Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Focused Interdisciplinary Therapy: Making A Case For Group Based Intensive Therapy In Pediatric Neurorehabilitation, Teressa Reidy, Nicole Andrejow, Erin Naber, Joan Carney

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Intensive therapy models for children with chronic disabilities are gaining popularity in clinical practice. This paper outlines an intensive, interdisciplinary group intervention protocol targeting functional mobility and occupational performance of three teenage participants diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) (GMFCS levels 1-3). Participants demonstrated gains in function as measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Down Stairs (TUDS), and grip strength. These gains indicate that intensive group-based interdisciplinary therapy programs may improve the mobility and occupational performance of ambulatory teens with CP. A significant limitation of this …

The Perceived Impact Of Direct Patient Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic On Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Mental Health Status, Emilee N. Sasser, Kathleen French, Alison Lecompte, Carrie C. Slade, Jasper Queen

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Aim: To identify the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) on the mental health status of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners providing direct patient care.

Methods: The researchers administered a survey to identify OT practitioners’ perceptions of mental health prior to and during the pandemic. The survey was posted online via a link on social media pages related to occupational therapy professional groups. Participants completed the self-administered survey consisting of 16 questions. Some participants provided narrative responses to select survey questions, which asked about their mental health prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: One hundred and …

The Effectiveness Of An Educational Video Intervention For People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Prior To Power Wheelchair Evaluations, Mark Blanchard, Kelly Connelley, Emily Copeland, Quinn Malbrough, Sara Pendleton, Ingrid Franc

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

PURPOSE: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that ultimately requires a power wheelchair (PWC) as the main source of mobility. The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of an educational video to prepare a client for a PWC assessment by addressing four themes: PWC features, home environment, transportation, and client self-efficacy.

METHODS: An educational video was created and used in an ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic to better prepare clients for the PWC evaluation process. The effectiveness of this video was measured using a seven-question Likert scale survey focusing on the themes of the video. Individuals living …

The Impact Of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Pots) On Function & Quality Of Life: A Descriptive Case Study, Emily Mike

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

This study aimed to identify and describe how an individual with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is impacted by the symptoms of the disorder. A descriptive case study was used to gain understanding of the lived experience of an individual with POTS. A semi-structured interview was conducted, and data analyzed to develop a theme. Following data analysis, one overarching theme emerged, the participant did not realize the impact that POTS has on her daily function and quality of life. The descriptions and summary provide evidence for the unique role that occupational therapists play in providing care for individuals with POTS.

Functional Performance In People With Parkinson’S Disease: Lsvt Big For Life®, Mark Blanchard, Barbara Doucet, Cassidy Perilloux, Tamara Marchetta, Darian Price, Ashley Pattison, Galla Bonanni, Baily Amedee

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

This study aimed to observe the effects that an LSVT BIG for LIFE^® program had on functional performance and overall health related quality of life. Method. Seven participants with Parkinson’s disease participated in onsite LSVT BIG for LIFE sessions throughout a 40-week program. Each session included the completion of seven LSVT BIG^® exercises, one functional component task (sit to stand), a mindfulness activity, and a functional activity. Seven standardized assessments including the Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), Physical Performance Test (PPT), Timed Up and Go …

Creating Evidence-Based Practitioners: Bridging The Gap Between The Classroom And Clinic, Carolyn J. Murphy, Patti T. Calk

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Occupational therapy (OT) academia is responsible for educating students about evidence-based practice (EBP). Unfortunately, students rarely see the connection between academic assignments related to research and application in clinical practice. Academicians need to explore instructional methods to help students bridge the gap between the classroom and being able to apply them in a clinical setting. Stube and Jedlicka (2007) noted that teaching strategies and methods that incorporate what students perceive as being clinically relevant promotes learning and utilization of evidence into practice. The purpose of this paper is to report the outcomes related to combining the concepts of problem-based learning …

Parents Of Children With Physical Impairments And Their Relationship With Intervention Team Members: A Case Study, Patti Calk

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Aim. Historically, parents of children with disabilities report mixed views of their relationship with their children’s intervention team. The author was interested in ascertaining reasons for positive and negative interactions and ways to improve collaboration and teamwork.

Methods. A qualitative study was conducted utilizing interviews with three mothers of children considered multi-handicapped. The subjects were chosen from a purposive, convenience sample. Data was coded into recurrent themes.

Results. Mothers of children with disabilities indicated that the attitude of the professionals, communication among team members, and listening behaviors contribute to the formation of a positive or negative parent-professional …