This case study explores the background and practice of a feral occupational therapist working in community mental health. The concept of feral occupational therapist is explained and the socio-economic and political climate of feral practice is described and considered. The practice began when unmet occupational and mental health needs in the community were identified and the opportunity for slow rehabilitation was found possible. The feral occupational therapist role, which is outside the restrictions of targets and time limits set by others, allows creativity in thinking drawn from the deep philosophy of occupational therapy, perhaps in some ways now lost in contemporary, mainstream practice.
In March 2020 the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a pandemic. Governments implemented responses including lockdowns and social distancing requirements, these led to significant occupational disruption globally. This study focuses on how occupational performance among people with disabilities was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and possible strategies for recovery.A rapid scoping review methodology was used following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the collated data.Occupational performance among people with disabilities was affected in areas of work, education, daily routines, interpersonal relationships, and occupations for maintaining health and well-being. Non-inclusive policy frameworks were reported and strategies for recovery are suggested.Findings imply the need for occupational therapists to take on the roles of facilitators, advocates, and researchers for promoting occupational engagement among people with disabilities including Long Covid.
Among individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, there is a substantial number who would need support in finding their way back to meaningful and productive work. The aims of this paper are to demonstrate the multitude of factors that shape return to work (RTW) practices across and within several countries, and argue for the need to explore RTW from an international perspective during an on-going pandemic, focusing on working age adults who have recovered from COVID-19. Conditions for RTW differ across countries. Occupational therapy has a central role in medical rehabilitation after injury and illness (including COVID-19), but the occupational therapy community has, to the best of our knowledge, yet to raise awareness and advance evidence regarding its role in post-COVID RTW processes. A robust evidence-based knowledge on RTW that can be utilised by occupational therapists during the present and future pandemics is needed.
This study investigated the lived experience of older adults living in urban and rural geographies to identify and describe important contextual differences and clinical implications for occupational therapists. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 42) were recruited for this study which employed semi-structured interviews conducted over 19 months. A thematic analysis was undertaken to develop our qualitative findings. Two themes emerged, (1) Links to occupational therapy (2) Assistive technologies awareness and use. Occupational therapists utilizing a person-centered approach that considers personalities, infrastructure, care partner engagement, and geographical context, are more likely to achieve the best outcomes. Rural older adults are an underserved population, while urban older adults experience infrastructure barriers to engage with assistive technologies. Occupational therapists can serve as advocates along with their clients to improve equitable access to assistive technology for all.
"President’s message: A new era for advancing occupational therapy and rehabilitation." World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 79(2), pp. 104–105 Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Welcome to this special section on assistive technology (AT) in the WFOT Bulletin. This section is anticipated to provide ameaningful forum for the discussion of AT from the global fraternity of occupational therapists, as they put forth their unique experiences, perspectives and scientific work, whichmay ultimately result in outcomes and benefits for people around the world. The articles presented in this issue reflect meaningful efforts at documenting outcomes and benefits from these varying perspectives. Technology has evolved from analog electronic and mechanical devices to digital technology; advancements included personal computers, the internet, information and communication technology, the introduction of robotics and early artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, virtual reality, automated vehicle and telerehabilitation. Technology is driving the future, but this pose challenges for occupational therapists as well as opportunities. It has changed the way we perform activities of daily living (ADL) and created new ways for occupational therapists to assess and provide intervention services (Liu, 2018). In the WHO-UNICEF Global Report of Assistive Technology (2022), the positive impact of assistive products goes far beyond improving health, wealth, well-being, participation and inclusion of individual users; families and societies also benefit. According to this report, there is estimated more than 2.5 billion people who would benefit from one or more assistive products and this number is projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050. There is considerable global inequity among countries in terms of access to assistive products, varying from 3% to 90% (WHO, 2019). The numbers captured are enormous and the span of access is skewed, occupational therapists can play a critical role in easing the burden by playing the role of an advocate, creator, facilitator, trainer, policy decisions, guidelines, reducing the gaps in service provision, availability and necessary support to obtain the devices. The global fraternity of occupational therapists is entering a new era of occupational therapy practice which coincides with the emerging technologies, creating challenges to our current practices while also presenting new opportunities in enabling occupation. Occupational therapy provides a unique perspective in regard to the assessment and provision of assistive devices for their service users (Thawisuk et al., 2022). Although occupational therapists realize the importance of AT in different walks of functional life, very little evidence suggests that occupational therapists are actively engaged in all key domains of AT like conceptualizing, designing, crafting and customizing AT to suit the needs of individuals. Occupational therapists may play a critical role in ameliorating identified barriers by enhancing level of awareness, making devices affordable by getting involved in utilized of indigenization of materials, enhance service provision, monitor quality, range and quantity, reducing capacity gaps in the AT workforce, and promoting inclusion, participation and engagement of persons with disabilities. But the individualized nature of occupational therapy has evoked many ethical considerations that must be addressed, e.g. adequate education of users and professionals for proper assessment and matching of person to AT, and considering engagement in meaningful occupations, cost and fidelity of AT and governmental policies (Akyurek et al., 2017). According to its position statement on assistive technology (2019), WFOT affirms that the profession of occupational therapy will enhance equitable access to appropriate assistive technologies in the backdrop of global diversity. This should be done by factoring in the technology design, development and implementation. It also observes that the occupational therapy workforce needs the skill to provide pragmatic, indigenous AT services and products that are meaningful to the needs of the populations they serve (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2019). As noted by Alvarez et al. (2019), WFOT also promotes the need for training and context-based strategies and is committed to promote understanding of the various hurdles in the AT process and developing collaborations to address these challenges. Occupational therapists are often the front line of AT provision and advocacy efforts. These diverse experiences and perceptions will always be an advantage to occupational therapists, by providing a unique insight.
