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Introduction Occupational therapists advocate with/for people with disabilities. In the occupational therapy literature, advocacy is mentioned within the context of specific populations or practice settings and thus there is no consistent way of describing advocacy itself. The objective of this article is to describe advocacy in action for occupational therapists who report engaging in advocacy with/for people with disabilities. Method In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, 13 occupational therapists were interviewed about their advocacy experiences. Data analysis was completed using a Gadamerian-based approach. Findings Advocacy is complex given that the specific tasks, the third party to whom advocacy is directed and the individual(s) advocating with the therapist vary greatly. Many skills used for advocacy are already part of the therapist’s practice, such as defining the problem, acquiring information, communicating and providing education. In this study, occupational therapists describe advocating as assisting clients who are struggling with access to equipment, services or funding. Also, they advocate by fostering the development of self-advocacy, rather than representing people with disabilities on an ongoing basis. Conclusion While these findings provide some insights about how advocacy is currently practiced, a detailed framework is needed to further guide therapists through this complex area of practice.

Background The incidence of stroke and subsequent level of disability will increase, as age is the greatest risk factor for stroke and the world's population is aging. Hospital admissions are too brief for patients to regain necessary function. Research to examine therapy delivered within the home environment has the potential to expedite relearning of function and reduce health care expenditures. Purpose This case report describes the use of the knowledge-to-action cycle (KTA) to develop and evaluate an evidence-based approach for rehabilitation in the home that incorporates self-management and task-oriented functional training (TOFT) for people with stroke. Case Description The KTA cycle was used to guide adaptation of evidence from self-management and TOFT into an approach titled START (Self-Management and Task-Oriented Approach to Rehabilitation Training). Three stakeholder symposiums identified barriers and supports to implementation. Clinical practice leaders were engaged as partners in the development of the intervention. An online learning management system housed the resources to support therapist training. Therapist focus groups were conducted and stroke outcomes were used to assess patient response. Outcomes Eight therapists completed 4 workshops and applied the home intervention in 12 people with stroke. A mentoring process for therapists included feedback from peers and experts after viewing treatment videos. Therapist response was determined from the focus groups; patient response was measured by standardized assessments. The therapists noted that the intervention was easier to implement with patients who were motivated and had minimal cognitive impairment. Discussion The KTA cycle provided a structure for the development of this evidence-based rehabilitation intervention, which was feasible to implement in the home. Further evaluation needs to be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of START.

Objectives: To assess the physical function of people living with osteoarthritis in a Maya-Yucateco rural community from 3 perspectives and explore factors associated with the presence of disability. Design: Physical function and social, physical, psychological, and behavioral factors were evaluated in all adults detected with hand, hip, and/or knee osteoarthritis (n = 144) through a Community-Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases–based census in the Mayan community of Chankom, Yucatán. All cases fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Physical function was assessed from 3 perspectives: hypothetical or “what people think they can do” (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]), experimental or “what people could do in standardized conditions” (6-minute walk test [6MWT] + the Functional Dexterity Test) and enacted or “what people actually do” (personal care, work, and leisure activities’ self-report). Results: About 80% of participants reported “mild” disability (HAQ-DI ≤ 1) in the hypothetical function perspective, whereas average experimental function scores were low (6MWT: 206 m, Functional Dexterity Test: 64 seconds), and 78% of participants reported problems with enacted function (ie, work). Pain was significantly associated with disability in the hypothetical perspective (odds ratio [OR] = 3 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-4]); levels of wealth (β = 5 [95% CI: 1-9]) and muscle strength (β = 54 [95% CI: 20-87]) were significantly associated with functioning in the experimental perspective; and lower levels of self-efficacy (OR = 12 [95% CI: 6-27]) and physical activity (OR = 12 [95% CI: 6-27]) were significantly associated with work disability in the enacted function perspective. Conclusions: People living with osteoarthritis in Chankom show important issues when assessing physical function at the experimental and enacted perspectives, which could have been overlooked if only the hypothetical perspective was considered. Different factors were associated with different physical function perspectives and all should be addressed to decrease disability in this community.

