Showing papers on "Occupational therapy published in 2005"
TL;DR: A critical analysis of the concept of participation in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health reveals major shortcomings regarding the subjective experience of meaning and autonomy.
Abstract: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; World Health Organization, 2001) provides an international and interprofessional scientific basis for understanding and studying health. The concept of participation plays an important role in the classification and has become a central construct in health care, rehabilitation, and in occupational therapy. The aim of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the concept of participation in the ICF. As background, the origins and current presentation of the ICF are presented. The use and function of the ICF and the contemporary discussions regarding the classification are reviewed. An occupational perspective on participation in the ICF reveals major shortcomings regarding the subjective experience of meaning and autonomy. Furthermore, the ICF has limitations in capturing different kinds of participation in a single life situation. Following these analyses we discuss the advantages and shortcomings of using the ICF, and how an occupational perspective can contribute to an ongoing discussion about the development of the ICF.
336 citations
TL;DR: Evidence-based practice skills and knowledge improved markedly with a targetted education intervention and outreach support, however, changes in behaviour were small, based on the frequency of searching and appraisal activities.
Abstract: Many health professionals lack the skills to find and appraise published research. This lack of skills and associated knowledge needs to be addressed, and practice habits need to change, for evidence-based practice to occur. The aim of this before and after study was to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention on the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour of allied health professionals. 114 self-selected occupational therapists were recruited. The intervention included a 2-day workshop combined with outreach support for eight months. Support involved email and telephone contact and a workplace visit. Measures were collected at baseline, post-workshop, and eight months later. The primary outcome was knowledge, measured using the Adapted Fresno Test of Evidence-Based Practice (total score 0 to 156). Secondary outcomes were attitude to evidence-based practice (% reporting improved skills and confidence; % reporting barriers), and behaviour measured using an activity diary (% engaging/not engaging in search and appraisal activities), and assignment completion. Post-workshop, there were significant gains in knowledge which were maintained at follow-up. The mean difference in the Adapted Fresno Test total score was 20.6 points (95% CI, 15.6 to 25.5). The change from post-workshop to follow-up was small and non-significant (mean difference 1.2 points, 95% CI, -6.0 to 8.5). Fewer participants reported lack of searching and appraisal skills as barriers to evidence-based practice over time (searching = 61%, 53%, 24%; appraisal 60%, 65%, 41%). These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.0001 and 0.010 respectively). Behaviour changed little. Pre-workshop, 6% engaged in critical appraisal increasing to 18% post-workshop and 18% at follow-up. Nearly two thirds (60%) were not reading any research literature at follow-up. Twenty-three participants (20.2%) completed their assignment. Evidence-based practice skills and knowledge improved markedly with a targetted education intervention and outreach support. However, changes in behaviour were small, based on the frequency of searching and appraisal activities. Allied health educators should focus more on post-workshop skill development, particularly appraisal, and help learners to establish new routines and priorities around evidence-based practice. Learners also need to know that behaviour change of this nature may take months, even years.
235 citations
TL;DR: The state of research in this area is presented, including studies underway to further delineate the subtypes of sensory integrative dysfunction, the neurobiological mechanisms of poor sensory processing, advances in theory development, and the development of a fidelity measure for use in intervention studies.
Abstract: This article provides an introduction and overview of sensory integration theory as it is used in occupational therapy practice for children with developmental disabilities. This review of the theoretical tenets of the theory, its historical foundations, and early research provides the reader with a basis for exploring current uses and applications. The key principles of the sensory integrative approach, including concepts such as “the just right challenge” and “the adaptive response” as conceptualized by A. Jean Ayres, the theory's founder, are presented to familiarize the reader with the approach. The state of research in this area is presented, including studies underway to further delineate the subtypes of sensory integrative dysfunction, the neurobiological mechanisms of poor sensory processing, advances in theory development, and the development of a fidelity measure for use in intervention studies. Finally, this article reviews the current state of the evidence to support this approach and suggests that consensual knowledge and empirical research are needed to further elucidate the theory and its utility for a variety of children with developmental disabilities. This is especially critical given the public pressure by parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities to obtain services and who have anecdotally noted the utility of sensory integration therapy for helping their children function more independently. Key limiting factors to research include lack of funding, paucity of doctorate trained clinicians and researchers in occupational therapy, and the inherent heterogeneity of the population of children affected by sensory integrative dysfunction. A call to action for occupational therapy researchers, funding agencies, and other professions is made to support ongoing efforts and to develop initiatives that will lead to better diagnoses and effective intervention for sensory integrative dysfunction, which will improve the lives of children and their families. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:143–148.