Occupational therapy, people, and assistive technology have a longstanding relationship. Occupational therapists have the broadest scope of allied health practice across the breadth of assistive products and advisory services. This commentary revisits key foundations of occupational therapy and assistive technology practice. It then examines the recent recommendations made within the inaugural WHO/UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology. Drawing on international exemplars of diverse practice and leadership linked to each of the report's Recommendations, this article demonstrates core roles for occupational therapists as leaders and change agents in delivering on the imperatives identified for assistive technology and assistive technology users globally.
Mentoring relationships are pathways to the sharing of tacit knowledge regarding the realities of professional practice, and good evidence supports the efficacy of mentorship among occupational therapists. Mentorship in specific practice areas can be difficult to recruit, and alternative mentoring models and platforms are emerging. This article presents a model of short-term group mentoring using a remote platform in the assistive technology (AT) practice arena. Conducted as a quality improvement activity within two professional associations, four volunteer mentees and five mentors engaged in three 75-minute Zoom-based mentoring sessions over three months. Content was collaboratively designed by a mentee/ mentor dyad from both professional associations. Pre and post-surveys were conducted and analysed to explore the experiences and outcomes for all participants. Positive outcomes for both mentees and mentors were reported, with a range of benefits identified in this small pilot study, Small group time-limited mentoring on topics of mutual interest are likely to be a time effective 'starting point' to partially meet mentorship needs. Mentoring remains an enduring and relevant pathway to support occupational therapists to do, to be and to become reflective and competent practitioners. In the face of pragmatic constraints, strategies such as short-term mentoring, group mentoring, and mentoring in a focal practice area, show great promise and may support further mentoring actions. Use of increasingly ubiquitous virtual/remote platforms, particularly in the twenty-first century and with the influence of pandemic-related distancing, are a promising enabler of connection.
The purpose of the present case study was to investigate the impact of assistive technology on the engagement in and performance of preferred occupations, for spinal cord-injured individuals in Greece. Occupational therapists, uniquely qualified to address issues of occupational justice, considering assistive technology may need to broaden their scope, focusing on a holistic approach. Having compiled an occupational profile of the case study, using the semi-structured interviews of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, a better understanding of the matter was possible. People with spinal cord injury face not only issues of functionality but also environmental and social barriers, regardless of the device they use. Assistive technology devices may have positive outcomes for people with physical disabilities. However, Greek service users may greatly benefit from a more structured, person-centered and occupational-focused assessment, provision, accessibility and intervention process to optimize AT benefits.
Access and effective use of assistive technology should be considered in a regional context. In Japan, the population is ageing at an exceptional rate, and the workforce shortage in elderly care is a serious concern. Implementing robotic technology on person transfer lifts (PTL) is hoped to improve the safety and quality of care for both the caregiver and the care recipient. This review aims to summarize the recent literature on PTL usage within Japanese medical care and social welfare. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Our results demonstrated that most included articles were conducted in residential care in Japan. Various types of PTL were employed, with the sit-to-stand type being preferred. Overall, the use of PTL yields positive outcomes for both the caregiver and the care recipient. The provision of adequate training and a concern for dignity were identified as key factors in successful PTL acceptance and usage.
In 2020, in Ireland, challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted occupational therapy student practice education placements availability. New innovative placements were required. A collaboration between University of Limerick (UL), Ireland, and Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland (DDCD Ireland) has to date enabled 30 occupational therapy students to undertake practice education placements via telehealth. Originally, this placement was designed to allow students to meet learning objectives remotely. This case report outlines how an area of innovative practice at an Irish occupational therapy student education programme evolved, during the crisis associated with Covid-19, culminating in the establishment of the Partnering for Occupational Therapy Telehealth Services (POTTS), which is now a hybrid service (telehealth and face-to-face service).
