addressing the systemic issues encountered by providers in providing support to children with disabilities and their families in Bangladesh. Rehabilitation services are critical for children with disabilities to achieve optimal health, wellbeing and human rights The government of Bangladesh has increased rehabilitation services for children with disabilities, but there is a need for further investment to increase rehabilitation workforce It is important to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of disability-specific programs to ensure equitable access to services for children with disabilities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate comprehensiveness and acceptability of the patient-reported outcome instrument (PRO-LBP) and the clinician-reported outcome instrument (ClinRO-LBP) included in the low back pain (LBP) assessment tool. Second, to assess degree of implementation after three months. Feasibility-testing, training of health professionals, field-testing, and a feedback meeting was undertaken. Field-testing provided data to evaluate comprehensiveness, acceptability, and degree of implementation. Feasibility-testing and training of health professionals revealed that the LBP assessment tool was usable and ready for field-testing. In total, 152 patients participated in the field-testing of whom 95% considered the PRO-LBP comprehensive and 59% found it acceptable. Health professionals found the ClinRO-LBP comprehensive and acceptable. The feedback meeting revealed that the LBP assessment tool broadened the health professionals' approach to functioning and facilitated a consultation based on the patient perspective. The degree of implementation reached 79%. The PRO-LBP and the ClinRO-LBP covered key concepts of LBP and were found acceptable by patients and health professionals. Despite the reduced degree of implementation after three months the LBP assessment tool allowed the health professionals to apply a biopsychosocial and patient-centred approach. Future research should investigate whether the LBP assessment can enhance patient-centred care. The low back pain (LBP) assessment tool is the first evidence-based tangible tool to cover biopsychosocial aspects related to LBP as defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The LBP assessment tool allowed health professionals to apply a biopsychosocial and patients-centred approach and has the potential to be used in rehabilitation planning. Awareness to continuous facilitation and training of health professionals is important to facilitate and maintain implementation of new procedures into routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the reported responses of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to the rejection or abandonment of AAC systems for children with complex communication needs. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 SLPs who worked with children with complex communication needs. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes describing SLPs' responses were identified: (1) SLPs work with families; (2) SLPs respect families' wishes; (3) SLPs "push ahead" with AAC irrespective of families' wishes; and (4) SLPs reflect and acknowledge emotions. Conclusions: SLPs varied in the degree to which they remained family-centred and utilised clinical reflection following the rejection or abandonment of AAC systems for the children they worked with. SLPs also described experiencing a range of negative emotions following the rejection or abandonment of an AAC system, which could impact upon ongoing client care. In this research SLPs reported variability in the degree to which they remained family-centred following the rejection or abandonment of an AAC system for the children they worked with. SLPs should reflect on their emotional responses to the rejection or abandonment of AAC systems by their clients. This research suggests that SLP services should consider monitoring the reflective practices of their clinicians to ensure ongoing clinical development and optimisation of client care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explored healthcare professionals' views in relation to the potential expansion of cardiac rehabilitation services to include stroke patients, thereby becoming a cardiovascular rehabilitation model. 23 semi-structured interviews were completed with hospital and community-based stroke and cardiac rehabilitation professionals in Switzerland (n = 7) and Ireland (n = 19). The sample comprised physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, stroke physicians, cardiologists, psychologists, dieticians and nurses. Interviews were audio-recorded and the transcripts were analysed in NVivo using inductive Thematic Analysis. Barriers and facilitators to cardiovascular rehabilitation were captured under four broad themes; (i) Cardiac rehabilitation as "low-hanging fruit," (ii) Cognitive impairment ("the elephant in the room"), (iii) Adapted cardiac rehabilitation for mild stroke, and (iv) Resistance to change. Hybrid cardiac rehabilitation programmes could be tailored to deliver stroke-specific education, exercises and multidisciplinary expertise. Post-stroke cognitive impairment was identified as a key barrier to participation in cardiac rehabilitation. A cognitive rehabilitation intervention could potentially be delivered as part of cardiac rehabilitation, to address the cognitive needs of stroke and cardiac patients. The cardiac rehabilitation model has the potential to be expanded to include mild stroke patients given the commonality of secondary prevention needs. Up to half of stroke survivors are affected by post-stroke cognitive impairment, consequently mild stroke patients may not be such an "easy fit" for cardiac rehabilitation. A cardiovascular programme which includes common rehabilitation modules, in addition to stroke- and cardiac-specific content is recommended. A cognitive rehabilitation module could potentially be added as part of the cardiac rehabilitation programme to address the cognitive needs of stroke and cardiac patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore speech and language therapists' (SLT) experiences of delivering therapy using a computerised self-management approach within a pragmatic trial, in order to identify and understand key factors that may influence the implementation of computerised approaches to rehabilitation for aphasia in routine practice. Qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with eleven SLTs delivering computer therapy in the multisite Big CACTUS trial. