Showing papers in "International journal of therapy and rehabilitation in 2013"

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in outpatients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Aims: To identify, appraise and synthesise evidence on the level of physical inactivity or activity and its moderators in outpatients with schizophrenia. Method: A systematic search strategy was undertaken and included eight electronic databases. Searches were undertaken using a subject and text-word search strategy between the dates from each databases' inception to September 2012. Two independent reviewers determined study eligibility. Data extraction detailed the level and time spent in physical activity. Results: One hundred and sixty three records were screened, and 12 studies (n=628) met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis identified higher levels of sedentary activity (N=2; n=140; z=44.1; P<0.001) and low categories of physical activity (N=2; n=140; z=147,306; P<0.001), and lower levels of moderate (N=3; n=300; z=-5.1; P<0.001) and vigorous (n=3; n=220; z=-3.2; P=0.001) physical activity categories when comparing patients with schizophrenia to healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Meta-regr...

Cross-cultural validation of the Persian version of the Manual Ability Classification System for children with cerebral palsy

Abstract: Objectives: To determine the reliability and cross-cultural validation of the Persian translation of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: After the forward-backward translation procedures and investigation of face and content validity, inter-rater and test-retest reliability was assessed between parents and occupational therapists using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Parents and therapists classified 100 children (4–18 years, mean age of 8.13 years, SD=3.40, 63 boys, 37 girls) with various types of CP using MACS. Additional data on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and accompanying conditions were also collected. Findings: The inter-rater reliability was high; the ICC was 0.96 (ranged between 0.94–0.97) among occupational therapists and parents. The ICC for the test-retest reliability was high; the ICC related to parents was 0.97 (ranged between 0.95–0.98) and the ICC related to occupational therapists was 0.97 (ranged between 0.96–0.98). Discussion: The Persian version of MACS is found to be valid and reliable, and is suggested to be appropriate for assessing the manual ability of children with CP within the Iranian population.

Burnout in physiotherapists: Use of clinical supervision and desire for emotional closeness or distance to clients

Abstract: Aims: This study aimed to investigate burnout among physiotherapists in hospitals within four health districts in South Tyrol (the German and Italian speaking area of Italy). Method: Data were collected anonymously by envelope. The German version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-D) (Bussing and Perrar, 1992; Bussing and Glaser, 1998), socio-demographic, occupational data, the use of clinical supervision or support and the desire for emotional distance and closeness to clients were recorded. Questionnaires were sent to 191 physiotherapists in South Tyrol; and 132 participated in the study (return rate 69.63%). Results: In the MBI-D, which contains three scales: ‘emotional exhaustion’, ‘depersonalisation’ and ‘personal accomplishment’; the risk of burnout is reflected in high values in the emotional exhaustion and the depersonalisation scales and low values in personal accomplishment. The present study found that about 35% of the physiotherapists who responded to the questionnaire showed burnout risk i...

The repetitive Five-Times-Sit- To-Stand test: Its reliability in older adults

Abstract: Aims This paper examines: the intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand (FTSTS) test administered by experienced and inexperienced assessors; and the correlation of FTSTS test times with lower limb muscle strength and balance performance in healthy older and young people. Method The cross-sectional study investigated reliability using test batteries including: FTSTS times; hand-held dynamometer measurements of hip flexor, knee flexor and extensor, and ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle strength; Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores; and dynamic posturography measurements of the limits of stability (LOS). A convenience sample of 12 healthy older and 12 younger participants was recruited in the local university-based rehabilitation centre. Results The FTSTS test showed excellent intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range: 0.914–0.933) and moderate intra-rater reliability (ICC range: 0.644–0.879) in healthy older and young subject grou...

Who's next? Referral prioritisation criteria for home care occupational therapy

Abstract: Background/aims: Prioritising referrals on waiting lists is common practice in rehabilitation. However, little is known about the exact criteria that are used in home-based occupational therapy to determine the level of urgency. This study aimed to identify prioritisation criteria in home-based occupational therapy services in Quebec, Canada, and to describe how they are used in practice. Methods: A mail and telephone survey of 55 home care programmes across Quebec was conducted. Participants provided information about occupational therapy wait times, and referral prioritisation tools and practices. A detailed quantitative content analysis compared the content of all referral prioritisation tools. Results: This study identified 48 main categories of referral prioritisation criteria, but only nine of them were present in the majority of tools. Wait times vary greatly between priority levels, with a median of 2 days for urgent referrals and 20 months for low-priority referrals. In general, problems related ...

