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Introduction: Occupational therapists working in low vision rehabilitation make recommendations for assistive technology (AT) and provide training in AT use for people with vision impairment (PVI) to support participation and independence. Smartphones and apps are an important AT for PVI, yet little is known about the training needs of PVI or what training is currently provided. Research exploring PVI's learning and training experiences is required to inform training development., Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perspectives, needs, and recommendations of PVI from Australia and Singapore on smartphone training methods., Methods: An online survey collected data between November 2020 to February 2021. Participants were recruited from Australia and Singapore using purposeful sampling. The survey had three sections: (i) demographics, (ii) use of smartphones and apps, and (iii) training. It consisted of 26 closed and open-ended questions. The quantitative results from the survey were analysed descriptively, and responses to open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis., Results: Sixty-eight PVI responded to the survey, with 34 (50%) participants from each country. There were more Australians (n = 19/34, 55.9%) who had accessed formal training compared to Singaporeans (n = 11/34, 32.3%). Participants valued both formal and informal training, and self-training was the most used method for informal training (Australia: n = 29/34, 85%, Singapore: n = 22/34, 64.7%). Participants stated they preferred individualised formal training that caters to their learning needs and is provided by patient and knowledgeable trainers. They also preferred formal training, which is flexible and convenient to access, including online training with peers., Conclusion: Findings such as providing individualised training, ensuring increased awareness of formal training, and using both formal and informal training methods can be considered by occupational therapists to enhance and develop training for PVI in the use of smartphones and apps., Consumer and Community Consultation: Consumers were involved at the development stage. Three people with vision impairment reviewed and provided feedback on the survey's accessibility and content., (© 2024 The Author(s). Australian Occupational Therapy Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Occupational Therapy Australia.)

Objective: This scoping review aimed to explore topics on which the views of residents of Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have been sought., Methods: Scoping review methodology as outlined by Arksey and O'Malley was used to identify, explore and report on the range of literature regarding views of RACF residents. Seven electronic databases were searched using broad search terms relevant to the RACF context. Descriptive numerical analysis was completed for publication year, journal name and target profession, research methods and participant types. Thematic analysis then focussed on the aims of the included studies., Results: Four thousand two hundred and ninety studies were screened, and 104 publications met the inclusion criteria. A broad range of topics were explored by researchers, with the largest number of papers focused on residents' views of systems within RACFs (n = 24) and new programs and interventions (n = 21). Smaller topic areas included health conditions and health-care services (n = 13), socialisation (n = 13), physical activity (n = 3), self-care (n = 4), leisure (n = 4), general everyday life (n = 20) and aspects of the residential aged care environment (n = 15). There was limited exploration of meaningful activity (n = 13). The inclusion of residents with cognitive impairment was inconsistent, and the voices of other stakeholders were often privileged., Conclusions: Voices of residents must be heard in order to prioritise the health and well-being of this population. More research which focuses on what is important to residents is needed and must include residents with cognitive impairment more effectively. Identification of optimal research methods with this population would make an important contribution in this area., (© 2024 The Author(s). Australasian Journal on Ageing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of AJA Inc’.)

Introduction: Occupational therapy in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) can enhance residents' occupational engagement and wellbeing. However, industry reports suggest that occupational therapists in Australian RACFs have mostly provided physical therapies such as pain management via massage and not addressed residents' occupations. There is limited literature on what constitutes occupational therapists' practice in RACFs to inform policy and practice. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to explore practice patterns of occupational therapists working in Australian RACFs and influences on their practice., Methods: Occupational therapists working in Australian RACFs were invited from July 2019 to March 2020 to complete a self-report online questionnaire via email and advertisements on industry websites, newsletters, and social media. The questionnaire asked therapists about their caseload, referrals, assessments, and interventions. Data were analysed descriptively and presented as frequencies and percentages., Results: A total of 214 occupational therapists completed the survey. Occupational therapists' daily practice largely focussed on pain management; other areas of practice included falls prevention, pressure care, and mobility. The Aged Care Funding Instrument in place at the time of the survey was identified as the leading factor influencing therapists' choice of assessments and interventions. Organisational policies and procedures were also perceived as key factors influencing occupational therapy practice., Conclusion: This paper highlights the influence of government funding and organisational policies in limiting occupational therapists' scope of practice and their ability to fully address the occupational needs of residents. Occupational therapists and the profession in general should be aware of factors in aged care funding models, and their application, that restrict occupational therapy practice and inhibit residents' function and advocate for change where needed. With the introduction of the Australian National Aged Care Classification funding model replacing Aged Care Funding Instrument, future research should explore potential changes to therapists practice following the implementation of the new funding model., (© 2024 The Authors. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Occupational Therapy Australia.)

