RESUMEN
AIM: Positive behaviour support employs specific strategies which aim to both reduce the incidence of behaviours of concern and enhance the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities. This study aims to identify activities and experiences of occupational therapists working in behaviour support contexts to understand how they see their contributions in this area. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 occupational therapists who have provided behaviour support for people with intellectual disabilities. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged from the interview data: contextualising and understanding behaviour; occupational therapy - why and how?; and 'challenges, strengths and expanding horizons'. CONCLUSIONS: Participants saw themselves as providing an occupational perspective in the delivery of behaviour support, to individuals with behaviour support needs. They highlighted that this was achieved utilising their skills and knowledge about positive behaviour support strategies. Their approaches were seen as drawing on: their understanding of neurological function and how it relates to a person's occupational engagement; combining occupationally focussed approaches with behavioural analysis methodology to guide practice; and advocating for person-centred interventions. These observations form the basis for exploring ways in which occupational therapists can advance their contributions in positive behaviour support settings.
Asunto(s)
Conducta , Discapacidad Intelectual/psicología , Discapacidad Intelectual/rehabilitación , Terapia Ocupacional/métodos , HumanosRESUMEN
Menstrual myths may influence decisions about menstrual and fertility management for women with intellectual disabilities and high support needs. We identify six myths (related to menstruation, menstrual management, communication, sexual feelings, menstrual difficulties, and surgical elimination) and the evidence that dispels these myths. We provide reflexive questions for practitioners to help them critically reflect on their own approaches to menstrual management. We encourage those supporting women with disabilities to consider the reflective questions we have provided and to strive to support informed decision-making about menstruation and the related areas of fertility and sexual feelings.
Asunto(s)
Discapacidad Intelectual/psicología , Menstruación/psicología , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Conducta Sexual/psicología , Apoyo Social , Adolescente , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Comunicación , Toma de Decisiones , Femenino , Humanos , Higiene , Productos para la Higiene MenstrualRESUMEN
AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the particular challenges for occupational therapists during their cross-examination as an expert witness on work capacity. METHODS: Grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse data. Interviews were conducted with 31 participants with direct experience of occupational therapy work capacity assessments. Of these, 19 were occupational therapists, six were medical specialists and six were lawyers. RESULTS: All participant groups perceived that maintaining one's credibility in the witness box was of paramount importance. The occupational therapists identified 11 strategies that barristers may use to challenge their credibility as an expert witness. CONCLUSIONS: The three professional groups proposed practices that maintain occupational therapists' credibility as expert witnesses on the work capacity of personal injury claimants.
Asunto(s)
Empleo/legislación & jurisprudencia , Testimonio de Experto/legislación & jurisprudencia , Terapia Ocupacional/legislación & jurisprudencia , Pautas de la Práctica en Medicina , Rol Profesional , Evaluación de Capacidad de Trabajo , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Abogados , Masculino , Medicina , Persona de Mediana Edad , Investigación Cualitativa , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Life transitions can be planned or can occur unexpectedly. They can cause a major change to a person's life patterns and well-being. Older adulthood is a time for many life transitions as a result of changes in life roles and health status. In this exploratory study, the authors investigate the transition involved in driving cessation for older people. In analyzing and organizing the data, they develop a matrix that incorporated descriptive and temporal factors associated with the transition. This matrix is useful in organizing and communicating the findings as a whole and could be used in describing individual experiences. It might be of use for the organization of qualitative data about other life transitions such as illness, retirement, and the development and adoption of new behaviors.
Asunto(s)
Anciano/psicología , Conducción de Automóvil/psicología , Acontecimientos que Cambian la Vida , Investigación Cualitativa , Actividades Cotidianas/psicología , Adaptación Psicológica , Envejecimiento/fisiología , Envejecimiento/psicología , Femenino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Masculino , Modelos PsicológicosRESUMEN
This qualitative study, based on phenomenological approaches, explored and documented four situations in which positive oral health outcomes occurred for people with mental retardation and moderate to high support needs. Strategies and environmental factors that contributed to these oral health outcomes were identified through 10 semistructured interviews conducted with 'key-players' supporting the oral health of the people with disabilities. Participants included dental professionals, direct support workers, and other professionals who cared for their four people with disabilities. Common strategies expressed in the interviews included "giving it a go"; maintaining consistency; facilitating positive experiences; taking as much time as needed; respecting and encouraging choice making; timeliness and frequency of dental appointments; communication between support workers, dental professionals and the person with mental retardation; problem solving; assisting the person with disability to learn skills; and desensitisation. Contributing factors in the physical, social, and organizational environment also were identified.
Asunto(s)
Atención Dental para la Persona con Discapacidad , Discapacidad Intelectual , Adulto , Citas y Horarios , Comunicación , Toma de Decisiones , Desensibilización Psicológica , Retroalimentación , Femenino , Humanos , Relaciones Interprofesionales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Destreza Motora , Grupo de Atención al Paciente , Solución de Problemas , Relaciones Profesional-Paciente , Refuerzo en Psicología , Medio Social , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Loss of work capacity through illness or injury may result in loss of employment. The transition to durable employment with those reduced capacities poses many challenges. This paper is based on phenomenological research into the experiences of 13 people who had a disabling injury or chronic illness. These participants lost their capacity for their former employment. After a period of time, extending up to 14 years, the participants successfully changed employment in the open labor market, and retained their current employment for 13 weeks or longer. Data from in excess of 30 hours of in-depth semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group were transcribed and analyzed inductively. Analysis was aided by immersion in the data, reflections on entries in a researcher's log, and a computer program for analyzing textual data. Eleven psychosocial themes emerged. These themes were: pain, intense emotions, determination, financial concerns, role models, concealment, assistance, control, self-concept, satisfaction with employment, and personal change. Each theme is presented with representative text from participants and implications for work rehabilitation professionals. Further research to identify the extent of transferability of the findings is recommended.
Asunto(s)
Personas con Discapacidad/psicología , Empleo/psicología , Movilidad Laboral , Enfermedad Crónica , Grupos Focales , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Satisfacción en el TrabajoRESUMEN
Internationally, occupational therapists have recognized the need to provide culturally appropriate services for indigenous people. This study explored experiences, perspectives and practical strategies of occupational therapists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in rural and remote areas of Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight occupational therapists who had at least 12 months' experience providing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health, rehabilitation or education services. Key themes identified in the data focused on strategies for facilitating effective communication with individuals and families, and collaborating with other service providers. The role of Aboriginal Liaison Officers or Indigenous Health Workers was emphasized by participating therapists. Participants identified resources that they perceived as useful in their practice, such as cross-cultural training and access to indigenous health workers. Other resources suggested for further development included information about learning styles of indigenous people and information about cultural variations between specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The small number of participants limits generalizability of the findings. However, therapists can decide on the relevance of strategies to their own workplaces. Suggestions for further research focused on improving occupational therapy services for indigenous people in Australia. These include an investigation of therapy goals with indigenous people, and interviews with indigenous Australians and indigenous health workers about their experiences and perceptions of occupational therapy.