Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm): Critiquing Its Applicability With Indigenous Peoples And Communities, Tara Price, Tara Pride

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Indigenous Peoples experience significant health inequities that must be understood in relation to historical and ongoing colonialism, racism, and discrimination. The occupational therapy profession has claimed commitment to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) calls to action, however, the profession is firmly grounded in Euro-Western epistemologies, including its assessments. The purpose of this paper was to assess the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) for use with Indigenous clients and communities. Although the COPM uses flexibility through semi-structured interviews and the exclusion of standardized score comparisons, it is mired in colonial underpinnings and has hierarchical therapist-client power dynamics threaded throughout. …

A Program To Improve The Quality Of Life Of Caregivers Of Older Adults With Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Study, Lori Reynolds, Brandi Buchanan, Shannon Crabtree, Elton Bordanave

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Among the nearly 41.8 million family caregivers of older adults 50 years of age and older in the United States, only 30% of caregivers report receiving the education, resources, and support they need to feel competent in their role. Many existing programs focus on dementia-related caregiving, and programs are needed to address the caregiving needs of individuals with chronic conditions.

Method: A pilot study using a mixed methods design was conducted with eight participants. The pre and post. measure, Adult Carer Quality of Life (AC-QoL), and post program individual interviews were conducted.

Results: Six of the …

Practical Actions Shaped By The Internal Structures Of Occupational Therapists’ Professional Identities, Risa Takashima, Kazuko Saeki

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study aims to consider the internal structures of the professional identities that occupational therapists construct in clinical settings and to explore the differences of practices resulting from these structures.

Methods: In completion of this study, a qualitative methodology based on a grounded theory approach was employed. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with 30 practicing occupational therapists in Japan. First, the internal structures in the participants’ professional identities were identified and typified. Second, the participants’ actions in their practices were analyzed.

Results: We identified three types of internal structures of professional identities. One type focused on …

Enhancing Collaborative Practices With Preprofessional Occupational Therapists And Early Childhood Special Education Student Teachers: A Pilot Study, Kathleen M. Farrand, Megan Troxel Deeg, Oaklee Rogers, Allison M. Mullady, Stephanie S. Williams, Bjorg T. Lesueur

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article presents the Collaborative Design Model as a tool for developing collaboration and self-efficacy for preprofessional educators and service providers. As student populations continue to become more diverse, preprofessionals entering the classroom must be prepared to collaborate with colleagues effectively and efficiently to address the variety of needs presented in the classroom. Little research exists on the collaboration among preprofessional teachers and preprofessional occupational therapists. The proposed model provides a method for supporting preprofessionals in collaborating to meet the needs of students at risk for or with disabilities. Initial pilot findings suggest the Collaborative Design Model could potentially increase …

Continuing Competence Trends Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Ketti Johnson Coffelt, Linda S. Gabriel

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the perceptions and practices of occupational therapists regarding the types of professional development activities they seek to ensure competency. A self-report survey was used to investigate the therapists’ selection of and engagement in professional learning activities. The results from 43 occupational therapists were analyzed. Descriptive results identified the value of a professional development plan and collaboration with colleagues. Self-assessment and searching for and analyzing journal articles emerged as frequently used continuing competence learning practices. The results showed that therapists actively plan and select formal and informal professional activities to promote meaningful …