Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

CJOT Abstracts
Early Electronic Edition
Fall 2007

Table of Contents

Cognitive assessments for older adults: Which ones are used by Canadian therapists and why
doi:10.2182/cjot.07.010
Alison Douglas, Lili Liu, Sharon Warren, Tammy Hopper

Background. Occupational therapists routinely evaluate cognition in older adults, yet little is known about which assessments they use and for what purposes. Purpose. To examine the standardised and non-standardised assessments used by occupational therapists to evaluate cognition. Method. A random sample of 1042 Canadian occupational therapists completed the questionnaire by e-mail, post, or Internet website (n=247, response rate: 24.5%). Results. Respondents reported using 75 standardised and non-standardised measures. The assessments were grouped according to theoretical approach: bottom-up (assessment of cognitive components), top-down (assessment of function) and combined (either of above, plus interview). Theoretical approaches were used similarly across regions, despite differences in reporting of particular assessments. Therapists used more bottom-up assessments that were standardised, identified deficits, and easy to administer. They used more top-down assessments that were non-standardised, predicted function, and fit with their theoretical approach. Conclusion. It is recommended that standardised top-down assessments be developed to support evidence-based occupational therapy.

Key words
Cognition, Assessment, Older adults

Enabling occupation through facilitating the diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder
doi:10.2182/cjot.07.012
Cheryl Missiuna, Nancy Pollock, Mary Egan, Denise DeLaat, Robin Gaines & Helen Soucie

Background. The largest proportion of children seen within school-based occupational therapy is referred for handwriting difficulties. Many of these children have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a disorder that often goes undiagnosed, making if difficult for children, parents, and teachers to access resources. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to outline the important role of occupational therapists in recognizing and facilitating the diagnosis of DCD. Key Issues. In this paper, a case is made for an expansion of the role of school-based occupational therapists in facilitating diagnosis for children with DCD. Through a review of the literature, we establish the importance of a diagnosis for children and families and critically reflect on issues that may make therapists reluctant to become involved in facilitating this diagnosis. Implications. Occupational therapists working in schools are able to recognize children with DCD, an important first step in accessing key resources useful to improve occupational performance and quality of life.

Key words
School, Consultation, Developmental Coordination Disorder

Prevalence and correlates of low back pain among occupational therapy students in Northern Queensland
doi:10.2182/cjot.07.014
Peter A. Leggat, Derek R. Smith, & Michele J. Clark

Background. Although low back pain (LBP) is an important issue for the health profession, few studies have examined LBP among occupational therapy students. Purpose. To investigate the prevalence and distribution of LBP, its adverse sequelae; and to identify potential risk factors. Methods. In 2005, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to occupational therapy students in Northern Queensland.  Findings. The 12-month period-prevalence of LBP was 64.6%. Nearly half (46.9%) had experienced pain for over 2 days, 38.8% suffered LBP that affected their daily lives, and 24.5% sought medical treatment. The prevalence of LBP ranged from 45.5 to 77.1% (p=0.004), while the prevalence of LBP symptoms persisting longer than two days was 34.1 to 62.5% (p=0.020). Logistic regression analysis indicated that year of study and weekly computer usage were statistically-significant LBP risk factors. Implications. The occupational therapy profession will need to further investigate the high prevalence of student LBP identified in this study.

Key words
Students, Occupational therapy   Musculoskeletal   Lower back pain   Risk factor