Emergency department primary contact physiotherapists improve patient flow for musculoskeletal patients

Abstract: Aims: To determine if primary contact physiotherapists (PCPs) in the emergency department (ED) improve patient flow while providing management comparable to doctors for musculoskeletal patients. Methodology: Prospective observational design comparing PCPs to doctor treatment of musculoskeletal patients. Participants: 559 ED patients—275 patients treated by a PCP and 284 by a doctor. Measures: The primary outcome measure was wait time. Secondary outcomes were total length of stay, patient satisfaction, recovery and follow-up, re-presentations and adverse events. Results: The median wait time for patients managed by a PCP was statistically significantly shorter than for patients managed by a doctor, with a median of 22 minutes compared with 63 minutes (P<0.001). The median total time spent in the ED for patients managed by a PCP was also statistically significantly shorter than for patients managed by a doctor, 120 minutes compared with 201 minutes (P<0.001). Conclusion: PCP services in ED improve patient f...

Factors affecting quality of life for people who have experienced a stroke

Abstract: Background Quality of life (QoL) after stroke has primarily been the focus of quantitative research; however, the validity and adequacy of QoL measures have been questioned and qualitative research approaches have been advocated. Aim This review aims to gain a subjective understanding of the construct of QoL from the perspectives of people who have experienced a stroke. Method We conducted a metasynthesis, based on primary qualitative research of differing methodologies. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings of the eight studies reviewed. Findings Nine themes, each representing factors affecting QoL after stroke, were identified: physical and cognitive changes; communication; sense of self and identity; activities and participation; dependency and support in relationships; uncertainty and level of control; adaptation and attitude; the personal and social interpretation; new values and perspectives. Conclusion The impact of stroke on QoL is largely determined by how the stroke influences so...

Simulation-augmented education in the rehabilitation professions: A scoping review

Abstract: Background Simulation-augmented education is playing an increasingly important role in health professions education, yet little is known about the uptake of these interventions in the educational programmes and research for rehabilitation professions. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the benefits of simulation-augmented education interventions, and how such approaches can inform education practice, policy and research. Aims The purpose of this review was to determine what is currently known about the use of simulation in the education of rehabilitation professionals. Methods We conducted a scoping review that included a literature review of published and grey literature, followed by qualitative content analysis of the included references. A program evaluation framework was employed to structure data extraction and analysis. Results Several forms of simulation are commonly used among rehabilitation professions for expertise development, formative and summative evaluations, and to enhance course work...

The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality with an Irish sample: a factor analysis

Abstract: Background/Aim: The relationship between increased spirituality and better health has been consistently demonstrated in the US. The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) is one of the most commonly used measures in the US used to assess the spirituality and religiosity of people with disabilities, but it has not been validated for use with other international populations. This study was carried out to validate the factor structure of the BMMRS with an Irish population so that future research can be carried in spirituality and health research with Irish populations with disabilities. Methods: Based on 180 Irish undergraduate students, a principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalisation was completed. Results: Four factors with extraction eigenvalues greater than 1.0 (4.50, 3.12, 2.56, and 1.90) were identified, and explained a cumulative total of 63.56% of the variance. Based on face validity of the items from each factor, they were labelled ...

Public and private blogging during placements: perspectives of occupational therapy students

Abstract: Background: Occupational therapy students complete practice education placements as part of their degree programmes. Sufficient support during these placements is vital since the transition from the classroom to clinical practice can present many challenges. Ensuring support can be difficult, given that these placements occur across a wide geographical area. Blogs were identified as a possible innovative way of providing distance support and a study was undertaken to examine the usefulness of this tool in occupational therapy practice education. Methods: A descriptive investigation of a private blog at Trinity College, University of Dublin, and a public blog at the University of Limerick was conducted during one practice education placement. An online survey was used to capture quantitative and qualitative data on the students' experience of blogging during practice education. Findings: Blogging was not found to be a useful tool for developing reflection or clinical reasoning skills by this student sample...

