The contributions of occupational science to the readiness of long duration deep space exploration.

BACKGROUND: This study introduces the contributions of occupational science (OS) to the preparation and support of astronauts during long duration space exploration. Given the hostile environment of space, it is not surprising that there is grave deterioration of both physical and mental health when off Earth. However, OS, through occupational therapy (OT), can identify strategies that maintain health and minimize disruptions in task performance for mission success. OBJECTIVE: To determine the gaps in NASA's preparation of astronauts for long duration space exploration and the viable contributions of OT. Because occupational therapists are trained to address deficits and modify environments to support meaningful engagement in occupations, the OT practitioner is well suited to address the disabling conditions astronauts experience in space. METHODS: A literature review revealing the challenges of deep space travel on humans was completed. A survey was also sent to (N = 170) occupational therapists worldwide to identify opinions about the profession's involvement in deep space exploration. RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent (N = 163) of the participants believed that OS can inform long duration space travel. Approximately ninety-eight percent (N = 166) of respondents believed that OT interventions can be used on space travelers during long duration space flights. CONCLUSION: OT interventions can be implemented in any phase of space flight to increase the likelihood of mission success and astronaut safety and well-being.

Intercultural partnering for the benefit of South Africa township high school students.

An intercultural partnership was formed to meet South African township high schools' need to provide career education and identify barriers and hope in relation to career choice. The objective of this study was to collect data on the students' perceptions of career choice, barriers prohibiting students from engaging in a career of choice and their general hopefulness. A non-experimental, descriptive study was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis strategies was used. A significant difference was found based on gender in relation to having career options and with regard to how knowledge about careers is gained. Despite barriers to career choice, students are hopeful about the future. Occupational deprivation is a risk factor for South African youth living in disadvantaged communities. Results are from two township high schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. English as a second language may have influenced data analysis. Future research must explore the role of occupational therapy in South African township high schools and the issue of career choice among South African youth.

Occupational therapy students' metaphors for helping.

Metaphors are powerful devices for eliciting images of practice. Exploring the metaphors of occupational therapy students provides educators with insight into students' prior knowledge and the constraints their ideas may present in practice. Metaphorical images of helping held by newly enrolled and Level II fieldwork students were examined. Responses to a structured, open-format questionnaire revealed that the two groups were in agreement about conceptualizations of helping. The findings suggest two overarching themes: (1) the importance of client-centered practice and (2) the inevitability of client autonomy and responsibility. These results imply that educators must prepare students to face the realities of practice: working with unmotivated clients and engaging them in meaningful occupations. Thus, a continued emphasis on client-centered practice and the requisite listening skills for a therapeutic alliance are needed. Research should build on the insufficient knowledge of what happens to identity development in the transition from curricula to practice.

Communicating evidence in clinical documentation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine occupational therapy practitioners' and stakeholders' opinions, perceptions, and attitudes towards communicating evidence in patient documentation. Moreover, it sought to establish relationships between factors that affect the use of evidence in documentation. METHODS: A mixed method design was used and two distinct surveys were created by the researchers in order to collect the data. In the first survey, occupational therapy practitioners in the Midwestern region of the USA completed an electronic survey. The second, a Delphi survey, was sent to other stakeholders such as case managers, rehabilitation supervisors, and payers. RESULTS: There were 126 surveys returned and analysed (29% response rate). Data revealed that 63.5% of practitioners believed in communicating evidence in documentation. Clinicians of all education levels agree that practitioners should communicate the evidence when funding is at stake (χ(2) (6, N = 110) = 15.97, P = 0.014). Participants also agreed that evidence should be communicated when dictated by their department (χ(2) (2, N = 110) = 6.25, P = 0.012).

Systematic literature review of treatment interventions for upper extremity hemiparesis following stroke.

The primary purpose of this review article is to critically analyse the literature from 1999 to 2005 regarding effective interventions for upper extremity hemiparesis following stroke. The researchers narrowed the scope of the review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, which yielded 11 pertinent studies congruent with the selection criteria. Studies were categorized using Sackett's levels of evidence, level I being the highest degree of certainty and level V the lowest. Grades of recommendations were then developed, grade A being highly recommended, grade B discretionary and grade C not endorsed. Two studies were endorsed as level I - grade A, six were level II - grade B, and three were level III - grade C. Clinical recommendations inferred from the present evaluation are as follows:* Electrical stimulation can be used to improve upper limb outcomes in patients with moderate to severe upper limb dysfunction and is feasible for home-based interventions.* Therapy that utilizes goal-directed reaching behaviours promotes more typical reaching patterns than non-goal-directed interventions.* Reach-to-grasp movements show greater improvement when compensatory trunk movements are reduced.* As an addition to regular exercise therapy time, Arm BASIS training may enhance selective movements of the upper extremity (i.e. reaching).* When performed in conjunction with active neuromuscular stimulation, random and blocked practice may improve pre-motor, motor and total reaction times of the upper extremity.