Changing practice patterns of school-based occupational therapists in Israel

Following the enactment of the Special Education Law in Israel in 1988, school-based occupational therapists (OTs) were expected to modify their practice patterns by, providing services within the classroom or other educational settings, increasing collaboration with other team members, and implementing indirect intervention models such as monitoring and consultation. The purpose of this study was to examine the intervention patterns of school-based OTs in Israel. The study sample included 77 school-based OTs. The survey was carried out through a questionnaire which included: (1) background information, (2) implementation and perceptions towards intervention models, and (3) team-work practices of the OTs. The findings indicated that most of the time (76.9%) OTs still implement the 'direct therapy' model, working outside the classroom and focusing on improving performance components. These findings imply that school-based OTs in Israel are still in the process of changing their practice patterns, and are mostly applying the medical model. However, due to the relatively small sample, it is important to repeat this survey using a larger sample of OTs who work in different settings and with various age groups.     

The values of occupational therapy: Perceptions of occupational therapists in Quebec

Objective: Recently, there has been increasing interest in the values of occupational therapy and the values held by occupational therapists. A wide range of values has been reported in the literature. Furthermore, despite the fact that values are an important part of professional identity, empirical studies have demonstrated that several occupational therapists possess an ambiguous professional identity. This study was undertaken to explore the values of Canadian occupational therapists, specifically French-speaking occupational therapists in Quebec. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 occupational therapists. Their narratives were subject to hermeneutic analysis, a method of textual analysis common in philosophical research. Results: A total of 16 values were identified in the discourses of the occupational therapists interviewed: autonomy; human dignity; occupational participation; social justice and equity; professionalism; holism; partnership, environment, or ecological approach; quality of life; solicitude; honesty; integrity; health; creativity; professional autonomy; effectiveness; and spirituality. Conclusions: The results of this study are, in general, consistent with those reported in the few other empirical studies that have documented the values perceptions of occupational therapists. Finally, the explanation of the values of occupational therapists may reinforce their professional identity and favour best, or at least desirable, professional practices related to ethics and culture.     

Factors influencing job satisfaction among Jordanian occupational therapists: a qualitative study

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among Jordanian occupational therapists. Methods: Ours was an explorative qualitative study involving the use of structured open‐ended written questions. Participants were asked to answer in narrative their perception about the factors behind their job satisfaction and dissatisfaction. In addition, they were asked to express their suggestions, ideas, or solutions for increasing job satisfaction. Results: Ninety‐three occupational therapists responded to the survey. For job satisfaction questions, four themes emerged: a humanistic profession; professional issues; work benefits; and work environment. Participant’s comments at the end of the survey revealed one general theme for improving job satisfaction, ‘a call for improvement’. Discussion: This qualitative study revealed that the humanistic nature of occupational therapist was counterbalanced by several dissatisfying factors for occupational therapy practitioners in Jordan. The need for better supported working conditions in terms of financial rewards, recognition, awareness and resources as well as public and professional recognition of occupational therapists are needed to enhance the occupational therapy profile in Jordan. A comprehensive collaboration is highly needed between the individual practitioners, representatives of the profession, government and hospital administrators.     

A survey of paediatric occupational therapists in the United Kingdom

The purpose of this study was to examine the work of paediatric occupational therapists in the UK, and to compare the results with similar surveys carried out in the US, Australia and Canada. A postal questionnaire survey was sent to 212 members of the National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists. Questions were asked about a wide range of issues pertinent to paediatric practice. The results showed that data collected in the UK are similar to those from the three other countries-- for example, in the unique areas of work, such as assessment for adaptive equipment, training in activities of daily living and fine motor skills training, and that there is also some overlap with other disciplines. The study had some limitations in terms of respondents accessed and scope of questions asked. It highlighted a number of areas for further research, one being to identify what undergraduate teaching needs to be made available to students who want to work with children. Several conclusions are drawn, principally that children's occupational therapists tend to remain in the specialization for several years and make good use of postgraduate courses to enhance their practice.     

The impact on occupational therapists of the reorganisation of psychiatric care in Sweden

The present study focuses on the on-going reorganisation of psychiatric care in a major county council in Sweden. The aim of this study is to describe the impact of these changes from the perspective of one group of occupational therapists. Data were collected by a mailed questionnaire. Results showed an acceptance of the current policies towards restructuring psychiatric care, especially on the focus on alternative living and work/occupational facilities. Strong criticism was raised concerning the lack of trans-institutional facilities. Loneliness and isohtion were seen as a main problem of the patients. Strong doubts were raised concerning independent living as the best alternative for most of the patients. The new professional role in community psychiatric care has brought the occupational therapist closer to die individual patient. Feelings of shortcomings and frustration in this group of occupational therapists regarding the reorganisation of psychiatric care were linked to the insufficiency of community support facilities designed to meet these new challenges.     