Background. Qualitative studies describe environmental influences on participation in adults with chronic disease, but translating these findings into practice can be difficult. Purpose. This study sought to synthesize qualitative research findings regarding the influence of environmental factors on participation among adults with chronic disease. Methods. Searching revealed 31 articles that describe the link between environment and participation for adults with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and/or depression. Study findings were analyzed using metasynthesis methods to identify themes. Findings. For adults with chronic disease, renegotiating their environments and occupations to achieve, maintain, or rework their participation involves understanding support processes, being ordinary and able, navigating systems, and navigating physical environments. Implications. Key areas that occupational therapy interventions can target are facilitating constructive collaboration between client and support person, fostering connections with others, recognizing cultural pressure to be ordinary and able, and advocating for supportive policy and practice.

Background. As adults age with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the role for rehabilitation continues to emerge. Understanding how social participation is affected among women aging with HIV can inform occupational therapy assessment and treatment. Purpose. Our purpose was to develop a theoretical model that describes the experiences of social participation from the perspective of older women living with HIV. Method. A grounded theory methodological approach was utilized. We conducted interviews with 20 women living with HIV, age 50 or older, to explore various aspects of social participation, including self-care, relationships with others, and access to health and social services. Emergent themes informed the theoretical model. Findings. The theoretical model comprises four concepts related to social participation: social engagement, social isolation, contrasting perceptions about factors variably influencing participation, and contextual influences that may enhance or hinder social participation. Implications. Women aging with HIV experience social participation as a dynamic process involving social engagement and isolation. Contextual influences may promote and impede social participation.

More than 50% of people over the age of 30 live with at least one chronic condition that influences their Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). No uniform framework for conceptualization of HRQOL is currently recognized, although several important domains have been identified. Recently, satisfaction with care has been suggested as an important component to be included in the measures of HRQOL.The objective of this review is to explore what is known from the literature about the relationship between satisfaction with care and HRQOL in patients living with chronic conditions.A scoping review methodology guided this work.The results support the observation of a positive correlation between satisfaction with care and HRQOL; however, the directionality of the relationships could not be established. Although change in the way we organize and provide treatment might not be expected to lead to a significant change in functional performance of the individuals, we can potentially affect people's perception of disability, and improve their control and coping with the illness.The review highlights the importance of using appropriate and psychometrically sound measures when assessing HRQOL. Studies are needed that explore longitudinally the relationships between the care experiences and HRQOL.

Understanding the factors that impact perceived health status of older adults will help to identify the factors associated with aging well and to develop occupational and physical therapy interventions. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between life circumstances related to living with a helper and perceived health status. Methods: Questionnaire responses from a sample (n = 243) of community-dwelling older adults (ages 60–90+) were analyzed for relationships between demographic information, living with a helper, and SF-36 scores. Results: In a sample with high socioeconomic status, there were no differences between men and women in reported health status, but women were significantly less likely to have a helper at home. Ceiling effects were noted in several subscales of the SF-36. Discussion: Consideration must be given to gender differences in help at home during therapy, and when recommending outside services to help with daily living tasks.

Background. The impact of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) on the participation of women in paid/unpaid work is a little understood phenomenon. Purpose. A research study exploring the lived experiences of Canadian women's engagement in paid/unpaid work and the barriers and facilitators mediating this phenomenon. Method. Study design employed a phenomenological approach using data subanalysis of transcripts, double coded for agreement and to ensure saturation of themes. Results. Analysis of the data revealed an overarching theme of engagement mediated by interacting forces with eight subthemes: active management, agency constrained by structure, the nature of supports, HIV/AIDS sequelae, work as a galvanizing force, the presence of children, the element of fear, and negotiation of self. Implications. Insights gained indicate a need for further education, resources, supports, and policy changes at the systems level. Occupational therapy is positioned to broaden the role of rehabilitation in the context of HIV/AIDS, episodic disability, and work participation.

Title. Experiences of nurses working in a stroke rehabilitation unit. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore the perceptions, beliefs and feelings of a group of nurses who provided care to individuals admitted to a stroke rehabilitation unit. Background. Following a stroke, survivors should ideally be referred to multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation programmes, which attain better outcomes compared to the care provided on general medical wards. However, to achieve these outcomes, team members must work closely together. Communication problems have been reported in these teams, and other members may consider that nurses do not practise functional activities with patients. Methods. An interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted. Eight nurses in one Canadian stroke rehabilitation unit were interviewed during 2004–2005 about their experiences of providing care to stroke survivors. Findings. The nurses enjoyed giving this type of care, feeling that their role was pivotal to the rehabilitation process. At times, they found it difficult to let patients struggle to complete their activities of daily living. The nurses felt that lack of resources, including time, contributed to stroke survivors being short-changed in their rehabilitation nursing care. Despite holding strong views that others devalued their role within the stroke team, the nurses retained positive attitudes. Conclusion. Stroke teams need to recognize the constraints nurses experience in fulfilling their stroke rehabilitation role in order to foster the collegial support that could contribute to a more interactive and respectful work environment. They also need to consider ways to increase the job satisfaction of nurses working in stroke rehabilitation settings.

