Lynnda J. Emery

Social psychological analysis of facilitated communication: Implications for education.

Despite lack of empirical support, facilitated communication was rapidly adopted and used with individuals who have severe communication disorders. An overview of the psychological literature was provided here to support theoretical explanations for this rapid adoption. The literature suggests that cognitive biases, ambiguous stimuli, and biases in data may be associated with a tendency to adopt interventions such as facilitated communication. Psychosocial influences associated with autism, the helping relationship, and the professional career cycle may enhance a readiness to adopt alternative treatments. Social influences may create an environment in which fads arise. Suggestions were provided for students and professionals in the broad fields of rehabilitation and education on how to improve their participation in developing and monitoring innovative treatment methods.

Gender Differences in Range of Motion in Older Adults

This study had three purposes: to compare active neck and upper extremity range of motion (ROM) in women and men in context of expected values, to examine ROM decrease with age in women and men, and to predict age-related ROM in older women and men. Sixty-one women and 25 men who lived independently in the community were measured. ROM was less for older women and older men when compared to expected values. ROM declined with age for both women and men; however, women maintained greater range. The estimated regression coefficients can be used to predict ROM in older women and men. Clinical implications in evaluation are discussed.

Continuing Education: A Clinician's Guide to Monitoring and Promoting Competence

The pressures of practice in a rapidly changing healthcare environment require therapists to maintain refined practice skills. Although continuing education is a commonly cited term, how it contributes to monitoring and promoting competence is often not discussed in detail. The purpose of this article is to describe three themes related to continuing education and competence that emerged in a review of the professional literature. These three themes are elements of competence, monitoring competence and methods to promote competence to assist clinicians in their own professional development.

Self-identity in an adolescent a decade after spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to describe the current self-identity of an adolescent a decade after spinal cord injury and how he recalls his rehabilitative journey through recovery. The instruments included three in-depth interviews, administration of the Lin Interest Check List, the Stress Profile, and the Tennessee Self Concept Scale: 2. An association between participation in meaningful occupations and regaining self-identity was articulated. Results revealed above average self-concept and adequate coping skills with high use of positive appraisal. Higher scores in family and social self-concept validate his strong reliance on spirituality and his local church as a support system. In contrast, this client also scored above average on negative appraisal and on self-criticism. Implications for improved practice for occupational therapists and other rehabilitation science professionals are discussed.

Cognitive Status After Hip Replacement

Rehabilitation following hip replacement and hip fracture is influenced by cognitive status of the person. Because clinical experience and the literature suggests this, the purpose of this literature review is to (1) examine how cognitive status affects recovery of functional performance following hip replacement, (2) suggest evaluation instruments to measure cognition that are useful in a clinical setting, and (3) describe intervention that is typically used to promote functional performance and how it is influenced by cognitive status.

Self-Care and Total Knee Replacement

The purpose of this study was to examine the gains in self-care and transfer skills of persons after total knee replacement (TKR) and measure the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment. In this retrospective chart review, 47 patients met the selection criteria during a two-year period. Baseline and discharge Functional Independence Measure (FIM) subscales of self-care and transfers were compared using paired t-tests with post hoc analysis. Effectiveness and efficiency measures were calculated. FIM subscale scores improved 2.29 points on average. Statistically significant improvement was made in all eight subscales where baseline was less than independent level. Improvement in functional performance was made in self-care and transfers with discharge ratings at modified independent to independent.

Guidelines for Selection of Health Information Management Software in Outpatient Practice

ABSTRACT While use of electronic medical records is not uniform across all settings, there is an increase in electronic system and software use in healthcare. This use of electronic methods to record initial and discharge evaluations and intervention for the patient is under current consideration in outpatient rehabilitation settings. Health information management professionals can offer therapists guidance on selection and use of new software. The purpose of this article is to offer suggestions on the software purchase team, exploration of vendor and software options, review of selection criteria, and software selection strategies. The article includes criteria checklists, a discussion of purchase issues, and suggests resources to assist purchase team members and therapists who contribute opinions to software selection and use.

A Clinician's Guide to Research Article Titles

Like many clinical disciplines, a major goal of occupational therapy research is to improve clinical practice. This goal presents a unique challenge to occupational therapists. Specifically, researchers and clinicians must communicate about research and its implications to improve practice through professional publications. This means that writers must effectively present their work and readers must effectively critique it. This need to bridge a communication gap in reporting and critiquing research occurs in many practitioner-oriented fields. Researchers suggest that research writing must shift from an emphasis on statistical analysis, and theoretical and methodological considerations to greater emphasis on clinical practice (Tornquist, Funk, & Champagne, 1989). They contend that bridging the communication gap to reach clinicians may be accomplished by providing clear presentations of interventions, instruments, and results with their implications in clinical practice. Currently, many occupational therapy practitioners apply research findings from journals and conferences to improve their practice. Oth-