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis in NVivo11. Five themes with implications for implementation emerged: 1) characteristics of the intervention: complexity and adaptability 2) knowledge and beliefs about the intervention: familiarity with computers and the benefits of training; 3) patient needs and the service resource dilemma: "is there anything I can be doing on my computer at home?"; 4) networks and communications; 5) reflecting and evaluating: adaptations for sustainability. Personalisation, feedback and volunteer/assistant support were viewed as benefits of this complex intervention. However, the same benefits required resources including therapist time in learning to use software, procuring it, personalising it, working with volunteers/assistants, and building relationships with IT departments which formed barriers to implementation. The discussion highlights the need to consider integration of computer and face-to-face therapy to support implementation and potentially optimise patient outcomes. Benefits of the self-managed computer approach to word finding therapy evaluated in the Big CACTUS trial included the ability to personalise content, to provide feedback, and provide support with volunteers or assistants depending on availability in different clinical contexts to enable repetitive self-managed practice of word finding. Whilst use of computer therapy approaches can facilitate self-management of practice and increased therapy hours in an efficient manner, services need to consider the resources required to implement and support the approach: costs of software and hardware SLT time required to learn to use the software, tailor and personalise it and manage volunteers/assistants. Readiness for successful adoption of computer approaches requires building of relationships and mutual understanding of requirements between SLT and IT departments within an organisation. For time efficiency, it is recommended that SLTs providing self-managed computer therapy approaches pilot the approach with each individual to check patient ability and engagement before fully investing SLT time in personalisation and tailoring of software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the perceptions of staff members regarding the implementation of a new communicative approach at a multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation centre in Denmark. Communication partner training according to Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCATM) was combined with augmentative strategies from the KomHIT programme to increase the influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process. A qualitative approach was used involving two semi-structured group interviews with multidisciplinary staff in two wards. Three staff members from each ward participated. The recorded interviews were transcribed, and a thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Three main themes emerged from the analysis. Participants reported increased influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process, as well as an increased focus on communication with patients with aphasia. Challenges included time restrictions and dilemmas in goal setting. Increasing staff knowledge of communication support and augmentative strategies seemed to improve the influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process. Because the results were based on interviews with a small number of staff, they cannot be generalized and require further investigation that should also include interviews with the patients themselves and their families. The combination of partner training with augmentative strategies may increase staff understanding of all individuals' rights to have their communicative needs met. The combination of partner training with augmentative strategies may support the influence of persons with aphasia on their own rehabilitation. Goal setting discrepancies between staff and patients with aphasia can be brought to light by more successful communication. The implementation of a new communicative approach can be challenged by a number of factors, e.g., time restrictions. The implementation process needs to be supported by actions on a higher organisational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rehabilitation clinicians need information about patient activities in the home/community to inform care. Despite active efforts to develop technologies that can meet this need, clinicians' perspectives regarding how information is collected and used in outpatient rehabilitation have not been comprehensively described. Therefore, we aimed to describe: (1) what data pertaining to a patient's health, function and activity in their home/community are currently collected in outpatient rehabilitation, (2) how these data can impact clinical decisions, and (3) what challenges clinicians encounter when they manage the care of outpatients based on this information. Eight clinicians working in outpatient rehabilitation programs completed qualitative interviews that were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: "Nature of data about a patient's health, function and activity in the home/community and how it is collected by clinicians," "Value of data from the home/community," "Perceived drawbacks of current data collection methods," and "Improving data collection to understand patient trajectory." Clinicians described the importance of understanding patient activities in the home/community, but perspectives varied regarding the suitability of current methods. These perceptions may inform the design of solutions to bridge the gap between the clinic and the community in outpatient rehabilitation. Clinical decision-making in outpatient rehabilitation is guided by verbal and written reports about a patient's health and function in the community and adherence to treatment plans. Differing perceptions on the suitability of current data collection methods indicate that the development of new solutions, such as rehabilitation technologies, needs to carefully consider clinician workflows and what data are perceived as meaningful. Potentially impactful directions for new solutions include providing well validated data on adherence, movement quality, or longitudinal progression, presented in formats that match clinical decision criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to understand the views of falls service practitioners regarding: their role in supporting self-management of falls prevention; and a transition pathway from National Health Service (NHS) exercise-based falls interventions to community-run exercise programmes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physiotherapists, nurses, and rehabilitation assistants (n = 8) who worked in an NHS falls service. