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Home > Periodicals and Publications > CJOT > CJOT Abstracts > CJOT 2006 > June CJOT |
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CJOT Abstracts Volume 73, Number 3
From the Editor
Dementia and occupation: A review of the literature Mary Egan, Sandra Hobson, Virginia G. Fearing This paper was published in the CJOT Early Electronic Edition,November, 2005. Background. Recent evidence supports the usefulness of occupational therapy models, particularly the Occupational Performance Process, in structuring research evidence to inform practice. Purpose. In this paper we report the results of our work to identify and summarize quantitative and qualitative research evidence about occupational therapy intervention for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregiver, relevant to the first stage of the Occupational Performance Process, which is to identify, validate and prioritize occupational performance issues. Results. Review of literature from diverse sources deemed to be relevant was summarized under three themes: the experience of occupation among persons with dementia, the experience of occupation among caregivers of persons with dementia, and discussion of occupational performance issues. Practice Implications. Best practice recommendations are made based on this review.
Living in a restricted occupational world: The occupational experiences of stroke survivors who are wheelchair users and their caregivers Deborah Laliberte Rudman, Debbie Hebert, Denise Reid This paper was published in the CJOT Early Electronic Edition,November, 2005. Background. In order to meet the responsibilities of understanding and enabling occupation, occupational scientists and therapists must conduct research that is framed within an occupational perspective. Purpose. This paper reports the results of a qualitative investigation of the occupational experiences of stroke survivors (n=16) who use wheelchairs and their primary caregivers (n=15). Results. Inductive analysis of data collected via in-depth interviews resulted in two major themes related to occupation, specifically: living in a restricted occupational world and challenges to participation in occupation. These results highlight the overall experience labeled occupation by default, and the intricate interconnections or spill-over effect between the occupations of stroke survivors and caregivers. Practice Implications. In addition to providing empirical support for the importance of having a sense of control over occupation and the connection between occupation and identity, the results have implications for practice aimed at enabling occupation and directions for future research. As well, the results illustrate that occupational therapy services need to extend beyond wheelchair prescription in order to enable occupation with clients.
A review of evidence on the conceptual elements informing client-centred practice Thelma Sumsion, Mary Law Background. Client-centred practice is a central concept in occupational therapy in Canada. Since 1980, Canadian occupational therapy publications have discussed the elements of a client-centred practice approach. Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of key elements of a client-centred approach and to highlight the implications for practice that arise from this discussion. Method. Literature about client-centred practice in health care from 1990 – 2005 was reviewed regarding thoughts and ideas about client-centred practice. The content was analyzed for thematic focus about client-centred practice conceptual ideas and their influence on practice. Results. Thematic conceptual elements emerging from the review include an overarching theme of power, with important underpinning themes of listening and communicating, partnership, choice, and hope. Selected definitions of client-centred practice and the link to best practice provide the context for the presentation of the concepts and recommendations for the implementation of client-centred practice. Practice Implications. The paper concludes with a discussion of practice implications through the presentation of questions for therapists to consider as a quick reference tool and suggestions for further research and dialogue concerning client-centred practice.
Analyse du concept qualité de vie dans le contexte des personnes âgées avec incapacités physiques Mélanie Levasseur, Denise St-Cyr Tribble, Johanne Desrosiers This paper was published in the CJOT Early Electronic Edition,November, 2005. Background. The ultimate goal of the occupational therapist is to enhance or maintain a client’s quality of life. Purpose. It is difficult, however, to find an operational definition of this concept. This article presents the results of a concept analysis of quality of life in the context of older adults with physical disabilities. Results. Quality of life is defined by a subjective evaluation of the life circumstances of an individual with respect to his/her values. The results indicate the importance of physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being, the satisfaction with life and the accomplishment of meaningful occupations. A satisfying functional state, manifested by the presence of adapted behaviors and the feeling of control over one's life are also useful to consider. Practice Implications. This definition suggests that occupational therapists should broaden the vision of their treatment objectives (beyond the realization of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living) and offer some avenues for the enhancement of quality of life.
Exploring the mental health needs of injured workers Lucia Cacciacarro, Bonnie Kirsh Background. The mental health of injured workers has been relatively unexplored in the literature, though there is a suggestion that needs are substantive. Purpose. This study explored the experiences of injured workers to generate an understanding of their mental health needs. Methods. In-depth qualitative interviews were carried out on a purposeful sample of 4 injured workers living in the greater Toronto area. Data was analyzed inductively and four major themes emerged. Results. Themes related to the life changes that result from work injury, and the sense of alienation from society and abandonment by the compensation system. Injured workers reflected that continued involvement in meaningful occupations and encouragement from supportive others helped to promote positive well-being after the injury. All participants emphasized the need for systemic change. Practice Implications. Occupational therapists and other professionals working with the injured worker population can use findings from this study to promote positive mental health and well-being among injured workers and their families
Positive aging and its implications for occupational possibilities in later life Deborah Laliberte Rudman Background. There is a growing emphasis in academic, policy and popular literature within Western societies on positive discourses of aging. Although such discourses appear to be consistent with central beliefs of occupational therapy, particularly with respect to the health-promoting potential of occupation, critical social gerontologists are raising concerns about how such discourses are being shaped in relation to consumer culture and the rise of neoliberalism. Method and Purpose. Literature examining the emergence and evolution of positive aging discourses was reviewed and reflected upon using an occupational perspective. Results. Positive aging discourses are being shaped in ways that limit occupational possibilities and promote occupational injustices. Clinical Implications. Occupational therapists need to consider ways to enact discursive, practice and policy changes that enable aging persons with diverse abilities and resources to pursue occupations that fulfill needs and promote health. |