Elena L Bamm,1 Peter Rosenbaum,1,2 Seanne Wilkins,1 Paul Stratford11School of Rehabilitation Science, 2CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, CanadaIntroduction: In recent years, client-centered care has been embraced as a new philosophy of care by many organizations around the world. Clinicians and researchers have identified the need for valid and reliable outcome measures that are easy to use to evaluate success of implementation of new concepts.Objective: The current study was developed to complete adaptation and field testing of the companion patient-reported measures of processes of care for adults (MPOC-A) and the service provider self-reflection measure of processes of care for service providers working with adult clients (MPOC-SP(A)).Design: A validation studySettings: In-patient rehabilitation facilities.Main outcome measures: MPOC-A and measure of processes of care for service providers working with adult clients (MPOC-SP(A)).Results: Three hundred and eighty-four health care providers, 61 patients, and 16 family members completed the questionnaires. Good to excellent internal consistency (0.71–0.88 for health care professionals, 0.82–0.90 for patients, and 0.87–0.94 for family members), as well as moderate to good correlations between domains (0.40–0.78 for health care professionals and 0.52–0.84 for clients) supported internal reliability of the tools. Exploratory factor analysis of the MPOC-SP(A) responses supported the multidimensionality of the questionnaire.Conclusion: MPOC-A and MPOC-SP(A) are valid and reliable tools to assess patient and service-provider accounts, respectively, of the extent to which they experience, or are able to provide, client-centered service. Research should now be undertaken to explore in more detail the relationships between client experience and provider reports of their own behavior.Keywords: client-centered care, service evaluation, MPOC, models of care

Patient or client-centered care has been widely accepted as an essential component of health care delivery in many countries. Few studies explore actual implementation of client-centered principles and clients' and health care providers' (HCPs) experiences with these approaches. Our objective was to explore current models of delivery of rehabilitation services from the perspectives of patients, families, and HCPs. We conducted semistructured interviews with patients, families, and HCPs of one of four rehabilitation facilities in South-Central Ontario, Canada. Being on common grounds/Working toward client set goals was the main category identified by both clients and HCPs. Although successful partnerships were created, the majority of clients assumed a passive position. Clients needed more information about the rehabilitation progression and alternative treatment options. The results of the study suggest that we need to encourage and educate clients to become motivated, well-informed, proactive participants in their care.

The impact of living with arthritis in a rural Mexican Mayan community along with the barriers encountered by people living with this chronic condition were investigated in this study. The community needs around this health issue were investigated by conducting an ethnographic study using data obtained during two time periods (August 2012-April 2013 and December 2013-December 2014). During the first period, fieldwork observations and interviews with 65 individuals, which included people with arthritis, health professionals, traditional health providers, and community leaders were undertaken. During the second period, 46 community meetings were conducted to identify the needs associated with arthritis in the municipality. Data were analyzed following a modified version of the Framework approach. The results show that arthritis reduces the health-related quality of life of the people in Chankom through a process of disablement, conditioning a need to access culturally sensitive healthcare. Availability, attainability, and acceptability barriers prevent access to this type of healthcare and result from power imbalance between indigenous and non-indigenous people. There is a need to develop culturally sensitive rehabilitation services for people living with arthritis in Chankom. Mayan people should be involved in the design and implementation of these services. Moreover, it is important to improve our understanding of the processes behind the healthcare access inequities identified in this study by attending to the historical generation of current social, economical, cultural, and political structures.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the opportunities and challenges in the development of a research group established to investigate and disseminate knowledge related to aging, mobility and participation. Various aspects of the research group are described, including the purpose, membership, structure, funding, communication, decision-making and a research model developed to inform research activities. Some current research and educational activities are outlined. Insights and recommendations are provided about strategies used to facilitate the development of this group, including commitment and perseverance; joint projects; designated physical space and funding for infrastructure; regular meetings, educational sessions and retreats; and an opportunity for peer support.

