ABSTRACT
Resumo O ensino de uma agenda de transformação social nos cursos de terapia ocupacional nas universidades brasileiras é um projeto em andamento. Neste artigo: (1) introduzimos a teoria de Reconstrução Ocupacional; (2) contextualizamos a situação dos candangos - que são aqueles que construíram a utópica nova capital do Brasil, Brasília - com base na literatura; (3) descrevemos esforços para expandir a temática da inclusão social na Universidade de Brasília, Brasil; e (4) discutimos como a reconstrução ocupacional serviu de estrutura para o ensino, a pesquisa e a prática. A teoria de Reconstrução Ocupacional explica a transformação social como parte da filosofia e do conhecimento de base "ocupacional". A teoria foi útil para orientar as experiências dos alunos e alcançar resultados de aprendizagem. Durante o curso, os alunos começaram a recontar suas próprias histórias, dialogando com seus familiares mais velhos para conhecer como os candangos lidavam com condições sociais problemáticas nos primeiros dias de Brasília. Eles foram desafiados a apresentar um caso de Reconstrução Ocupacional em forma de literatura de cordel - um livreto impresso de baixo custo; assim, movendo as histórias dos candangos para a esfera pública. O artigo conclui com uma reflexão crítica sobre as vantagens, limitações e possíveis aplicações futuras em currículos.
Abstract Teaching an occupational therapy agenda of social transformation in Brazilian universities is an ongoing project. In this article we (1) Introduce the theory of occupational reconstructions; (2) Contextualize the candangos ' - those who built the country's new utopian Brazilian capital, Brasília - situation based on published literature; (3) Describe reforms to expand social inclusion at University of Brasília, Brazil; and (4) Discuss how occupational reconstruction served as a frame for teaching, research and practice. Occupational reconstruction theory explains social transformation as part of the philosophy and knowledge base of 'occupation'. The theory was useful to guide the students' experiences and reach learning outcomes. During the course, students began by recounting their histories while also contacting their elders to find out how the candangos dealt with problematic social conditions in Brasília's early days. They were challenged to present a case of the occupational reconstruction as an example of literatura de cordel - a low-budget printed booklet ; thus, moving the candangos' stories into the public sphere. The paper concludes with a critical reflection on the advantages, limitations, and possible future applications of the curriculum.
ABSTRACT
Musculoskeletal sonography is rapidly extending beyond radiology; however, best practices for successful integration into new practice contexts are unknown. This study explored non-physician experiences with the processes of training and integration of musculoskeletal sonography into rehabilitation. Qualitative data were captured through multiple sources, and iterative thematic analysis was used to describe two occupational therapists' experiences. The dominant emerging theme was competency, in three domains: technical, procedural, and analytical. In addition, three practice considerations were illuminated: (a) understanding imaging within the dynamics of rehabilitation, (b) navigating nuances of interprofessional care, and (c) implications for post-professional training. Findings indicate that sonography training for rehabilitation providers requires multi-level competency development and consideration of practice complexities. These data lay a foundation on which to explore and develop best practices for incorporating sonographic imaging into the clinic as a means for engaging clients as active participants in the rehabilitation process to improve health and rehabilitation outcomes.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical/methods , Musculoskeletal Diseases/rehabilitation , Occupational Therapists/education , Occupational Therapy/education , Attitude of Health Personnel , Clinical Competence/standards , Diffusion of Innovation , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Musculoskeletal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Occupational Therapists/psychology , Occupational Therapists/standards , Occupational Therapy/standards , Professional Practice , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
This article examines six cases of publicly funded Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for Latino children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to contribute to thinking about occupational justice. In this ethnographic study of six Latino families of children with ASD in Los Angeles County, all families were offered ABA for their children, but five families experienced occupational challenges leading them to insist on modifications of ABA or to opt out of the service. We consider in each case (a) how the families' experiences can be understood occupationally, (b) how ABA affected the functionings and capabilities of the children and their families, and (c) how the parents' accounts relate to occupational justice. Applying the capabilities approach can help operationalize the concept of occupational justice as a tool to evaluate social policy across cases.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To identify the potential utility of musculoskeletal sonographic imaging in upper-extremity rehabilitation. METHOD: Two occupational therapists in an outpatient hand rehabilitation clinic were recruited by convenience, were trained in the use of sonography, and implemented sonographic imaging in their clinical practice. Qualitative data were obtained during and after the implementation period by means of questionnaires and interviews. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation were completed in an iterative process that culminated in a thematic analysis of the therapists' perceptions. RESULTS: The data indicate four potential areas of utility for musculoskeletal sonography in upper-extremity rehabilitation: (1) mastering anatomy and pathology, (2) augmenting clinical reasoning, (3) supplementing intervention, and (4) building evidence. CONCLUSION: Numerous potential uses were identified that would benefit both therapist and client. Further exploration of complexities and efficacy for increasing patient outcomes is recommended to determine best practices for the use of musculoskeletal sonography in upper-extremity rehabilitation.
Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Hand/diagnostic imaging , Occupational Therapy/methods , Humans , Qualitative Research , Ultrasonography , Upper Extremity/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
In this introduction to the special issue on current thinking in qualitative research and occupational therapy and science, the authors focus on the importance of rigorous qualitative research to inform occupational therapy practice. The authors chosen for this special issue reflect a "second generation of qualitative researchers" who are critical, theoretically sophisticated, methodologically productive, and politically relevant to show that working with disabled clients is political work. Three themes emerged across the articles included in this special issue: (1) recognizing and addressing social justice issues; (2) learning from clients' experiences; and (3) critically reframing occupational therapy's role. These themes can inform occupational therapy practice, research, and education to reflect a more client-centered and politically engaging approach.