Quality of life in persons with voice disorders: A review of patient-reported outcome measures

Abstract: This article provides concise reviews of widely-used quality of life (QOL) instruments for use with persons with voice disorders. Designed primarily for English-speaking persons, the reviewed instruments are delineated by title and population served, i.e. adult or paediatric. Each review reports the purpose of the QOL instrument as well as its psychometric soundness. Future voice-related QOL instruments are briefly considered. Finally, the appendices include tables with currently-available translations and known readability information. This article will serve as a reference for physicians and speech-language pathologists seeking to assess the voice-related QOL of their patients.

Learning styles of allied health sciences students at Kuwait University

Abstract: Background/aim Little is known about learning style preferences of allied health students in the Middle East as the majority of learning style studies have been conducted in the western world. This study examined the learning styles of undergraduate allied health students at Kuwait University. Methods A stratified sampling method was used to compare the learning styles of 256 students enrolled in five allied health programs at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Centre at Kuwait University. The students completed the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI-IIa) questionnaire in the first weeks of their course. Results The response rate was 73.1% (n=256). All of the allied health students from the five educational programs were highest in the areas of abstract conceptualization (AC). All the other allied health students, except physical therapists (PT), also indicated a preference for reflective observation (RO). Conclusion This study's participants' learning style preferences were ‘assimilator’, which is for...

Foundations for work-related practice: occupational therapy and physiotherapy entry-level curricula

Abstract: Aims/background: Occupational therapy (OT) and physiotherapy (PT) curricula content and preparedness for work-related practice and occupational health and safety (OHS) are not well documented. This study aimed to identify content and other elements of entry-level curricula in 23 OT and 17 PT programmes from Australia and New Zealand, and to identify educators' perceptions of OT and PT graduates' preparedness for work-related practice and OHS topics. Method: A telephone survey collected curricula content as well as teaching and assessment methods from 19 OT and PT work-related practice educators. Educators reported perceptions of new graduate preparedness for 22 topics in the field of work-related practice identified in an earlier study. Results included descriptive statistics and thematic analyses. Findings: Educators reported a high rate of inclusion (81%) of work-related practice topics in curricula. The main teaching method was theory (99.5%) and other methods included hands-on practical work with stud...

Comparative quality of life of Nigerian caregivers of children with cerebral palsy

Abstract: Background: Information on how caring for children with cerebral palsy (CP) affects Nigerian caregivers' quality of life (QoL) is scarce. The QoL of Nigerian caregivers for children with cerebral palsy (CGCP) was compared with that of their age-matched counterparts with similar socioeconomic backgrounds who were caring for normally developing children, who made up the control group (CG). Motor function of the children with CP was also correlated with the QoL of their caregivers. Methods: Participants in this longitudinal study were 312 people comprising 107 CCP, 107 CGCP and 98 CG. The QoL was assessed at baseline and at the second, fifth and eighth month using the 26–item World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQoL-Bref) questionnaire. Motor function performance of the children with CP was assessed at the same intervals using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Findings: Most of the CGCP and CG (82.3% and 93.8% respectively) were mothers of the children. At every point of assessment, the ...

Exploring the health benefits of singing for young people with cystic fibrosis

Abstract: Background: Recent evidence suggests that singing may improve health and wellbeing. The health benefits of singing for young people with cystic fibrosis (CF) have not been explored. This study aims to understand the impact of a singing intervention on hospitalised young people with CF. Method: Participants (n=20) completed a self-report satisfaction checklist following eight individual singing sessions during hospitalisation. participants' checklist responses were qualitatively analysed using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY). Findings: The study has found that singing has a positive impact on health, particularly with respect to the Body Functions and Activities and Participation components of the ICF-CY. In addition, participants reported a high degree of enjoyment and satisfaction with the singing programme. Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesis that singing can improve physical and psychological aspects of health. The ICF-...