BackgroundThe negative impact of musculoskeletal diseases on the physical function and quality of life of people living in developing countries is considerable. This disabling effect is even more marked in low-socioeconomic communities within developing countries. In Mexico, there is a need to create community-based rehabilitation programs for people living with musculoskeletal diseases in low-socioeconomic areas. These programs should be directed to prevent and decrease disability, accommodating the specific local culture of communities. ObjectiveThe objective of this paper is to describe a research protocol designed to develop, implement, and evaluate culturally sensitive community-based rehabilitation programs aiming to decrease disability of people living with musculoskeletal diseases in two low-income Mexican communities. MethodsA community-based participatory research approach is proposed, including multi and transdisciplinary efforts among the community, medical anthropology, and the health sciences. The project is structured in 4 main stages: (1) situation analysis, (2) program development, (3) program implementation, and (4) program evaluation. Each stage includes the use of quantitative and qualitative methods (mixed method program). ResultsSo far, we obtained resources from a Mexican federal agency and completed stage one of the project at Chankom, Yucatán. We are currently receiving funding from an international agency to complete stage two at this same location. We expect that the project at Chankom will be concluded by December of 2017. On the other hand, we just started the execution of stage one at Nuevo León with funding from a Mexican federal agency. We expect to conclude the project at this site by September of 2018. ConclusionsUsing a community-based participatory research approach and a mixed method program could result in the creation of culturally sensitive community-based rehabilitation programs that promote community development and decrease the disabling effects of musculoskeletal diseases within two low-income Mexican communities.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a theoretical model describing the disability experienced by older adults living with HIV. Forty nine HIV positive men and women over the age of 50 years participated in in-depth qualitative interviews. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Uncertainty or worrying about the future was at the core of the model. Components of disability including symptoms and impairments, difficulties with day to day activities and challenges to social participation were experienced in the context of extrinsic or environmental factors (social support, stigma) and intrinsic contextual factors (positive living strategies, age). Time was an overarching component of the model. The model suggests areas for interventions to prevent or reduce disability related to the consequences of aging with HIV and improve overall quality of life.

Background/Aim The need was identified for a way to assess internationally educated occupational therapists' skills in understanding and communicating professional terminology used in occupational therapy practice. The project aim was to develop and validate such a resource. Methods A scenario-based assessment was developed using a three-phase process for tool development. The development process involved completion of a literature scan of professional terminology used in occupational therapy practice; selection of terms and concepts commonly used in occupational therapy practice; and, creation of practice-based scenarios illustrating key concepts complete with rating rubrics. An advisory group provided oversight, and a sample of internationally educated occupational therapists completed pilot and validity testing. Results The initial findings showed the assessment to be easy to complete and sensitive to testing understanding of the defined terms. Conclusions The final outcome is an assessment tool that has broad application for occupational therapists wishing to enter professional practice in a new country.

Objective: To investigate the contributions of physiotherapy and occupational therapy to self-management interventions and the theoretical models used to support these interventions in chronic disease. Data sources: We conducted two literature searches to identify studies that evaluated self-management interventions involving physiotherapists and occupational therapists in MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), SPORTdiscus, and REHABDATA databases. Study selection: Four investigator pairs screened article title and abstract, then full text with inclusion criteria. Selected articles ( n = 57) included adults who received a chronic disease self-management intervention, developed or delivered by a physiotherapist and/or an occupational therapist compared with a control group. Data extraction: Four pairs of investigators performed independent reviews of each article and data extraction included: (a) participant characteristics, (b) the self-management intervention, (c) the comparison intervention, (d) outcome measures, construct measured and results. Data synthesis: A total of 47 articles reported the involvement of physiotherapy in self-management compared with 10 occupational therapy articles. The type of chronic condition produced different yields: arthritis n = 21 articles; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic pain n = 9 articles each. The theoretical frameworks most frequently cited were social cognitive theory and self-efficacy theory. Physical activity was the predominant focus of the self-management interventions. Physiotherapy programmes included disease-specific education, fatigue, posture, and pain management, while occupational therapists concentrated on joint protection, fatigue, and stress management. Conclusions: Physiotherapists and occupational therapists make moderate contributions to self-management interventions. Most of these interventions are disease-specific and are most frequently based on the principles of behaviour change theories.

The coalescence of aging and chronic illness may alter the relationships between the meanings of aging and chronic illness and the self-concept. Using Rosenberg's conceptualization of self-concept (1979), a qualitative study was designed and data collected from twenty-eight women with osteoporosis. Three types of self-concepts emerged from the data: the confident self, the contradictory self and the disparaged self. A description of these types is presented highlighting the reciprocal relationship among meanings of aging and chronic illness and self-concept and including discussion of the strategies used to enhance, protect and maintain self-concept despite changes brought on by aging and chronic illness.

