The implementation of interprofessional education: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) is recognised as challenging, and well-designed programs can have differing levels of success depending on implementation quality. The aim of this review was to summarise the evidence for implementation of IPE, and identify challenges and key lessons to guide faculty in IPE implementation. METHODS: Five stage scoping review of methodological characteristics, implementation components, challenges and key lessons in primary studies in IPE. Thematic analysis using a framework of micro (teaching), meso (institutional), and macro (systemic) level education factors was used to synthesise challenges and key lessons. RESULTS: Twenty-seven primary studies were included in this review. Studies were predominantly descriptive in design and implementation components inconsistently reported. IPE was mostly integrated into curricula, optional, involved group learning, and used combinations of interactive and didactic approaches. Micro level implementation factors (socialisation issues, learning context, and faculty development), meso level implementation factors (leadership and resources, administrative processes), and macro level implementation factors (education system, government policies, social and cultural values) were extrapolated. Sustainability was identified as an additional factor in IPE implementation. CONCLUSION: Lack of complete detailed reporting limits evidence of IPE implementation, however, this review highlighted challenges and yielded key lessons to guide faculty in the implementation of IPE.

Exploring the influence of service dogs on participation in daily occupations by veterans with PTSD: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from military service can seriously impact quality of life. There is support for the use of service dogs amongst people with PTSD in managing symptoms by reducing anxiety and depression. To date, few studies have investigated this phenomenon comprehensively, particularly in relation to enhancing participation in daily occupations. METHODS: We explored the experience of a group of ex-serving members of the Australian military with PTSD, who had partnered with a service dog. We sought to understand the influence of the service dog on PTSD symptom management and participation in meaningful daily occupations. Seven participants who had been paired with a service dog were recruited from a Veterans' support organisation. Two semi-structured focus group sessions were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts from the focus group sessions and researcher field notes were analysed independently by two researchers using an inductive approach to generate codes and themes. RESULTS: The themes that emerged from the data were: isolation, safety, lifeline, reconnection and challenges. Veterans in this study reported that partnering with a service dog helped them to feel safe, helped them to manage the symptoms and impact of PTSD, resulting in improved sleep quality, emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, enhanced anger management, and a reduction in the misuse of alcohol and prescription medication and suicidal ideation. These changes led to improved relationships and increased participation in meaningful daily occupations. Ongoing financial support for veterans who have partnered with a service dog needs to be more closely examined. CONCLUSION: These findings are important and highlight that a larger and more comprehensive, research project examining the impact of service dogs on the quality of life.

Open-source 3D printed sensors for hand strength assessment: Validation of low-cost load cell and fabric sensor-based systems.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pinch and grip strength assessment is commonly performed in occupational therapy practice. However, the typically utilised methods are limited to pinch or grip dynamometers and do not readily translate to handling everyday objects. With the advent of consumer-grade 3D printing and low-cost sensor systems, the possibilities for creating customised assessment devices are expanding. As a first step in determining the validity of low-cost sensor systems, their data must be compared to a gold standard. Consequently, this study examined the criterion validity of two such systems for measuring pinch strength, specifically a small load cell and pressure-sensing fabric, with a mechanical pinch gauge. METHODS: A total of 33 participants performed strength tests using a mechanical pinch grip device, which had a plastic 3D printed cover with a pressure-sensing fabric overlaid on it to allow for simultaneous criterion validation, and a small load cell with a plastic 3D printed casing designed for comfortable pinch grip assessment. RESULTS: The simultaneously assessed fabric sensor and mechanical pinch grip device showed excellent absolute (ICC2,k  = 0.94) and relative (Pearson's R = 0.90) agreement. Both devices showed similar excellent relative (R > 0.75) agreement with the load cell despite non-simultaneous assessment. These findings indicate that 3D printed sensors incorporating a load cell and a pressure-sensing fabric can be used to replicate a pinch grip assessment performed with a mechanical pinch gauge. CONCLUSIONS: This study lays the foundation for these sensor systems to be modified for use as assessment tools during the performance of functional tasks using everyday objects. Additionally, because both systems generate real-time force data they could be used for biofeedback as part of rehabilitation and strengthening programs. To aid uptake and future research using these systems, the 3D print models, step-by-step hardware design and software programs used are provided in an open-source format at www.rehabtools.org/otsensors.html.

Making connections and promoting the profession: Social media use by World Federation of Occupational Therapists member organisations.

BACKGROUND: World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) member organisations comprise 77 national occupational therapy organisations across the world. Each national organisation interacts with its members and the public using diverse methods. Increasingly, national organisations are broadening their communication methods. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine if and how occupational therapy organisations are using social media for communication, and if so, the types of concerns or barriers they experience and what role they anticipate social media might play in the near future. METHODS: An online survey was developed; 57 of 77 WFOT member organisations responded. FINDINGS: This study identified that WFOT national organisations are using social media, to varying degrees, with or without an individual formally assigned to manage social media. Respondents reported that they used social media to: communicate with members, promote the organisation and promote the profession. Commonly expressed needs included assistance with guidelines for ethical social media use, developing technical expertise, and recognition of limits of time and competing priorities. Recommendations arising from this research are at the global, national, local and individual levels and incorporate active dissemination and pure diffusion approaches. Taking steps to increase the use of social media could indirectly impact occupational therapy practice through enhancing organisations' abilities to support practitioners to enhance their practice. LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Although 57% of WFOT member organisations returned usable responses, there may be some additional perspectives that were not captured. It would be helpful to contact non-responding organisations to explore their social media use and plans. Further research could examine how future initiatives put in place by WFOT impact social media use by member organisations.