Helene Lohman

THE POWER OF BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS IN INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING

Learning about human development across the lifespan is basic to health care education. What better way for students to understand these concepts than to be actively engaged in projects with different generations of individuals such aselders? Active learning is an effective strategy to help developing health care professionals. This article highlights a unique intergenerational project of book study groups embedded in a health professions course focused on geriatrics. A study of this intergenerational book group immersion experience examined changes in thinking, values, and beliefs of students and elders. The qualitative and demographic participant data were coded and thematically analyzed. The outcome of the study indicates that the intergenerational group experience resulted in positive mutual benefit among students and elders. Using an intergenerational book discussion group can be a memorable and synergistic opportunity for learning.

Ethical issues related to managed care: an in-depth discussion of an occupational therapy case study.

What are the ethical responsibilities of occupational therapists when managed care plans override their clinical judgment and deny reimbursement for needed assessment or therapy? Using an example from a true case, this article presents an analysis of the ethical problems experienced in managed care when explicit business goals are in conflict with the humanistic commitments of our field. Strategies for ethical action are recommended, including: good communication with the case manager, effective advocacy for the patient, consultation with ethics resources, and advocacy at the policy-making level. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworth.com].

Physical therapists' perspectives on practice errors in geriatric, neurologic, or orthopedic clinical settings

While practice errors have been studied extensively in medicine and pharmacy, little research exists in physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of physical therapy practice errors in geriatric, adult neurologic, and orthopedic clinical settings. Thirty physical therapists with three or more years of practice experience participated in the study, representing four geographically distinct regions of the United States. Four focus groups were conducted via guided discussion questions in four different states. Collected data were transcribed and analyzed by using constant comparative method. Data analysis yielded five major themes including: 1) taxonomy of error, 2) aversive outcomes, 3) individual and systematic causes, 4) post hoc actions, and 5) prevention of future errors. Because human errors are inevitable in physical therapy practice, understanding of causes and prevention strategies is necessary to minimize harm to patients. In addition, physical therapists must recognize their role and responsibility in creating a culture of error analysis and error prevention.

Awareness of Medicare Regulation Changes: Occupational Therapists' Perceptions and Implications for Practice

ABSTRACT Aims: Occupational therapists who work with Medicare beneficiaries should keep abreast about Medicare regulations relevant to practice. This study identified how occupational therapists employed by contractual companies working in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) learn and interpret changes about Medicare regulations impacting practice. Methods: Researchers analyzed qualitative data from 11 occupational therapists employed in a Midwest metropolitan area through an open-ended questionnaire, focus group, and phone interview. Results: Major themes identified included primary reliance on company resources to learn about Medicare regulation changes, reasons therapists were for or against utilization of noncompany resources for enhanced awareness, barriers to, and suggestions for deepening understanding of Medicare regulation changes. Conclusions: Findings have important implications for the occupational therapy field by contributing to better understanding of how current communication and interpretation regarding Medicare regulations occurs with therapists employed in contracted SNFs and conceivable ways for occupational therapists to gain deeper understanding of Medicare regulations impacting practice.

Occupational Therapists as Case Managers

Occupational therapists in todays health care environment are challenged to take on new roles such as case management. In assuming these roles occupational therapists need an understanding of the basic competencies to perform the job. To determine these competencies, the author, an occupational therapist, compares the basic competencies necessary to practice as a certified case manager and as a certified occupational therapist. As a participant/observer of case management she considers these competencies in clinical practice. From that experience she identifies strengths and suggestions for further occupational therapy educational development.