Exercise instructor-led functional training programme for community dwelling stroke survivors: A qualitative study

Abstract: Background: Action for Rehabilitation in Neurological Injury (ARNI) is a novel community-based training programme that promotes functional independence and physical fitness in stroke survivors after formal rehabilitation. Method: We investigated the experiences of 22 stroke survivors enrolled in the 12-week programme, through their additional participation in one of four focus groups. Guidance topics informed the discussions, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted by two independent researchers and consensus reached on the overarching themes. Results: The programme was described as overwhelmingly positive, with ascribed benefits in physical, functional and social activities, leading to a reported increase in active participation in life. Key contextual factors were discussed as being critical to develop these benefits including: the balance of group and 1:1 training, the nature of challenge in the activities and the de-medicalisation of both the environment and the intervention itself. Conclusions: Group-based ARNI was reported as having a positive impact on function and participation in life post-stroke. This study indicates a need for further examination of the objective impact of the ARNI programme.

The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) for post-stroke cognitive impairment screening

Abstract: Aims: Clinical guidelines recommend stroke patients are routinely screened for cognitive impairment. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was evaluated for screening for post-stroke cognitive impairment. Methods: The RBANS and a neuropsychological test battery were administered to 60 participants recruited from acute stroke wards. Results: Using a cut-off of < 70 points, the RBANS Total Index demonstrated 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting any cognitive impairment. ROC curve analysis identified an optimum total index cut-off score of < 84 points (sensitivity 84%; specificity 90%). The RBANS Indices did not have acceptable sensitivity and specificity using a cut-off of < 70 points. ROC curve analysis identified higher optimum cut-offs (sensitivity 79–89%; specificity 48–96%). Conclusion: The RBANS was an acceptable measure for detecting post-stroke cognitive impairment but does not include assessment of executive ability.

Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on shoulder function in secondary shoulder impingement

Abstract: Objective: To determine the efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on shoulder function in participants with secondary shoulder impingement. Background: Previous research has established a relationship between shoulder muscle weakness and causation of secondary shoulder impingement. Recent evidence has shown that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was effective in relieving pain and increasing overhead reach. However, none of the studies have measured shoulder function after PNF application. Methods: This study used a pretest–posttest experimental group design. Thirty participants (15 male and 15 female) with a diagnosis of secondary shoulder impingement were recruited from a hospital setting and divided into two groups. Group 1 received both PNF and the conventional protocol while group 2 received only the conventional protocol. Both groups received the intervention for a period of 3 weeks. Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI) score and overhead reach were analysed in bo...

Postural sway and EMG analysis of hip and ankle muscles during balance tasks

Abstract: Aims: This study examined how vision, base of support (BOS) and surface compliance affected postural sway and electromyography (EMG) activity of hip and ankle muscles during eight balance training tasks in young adults. Methods: Postural sway and EMG activity of gluteus maximus (GMAX), gluteus medius (GMED), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (GAST) were measured during eight balance tasks with eyes open or closed, feet in tandem or apart, and on foam or a firm surface. Results: Postural sway and EMG activity of hip and ankle muscles were significantly affected by the alteration of vision, surface compliance or BOS during eight balance tasks (P<0.05). There was more postural sway when the number of sensory factors altered in the balance tasks increased. GMED and TA EMG activity increased significantly in tasks with tandem standing; GMAX was recruited significantly only when vision was excluded in tasks with tandem standing; and GAST EMG activity was significantly higher in tasks on the foam ...

How do comprehensive and acute stroke units differ? A critical review

Abstract: Background: Stroke unit care is advocated for all acute stroke patients. Varying models of stroke unit care exist and there is a need to identify how these models differ and how these differences may affect patient outcomes. This review explores the difference between the comprehensive stroke unit model, which includes rehabilitation, and the acute stroke unit model, which does not. Content: A review of descriptive information regarding comprehensive and acute stroke units was performed to determine the differences in the underlying components of care. Conclusion: A greater emphasis on acute medical care appears to exist in the acute stroke unit, with higher levels of nurse staffing, earlier assessment and investigation, more intensive physiological monitoring and an increased use of thrombolysis and anti-platelet therapy. In contrast, the availability of a period of rehabilitation in the comprehensive stroke unit appears to create a greater emphasis on rehabilitation, even in the acute phase, with greate...