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Certain aspects of supporting patients in self-management were deemed to be within or beyond the scope of falls service practitioners. Challenges in supporting transition to community-run programmes included: practitioner awareness and buy in; patient buy in; and patient suitability/programme availability. Practitioners sought to be patient-centred as a means to engage patients in self-management of falls prevention exercises. Time-limited intervention periods and waiting list pressures were barriers to the promotion of long-term self-management approaches. A disconnect between falls service interventions and community-run programmes hindered willing practitioners from supporting patients in transitioning. Unless falls risk and prevention is seen by healthcare providers as a long-term condition which requires person-centred support from practitioners to develop self-management approaches, then falls services may only be able to offer short-term measures which are potentially not long lasting. Falls rehabilitation practitioners need to take a person-centred approach to engage patients in self-management of falls prevention exercises. Providing information and signposting to exercise opportunities such as community-run programmes following falls service interventions should be viewed as being within the scope of the role of falls service practitioners. Rehabilitation practitioners should consider viewing falls risk as a long-term condition, to promote longer-term behavioural change approaches to ongoing engagement of exercise for falls prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common mental disorders (CMD) are major causes of sick leave and have huge negative impacts on psychosocial well-being and to overall society. The return to work (RTW) process involves various welfare sectors, but often lack collaboration across these sectors and may cause uneven RTW processes. This study reports from an intervention aimed to increase collaboration between the mental health care system (MHCS) and the social insurance sector (SIS). The intervention consisted of two phases: (a) a development phase building on a participatory approach and (b) an implementation phase. Interprofessional meetings, evaluation workshops and joint consultations with workers from SIS and MHCS, and patients, comprised the key components of the intervention. The study explores how the collaborative process is experienced during the implementation phase with a focus on how collaboration maintains and challenges professional identities. A qualitative design was employed consisting of individual interviews (n20), focus group discussions (4), and observations of interactions between Patients with CMDs, case managers from SIS, and professionals working in MHCS. Patients with CMDs felt supported and did not feel pushed to RTW prematurely. SIS and MHCS professionals reported that they were not sufficiently prepared and it was not clear who was responsible for which tasks. MHCS professionals experienced that their professional identities were in conflict with the aim of the intervention whereas SIS professionals found that the intervention improved their poor reputation. The results suggest that a higher level of participation in the intervention design and implementation process can improve a clear and transparent role distribution between professionals in MHCS and SIS. Collaboration across sectors is key to successful Return-to-work after sickness-related absence. Professional identities are challenged in collaborative interventions as different agendas are at play. Collaboration is most likely to be successful when engaging involved professions to decide goals and methods which are compatible with local work procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We document current clinical practice and needs in screening for visual perception problems after stroke to inform development of new screening tools. We interviewed 12 occupational therapists and 13 orthoptists. Interviews were thematically analysed using the Value Proposition Canvas, a model which establishes challenges and facilitators in what people want to achieve. Participants' understanding of visual perception varied and often included sensory and cognitive deficits. Occupational therapists commonly screened for visual field deficits and hemispatial neglect, while other aspects of visual cognition were rarely assessed. A positive screening result triggered an orthoptic referral. Screening generally occurred during functional assessments and/or with in-house developed tools. Challenges to practice were: lack of time, lack of training, environmental and stroke survivor factors (e.g., aphasia), insufficient continuation of care, and test characteristics (e.g., not evidence-based). Facilitators were: quick and practical tools, experienced staff or tools with minimal training requirements, a streamlined care pathway. Screening employs non-standardised assessments and rarely covers higher visual perceptual deficits. We demonstrates the need for an evidence-based visual perception screen, which should ideally be 15 min or less, be portable, and require minimal equipment. The screen should be suitable for bedside testing and aphasia-friendly. There is a high demand for training on what visual perception deficits are and how to screen for them. Building local relationships between orthoptists and occupational therapists is perceived as highly beneficial for providing good vision and visual perception care for stroke survivors. Occupational therapists should be alert for visual perceptual deficits in their patients preferably