Qualitative studies describe environmental influences on participation in adults with chronic disease, but translating these findings into practice can be difficult.This study sought to synthesize qualitative research findings regarding the influence of environmental factors on participation among adults with chronic disease.Searching revealed 31 I articles that describe the link between environment and participation for adults with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and/or depression. Study findings were analyzed using metasynthesis methods to identify themes.For adults with chronic disease, renegotiating their environments and occupations to achieve, maintain, or rework their participation involves understanding support processes, being ordinary and able, navigating systems, and navigating physical environments.Key areas that occupational therapy interventions can target are facilitating constructive collaboration between client and support person, fostering connections with others, recognizing cultural pressure to be ordinary and able, and advocating for supportive policy and practice.

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics and needs of individuals with stroke who report an unmet need for occupational therapy following discharge from hospital. Needs were assessed using a semi-structured interview and a survey in a sample of 209 adults hospitalized with a stroke. Participants were divided into three groups-those needing occupational therapy; those receiving occupational therapy, and those neither needing nor receiving occupational therapy. Thirteen percent (n = 28) reported an unmet need for occupational therapy and were more dependent in activities of daily living (ADL) before and after their stroke and had lower acute functional independence measure (FIM) scores than the comparison groups (p < .05). Participants with unmet needs for occupational therapy were more likely to report unmet needs related to upper extremity function, basic and instrumental ADL, leisure, assistive devices, and the resumption of social roles.

Due to advances in treatment, people with HIV are living longer and developing disabilities related to the virus, adverse side effects of medications, and aging. Illness-related uncertainty has been shown to contribute to disablement; however, there is little understanding of the uncertainties related to aging with HIV. The purpose of this research was to describe the contribution of uncertainty to the disability experienced by older adults living with HIV. Forty-nine men and women living with HIV and 50 years or older participated in in-depth qualitative interviews exploring various aspects of social participation and disability. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Age-related uncertainties were described in the following themes: source of health challenge; health providers' age-related knowledge and skills; financial uncertainty; transition to retirement; appropriate long-term housing, and uncertainty over who would care for them. While not directly attributable to aging, the episodic nature of HIV left many with uncertainties related to when their next episode of illness would occur and often resulted in an inability to plan in advance. Results highlight the need to focus on the notion of successful and positive aging with the view to identifying effective interventions that reduce disability and enhance the overall health of older adults with HIV. This work builds on previous studies highlighting the role of uncertainty in the disability experience by identifying age-related components specific to older adults aging with HIV.

Background. Occupational therapy literature encourages therapists to advocate, yet any member of the team could advocate with/for people with disabilities. There is a need to determine why occupational therapists provide these services and how they learn to advocate.Purpose. The objective of this article is to understand the meaning of advocacy for occupational therapists by exploring their reasons for advocating.Methods. Interpretive phenomenology and the social model of disability were used to interview 13 occupational therapists about their advocacy experiences. Data analysis was completed using a Gadamerian-based approach.Findings. Occupational therapists advocate for a number of reasons; some relate to themselves, some relate to clients, and others relate to both. Learning about advocacy may be understood as taking place on a continuum of time.Implications. The occupational therapist's unique reason for advocating is to facilitate the client's occupational performance. A new definition of advocacy is presented based on study findings.

Background/aim Evidence that the physical environment is a fall risk factor in older adults is inconsistent. The study evaluated and summarised evidence of the physical environment as a fall risk factor. Methods Eight databases (1985-2006) were searched. Investigators evaluated quality of two categories (cross-sectional and cohort) of studies, extracted and analysed data. Results Cross-sectional: falls occur in a variety of environments; gait aids were present in approximately 30% of falls. Cohort Home hazards increased fall risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97-1.36) although not significantly. When only the high quality studies were included, the OR = 1.38 (95% CI: 1.03-1.87), which was statistically significant. Use of mobility aids significantly increased fall risk in community (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.59-2.71) and institutional (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.66-1.89) settings. Conclusions Home hazards appear to be a significant risk factor in older community-dwelling adults, although they may present the greatest risk for persons who fall repeatedly. Future research should examine relationships between mobility impairments, use of mobility aids and falls.