228 citations
Book•
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: The third edition of Occupational Therapy: Performance, Participation, and Well-Being utilizes a more learner-friendly approach by explaining how the theories apply in various practice settings, enabling students, instructors, and practitioners to connect the crucial link between theory and practice.
Abstract: Highly valued by both therapists and educators, Occupational Therapy: Performance, Participation, and Well-Being has been integral to the evolution of occupational therapy services and functions. Charles H. Christiansen and Carolyn M. Baum have produced an impressive third edition incorporating new features and topics that shape the modern era in occupational therapy practice. Senior editors Charles H. Christiansen and Carolyn M. Baum, along with contributing editor Julie Bass-Haugen have worked collectively to go beyond the presentation of occupational therapy theories. The third edition utilizes a more learner-friendly approach by explaining how the theories apply in various practice settings. This format enables students, instructors, and practitioners to connect the crucial link between theory and practice. The first section is organized in a manner that first develops and then establishes a clear understanding of human occupation. Section Two makes explicit the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model that can be used at an individual, organization, or population level. Section Three covers current and emerging trends, as well as introduces major intervention strategies that are used in the field, as well as comprehensive literature support for use in occupational therapy practice.
210 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that therapists, SWs and nurses need to cite their opinions in teams more effectively if they are to be competent and committed patient-centred practitioners.
Abstract: Problems around deficits in interprofessional collaboration have been identified since the National Health Service (NHS) was introduced. It is within the context of the current policy focus on improving collaborative working that this study was undertaken. A direct observational study using the Bales' Interaction Process Analysis tool was carried out in two older persons teams to explore patterns of interaction in the multidisciplinary team meetings. Analysis revealed some key differences in the way in which different professions interacted. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers (SW) and nurses rarely asked for opinions and for orientation. The consultant (the individual in charge of the medical team) tended to have high rates for asking for orientation, giving opinions and giving orientation. Although some nurses did have high individual rates for the giving of orientation. The data from the research has highlighted that therapists, SWs and nurses are reluctance to voice their opinions in multidisciplinary teams and thus conformity may dominate its culture. It is suggested that therapists, SWs and nurses need to cite their opinions in teams more effectively if they are to be competent and committed patient-centred practitioners.
191 citations
TL;DR: Higher therapy intensity was associated with better outcomes as they relate to LOS and functional improvement for patients who have stroke, orthopedic conditions, and cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions and are receiving rehabilitation in the SNF setting.
190 citations
TL;DR: An in-home skills training program helps sustain caregiver affect for those enrolled for more than 1 year and more frequent professional contact and ongoing skills training may be necessary to maintain other clinically important outcomes such as reduced upset with behaviors.
Abstract: Background. Few studies evaluate whether short-term intervention effects are maintained over time for families caring for persons with dementia. This article examines whether treatment effects found at 6 months following active treatment were sustained at 12 months for 127 family caregivers who participated in an occupational therapy intervention tested as part of the National Institutes of Health Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (REACH) initiative. Methods. A randomized two-group design was implemented with three assessment points: baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Caregivers were randomly assigned to a usual care control group or intervention that consisted of six occupational therapy sessions to help families modify the environment to support daily function of the person with dementia and reduce caregiver burden. Following 6-month active treatment, a maintenance phase consisted of one home and three brief telephone sessions to reinforce strategy use and obtain closure. Noninferiority statistical analysis was used to evaluate whether intervention caregivers maintained treatment benefits from 6 to 12 months in comparison to controls. Results. For the sample of 127 at 6 months, caregivers in intervention reported improved skills (p ¼ .028), less need for help providing assistance (p ¼ .043), and fewer behavioral occurrences (p ¼ .019) compared to caregivers in control. At 12 months, caregiver affect improved (p ¼ .033), and there was a trend for maintenance of skills and reduced behavioral occurrences, but not for other outcome measures. Conclusion. An in-home skills training program helps sustain caregiver affect for those enrolled for more than 1 year. More frequent professional contact and ongoing skills training may be necessary to maintain other clinically important outcomes such as reduced upset with behaviors.
