ABSTRACTThis paper is a synthesis of the available literature on occupational therapy interventions performed in the adult intensive care unit (ICU). The databases of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and CINAHL databases were systematically searched from inception through August 2016 for studies of adults who received occupational therapy interventions in the ICU. Of 1,938 citations reviewed, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Only one study explicitly discussed occupational therapy interventions performed and only one study specifically tested the efficacy of occupational therapy. Future research is needed to clarify the specific interventions and role of occupational therapy in the ICU and the efficacy of these interventions.

Journal Article Writing and Publication: Your Guide to Mastering Clinical Health Care Reporting Standards serves as a vitally important tool as the profession of occupational therapy fully embraces...

ABSTRACTThe objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of combining an amputee limb cover to eliminate the effects of electromagnetic fields (i.e., pain) and a Mirror Therapy exercise program to improve functional outcomes for vascular amputees. A cross-sectional repeated-measures design was used with 14 participants with either acute amputations or surgery at least 8 to 24 months previously. The 4-week intervention included the use of an amputee limb cover and mirror therapy exercises each day. The outcome measures were activities of daily living interference (e.g., self-care, walking, car transfer, low chair transfer, sleep), and well-being (e.g., satisfaction, mood, quality of life) at three times (pre- and posttreatment and maintenance). Participants with acute amputations made significant improvements in the areas of self-care, walking, car transfer, sleep, mood, and quality of life, while the subacute participants improved significantly in sleep and satisfaction. A reduction in the time required before prosthetic fitting decreased from 12 weeks to 8 weeks for acute amputees and an improvement in wearing tolerance from 0–2 to 8–12 hours for the subacute amputees were unexpected results suggesting the combined intervention may improves the extent to which amputees can increase participation in their activities of everyday living.

ABSTRACTTrends in policy, practice, and research point to the need for a community-engaged Scholarship of Practice (SOP) model that can be used to inform the development of occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers. This article describes a community-engaged SOP model, the evidence justifying the need for such a model, and strategies to effectively create community-engaged practitioners, educators and career scientists within occupational therapy. We highlight several examples of community-based participatory research to further inform this model, and in turn, translate this knowledge back to communities for action and systems change that can affect the lives of people with disabilities and the communities in which they seek to live and participate long term.

ABSTRACTProfessional reasoning used by occupational therapists in home modifications as they develop from novice to expert was explored in this grounded theory study. Eight occupational therapists participated in multiple interviews and member checks about home modifications training and practice. Formal academic and experiential learning provided the foundation for reasoning systems and habits of practice. As therapists gained expertise, they were able to shift their primary focus from systematic reasoning steps to focus on the comprehensive, client-centered, and contextual picture. Creative educational strategies support confidence in engaging in home modifications practice.

ABSTRACTThis pilot study examined the effectiveness of an Aquatic Exercise Program (AEP) provided by an occupational therapist for pregnant women on hospitalized bed rest. Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of hospitalized pregnant women comparing those who attended an AEP (n = 19) to a control group who received no AEP (n = 12). Statistical tests were used to assess evidence of differences in length of gestation as well as blood pressure and amniotic fluid index (AFI) at discharge. Women who received an AEP had increased AFI and length of gestation compared to the control group. This study supports the use of an AEP as an intervention for pregnant women on prescribed bed rest. Further research is recommended to validate these findings with a larger sample.

ABSTRACTThe integration of psychosocial strategies into pediatric and physical disabilities coursework presents an issue of importance to advancing the outcomes for both occupational therapy education and practice. After curriculum mapping and modification to course content, a retrospective student survey and review of educational outcomes were undertaken in one curriculum. The programmatic formative evaluation results demonstrated that all students felt moderately prepared to use cognitive-behavioral strategies in their future practices, preferring behavioral strategies over cognitive strategies for changing client thinking. Implications for the importance of integration of psychosocial content across curricula and for future study of effective teaching methods within classroom learning activities and fieldwork are included.

ABSTRACT. Occupational and physical therapy professionals are natural partners in neurorehabilitation especially in the acute stages of recovery. To enhance student-learning experiences from both disciplines, we have developed an interprofessional (IP) learning unit that was embedded in neurorehabilitation tracks of each respective program. The primary goal of this project was to examine interprofessional attitudes and perception toward interprofessional learning and practice. A total of 117 occupational therapy (53) and physical therapy (64) students completed an IP case-based learning module with the goal of developing an IP care plan typically seen in neurorehabilitation. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, we collected data pre- and postintervention using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Survey (RIPLS). We also utilized a postintervention questionnaire and focus groups intended to solicit information regarding IP competencies. At pretest, students had high ratings on the RIPLS that led to minimal changes at posttest (p = .157). However, common threads from the questionnaire and focus groups showed positive effects on student learning and attitudes toward interprofessionalism. Students reported positive experiences with the IP module. An IP case-based educational module has the potential to facilitate professional development and readiness for future IP practice. Students from different disciplines appreciate the value of IP education (IPE) in reinforcing their professional identity and understanding the professional contributions of others. Our findings are consistent with literature on best practices for IPE.

As the first edition of this edited book, the authors offer a fresh occupational therapy perspective in an area of practice where we do not have an established and consistent presence. The transiti...