Channine Clarke

An Introduction to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: A Useful Approach for Occupational Therapy Research

Occupational therapy is currently experiencing a professional refocusing on occupation and its intrinsic relationship with health and wellbeing (Molineux 2004). However, in order to keep this momentum going and to enhance the confidence of therapists in their practice, it is vital that research is undertaken that enables the development of an understanding of how occupation is experienced and ascribed meaning by individuals. This opinion piece suggests that interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a useful methodology for therapists to develop such an understanding. It introduces the reader to IPA, including a brief overview of its theoretical underpinnings, highlights factors to consider when planning an IPA study, and discusses how it may provide a useful approach for occupational therapy researchers.

Clinical Application of the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance in a Forensic Rehabilitation Hostel

In order to improve the quality and effectiveness of occupational therapy service provision, therapists should be using models of practice. This paper describes the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and critically evaluates its application within a forensic rehabilitation hostel. It provides examples from practice and discusses the strengths and limitations of the model.

Sustaining professional identity in practice following role-emerging placements: opportunities and challenges for occupational therapists

Introduction Role-emerging placements are increasingly being used to help prepare occupational therapy graduates for practice in a changing health and social care climate. However, while the literature on such placements is increasing, few longitudinal studies have explored their impact on graduates’ professional practice and identity. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to gain an understanding of the ways in which five occupational therapy graduates felt their role-emerging placement influenced their professional identity and practice once qualified. In-depth interviews were carried out with the graduates once they had been working as occupational therapists for a minimum of 6 months. Results In the absence of other occupational therapists, students on placements created professional identities of their own making and generated visions of the type of therapist they wanted to become. Once qualified, however, there were mixed experiences concerning the extent to which this identity could be sustained in practice. Particular difficulty was encountered by those working in National Health Service settings, where graduates questioned whether their practice was congruent with the professional understandings and ways of being they had developed on placement. Conclusion Role-emerging placements acted as a catalyst for participants’ personal and professional development. Further research on the long-term influence of role-emerging placements is required.

The meaning of play for children and young people withphysical disabilities: A systematic thematic synthesis

BACKGROUND Children and young people with physical disabilities are often reported to play less than their typically developing peers. Few studies explore the meaning of play from the childs perspective; this study carried out a thematic synthesis of the findings of qualitative studies about the meaning of play following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. METHODS A search of CINAHL, AHMED, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ERIC was undertaken between September 2015 and March 2016. Qualitative studies exploring the meaning of play from the perspective of 0- to 18-year-olds with physical disabilities impacting function were included. Quality appraisal and thematic synthesis were undertaken in order to develop analytical themes. RESULTS Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria in part addressing the meaning of play for children and young people with physical disabilities. Synthesis of the findings identified 5 analytical themes: Play can feel both positive and negative; play can draw attention towards or away from my disability; play is a social interaction; I participate differently to my peers, and needing help feels normal. CONCLUSIONS The themes highlight the potential for play experiences of individuals with physical disabilities being overlooked by parents and professionals; further research is needed to explore play experience from these individuals perspective.

Lack of meaningful activity on acute physical hospital wards: older peoples' experiences

Introduction Research suggests that older people on acute physical hospital wards are at increased risk of physical and mental health decline due to inactivity during their stay. Whilst studies have highlighted potential causes of such inactivity, there exists a paucity of occupational therapy research that explores engagement in meaningful occupation from patients’ perspectives in hospital settings. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to gain a deeper understanding of how 18 older people spent their time on hospital wards and the impact this had on their feelings of wellbeing. Interviews were carried out and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis guidelines. Findings Patients experienced a lack of meaningful activity on the wards which resulted in feelings of passivity, boredom and a sense of alienation from their normal roles, routines and sense of self. Despite a willingness to engage in activity, barriers were suggested as limited resources, hospital routines and personal limitations. Suggestions of potential meaningful activities were made. Conclusion Occupational therapy services need to review service provision and provide an occupation-focused service, ensuring that patients’ engagement in meaningful activities is seen as an integral part of their role in order to maintain patients’ mental and physical wellbeing. Recommendations for further research are highlighted.

Using children and young people as advocates to inform research design

Statement of context This practice analysis discusses the benefits and challenges of young advocates with physical disabilities and communication difficulties informing research design. Critical reflection on practice The use of advocates helped to inform a PhD project exploring the experience of play for 6–12-year-olds with high levels of physical disability due to cerebral palsy. This enabled the improvement of the study design in terms of participant information, interview questions, and the format of the participant interviews. Implications for practice Rigorous and well-designed research has a positive impact upon therapy practice. Researchers should make use of children and young people as advocates in order to enable high-quality research design.