through systematic screening with standardised assessments such as the shortened version of the Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery or Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review was to synthesise studies which address the views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards patients with functional neurological disorder (FND). An interpretive systematised review was conducted. Seven databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy (MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, PsychINFO, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health, and Scopus). Qualitative studies and those using survey methods were included. An inductive approach to thematic analysis was used to identify concepts from the data and to synthesise the results. The views of 2769 HCPs were represented in 11 included articles. The overarching theme across the articles was uncertainty: about making the diagnosis of FND, about professional roles, and about optimum management. Fear was also a common theme: of saying the wrong thing, of offending patients, or of breaking the therapeutic relationship. If all HCPs felt uncertain about how to manage patients with FND and avoided them by passing them on to another discipline, then a "vicious cycle" is formed in which patients are passed from one professional to another but without receiving clear, honest information, or effective treatment. HCPs would benefit from increased training on FND and clear clinical pathways to alleviate feelings of uncertainty. Evidence-based or, at the very least, consensus-based multi-disciplinary care pathways for the assessment and treatment of patients with functional neurological disorder are required to improve equitability of services. Training packages for healthcare professionals need to be developed, evaluated and implemented in order to improve confidence of making and explaining the diagnosis and to reduce stigma of functional neurological disorders. Improved input for patients with functional neurological disorder is likely to occur if healthcare professionals are open, honest and use effective communication skills, both with their patients and fellow healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In search of Kipling's six honest serving men in upper limb rehabilitation after stroke, we sought to investigate clinicians' perspective of when and where to begin therapy, how much and what therapy to provide, and who and why (or not) to provide therapy. Materials & methods: Within-participant case cross-over experiments were nested within an anonymous web-based questionnaire (21 questions, three cases). Graph theory-based voting to produce ranked ordered lists and mixed-effect logistic regression were performed. In total, 225 Australian stroke clinicians responded: 53% occupational therapists, 61% working in acute/inpatient stroke setting. Most respondents indicated they did not have a protocol/expectation regarding when (62%), how much (84%) or what (60%) therapy to provide in their setting. Respondents ranked 24-h to 7-days post-stroke as the optimal time to commence therapy, and 30- to 60-min per day as the optimal dose to provide. Within-participant experiments demonstrated that greater motor recovery as time progressed increased the odds of offering therapy, while lack of motor recovery, shoulder pain, neurological decline and sole therapist reduced the odds. We need to develop an evidence base concerning Kipling's six honest serving men and equip clinicians with clinical decision-making skills aligned with this focus. Most clinicians did not have access to a protocol / clinical pathway which defines when, how much and what upper limb therapy to provide after stroke, which may be improved by providing individual clinicians with organisational support to make therapy decisions. To improve the personalisation of upper limb rehabilitation in clinical practice, we need to understand when and where after stroke to begin therapy, how much and what therapy to provide, as well as who and why (clinical decision-making) to provide therapy. Clinicians perceive clinical trials as successful if the therapy can demonstrate recovery that is greater than a minimal clinical important difference (MCID). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores how healthcare professionals view participation of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, in healthcare encounters. This qualitative study includes focus groups of HCPs from different professions. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis. The theme "Creating an enabling arena" illuminates how HCPs face possibilities and challenges when enabling children to communicate and participate in clinical encounters. HCPs, parents, and the healthcare system need to adjust to the child. The sub-theme "Bringing different perspectives" describes how children and their parents cooperate and complement each other during healthcare encounters. The sub-theme "Building a safe and comfortable setting" includes how HCPs address the child's self-identified needs and make the child feel comfortable during encounters. The sub-theme "Facilitating methods in a limiting organisation" includes how HCPs' working methods and organization may help or hinder child participation during encounters. HCPs encourage children and adolescents to make their views known during healthcare encounters by creating an enabling arena. Collaboration and building good relationships between the child, the parents and the HCPs, before and during the healthcare encounters, can help the child express their wishes and experiences. Clinical examinations and use of technology, such as photos, films and web-bases questionnaires can be a good start for a better child communication in healthcare encounters. Healthcare professionals in JIA teams experience that they can facilitate communication and participation with children and adolescents in healthcare encounters. When healthcare professionals enable both children, adolescents and their parents to bring their perspectives, these views complement one another and enrich information during healthcare encounters. Children and adolescents are more empowered to participate, when healthcare professionals create a good relationship with the child and their parents, and strengthen the child's knowledge, confidence and autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational therapists are experts in determining domestic assistance levels. It is a complex multi-dimensional process resulting in different opinion regarding care hours. Therapists providing medicolegal reports on domestic care for the courts within Australia were surveyed. 