职业紧张与工作条件对男性警察糖尿病发病影响前瞻性研究

目的 探讨职业紧张与工作条件对男性警察糖尿病(DM)发病的影响。方法 采用前瞻性队列研究方法,以天津市6 075名男性警察为研究对象,调查其DM危险因素、职业紧张水平及工作条件,跟踪随访队列DM发病情况,采用多因素Cox回归分析职业紧张与工作条件对警察DM发病的影响。结果 2008-2011年对队列人群进行定期随访,随访中位时间为2.61年,随访期间发现DM患者179例(3.1%);交警DM发病风险明显高于其他警种,HR值及其95%CI为2.89(2.12~3.93);相对于适度职业紧张组,具有缺乏职业紧张、高度职业紧张的警察DM发病的HR值及其95%CI为3.12(1.81~5.38)、1.97(1.34~2.91);相对于适度紧张反应组,具有中度紧张反应、高度紧张反应的警察DM发病的HR值及其95%CI为1.66(1.12~2.44)、2.57(1.34~4.92);将危险因素重新定义并采用Cox回归分析发现,具有缺乏职业紧张、中度职业紧张、高度职业紧张、中度紧张反应和高度紧张反应的交警人群相对于其他警察DM发病的HR值及其95%CI分别为4.62(2.39～8.90)、2.44(1.65～3.60)、3.30(2.20～4.94)、3.11(1.93～5.03)、4.48(1.83～10.98)。结论 职业紧张和工作条件在影响警察DM发病过程中起着重要作用,交警和缺乏、中度、高度职业紧张和中度、高度紧张反应是其独立危险因素。     

Sources of stress experienced by occupational therapists and social workers in mental health settings

This study examined the sources of stress experienced by occupational therapists and social workers employed in Australian public mental health services and identified the demographic and work-related factors related to stress using a cross-sectional survey design. Participants provided demographic and work-related information and completed the Mental Health Professionals Stress Scale. The overall response rate to the survey was 76.6%, consisting of 196 occupational therapists and 108 social workers. Results indicated that lack of resources, relationships and conflicts with other professionals, workload, and professional self-doubt were correlated with increased stress. Working in case management was associated with stress caused by client-related difficulties, lack of resources, and professional self-doubt. The results of this study suggest that Australian occupational therapists and social workers experience stress, with social workers reporting slightly more overall stress than occupational therapists.     

A pilot study on attitudes toward making reasonable accommodations for occupational therapists with disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that persons with disabilities in the United States are entitled to reasonable accommodations in five areas including employment. This pilot study (1) tested the reliability and validity of a questionnaire, which (2) explored how much training American occupational therapists had in the ADA and (3) investigated the attitudes of occupational therapist supervisors toward occupational therapist employees with disabilities. A questionnaire consisting of 20 statements was designed by the researcher. The questionnaire was mailed to 18 occupational therapy administrators. Ten participants who completed the mailed questionnaire were included in the results. Participants with ADA training had a more positive attitude towards making reasonable accommodations than those without training. Only participants working in psychosocial settings claimed to have occupational therapy employees with disabilities. Six of the administrators made reasonable accommodations for employees who had disabilities. Further study of a larger sample of occupational therapy administrators is recommended to determine the attitude towards reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.     

Creating connections to life during life-threatening illness: Creative activity experienced by elderly people and occupational therapists

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 identified as the foundation for engaging in creative activity; (2) unfolding creations—an evolving process; (3) reaching beyond for possible meaning horizons. Conclusion. 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. Ultimately, the features that participants specify can be used to refine and substantiate the use of creative activities in intervention and general healthcare.     

Implementing Smart Working in Public Administration: a follow up study

Background:Starting from February 2020, in Italy most organizations have had a forced transition to flexible working practice - called “smart working in emergency” – due to the Covid-19 epidemic outbreak. This allowed to continue work activities and services and contributed to contain the risk of infection in different sectors, particularly in the public administration.Objectives:This follow up study focussed on a panel of 187 workers from the Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority taking part to a pilot project “Smart Working in INAIL” from January 2019 to December 2019. The aim was to investigate the effects of work organization on work attitudes, work-life balance and health outcomes before and after the introduction of the smart working.Methods:The data were collected at two time points through a web-based questionnaire. The first wave aimed to collect information up to one month before the implementation of the smart working. The second wave aimed to collect information about potential changes occurred after one year of smart working.Results:This study showed that high demands, low control and low social support might lead to reduced well-being and less satisfaction with work, and have an effect on work engagement and work-life balance. Particularly, improving social support can moderate the negative impact of high strain on well-being, preventing work-life imbalance and risk of isolation.Discussion:Findings and future perspectives are discussed to support stakeholders in defining policies and practices concerning health and wellbeing at work while preserving productivity, for a successful implementation of smart working in the public administration.     