Physical inactivity, depression and anxiety in acute stroke

Abstract: Background: Physical inactivity and low mood are both common early after stroke, but it is unclear whether they are related. If they are found to be associated, this will have important implications for acute stroke care. Methods: We measured physical activity, using the Position Activity Logger (PAL2) electronic device, and psychological wellbeing, using the Irritability, Depression and Anxiety (IDA) scale, within 14 days of stroke. Findings: Patients were very inactive, spending a median of 96% of the day either sitting or lying down. Depressive symptoms were exhibited by 74% of patients, and anxiety symptoms were exhibited by 53% of patients. While depressive symptoms were not related to physical activity, there was some indication that patients with anxiety symptoms spent more of the day lying down and less of the day sitting, standing or walking than those without anxiety symptoms (P=0.06). Having a previous history of depression was strongly associated with mood problems in acute stroke. Conclusions...

Developing the SELF study: A focus group with patients and the public

Abstract: Background Patient and public involvement (PPI) in the research process is a key feature of NHS Research and Development policy but reporting of the extent and value of PPI in relation to physiotherapy research is lacking. Aims To determine whether the proposed methodology within the randomized controlled trial aspect of the SELF study was acceptable to patients and to ascertain whether enhancements could be made in relation to elements that matter most to patients. Methods A focus group discussion was undertaken with four lay people who were currently attending physiotherapy. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework method. Findings The lay members found the proposals to be generally acceptable but were able to suggest enhancements to the SELF study's design relating to recruitment, retention, blinding, and acceptability of the intervention. Additionally, we were able to recruit lay members to the trial steering committee. Conclusion The unique perspective offered by PPI has res...

Influence of second-degree flatfoot on spinal and pelvic mechanics in young females

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of bilateral flexible second-degree flatfoot on pelvic and spinal mechanics in young females. Methods: A case-control trial was conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt, on 60 female participants who were assigned into two groups. Group A (the control group) included 31 healthy subjects, and group B (the study group) included 29 subjects with bilateral flexible second-degree of flatfoot deformity. For each subject in both groups, using lateral weight-bearing radiographs, foot assessments were performed bilaterally to measure the talus–first metatarsal angle. Using the formetric-II device, 3D assessments of the pelvis were performed on the frontal and sagittal planes in addition to lumbar and thoracic curvatures on the sagittal plane. Outcome measures were pelvic inclination, pelvic tilt, and lumbar lordotic and thoracic kyphotic angles. Results: There was a significant difference in pelvic inclination and in lumbar and thoracic angles (P=0....

The Casey Allied Health Model of Interdisciplinary Care (CAHMIC): Development and implementation

Abstract: Background: Within the Allied Health Department at Casey Hospital, in Melbourne, Australia, a need for the development of an interdisciplinary care model was identified The belief was that such a model would improve patient outcomes and staff ability to provide high-quality care Objective: To outline the steps that were taken in developing, mapping, and formulating the Casey Allied Health Model of Interdisciplinary Care (CAHMIC) Methods: A mixed-methods approach consisted of a review of the relevant peer-reviewed literature, staff surveys, focus groups and quantitative data collection to investigate the scope of interdisciplinary practice that allied health staff provided Findings: An initial survey involving 52 allied health staff revealed a high level of agreement between current practice and the existing literature identifying excellence in interdisciplinary care A quantitative data collection over a 1-month period indicated that staff provided interdisciplinary care 49% of the time From four foc

Whole body vibration training for lower limb motor function among stroke patients

Abstract: Background/aim Motor function impairment is a frequent problem in stroke patients and many questions remain about the application of vibration therapy for neurological patients. This study aims to verify the effects of vibration training on lower limb function in patients affected by stroke. Methods This was a clinical, prospective study. The study's subjects were selected via a convenience sample from Samuel Libanio Hospital's Physical Therapy and Neurology Out-patient clinics in Pouso Alegre, Brazil. The sample comprised of 27 individuals presenting with spastic hemiparesis due to stroke. Participants received whole body vibration training at a frequency of 50 Hz and 2 mm amplitude, for 8 weeks. In the first 4 weeks, participants underwent a series of four 60-second periods of vibration in the following positions: in orthostatic posture, first with the knees semi-flexed at 30°, then with the knees semi-flexed at 90°, and then with the affected knee semi-flexed at 30°, and finally in orthostatic posture ...