Introduction: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that in its evolution affects the occupational performance of the person. This may require the use of different assistive technology in order to improve the communication possibilities and, by extension, personal autonomy. Objective: to identify the perspective of people with ALS in relation to the influence of communication processes in their occupations and to explore possible Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in the occupational therapy intervention process. Methods: A descriptive and observational quantitative study of a series of cases with a transversal temporal perspective. The ALS-FRS-R, ACIS, ATD PA and PIADS instruments have been used. The sample consisted of 10 people with ALS. Results: The level to which the person normally incorporates the device into his life does not depend on the functional health situation derived from ALS. The AAC that has had the greatest impact on the participants has been the APP voice assistant. An informative guide on AAC has been developed for people with ALS and families. Conclusions: The functions of the occupational therapist in the intervention with support products for communication (assessment, planning, intervention and monitoring) are transcendental for the promotion of personal autonomy of people with ALS because thanks to the incorporation of the communication device they can continue to develop, participate and make their own decisions in freedom.
We examined how a sponsored contract model (1) produced products of scholarly impact in childhood disability; (2) built scholarly capacity of rising practitioners/scholars in health-related professions; and (3) can be optimized to maximize impact. Data from select lab records and interviews were content analyzed and fitted to the Research Capacity Building (RCB) framework that was situated within the Forging Alliances in Interprofessional Rehabilitation Research (FAIRR) logic model. Traditional outcomes included KT products (53%), followed by publications (16%), presentations (10%), grant submissions (10%), and community research partnerships (10%). Trainees emphasized four professional outcomes including: (1) growing a research network, (2) acquiring research skills, (3) transferring research skills, and (4) assuming leadership roles. Trainees provided multiple suggestions to optimize the contract model. Findings suggest this sponsored contract model yields scholarly products and professional benefits to trainees across multiple backgrounds. Stakeholders could consider increasing leadership opportunities for graduate trainees to maximize impact.
Many occupational therapists are skilled assistive technology practitioners and provide a variety of services to assistive technology users and their families through their use of intervention models that integrate the client, occupation and environment. Occupational therapy education, translation of current research into practice and clinical competency ensure that assistive technology users can enjoy accessing their community and environment independently, safely, adequately, and freely. This white paper illustrates the role of occupational therapists in the provision of assistive technology devices to promote better understanding of facilitators and challenges affecting the provision of assistive technology globally. It also reviews literature and discusses positions of professional organizations. Finally, we summarize global efforts, recommendations and strategies to build collaborative partnerships, develop innovative service models, use best available evidence, advocate for supportive public policy, promote occupational therapy services and professional development relating to assistive technology provision, and increase access to affordable, quality assistive technologies worldwide.
Introduction: This study aims to map existing occupational therapy scoping reviews to identify their characteristics and highlight research priorities to help occupational therapy researchers conduct further research in the eight prioritized research areas proposed by the WFOT Delphi study.Method: The review followed the scoping review guidelines from Arksey and O'Malley (2005). Six electronic databases (PubMed, ProQuest Central, Scopus, CINAHL and AHMED, and Web of Science) were used for the search. The inclusion criteria were set as follows: written in English; related to occupational therapy and scoping reviews.Results: A total of 189 articles were mapped to the WFOT research priorities: Effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions (n = 57); evidence-based practice and knowledge translation (n = 74); healthy aging (n = 26); participation in everyday life (n = 29); occupational therapy professional issues (n = 29); community development and population (n = 10); occupational therapy and chronic conditions (n = 41); technology and occupational therapy (n = 11); and some non-categorized studies.Conclusion: Our findings also support the WFOT study findings indicating the current research focus in evidence-based practice and knowledge transition.
The 2016 Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists published by the World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) recognise that the competencies required for practice as an occupational therapist necessitate that occupational therapy programmes be situated in institutes of higher education, with graduates awarded a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent credential. Given this recognition, WFOT conducted a survey to understand issues that impact a transition to degree level education in jurisdictions that continue to offer diploma programmes. An overall 84% response rate was received for the online survey that was circulated to 98 WFOT member organisations in March 2021. Survey results indicated that diploma level education is offered in the jurisdiction of 15 member organisations. Only two of the member organisations indicated that a transition to degree level education is not a goal at this time, although for many, planning was at an early stage. Most member organisations with diploma level education identified the need to influence their government to enable widespread transition to degree level education. Factors most highly rated for influencing such a transition included awareness of competency requirements for occupational therapists, demand for occupational therapy services, access to upgrading programmes, availability of student practice placements, and government and regulatory standards. Recommended strategies to facilitate the transition process included engaging in advocacy and awareness raising, adopting a competency framework, creating opportunities for upgrading, and seeking out collaborative partnerships.
"President’s message. The importance of international occupational therapy education standards and future-proofing our profession." World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 79(1), pp. 2–3
Provision of access to health care for all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status or where they live, is one of the United Nations' goals of making health care a universal human right. During the era of coronavirus where movement is restricted including where health facilities are located, e-therapy can be implemented in occupational therapy services to reduce socioeconomic barriers related to health costs and access. This cross-sectional quantitative study design explores the impact of specific e-therapy application in advancing occupational therapy intervention as a rehabilitative profession in supporting clients in low-resourced countries. The study findings show maximum acceptance and high satisfaction level of the clients following e-therapy services; occupational therapists also were satisfied with the implementation of e-therapy services; however, a few therapists were not ready to deliver e-therapy interventions due to different challenges.