A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practice in Beijing,China

There is an increasing demand for rehabilitation services in China as a result of the growing number of people with physical and mental challenges, as well as the growing population of older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore the current occupational therapy (OT) resources available in Beijing, China, to serve as the first step in planning the response to increasing demand for OT services from the people of China. Specifically, using the snowball sampling survey method, we explored the work practice, including years of working experience, work setting, weekly work hours, annual income and factors related to job satisfaction among occupational therapists in Beijing, China. A total of 44 occupational therapists currently working in the Beijing area responded to our survey. The results demonstrated that most of the therapists working in Beijing area were young and inexperienced. Despite the fact that the participants had an average age of 31 years old and an average of 8 years' working experience, 61.4% of therapists were under 30 years old and more than half of therapists had less than 5 years of OT experiences. Among those included in the study sample, 50% had earned degrees in OT, and the rest of the OT personnel received OT‐related on‐the‐job training in various forms and lengths of time. A majority of the participants worked in hospital settings with adults or children with physical disabilities and used therapeutic activities and therapeutic exercises. Being an occupational therapist is not a high‐paying job. Education satisfaction, work experience and annual income are the factors related to job satisfaction for the participants. The majority of occupational therapists expressed the need to receive more support for clinical‐related trainings. We plan to expand this pilot study nationwide to gain an in‐depth and comprehensive understanding of the OT workforce in China. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Developing professional values: perceptions of francophone occupational therapists in Quebec,Canada

Objective Recent literature shows growing interest in the values displayed by occupational therapists. Yet, none of these writings has so far examined the factors that contribute to the development of occupational therapists’ professional values. These factors are important, since values play a pivotal role in forging professional identity, which in the case of some occupational therapists remains somewhat ambiguous. This article proposes possible answers to the following question: What do Quebec Francophone occupational therapists perceive as the building blocks of their professional values? Methods Using a phenomenological qualitative method, the subjective experience of occupational therapists in Quebec, Canada was examined. Twenty-six occupational therapists took part in the study. Results As intended, their professional experience was varied. According to the participants, four factors contributed significantly to their professional values: professional experience, university training, personal experience, and professional development. However, fewer than 50% of the participants cited six other factors (workplace, family upbringing, personal development, personality and abilities, professional normative framework, and sociocultural background). Conclusions Most of these results are consistent with those documented in existing works. They point to the relevance of discussing professional values during university training and continuing professional development, as well as encouraging occupational therapists to become exemplars for their colleagues and interns. This study constitutes an initial step in understanding how occupational therapists’ axiological identity is formed.     

Work-related self-efficacy of occupational therapists in mental health

Abstract

Aim: Changes in the mental health field have created new job expectations of occupational therapists (OTs). The present research investigated differences in general self-efficacy (GSE) and work-related self-efficacy (WRSE) between occupational therapists (OTs) working in psychiatric hospitals and OTs working in community-based mental health services. Method: Thirty-four OTs working in psychiatric hospitals and 30 OTs working in community-based settings (n = 60) completed the General Self Efficacy Scale (GSE) and the WRSE in Mental Health Occupational Therapy Scale (WSMOT). Results: The two groups showed no differences in total WRSE score. Both evinced high self-efficacy in direct intervention activities, and low self-efficacy in managing and counseling. Conclusion: Results enlighten an overall high WRSE, which indicates successful adaptation of OTs to changing roles and tasks in mental health, similar to studies in other countries. However, it reveals discrepancies between job demands and self-efficacy of OTs that should be addressed at educational and managerial levels.     

The challenge of interdisciplinary collaboration in acute psychiatry: Impacts on the occupational milieu

This paper, based on a larger ethnographic exploration of the acute inpatient environment for older people with mental illness, describes and provides interpretations of staff perceptions and actions in order to highlight tensions between professional groups which adversely affect opportunities for patients to engage in meaningful occupations. Fieldwork conducted in 1999–2000, supplemented by 20 in-depth interviews with a range of mental health professionals, provides the foundation for suggesting that the extent and nature of occupational engagement is significantly impacted by interdisciplinary relations. The skill of occupational therapists to collaborate with their nursing colleagues in a socially complex environment, and the importance of personal leadership skills among our new graduates are discussed.