Purpose: This study aimed to explore individuals' experiences of return to work (RTW) following minor to serious road traffic injury (RTI) in Queensland, Australia; seek their recommendations if any, on how to provide support for RTW after RTI; and identify the strategies and resources used to return and remain at work after their RTI., Methods: The interpretive description methodological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eligible participants ( n  = 18) aged 18-65 y who had experienced a minor to serious RTI at least 6 months earlier. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data., Results: Five themes emerged: (1) physical and mental consequences of RTI negatively impact RTW; (2) money matters; (3) RTW support makes a difference; (4) feeling alone and confused in the RTW process; and (5) several strategies and resources helped with return/stay at work after RTI. Regular contact and cooperation with employers and insurers, job modifications, and using social media to obtain information and social support were helpful RTW strategies. Participants recommended timely and appropriate medical care, financial assistance, and educational support., Conclusions: Policy changes to reduce financial stress, increase employer support, and improve injured individuals' knowledge following a RTI are recommended in jurisdictions operating a fault-based scheme.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study identified several factors that can influence return to work (RTW) following minor to serious road traffic injuries (RTIs) in a jurisdiction operating a fault-based compensation scheme.Legislative changes that provide financial assistance to all injured people regardless of their fault-status could reduce financial stress arising from reduced work ability following a road traffic injury.Increasing employer' awareness of the importance of return to work for those with road traffic injuries and reimbursement for possible expenses of providing RTW support for these individuals could increase employability of injured people following RTI.Improving injured individuals' knowledge about return-to-work processes after a road traffic injury could accelerate recovery and return to work.

Purpose: There is limited evidence to guide therapists in home modification outcome evaluation. Involving consumers in evaluating home modifications is critical to progressing practice. This study investigated the home modification experience and outcomes most valued by older adults and individuals with a disability in Australia., Materials and Methods: An interpretive description approach was used. Twenty participants aged 24-93 who had received major home modifications were interviewed and transcripts were analysed thematically., Results: Two major themes emerged: life before and during modifications - "it was all hard," and life after modifications - "to have a life." People's prior experience of home, the circumstance of and time to plan modifications, the perceived value of the modifications, and the home modification process and funding influenced perceptions of outcomes. Valued home modification outcomes included those that enable people to experience emotional and physical health, and safety; do what they want; maintain the image of the home; and plan for the future. Experiences and perceptions of modifications ranged from supportive to disruptive., Conclusions: These findings point to the need for therapists to deeply understand and evaluate their clients' experiences of home and life as an initial and critical step in the home modification process.Implications for rehabilitationMajor home modifications result in broad and meaningful outcomes of importance to clients.Occupational therapists need to partner with clients to understand their life before and during modifications to achieve positive outcomes.Evaluation of major home modifications needs to be integrated and prioritised in daily practice.

Purpose: This qualitative study conducted in Queensland, Australia aimed to explore various stakeholders' perspectives on (1) the barriers and facilitators of Return to Work (RTW) for injured persons following minor to serious Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) in a fault-based scheme, and to investigate the changes needed to better support RTW following RTI., Methods: The study was performed using the Interpretive Description methodological approach. Data were collected during interviews (n = 17), one focus group (n = 4), and an open-ended survey (n = 10) with five categories of stakeholders: treating health providers, workplace representatives, legal representatives, rehabilitation advisors, and insurers. Participants were eligible to participate if they had at least one year of employment history in their respective profession in Queensland, Australia, and were experienced in assisting the RTW of people with RTI. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data., Results: Seven themes were extracted reflecting the barriers and facilitators of RTW along with stakeholders' recommendations to address these barriers. These themes were: (1) knowledge is power; (2) stakeholder expertise; (3) early and appropriate treatment matters; (4) insurers could do better; (5) necessity of employers' support; (6) fix the disjointed system; (7) importance of individual factors pre- and post- injury. The main barriers identified were stakeholders' insufficient communication and knowledge on RTW process following RTI., Conclusions: Individual and system barriers identified in this study suggest that RTW after RTI occurs in a complex system requiring the commitment of all stakeholders. This is particularly important for managing knowledge-related barriers by provision of high quality and easily accessible information about the RTW process, disability schemes, and the nature of RTI., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background/aim: The use of standardised measures in home modification practice is rare, in part due to a lack of suitable tools. One promising outcome measure designed for home modification practice is the In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation (I-HOPE). This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the I-HOPE for major home modification practice in Australia., Methods: The I-HOPE was trialled in one major home modification service by five occupational therapists who participated in two focus groups. Feedback using a purposefully developed questionnaire was also collected from 25 adult clients who completed the I-HOPE. Data from the focus groups were thematically analysed, and the questionnaire responses were analysed using template analysis., Results: The analysis revealed four themes: client experience, training and resources, suitability to major home modification practice and improvements and future use. Therapists valued the person-focused nature of the I-HOPE; however, there were some clinical utility issues identified including confusion of the rating scales for clients, length of time to complete the tool and the need for more training and a clearer instruction manual., Conclusion: It is suggested that the I-HOPE is a person-focused and valuable tool for community occupational therapy practice in the Australian context but may not be suited to specialised major home modification services. An app or online version of the tool for client use, and the availability of training resources which are accessed online would enhance the clinical utility of the tool., (© 2018 Occupational Therapy Australia.)