58 occupational therapists responded with most aged between 41 to 50 years of age. There was a strong correlation between years of clinical and medicolegal experience (r = 0.730, n = 58, p = 0.000) as well as between years and numbers of medicolegal assessments conducted in 2017 (r = 0.264, n = 58, p = 0.420). Assessment based on occupational analysis interview combined observation of the claimant performing tasks in their home, medical information, and contextual factors such as family expectations. Translation of data to hours of care was based on therapist's clinical experience of medical diagnosis (x2 6.89, p = 0.009) and claimant's statements of performance combined with therapist's clinical experience (x2 = 5.58, p = 0.18). Therapists providing defendant only reports often use their own time to perform housework as a guide. Triangulation data combined confirmation of the person's statements through observation of performance, the environment in which they lived, and the occupational therapists own clinical reasoning skill. Documenting all the factors influencing the occupational therapist's decision is the key to understanding clinical reasoning. When estimating domestic care occupational therapists should: •Provide written documentation that clearly explains the assessment methods used, the results and conclusion made regarding domestic care. •Triangulate data including claimant's statements of performance, confirmation by observation on tasks, medical report information in the context of the claimant's environmental and contextual factors. •Be aware their own years of experience do not equate to level of expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to define the active ingredients of a participation-focused physical activity intervention for children and youth with disabilities. An ethnographic approach was employed, triangulating participant observation, interviews and focus groups. Participant recruitment occurred through purposive sampling of staff employed at Beitostolen Healthsports Centre (BHC), and paediatric service providers visiting the centre. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded together with observation data. Secondary coding linked data to corresponding categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Child and Youth version. Thirteen staff from BHC and 7 paediatric service providers participated in the study. Fourteen active ingredients were identified and were characterised at the level of the intervention (k = 8), the organisation (k = 4), and the individual (k = 2). Within the ingredients, 53 unique ICF-CY categories were identified. Twenty-six categories belonged to the ICF-CY component of "environment," and 26 categories to "activities and participation." No categories related to "body functions" or "body structures." The role of the environment, and specifically support and relationships, may be an essential consideration for enabling physical activity participation. Outcomes may guide program design and implementation to promote and sustain physical activity behaviours for children and youth with disabilities. The active ingredients identified in this study may guide the design and implementation of programs to promote and sustain physical activity behaviours of children and youth with disabilities. Leadership qualities and strength-based attitudes may be key characteristics of organisational practice that optimise outcomes for children and families. A "relationship-centred" approach, i.e., a network of children, families, health professionals, peers, mentors, and services in the community, may support children and young people with disabilities to achieve their physical activity participation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three facilities, involved in introducing a model of Allied Health Assistant (AHA) delegated dysphagia screening, examined barriers and facilitators to service implementation. The 3 facilities varied in size, services and location. AHAs (n = 4) and speech-language therapists (SLTs; n = 4) directly involved in implementation at each site completed semi-structured interviews exploring the implementation experience. Analysis was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). There was differential implementation across the sites. Facilitators to implementation fell within the CFIR Innovation Characteristic domain, with the "relative advantage" of the model and "design, quality and packaging" of the training and implementation resources being key facilitators. Barriers related to the Innovation Characteristic domain, regarding the tool's "adaptability" in terms of screening tools selected and the implementation environment. Issues with the Inner Setting domain, specifically the "structural characteristics," the "compatibility" of the model and the "relative priority" of the model's implementation within other organizational priorities were also barriers. Although the service model was perceived to have relative advantage, compatibility with local work-flow priorities and service needs must be thoroughly considered if AHA delegated dysphagia screening is to be beneficial as a service model to address increasing dysphagia referral demands. Dysphagia is a disabling condition which may result in medical, social and operational complications. The demands of screening, assessing, managing and providing rehabilitation for dysphagia are increasing, therefore alternative models of service delivery including delegation are increasingly being considered and implemented. This study provides evidence regarding the context and facilitators of successful AHA dysphagia screening model implementation. This evidence contributes to a growing knowledge base of delegation practices for the management of staffing resources and building of capacity for rehabilitation service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the usefulness and feasibility of a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation (C-VR) program and less comprehensive (LC-VR) program for workers on sick leave due to chronic musculoskeletal pain, from the perspective of patients, professionals, and managers. Semi-structured interviews were held with patients, professionals, and managers. Using topic lists, participants were questioned about barriers to and facilitators of the usefulness and feasibility of C-VR and LC-VR. Thirty interviews were conducted with thirteen patients (n = 6 C-VR, n = 7 LC-VR), eight professionals, and nine managers. All interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by systematic text condensation using inductive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged for usefulness ("patient factors," "content," "dosage") and six themes emerged for feasibility ("satisfaction," "intention to continue use," "perceived appropriateness," "positive/negative effects on target participants," "factors affecting implementation ease or difficulty," "adaptations"). The patients reported that both programs were feasible and generally useful. The professionals preferred working with the C-VR, although they disliked the fixed and uniform character of the program. They also mentioned that this program is too extensive for some patients, and that the latter would probably benefit from the LC-VR program. Despite their positive intentions, the managers stated that due to the Dutch healthcare system, implementation of the LC-VR program would be financially unfeasible. The main conclusion of this study is that it is not useful to have one VR program for all patients with CMP and reduced work participation, and that flexible and tailored-based VR are warranted. Both comprehensive and less comprehensive vocational rehabilitation are deemed useful for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and reduced work participation. Particular patient factors, for instance information uptake, discipline, willingness to change, duration of complaints, movement anxiety, obstructing thoughts, and willingness to return to work might guide the right program for the right patient. Both comprehensive and less comprehensive vocational rehabilitation are deemed feasible in practice. However, factors such as center logistic (schemes, rooms, professionals available) and country-specific healthcare insurance and sickness compensation systems should foster the implementation of less comprehensive programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore rehabilitation clinicians' understanding of how sex and gender facilitate or hinder care provided to patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sixteen clinicians from various specialities, attending to patients with TBI from a large rehabilitation hospital in Ontario, Canada, were recruited using purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was used to identify reoccurring themes. Three themes that facilitate or hinder care of TBI patients were identified: (1) knowledge and evidence; (2) gender and other aspects of recovery; and (3) family caregiving. Lack of education about the topic and inconsistent scientific evidence limited clinicians' attention to sex and gender topics. Social, financial, and cultural characteristics of patients were considered to be more relevant than their sex and gender. The gendered nature of caregiving and its burden on caregivers' health were acknowledged. Currently, attention to topics of sex and gender as they may influence patients' recovery is limited. However, clinicians are willing to be educated on these topics to enhance rehabilitation care. Further research on the gendered nature of interactions between patient, clinician, and family caregiver during recovery is warranted. Sex and gender matter for patients undergoing recovery for their traumatic brain injury; however, clinical attention to this topic is limited. Based on the clinicians' perceptions, resources that address patients' psychosocial vulnerabilities should be prioritized (e.g., unequal access to care, financial status, cultural diversity etc.). Clinicians highlighted that psychosocial vulnerability and patients' life roles, before and after injury, are sex and gender specific. Guidelines about sex and gender influences in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation have the potential to enhance clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To help enhance participation, the study aims to identify and document a comprehensive list of environmental barriers for people with SCI in the broad travel setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among four stakeholder groups: people with SCI (n= 39), caregivers and family members of people with SCI (n= 24), therapists who work with people with SCI (n= 9), and travel professionals specializing in accessible travel (n= 11). Five major categories of travel barrier emerged from the interviews: Partial Accessibility, Systemic Ignorance, Travel Hassles, Poor Service Performance, and Lack of Support. Detailed barriers in each category are described. The analysis of multi-stakeholder perspectives indicates while respondents with SCI offered the most specific information about the barriers, family members/caregivers were most concerned about the impact of systemic ignorance on their loved ones. Therapists focused on offering their clients tools to overcome barriers, and travel agents emphasized their limitations of serving customers with disabilities. Results of the study should help not only health and travel professionals better assist individuals to reintegrate into society after SCI, but also travel and hospitality businesses to better meet the accessibility needs of people with SCI. Travel is important to full participation in society for people after SCI. The study has identified five categories of barriers to travel participation after SCI: partial accessibility, systemic ignorance, travel hassles, poor service performance and lack of support. While traveling is important for participation in society for people with SCI, rehabilitation professionals should work together with policy makers, travel and hospitality businesses and agencies to lower the found barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their communication difficulties, persons with aphasia are at risk of not fully participating in significant activities after rehabilitation. Speech-language pathologists can contribute to support optimal social participation in rehabilitation. A community of practice (CoP) was designed to provide motivated clinicians with opportunities to acquire knowledge and reflect on social participation within aphasia rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of this CoP according to the perspectives of speech-language pathologist participants. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted 4 to 10 weeks after the end of the CoP with 13 speech-language pathologist participants. Analyses were guided by grounded theory. Participants perceived that the CoP experience contributed to a better alignment of their practice with the ideal end purpose of optimizing social participation. A sense of community emerged among CoP members, who collectively reflected on their practice. Participants stated feeling equipped to adopt new practices, adopting new practices for optimizing social participation, and/or advocating for better services for persons with aphasia. They felt increased confidence, motivation, well-being, and/or energy towards their practice. CoPs can help speech-language pathologists to more confidently practice with the goal of optimizing the social participation of persons with aphasia. Speech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation, as a result of being involved in a community of practice (CoP) about social participation, may offer more evidence-based services aiming at optimizing the social participation of persons with aphasia. Markers of a successful CoP may include participants' increased feelings of confidence, motivation, well-being, and/or energy towards their practice. CoPs can be used for continuing education purposes and support the development of clinical expertise among professionals, such as speech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ascertain stakeholders' agreement and disagreement about inter-professional collaboration (IPC) when supporting the child with a developmental language disorder (DLD) in school. Two rounds of an online Delphi survey were undertaken with a purposive sample of 26 participants (researchers, practitioners and parents). Topics were informed by the views of children engaged in an earlier phase of the research. Agreement was set at an inter-quartile range of 1, with level of agreement measured using a five-point semantic differential scale. Qualitative data were examined using content analysis. There was strong agreement across the stakeholder groups about the child-led goals of IPC. Stakeholders also agreed that DLD is best viewed as a learning difference rather than a disorder. We identified ambivalence across the groups about the right of the child with DLD to have influence in decision-making about supports in school. We propose that IPC should be viewed as a means of ensuring the inclusion of the child in school. A shift in focus from remediating perceived deficits of the child, to affecting change in classroom practice, is also indicated. The need to reinforce the unconditional right of the child to have influence in decisions about supports is highlighted. Implications for IPC when meeting the needs of children with a developmental disability in school are outlined. The goal of inter-professional collaboration should be to ensure the inclusion of the child with a developmental disability in school. Interventions delivered in school should focus on changing practice in the classroom, rather than on the child's perceived deficits. The child with a developmental disability should be given influence in collaborative decision-making to ensure supports are relevant and responsive to their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges for rehabilitation professionals is to discuss sexuality with their clients. The main objective of this study was to explore occupational therapists' perceptions of the factors that influence their practice regarding the domain of sexuality, as well as the prioritization of these factors and the exploration of their needs. Descriptive qualitative study who took place in Montreal, Canada. Two focus groups were realized with seven occupational therapists working in outpatient setting in two different rehabilitation centers for physical disabilities. The focus group guide was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The verbatims were coded using QDA-Miner software and analyzed according to the principles of the Framework approach. The majority of participants were women (n = 6/7). Three main themes to answer the main objective emerged: (1) Occupational therapist's intrinsic factors such as professional identity and knowledge/skills; (2) Contextual and process factors of practice, including assessment/analysis and human resources; (3) Client factors such as identity factors and capabilities. Several influencing factors that have a significant impact on practice have been prioritized, for instance, the perception of the skill level of occupational therapists, interdisciplinary collaboration, culture/language and openness of the client to the subject of sexuality. The needs related to the acquisition of knowledge/know-how, human resources and continuing education were raised by clinicians. There is a need in developing training tools to support clinical practice and to overcome the many barriers encountered by occupational therapists regarding the domain of sexuality. Addressing sexuality domain with their clients remains a challenge for occupational therapists working in outpatient physical disability rehabilitation. Several factors influence the practice of occupational therapists in the domain of sexuality, including occupational therapist's intrinsic factors, their practice process, contextual factors and client-related factors. Improved interdisciplinary practice in sexuality is needed to ensure that sexuality is addressed and that there are referrals to the proper health professionals according to clients' needs. The availability of sexology resources is an important factor for occupational therapists addressing sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore how occupational therapists and physiotherapists constructed and interpreted the meaning of rehabilitation in relation to older people in acute care. A focussed ethnographic study was