161 citations
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: The Tidal Model represents a significant alternative to mainstream mental health theories, emphasising how those suffering from mental health problems can benefit from taking a more active role in their own treatment as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Tidal Model represents a significant alternative to mainstream mental health theories, emphasising how those suffering from mental health problems can benefit from taking a more active role in their own treatment. Based on extensive research, The Tidal Model charts the development of this approach, outlining the theoretical basis of the model to illustrate the benefits of a holistic model of care which promotes self-management and recovery. Clinical examples are also employed to show how, by exploring rather than ignoring a client's narrative, practitioners can encourage the individual's greater involvement in the decisions affecting their assessment and treatment. The appendices guide the reader in developing their own assessment and care plans. The Tidal Model's comprehensive coverage of the theory and practice of this model will be of great use to a range of mental health professionals and those in training in the fields of mental health nursing, social work, psychotherapy, clinical psychology and occupational therapy.
152 citations
TL;DR: The literature from the 3 years since the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health's (ICF's) endorsement is reviewed, focusing on those articles that discuss what the ICF means and how it can be used.
Abstract: This article reviews the literature from the 3 years since the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health's (ICF's) endorsement, focusing on those articles that discuss (a) what the ICF means and how it can be used; (b) the general utility of the ICF for specific fields, such as nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology; (c) examples of applications for classification in particular disorders, such as chronic health conditions, neuromusculoskeletal conditions, cognitive disorders, mental disorders, sensory disorders, and primary and secondary conditions in children; (d) uses of the ICF to recode prior work across multiple surveys and across country coding schemes on disability-related national survey items; and (e) governmental uses of the ICF in the United States and selected countries abroad. Future directions needed to effectively implement the ICF across rehabilitation policy, research, and practice are discussed. This article reviews the literature in psychology and health and human services, and rehabilitation more generally, from the 3 years since the endorsement of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). For this review, we narrowed our searches to articles focused on clinical research or specific implementations of the
136 citations
TL;DR: University faculty surveyed to ascertain the degree to which students in early childhood special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech—language pathology, and multidisciplinary personnel preparation programs received training in five early intervention practices indicated a primary emphasis on family-centered practices across disciplines.
Abstract: University faculty were surveyed to ascertain the degree to which students in early childhood special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech—language pathology, and multidisciplinary personnel preparation programs received training in five early intervention practices (family-centered, individualized family service plans, natural environments, teaming, and service coordination). Findings indicated a primary emphasis on family-centered practices across disciplines, with minimal emphasis on service coordination and teaming practices. Findings also showed that physical therapy faculty provided the least amount of training in the majority of early intervention practices as compared to faculty in other disciplines. Implications for improving student training are described.
124 citations
TL;DR: The Lifestyle Performance Model provides a useful framework for analysis and interpretation of the positive outcomes of animal-assisted therapy in an occupational therapy context.
Abstract: Animal-assisted therapy is offered in a wide variety of settings. The literature contains few studies investigating animal-assisted therapy from an occupational therapy perspective. More information is needed to describe the use of animals as a therapeutic modality in occupational therapy. Three qualitative case studies were analysed to describe the perceptions of clients and therapists regarding animal-assisted therapy. This analysis was synthesised with an extensive literature review to produce a perspective of animal-assisted therapy for occupational therapy. Animal-assisted therapy could be a beneficial modality for occupational therapy. The Lifestyle Performance Model provides a useful framework for analysis and interpretation of the positive outcomes of animal-assisted therapy in an occupational therapy context.
TL;DR: Characteristics of team functioning predict selected rehabilitation outcomes, and efforts directed toward improving team activities and relationships, including collaborative planning and problem solving and the use of feedback information, may enhance rehabilitation treatment effectiveness.
TL;DR: It is suggested that it is important to consider access to social support along with other factors in the person-environment interaction and their influence on severe problems with participation in enhancing clients' participation in rehabilitation.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe how persons with spinal cord injury perceived their participation in life situations and to determine the relationship between their participation and perceived problems th ...
TL;DR: The reproducibility of the mean performance and satisfaction scores was moderate, but it was poor for the scores of the separate problems, therefore, the mean scores should be used for individual assessment.