To determine the needs, barriers and facilitators of function in individuals with stroke after discharge from hospital. To examine the results stratified by the patient's acute score (41, 41-80,80) on the functional independence measure (FIM).This was a cohort study of 209 patients who had been admitted to hospital because of stroke. Patients were interviewed following hospital discharge using a semi-structured interview and asked to complete and return a quantitative closed-ended survey.For most domains, frequencies of needs varied across the FIM groups. Combining all FIM groups, the interview showed needs related to: physical impairments (35%), time for recovery (33%), education (28%), medical advice (25%), therapies and services (21%), social needs (19%) and emotional needs (18%). From the interview, the most frequent barriers were physical impairments (55%) and emotional concerns (40%). Common facilitators were family support (54%), therapies and medical care (40%) and personal attitudes (22%). Additional needs from the survey concerned: IADL, mobility, ADL, recreation, finances, communication and employment. Additional barriers from the survey were: attitudes, social participation, environments and limited services.There is a large and varied number of needs and barriers following discharge from hospital that have planning and advocacy implications for rehabilitation teams.

The World Wide Web has been recognized as a significant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to educate and empower consumers by providing information on their health problems, prevention/management of diseases and related health services. It has the ability to reach those with limited access to information, potential for online support/interaction, access to volumes of information on a wide breadth of topics and the ability for people to access information when needed or “in real-time”. Information professionals and healthcare providers have become aware that consumers are increasingly using the web for meeting their health information needs. However, concerns remain about the potential effects of seeking health information on the web for health matters as consumers tend to be non-clinical and may not be able to judge the quality of online health information resources. The purpose of this pilot Knowledge Exchange and Transfer (KET) project was to develop a tool (Information Brochure) that could be used by consumers to empower and to help them identify higher-quality web health information. A structured process was used for the development of the KET intervention. Consumer feedback and evaluation confirmed that the intervention can be useful to increase knowledge about their health conditions, better communications with healthcare providers and assist in making decisions about their own health.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of women living with HIV using a rehabilitation lens. Twenty-three women with a mean age of 40.8 years participated in personal interviews regarding barriers and facilitators to participation in society. An open coding analysis revealed the following themes associated with decreased participation: living in poverty, enduring depression and isolation, fearing disclosure and stigma, tolerating the signs and symptoms, experiencing barriers to work and lacking supportive networks. Themes related to women who were participating in their communities included meaning of children, balancing life with HIV, accessing support networks and possessing a strong self-identity. The findings highlight the complexity of the interaction between personal, environmental and health-related factors and the need for supports that incorporate the broader concept of rehabilitation.

Work organization consists of three contexts: (a) the external context/factors, (b) the organizational context/practices, and, (c) the work context/process. The investigation of work organization may lead to more effective prevention and intervention for work-related injury and illness. Studies have suggested that workers with limited English proficiency may be more prone to work-related injury and illness. The purposes of this qualitative phenomenological study were to gain a better understanding of the meaning of work organization to Chinese workers with English as a second language (ESL) and to explore their lived experiences on how work organization affects their health. Ten in-depth face to face interviews were conducted with Chinese ESL workers (5 males and 5 females; ages ranged from 22 to 41 years) who were employed in English-speaking workplaces in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. Interviews were translated and transcribed before importing them into NUD*IST, a qualitative data management software program. The transcripts were then coded, and categories were developed based on the codes. Subsequently, eight themes were identified from the categories. Work organization was perceived by Chinese ESL workers to be at an impersonal and distant level. Workers also identified work organization related issues (i.e., employers' priority, communication, work culture, job autonomy, recognition, and individual characteristics) as factors affecting their health at workplaces. However, these workers commonly expressed resignation towards their own health. Workplaces, especially those with Chinese ESL workers, need to place greater emphasis on implementing effective health and safety approaches to maximize the health of these workers.

Background. There has been an increased focus on home care service provision in recent years, yet there are few data available about the provision of home and community occupational therapy for children and youth. Purpose. To evaluate key elements of a service provision model for home care occupational therapy in terms of occupational performance outcomes, perception of care and cost. Methods. Eleven centres in Ontario and Quebec recruited 167 children and youth up to 18 years of age to a before and after study of occupational therapy services in the home and community. Occupational performance, quality of life and costs were measured at baseline and study end. Perception of care was measured at study completion. Results. A statistically and clinically significant improvement in occupational performance was demonstrated (p

The tutor plays an important role in facilitating learning in a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum. This paper explored the ways that novice tutors were educated in a PBL programme at McMaster University. Thirteen novice tutors were interviewed in this qualitative, ethnographic study to identify their learning needs and culture at the entry phase of 'becoming a tutor'. Ten tutor guides were also interviewed to provide additional information and perspectives regarding the data generated by the novice tutors. Categories that emerged were: (1) benefiting from the experience, (2) managing the challenges, (3) transitioning to a new role, (4) uncovering learning opportunities, (5) maintaining vigilance, and (6) explicating the implicit. The overarching framework that wove the categories together was that of the theme of storytelling in the teaching-learning process. Implications for practice for tutor training are addressed considering the oral tradition.