Patient-centred practice in physiotherapy: Linking professional identity and learning

Abstract: Current UK health policy has critiqued the organization and delivery of services as being too centred on the convenience and needs of health professionals at the expense of the needs of its patients and clients (Department of Health, 2000). A philosophy of greater patient-centredness is promoted (Bensing, 2000) and initiatives focused on achieving greater service user involvement in the organization and delivery of services, are demanded (Health and Social Care Act, 2001). This agenda is now impacting on research and education, with calls for the education of health professionals to be more explicitly influenced by the needs of service users (Skills for Health, 2008).

Comparative efficacy of cervical retraction exercises (McKenzie) with and without using pressure biofeedback in cervical spondylosis

Abstract: Aim: To compare the effectiveness of cervical retraction exercises (McKenzie) with or without using pressure biofeedback in reducing pain and disability among patients with cervical spondylosis. Methods: Thirty participants of both genders and aged between 30 and 70 years who were medically diagnosed with cervical spondylosis were included and allocated by randomised sampling into two study groups. Group A were given cervical retraction exercises and Group B were given cervical retraction exercises and instructed to use a pressure biofeedback unit during these exercises. All of the participants in Group A and B were also given moist packs. The outcome measures used both pre- and post-intervention were: the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), which was used to assess for pain, and the Northwick Park Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), which was used to assess for disability. The demographic data collected in the study were the age and symptom duration. Results: The t tests of the post-interventional NPRS scores (P=0...

Training, supervision and therapists' adherence to manual-based therapy

Abstract: Objectives: To describe the development, delivery and quality control of three manual-based therapies as given in an inter-professional multi-centre randomized controlled trial of therapies for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods: Experienced therapy leaders were recruited. These therapy leaders then developed the treatments and therapy manuals, piloted them, and planned training and supervision. Appropriately-qualified therapists were recruited to deliver each therapy and trained in the specific therapy philosophy, model and delivery. Training and supervision was face-to-face and by telephone, and included reviewing audio recordings of therapy sessions. Results: At the end of the trial, the therapists delivering all three trial therapies were similarly highly rated as adhering well to their manuals and scored similarly and highly on therapeutic alliance with patients and therapy differentiation. Conclusions: High-quality delivery of therapy can be achieved if there is an experienced therapy lead, if therapy manuals have been piloted, and if therapists are well trained and supervised, including the review of recorded treatment sessions. Routine clinical practice could benefit from the implementation of these procedures.

Orthopaedic patient outcomes following interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation

Abstract: Aims: This study's primary aim was to identify factors associated with discharge disposition and length of stay (LOS) at an interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation unit for patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty/unilateral or bilateral knee surgery (TKA/KS) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: This was a retrospective medical chart review of 119 veterans receiving post joint replacement rehabilitation at a United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at an interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation unit between December 2008 and May 2010 following joint replacement surgery. Patient demographic, health/function, and outcome factors were abstracted. Findings: Approximately 96% of patients who received post joint replacement rehabilitation were discharged to a home setting. For every 1 point score increase on the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scale at discharge, patients were 1.29 times more likely to be discharged to home (95% CI=1.02–1.63; P<0.04), but this effect...

Promoting academic-practice partnerships through students' practice placement

Abstract: Introduction: The notion of a gap between the academic and the practice segments of the occupational therapy profession is commonplace. The Scholarship of Practice is one of the collaboration models that have been introduced as possible means for bridging this gap, but so far, research based on this model has not extensively addressed the potential of students' clinical placement. Aim: With a view to possible remedies for the academic-practice gap, the purpose of this paper is to outline and discuss possible advantages from a collaborative project concerning the usefulness of the Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS) that was carried out between students, fieldwork educators, and university faculty. Outline of the project: Six occupational therapy students and their fieldwork educators collaborated in an exploration of the clinical usefulness of the ACIS during the students' second year mental health clinical placement. Experiences from the project were put into context with previous d...