undertaken, primarily using observation, interviewing and review of clinical records within one acute medical ward in a general hospital in the UK. Five patient participants gave consent for their episode of care to be studied, with observations and interviews primarily involving the identified patients and five occupational therapy and physiotherapy professionals. Four themes were identified: rehabilitation as a process to facilitate physical improvement; rehabilitation as physiotherapy-led; rehabilitation as a place...but not here; and rehabilitation as a process which prioritises safety over function. Such conceptualisations of rehabilitation were recognised as rooted in social and historical perceptions and challenged the ideals of rehabilitation professionals. The meaning of rehabilitation in acute care is shaped by a range of cultural, contextual and systemic influences. Recognising these influences, and subsequent challenges to rehabilitation ideals, can encourage professionals to work towards meaningful change. A reductionist version of rehabilitation was evident within this context which placed value on physical improvement, achieving optimum safety and led by physiotherapy. This version of rehabilitation was unsatisfactory to occupational therapists and physiotherapists in this setting and different to their ideals. Where rehabilitation may be associated with another place, practitioners should reflect on whether this is influencing patients becoming a lower priority for interventions whilst waiting and address this, if required, within their own reasoning, prioritisation and delegation. Those who recognise similarities with their own practice context could individually, and within teams, revisit definitions of rehabilitation to notice, document and have conversations about the ideals of their professions versus the reality of practice. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can be champions for organisational and cultural change to promote rehabilitation as a multi-disciplinary phase of care working towards optimising improvements in wellbeing, function and safety, irrespective of location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the degree to which goals perceived by occupational therapists (OTs) matched those perceived by their clients. A total of 100 clients and 79 OTs were recruited from seven subacute rehabilitation wards in Japan. Matched pairs of OTs and their clients were independently asked for their perception about the clients' occupational therapy goals through semi-structured interviews. Collectively, the OTs reported 239 goals, while the clients reported 161 goals. While both the OTs and the clients reported a high level of client engagement in the goal setting process, 79% of the goal statements were mismatched between pairs of OTs and their clients. Goal matching was slightly better for goals about activities of daily living or participation than for goals about body structure or body function. Although most OTs and their clients perceived that they engaged in goal-setting together, only 21% of reported goals actually matched between OTs and clients. It would also be worth investigating whether there is any correlation between the content of goals, patient engagement in goal setting, degree of goal matching, and health outcomes achieved by clients following discharge from rehabilitation services. Although most occupational therapists (OTs) and their clients perceived that they engaged in goal-setting together, 79% of the goals independently reported by OTs and their clients did not match in seven post-acute rehabilitation wards across Japan. Goals were slightly more likely to match if the topic of the goals related to instrumental activities of daily living or participation (30.3%) or basic activities of daily living (24.7%) than if the topic of the goals were about body structure or body function (11.2%); however, the overall rate of goal matching was low. Japanese OTs need to develop more effective methods for recording or communicating goals in ways that clients can understand; this may be the same for other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study identified occupational therapists' viewpoints that guide their practice of upper limb orthosis prescription for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A qualitative study utilising Q methodology explored participants' viewpoints. Thirty-nine occupational therapists (38 females) were purposively recruited to rank statements generated from interviews of experienced clinicians and peer reviewed and published literature. Statements about reasons for orthoses prescription, were ranked according to what guides decision making the most to least. Data from ranked statements were analysed using by-person factor analysis to reveal the different ways statements were grouped. The resultant factors, based on the average arrangement of statements associated with each factor, were interpreted and named as viewpoints. Results: Viewpoints identified: 1. Potential effect of the orthosis (n = 12 sorts); 2. Biomechanical presentation (n = 12 sorts); and 3. Client/therapist relationship (n = 10 sorts). The "Client's goals" statement was ranked highest across all viewpoints. Conclusions: Viewpoints identified may inform development of clinical guidelines. Further research is required to (i) identify valid and reliable classification and assessment tools to guide decision making; and (ii) establish the mechanism of the effect of orthotic intervention by considering the link between the biomechanical purpose of the orthosis (e.g., mobilise tissue) and aim of intervention (prevent contracture). Q methodology provided an opportunity to identify viewpoints of occupational therapists that guide their upper extremity orthosis prescription decision making. Consistent with best-practice, clients' goals were the primary focus of decision making in each viewpoint. It is recommended that clinicians consider the identified viewpoints; 1) the potential effects of the orthosis, 2) the biomechanical presentation of the child, within 3) an established client/therapist relationship when prescribing upper extremity orthoses. Practice guidelines to inform upper limb orthotic intervention may be developed using the identified viewpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]