Background. This paper examines the results of a critical literature review describing the provision of education and functional training programs by occupational therapists with older adults to maximize their occupational performance. Purpose. The critical review addressed the following question: What is the effectiveness of education and functional training programs in improving occupational performance and quality of life for older adults? Review methods are described and the outcomes of the critical review discussed. Results. The results indicate that there is evidence that programs are effective in three areas: prevention of functional decline and falls, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Methodological limitations exist in some studies. There are several randomized controlled studies in this area, though the description of specific occupational therapy interventions is often vague and the programs could not be easily duplicated by occupational therapists. Practice implications. Occupational therapists are provided with information through this critical review to facilitate evidence-based practice when working with older adults.

The profession of occupational therapy has a long history of working collaboratively with support personnel. This paper describes the process of a fieldwork education partnership developed between the McMaster University, BHSc (OT) Program and the Mohawk College, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Eight student occupational therapists and eight student occupational therapist assistants learned together in a variety of fieldwork settings, either in pairs or in groups. Both groups of students kept weekly journals of the experience and completed a post placement questionnaire. The journals were inductively analysed using a retrospective content analysis. The four emergent themes identified from the data are learning about each other's role, collaborative learning, impact on client care and future practice, and resistance to roles. Recommendations for future collaborations are discussed.

This paper explores the challenges of implementing client-centred occupational therapy practice. While many occupational therapists believe in the principles of client-centred practice and espouse them, it seems much more difficult to implement these into everyday practice. Findings from three qualitative studies with three different populations (i.e., family-centred care for children and their families, community-based home care, facility-based care for older adults) are used to illustrate the challenges which are divided into three broad categories: challenges at the level of the system, at the level of the therapist and at the level of the client. Suggestions for change at each level are addressed. Organizations, therapists and clients must work together to facilitate these changes and ensure that each occupational therapy client receives respectful, supportive, coordinated, flexible and individualized service.

The increasing number of elderly people in the population and their greater use of the health care system require an increasing number of health care providers to work with older adults. A shortage of health care professionals to provide this care, as well as a reluctance to provide such care have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how occupational therapists decide to work with older adults. Using a comparative approach, 40 occupational therapists were interviewed, 20 working in gerontology and 20 working in paediatrics. The findings indicate that social characteristics and experiences of the individual, as well as the context of work are important influences for practice choice decisions. Mapping of career paths led to the development of a typology to further describe the different influences involved in the career choices of these occupational therapists. Recommendations related to education and practice provide practical means by which to implement change.

Women living with fibromyalgia consistently report experiencing a change in their lives in terms of stigma, inability to work, isolation from society and difficulty in managing their illness. Lack of understanding and knowledge about their disease has been linked to compromised health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of information use of women living with fibromyalgia. A descriptive phenomenology was used for this study. Participants were identified through gatekeepers for women living with fibromyalgia across Canada. Data was collected via taperecorded interviews. The study was conducted in Canada between 2009-2010. Ten women (18 or older) participated in the research. Three essential themes emerged from the analysis that were vital to understand the unique experiences of women: i) understanding the need for information required to live with fibromyalgia, ii) struggling to meet vital and fundamental information needs and iii) transforming themselves to improve health and quality of life. Women living with fibromyalgia have vital and specific information needs and struggle to find and access appropriate information. They use diverse strategies in overcoming some of the challenges in accessing information. Most significantly, women draw on the information to make changes and to begin to coordinate their lives to live with fibromyalgia. For women living with fibromyalgia, the phenomenon of information use has a significant effect on their lives. Healthcare providers are perceived as an important source of information and need to be better informed, more prepared and dedicated to assisting women with their information needs.

