Stanley Paul

Interprofessional Collaboration: Issues for Practice and Research

SUMMARY The current health care system is based on accountability, cost containment, and quality of care. Collaborative practice models may be a viable means for improving health care delivery. The purpose of this paper is to outline how interprofessional education, practice, and research can establish economic benefits and effective clinical outcomes outside of discipline specific investigation.

The effects of therapeutic riding on sitting posture in individuals with disabilities.

This study describes the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on the sitting posture of individuals with disabilities. Three participants (ages 10–40) with various disabilities were recruited from a therapeutic riding center in the Midwest. The researchers took measures of the sitting posture of these participants before and after an eight week therapeutic riding program. Posture measures were taken using a super VHS video-camera and motion analysis equipment. The video data was analyzed using Peak Motus 32 motion analysis software. Angles were calculated from the sitting posture of participants, and analyzed for any change from pre-test to post-test periods. Findings showed significant changes in four of the eight measures of sitting posture, which suggests a positive effect of therapeutic riding on sitting posture in people with physical disabilities. Future research is recommended with a larger subject pool and inclusion of a control group to validate the effects of therapeutic riding. Research is also suggested to further establish the validity of motion analysis equipment as a quantitative measure of posture.

Professional Expertise of Community-Based Occupational Therapists

SUMMARY As the health care system changes, it is increasingly important to define the roles and contributions of individual professions. The goal of this study was to identify job roles, job skills, and professional expertise of community-based therapists. The Community Practice Project survey was mailed to 200 AOTA registered community-based therapists. There were 84 (42%) surveys returned. The results provided a profile of community-based therapists. Principal roles, job skills, and areas of professional expertise were identified. Educational preparation was assessed. Respondents reported that they were not prepared to use the skills of networking, consulting, and communication. They were not prepared in expertise areas such as community resources, self-directed learning, and client-centered approach to practice. Overall, therapists expressed satisfaction with work in community-based positions.

A Comparison Study of the Volar Wrist Cock-Up Splint and Ulnar Gutter Splint in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of the volar wrist cock-up splint and the ulnar gutter splint on three dependent measures: level of comfort, pain relief and hand function, in clients with early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Four clients with initial onset of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms participated in a study with alternating treatment design that compared the effects of the two splints. Comfort and pain were measured with perceived analogue scales and hand function was assessed using six sub-tests of the Jebsen Hand Function test. Evaluations were done every 2 weeks concurrent with the alternation of the splints for a period of 8 weeks. Descriptive analysis was used to identify differences in the dependent measures. Three participants showed improved performance in hand function tests with reduced time taken in tests following use of splints. Three participants showed reduced pain after splint use. One participant did not show changes with time taken in hand function tests or with level of pain. The study showed clinical evidence that both the splints contributed to alleviation of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. It is imperative that more efficacy studies be done to gain more confidence with the results of this study.

The effects of a sensory motor activities protocol based on the theory of sensory integration on children diagnosed with preprimary impairments.

According to the theory of sensory integration (SI), when an infant successfully meets the challenges of his/her environment, the brain learns to organize the sensation for production of adaptive responses. Research studies have shown mixed results about the effects of the SI therapy and most studies have used single system designs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sensory Integrative Treatment Protocol (SITP) in treating children with preprimary impairments. Two intact classrooms were used as experimental and control groups. The experimental group consisted of 15 children and the control group consisted of 16 children diagnosed with preprimary impairments. Descriptive statistics and a 2 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measures ANOVA were employed in data analyses. DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration (TSI) and the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) were used as the instruments to measure change within and between the two groups before and after the intervention. TSI and MAP scores went up considerably for the children in the experimental group following the intervention. Based on the results, the researchers suggest that “Sensory Integration Treatment Protocol” based on the theory of sensory integration was effective in reducing sensory integration dysfunction and improving preschool performance in children diagnosed with pre-primary impairments.

Follow-up: bridging the gap between discharge and home.

This article reports the results of a survey conducted in order to find out how occupational therapists aid their clients in transition back into the community. A brief description of the current follow-up practices of occupational therapists in the state of Michigan is provided and a discussion regarding the value of follow-up as perceived by these therapists is described. Occupational therapists were asked to identify which discipline they felt would best deliver follow-up services in their facilities. The results of this study showed that 17% of occupational therapists in Michigan followed-up with all of their clients. Results showed that among the OT practitioners who follow-up their clients post discharge, only 38% did so since follow-up and continuation of care was standard in their work sites. However, all therapists surveyed valued follow-up as a critical final step to client care. These therapists expressed the need for follow-up especially in certain percentage of their clients who are in critical need for follow-up in order to monitor their continued functional independence. Some solutions to the lack of follow-up service delivery are offered.

Interprofessional Collaboration in Occupational Therapy

Contents * Interprofessional Collaboration: Issues for Practice and Research * The Rural Elderly Assessment Project: A Model for Interdisciplinary Team Training * Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Partners in Rehabilitation for Persons with Movement Impairments * Dementia, Nutrition, and Self-Feeding: A Systematic Review of the Literature * Promoting Awareness and Understanding of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in Young School Aged Children: An Interdisciplinary Approach * Collaboration Between Team Members in Inclusive Educational Settings * A Response to Traumatized Children: Developing a Best Practices Model * Index * Reference Notes Included