Abstract: Objective: To assess the reproducibility (reliability and inter-rater agreement) of the client-centred Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).Design: The COPM was administered twice, with a mean interval of seven days (SD 1.6, range 4-14), by two different occupational therapists. Data analysis was based on intraclass correlation coefficients, the Bland and Altman method and Cohen's weighted kappas.Setting: Occupational therapy departments of two university medical centres.Subjects: Consecutive clients, with various diagnoses, newly referred to the outpatient clinic of two occupational therapy departments, were included. They were all over 18 years of age and perceived limitations in more than one activity of daily life. Complete data on 95 clients were obtained: 31 men and 64 women.Results: Sixty-six per cent of the activities prioritized at the first assessment were also prioritized at the second assessment. The intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.67 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0...
TL;DR: There is evidence that the growth theory and research about occupation produced by academics are not consistently translated into occupational therapy practice, and ways that occupational therapy scholarship can be more clearly grounded in everyday practice are examined.
Abstract: There is evidence that the growth theory and research about occupation produced by academics are not consistently translated into occupational therapy practice. Rather, practitioners often report finding such theory and research to be of limited relevance to and/or difficult to implement in their everyday work. Although many factors contribute to this academic-practice gap one important contributor is how knowledge is traditionally viewed and generated in academia. Changes in traditional views about academic knowledge and its relationship to practice both outside and within occupational therapy are discussed. Ways that occupational therapy scholarship can be more clearly grounded in everyday practice are examined drawing from experience with participatory research. Consideration is given to how researchers and practitioners might share power and have a more effective dialogue.
TL;DR: Elderly people and people with stroke or rheumatoid arthritis can expect to benefit from comprehensive OT, and evidence of the efficacy of OT in increasing functional abilities is shown.
Abstract: Objective: To summarize the research evidence available from systematic reviews of the efficacy of occupational therapy (OT) for practitioners, researchers, purchasing organizations and policy-makers. Data source: The search for systematic reviews was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library (October 2004). Methods: The reviews included were those that utilized a systematic search for evidence with regard to OT for specific patient groups. Data were summarized for patient group, interventions, outcome domains, type of study designs included, method of data synthesis and conclusions. Results: Fourteen systematic reviews were included. Three reviews related to rheumatoid arthritis, four reviewed stroke and four focused on elderly people. Reviews of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, cerebral palsy and mental illnesses were also identified. The reviews of rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and elderly people showed evidence of the efficacy of OT in increasing functional abilities. Positive results were presented for quality of life and social participation in elderly people and stroke respectively. The efficacy of OT in all other patient groups is unknown due to insufficient evidence. Conclusion: This summary shows that elderly people and people with stroke or rheumatoid arthritis can expect to benefit from comprehensive OT. Evidence of the efficacy of specific interventions is sparse and should be addressed in future research. The evidence that does exist should be incorporated into OT practice.
TL;DR: This is an update to evidence‐based practice guidelines for chronic nonmalignant pain syndrome patients first published in 1995 and revised in 1999, which recommend interdisciplinary‐focused rehabilitation, which is goal‐directed and time‐limited.
Abstract: This is an update to evidence-based practice guidelines for chronic nonmalignant pain syndrome patients first published in 1995 and revised in 1999. The current guidelines recommend interdisciplinary-focused rehabilitation, which is goal-directed and time-limited. Emphasis is placed on educating patients in active self-management techniques that stress maximizing function. Integrated treatment involving medical, psychological/behavioral, physical/occupational therapy, and disability/vocational interventions are recommended on an outpatient basis whenever clinically possible. Patient selection criteria are delineated. Updated references providing evidence-based support for the recommendations are provided, including the use of opioids and sedative-hypnotic medications, injection and block procedures, acupuncture, implantable spinal infusion and stimulation devices, and other invasive spinal surgery procedures such as intradiscal electrothermal therapy. Guideline integration and early detection and intervention with chronic pain syndrome patients are encouraged.
TL;DR: How occupational therapy activities during stroke inpatient rehabilitation vary by admission functional status and over time and how time spent in these various activities relates to functional status at discharge is described.
TL;DR: This document defines minimum standards for the practice of occupational therapy with respect to therapeutic use of everyday life activities (occupations) with individuals, groups, organizations, and populations.