A lack of understanding about fibromyalgia and how to live with it may undermine the foundations of self-management and may compromise quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the information needs and preferences pertinent to people living with fibromyalgia. A cross-sectional web-based survey was developed based on conceptual and qualitative work informing information needs. Recruitment took place through hospitals, clinics, physicians and fibromyalgia support groups across Canada. Descriptive statistics using SPSS and graphical representations were employed to summarize and represent data. A total of 442 respondents (93% female, mode age 51-65) participated in the survey. No statistical differences in information needs were found between males and females or education level. Respondents (74%) frequently searched for information about fibromyalgia using a variety of resources including Internet (91%), doctors (75%), support groups (76%), and people with same condition (87%). Respondents expressed a strong need for information about symptoms (81%), implications (79%), treatments (87%), resources (85%) and coping (79%). However, concerns were expressed about the reliability of information and majority (93%) wanted information to be available online that is provided by healthcare providers or from reputable sources. Internet (48%), people with similar condition (35%) and support groups (35%) were perceived as useful resources for people living with fibromyalgia. Information resources need to be developed on the basis of both content and knowledge of the information needs of the target end-user. Healthcare providers and the Internet are expected to be reliable resources of information.

Background Patients living with fibromyalgia strongly prefer to access health information on the web. However, the majority of subjects in previous studies strongly expressed their concerns about the quality of online information resources. Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate existing online fibromyalgia information resources for content, quality and readability by using standardised quality and readability tools. Methods The first 25 websites were identified using Google and the search keyword ‘fibromyalgia’. Pairs of raters independently evaluated website quality using two structured tools (DISCERN and a quality checklist). Readability was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease score maps. Results Ranking of the websites' quality varied by the tool used, although there was general agreement about the top three websites (Fibromyalgia Information, Fibromyalgia Information Foundation and National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases). Content analysis indicated that 72% of websites provided information on treatment options, 68% on symptoms, 60% on diagnosis and 40% on coping and resources. DISCERN ratings classified 32% websites as ‘very good’, 32% as ‘good and 36% as ‘marginal’. The mean overall DISCERN score was 36.88 (good). Only 16% of websites met the recommended literacy level grade of 6–8 (range 7–15). Conclusion Higher quality websites tended to be less readable. Online fibromyalgia information resources do not provide comprehensive information about fibromyalgia, and have low quality and poor readability. While information is very important for those living with fibromyalgia, current resources are unlikely to provide necessary or accurate information, and may not be usable for most people., Article summary Article focus The purpose of the study was to gain a better understanding of the online information resources available for people with fibromyalgia and to evaluate those resources for content, quality and readability. To determine the content, website quality and readability of the most readily retrieved information available on the web when searching for fibromyalgia information. Key messages Most existing websites do not provide comprehensive information on fibromyalgia. Websites are highly variable in terms of quality. Higher quality websites do not present information in language/reading levels appropriate for the general population. Strengths and limitations of this study This study examines the quality of online fibromyalgia resources. Standardised quality and readability tools were used to assess quality and readability. There is no gold standard for comparison or ways to evaluate the quality of websites. The quality issue was discussed using critical appraisal tools designed for the lay public. The readability score may vary for some websites as it may be related to the use of technical terms such as fibromyalgia.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of arthritis on the physical function of people living in a Maya-Yucateco rural community and to assess the association of known modifiable risk factors with the prevalence of overall arthritis and its main types (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). Using a cross-sectional, community-based census design, data collected from the adult population (≥18 years) of the Municipality of Chankom, Yucatán, México, were analyzed (n = 1523). Participants' physical function was assessed using a culturized version of the health assessment questionnaire disability index. Social, physical, and behavioral factors linked to overall arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, were assessed through the "Community-Oriented-Program-for-the-Control-of-Rheumatic-Diseases [COPCORD]" questionnaire. A physiatrist and a rheumatologist confirmed all osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cases using the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Arthritis was confirmed in 169 cases (22 %, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 19-25) of those assessed for musculoskeletal symptoms (n = 779): osteoarthritis = 144, rheumatoid arthritis = 17, and non-specific arthritis = 8. Arthritis was associated with a higher prevalence of disability after controlling for age, gender, and number of comorbidities (odds ratio = 4.0, 95 % CI 3.0-6.0). Higher level of wealth was associated with lower arthritis prevalence (odds ratio = 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-0.9). Higher body mass index was associated with higher hip and/or knee osteoarthritis prevalence (odds ratio = 1.1, 95 % CI 1.03-1.1). Arthritis is highly associated with disability in the Mayan people living in Chankom. The prevalence of arthritis in Chankom is associated with social factors, such as people's level of wealth, while the prevalence of low-extremity osteoarthritis is associated with people's body mass index.