Abstract: This document defines minimum standards for the practice of occupational therapy The practice of occupational therapy means the therapeutic use of everyday life activities (occupations) with individuals, groups, organizations, and populations for the purpose of participation in roles and situations
TL;DR: This paper identifies ways that occupational therapy can continue to respond reflectively to the themes of disability studies and identifies a number of questions raised by disability studies that will need to be addressed in practice, education, and research.
Abstract: Disability studies seeks to reframe rehabilitation's understanding and responses to disability. Disability scholars point out that rehabilitation's perspectives and practices are not objective, but instead reflect particular historical and ideological forces. By demonstrating how rehabilitation practitioners can unintentionally do things that are unhelpful or even harmful, disability scholars challenge the profession of occupational therapy to reconsider aspects of practice, education, and research. In order to provide a context for a special issue devoted to disability studies, this paper examines disability studies' major critiques of rehabilitation and considers their implications for occupational therapy. The paper identifies ways that occupational therapy can continue to respond reflectively to the themes of disability studies. It also identifies a number of questions raised by disability studies that will need to be addressed in practice, education, and research.
TL;DR: Although the paper emphasizes the centrality of the client-centred approach, it also demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the COPM to different situations, clients, settings and purposes.
Abstract: Background. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is an outcome measure designed to assess performance and satisfaction with occupation. It was developed to coincide with the occupat...
TL;DR: By applying the conceptual models, occupational therapists might add an additional perspective to multidisciplinary teams that use the ICF.
Abstract: Background and Aim: Because occupational therapy focuses on occupations and activities of daily living in the context of the environment, conceptual occupational therapy models might be closely related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The purpose of this paper is to explore the link of conceptual occupational therapy models to the ICF.
Methods and Results: A structured literature search was performed. The concepts on which the models are built were linked to the ICF categories and components according to 10 established linking rules. Three conceptual occupational therapy models were identified in the literature: the Model of Human Occupation, the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and the Occupational Performance Model (Australia). The majority of the concepts from the three models could be linked to the ICF.
Conclusion: By applying the conceptual models, occupational therapists might add an additional perspective to multidisciplinary teams that use the ICF.
TL;DR: The case study is presented as a case study to illuminate aspects of occupational deprivation as a process occurring over time and serves to highlight key issues as to how occupational deprivation may be experienced by groups of people in different cultural, historic and societal contexts and how it may therefore be addressed by occupational therapists.
Abstract: Background. Occupational deprivation as a concept has been presented and discussed in the occupational therapy and occupational science literature for the past several years. The discussion to date...
TL;DR: Paediatric occupational therapists appeared to draw on a range of theoretical models, with the exception of the Sensory Profile, which is not congruent with the most commonly used theoretical models.
Abstract: Background: The purpose of the present study was to describe a profile of Australian paediatric occupational therapy practice in terms of theories, assessments and interventions used with the most frequently seen client groups. Methods: An ex post facto survey design was utilised. A purpose-designed survey was mailed to 600 occupational therapists identified by OT Australia as working in paediatrics. Results: The response rate was 55% (n = 330). Respondents in the sample worked chiefly with children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, neurological impairments, and infants/toddlers. Theoretical models used by paediatric clinicians that were common to the most frequently seen client groups focused on sensory integration/multisensory approaches, occupational performance, and client-centred practice. Assessment tools most frequently used were the Test of Visual Motor Integration, Sensory Profile, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Handwriting Speed Test, and Motor-Free Visual Perception Test. The most often used treatment methods across the four most frequently seen client groups were parent/caregiver education, sensory integration/stimulation techniques, and managing activities of daily living. Conclusions: Paediatric occupational therapists appeared to draw on a range of theoretical models. With the exception of the Sensory Profile, the assessment and treatment methods most frequently used are not congruent with the most commonly used theoretical models. It is critical that the assessment and treatment methods used are conceptually consistent with the theoretical models that guide practice. Occupational therapists need to examine the evidence and determine whether their clinical practice is grounded in the best contemporary theoretical models, assessments and interventions.
TL;DR: This paper considers some aspects of the relationship between health and the occupations of older people to highlight avenues for change and the research required to support them and suggests that research concerning occupation as it relates to population health is a primary requirement for the future of occupational therapy.
Abstract: Background. The paper is based on a keynote address delivered at the 2004 CAOT Conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Occupational therapists are widely associated with a medical model of health care in which recognition of how engagement in occupation contributes to health status is poorly understood. Occupational science as the study of people as occupational beings has the potential to increase such understanding. Purpose. This paper considers some aspects of the relationship between health and the occupations of older people to highlight avenues for change and the research required to support them. Method. The paper is structured around a simple verse of dialogue between a healthy old man and an occupational therapist. Explanation of the dialogue draws upon historical and current literature as well as occupational science research to provide a rationale for future practice based on broader concepts of occupation for health. Results and Practice Suggestions. The dialogue promotes the need fo...
TL;DR: It was found that the parent report was quite reliable in the identification of DCD if no other developmental problem was present and there was little benefit to using the teacher report to screen children.
Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine whether questionnaire-based screening could be part of the solution to a long waiting list of referrals for occupational therapy assessment by identifying the...
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the domain of creative activity can enable the creation of connections to daily life and enlarge the experience of self as an active person, in the face of uncertain life-threatening illness.
Abstract: Objective. The aim of this study was to discover and characterize components of engagement in creative activity as occupational therapy for elderly people dealing with life-threatening illness, from the perspective of both clients and therapists. Despite a long tradition of use in clinical interventions, key questions remain little addressed concerning how and why people seek these activities and the kinds of benefits that may result. Method. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 8 clients and 7 therapists participating in creative workshops using crafts at a nursing home in Sweden. Analysis of the interviews was conducted using a constant comparative method. Findings. Engaging in creative activity served as a medium that enabled creation of connections to wider culture and daily life that counters consequences of terminal illness, such as isolation. Creating connections to life was depicted as the core category, carried out in reference to three subcategories: (1) a generous receptive environment id...
TL;DR: The 2015 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics of the AOTA is designed to reflect the dynamic nature of the profession, the evolving health care environment, and emerging technologies that can present potential ethical concerns in research, education, and practice.
Abstract: The 2015 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (Code) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is designed to reflect the dynamic nature of the profession, the evolving health care environment, and emerging technologies that can present potential ethical concerns in research, education, and practice. AOTA members are committed to promoting inclusion, participation, safety, and well-being for all recipients in various stages of life, health, and illness and to empowering all beneficiaries of service to meet their occupational needs. Recipients of services may be individuals, groups, families, organizations, communities, or populations (AOTA, 2014b).
TL;DR: The concept of spirituality among indigenous people of Australia and New Zealand is explored, and the implications for assessment and interventions to improve coping skills, social support, self-esteem and instil hope of recovery from mental illness are considered.
Abstract: Background: Spirituality has been defined as an overarching construct that involves personal beliefs or values that provide a sense of meaning and unity with self, people, nature and universe. Spirituality may be experienced within or outside formal religion. At least in English-speaking countries, therapists reported discussing spiritual issues with service users more frequently than before. In the literature, there continues to be debate regarding definitions of spirituality and how spirituality fits with occupational therapy practice models. Methods and Results: To advance the discussion, we explore the concept of spirituality among indigenous people of Australia and New Zealand, and use mental health as a practice setting to suggest how occupational therapists can address the spiritual needs of individuals recovering from mental health problems. Conclusion: The implications for assessment and interventions to improve coping skills, social support, self-esteem and instil hope of recovery from mental illness are considered.
TL;DR: The development of the United Kingdom Centre for Outcomes Research and Education (UKCORE) is described, which was developed within a ‘scholarship of practice’ framework, which supports the development of robust partnerships between academia and practice.
Abstract: National and local policies require the profession to provide evidence on which practice is based. This paper illustrates an approach to meeting the expectations of these policies. Specifically, it describes the development of the United Kingdom Centre for Outcomes Research and Education (UKCORE).UKCORE was developed within a ‘scholarship of practice’ framework, which supports the development of robust partnerships between academia and practice whereby academic knowledge influences practice and practice knowledge influences academia. Within the partnership, all academic participants (educators, researchers and students) and practice participants (clinicians, clients and administrators) are called ‘practice scholars’ and are focused on practice scholarship.UKCORE was founded in London in 2001 in order to support the delivery of existing evidence into occupational therapy practice while simultaneously supporting practice to engage in generating new evidence for occupational therapy practice. This article pr...