{"title":"Recommendations on developing an on-road fitness-to-drive route and test that incorporates an assessment for higher cognitive functioning","authors":"T. Stapleton, Kirby Jetter, S. Commins","doi":"10.1108/ijot-09-2022-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-09-2022-0033","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this study was to provide an outline of the process of developing an on-road driving test route and rating form. Comprehensive evaluation of medical fitness to drive should comprise of an off-road and an on-road assessment. Much research attention has focussed on the off-road phase of assessment, while there is less standardisation evident in the completion and measurement of the on-road phase of fitness-to-drive assessment.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A scholarship of practice approach was used to inform the development of an on-road test route and an associated generic on-road assessment tool that was guided by research evidence and best practice recommendations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000A step-by-step guide, outlining seven recommended phases in the development of an on-road route for the assessment of fitness to drive that aligns with best practice recommendations, was developed. A preliminary generic on-road assessment tool (the Maynooth–Trinity Driving Test) that includes higher-order cognition alongside element of strategic, tactical and operational driving ability was developed and piloted alongside the newly developed on-road test route.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper offers an overview of an approach to developing evidence-based on-road test routes and an associated generic assessment tool that may assist occupational therapists and on-road driving assessors establish a standard practice for testing on-road behaviour as part of a comprehensive approach to evaluate fitness to drive.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48187185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate occupational therapy students towards older adults with dementia","authors":"Laoise Gavin, Lisa-Jean O’Callaghan, R. Usher","doi":"10.1108/ijot-06-2022-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-06-2022-0022","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Due to the increasing incidence of dementia in Ireland, there is a need to prepare occupational therapy students for future careers in dementia-focused health care. The purpose of this study are to measure the knowledge and attitudes of Irish undergraduate occupational therapy students towards older people with dementia and examine related variables including year of study, personal and placement dementia experiences and future career choice.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Data was gathered using a cross-sectional online survey, incorporating the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale and the Dementia Attitudes Scale, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Seventy-five responses were gathered and analysed, indicating more advanced occupational therapy students demonstrate higher levels of dementia knowledge, but dementia attitudes remain similar across different year groups. Students with clinical dementia experiences displayed comparable levels of dementia knowledge and attitudes to those without. However, students with familial dementia experiences displayed significantly more positive attitudes. The likelihood of selecting a future career with older adults with dementia significantly related to students’ positive dementia attitudes but not dementia knowledge.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first Irish study that focuses on undergraduate occupational therapy students’ dementia knowledge and attitudes. The results could be used to inform and develop Irish undergraduate occupational therapy programmes.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45539298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amy Maria Tuite, C. Nolan, Jenny Johnston, M. Dillon
{"title":"Tackling social exclusion through engagement in football: findings from the “Kickstart 2 Recovery” programme","authors":"Amy Maria Tuite, C. Nolan, Jenny Johnston, M. Dillon","doi":"10.1108/ijot-04-2022-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-04-2022-0016","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to determine whether engagement in a football programme can positively impact the recovery journey of the mental health service users involved from the perspective of the “Kickstart 2 Recovery” (K2R) programme stakeholders. There are many challenges faced by the people with mental health problems, a significant one being social exclusion. Football is a socially valued occupation in Ireland (Moran, 2019) and the K2R programme is an initiative run to combat experiences of isolation and exclusion that those with mental health difficulties may experience.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A descriptive phenomenological approach was taken to the study with the use of semi-structured interviews as the research method. In total, twenty one interviews were carried out and Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Two themes represent the findings of this paper: the need for pathways and social inclusion, connection and flexibility. These reveal that facilitators are focused on supporting recovery but are unsure of how to overcome barriers to social inclusion. Sports partnerships and programme facilitators have a role to play in accessing community resources, challenging social stigma and creating exit pathways from the group.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study reveals the challenges footballers with mental health difficulties experience when attempting to become more included in their communities and suggestions on how football programmes, such as K2R, could support their inclusion. These findings add to the body of research analysing the issue of social inclusion for people with mental health difficulties.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42307565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shóna O’Donnell, Aishling O'reilly, K. Robinson, Eimer Ní Riain, J. Pettigrew
{"title":"Students with emotional and behavioural difficulties in Irish post-primary schools: a role for occupational therapy","authors":"Shóna O’Donnell, Aishling O'reilly, K. Robinson, Eimer Ní Riain, J. Pettigrew","doi":"10.1108/ijot-11-2022-0036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-11-2022-0036","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Higher levels of participation in school are linked to greater academic performance, better health and well-being and positive long-term outcomes for young people. Evidence shows that for students with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), participation in school-based occupations is often restricted in comparison to their peers. Given the recent advancements towards introducing a new model of school-based occupational therapy in Ireland, this paper aims to discuss how occupational therapy can support students with EBD to increase their participation within the post-primary school context. The opinions in this paper are derived from the authors’ experience in the development of this practice in the Republic of Ireland.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The authors reviewed current literature and reflected on current practice to describe the unique role of occupational therapy in supporting students with EBD in the school environment.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Occupational therapists have potential to play a key role in school-based support for students with EBD. The authors describe how occupational therapists can promote whole school understanding of EBD and enable skill development, self-regulation, participation and school belonging, among youths with EBD. There is a significant lack of literature guiding practice in this area. Further research is required to explore professional issues and identify best practice.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper aims to provoke consideration of how school-based occupational therapists can play a crucial role in supporting students with EBD who are otherwise at risk of occupational injustice.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48846710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Deegan, Emma Fingleton, Joseph McEvoy, Katelyn Quigley
{"title":"Nurturing mental health and well-being using ordinary farms","authors":"D. Deegan, Emma Fingleton, Joseph McEvoy, Katelyn Quigley","doi":"10.1108/ijot-07-2022-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-07-2022-0026","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This practice piece aims to review an occupational therapy led pilot programme – social farming as an intervention option in an adult community mental health setting in Ireland. It will also reflect on the practical implications of delivering the natural surroundings based programme through the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for the future development of such programmes in adult mental health services.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview Rating Scale (OCAIRS) was used to measure occupational participation (Forsyth, 2005). This was administered with participants’ pre and post their participation in the 10-week programme. An internal questionnaire was developed to further capture both the participant and farmer experiences of the social farming programme.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Whilst improvements were noted in a number of OCAIRS domains, it was difficult to identify small changes over a short period of time. The main domains of change were habits, roles, interests and personal causation. The success of the social farming placements was also reflected in the internal questionnaire. The pilot programme has resulted in the further development of the social farming programme and securing of funding for placements for five years.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000It would be beneficial to consider other standardised assessments that assess quality of life and occupation for future placements. It is also beneficial to consider practical implications in delivering a social farming programme, particularly to those with barriers to transport. It is hoped this paper will contribute to the growing knowledge of social farming as a meaningful therapeutic intervention in mental health occupational therapy practice.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41992454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring dating as an occupation for young heterosexual women in Ireland","authors":"K. McCarthy, J. Jackson","doi":"10.1108/ijot-01-2022-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-01-2022-0001","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Dating is a meaningful occupation for many single people. The occupation of dating has transformed considerably in Ireland due to recent changes in Irish culture and the advent of online dating technology. The purpose of this study was to explore the complexities and intricacies of dating in an Irish context.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A qualitative research approach was used and data were collected using semi-structured interviews with ten heterosexual women (age 24‐34) living in urban areas of Ireland. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006).\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Dating did not fully resonate with their experience, but they did not have an alternative term. The form of dating was influenced by cultural, temporal, physical and virtual contexts. Beliefs about dating, fluctuating emotions and feelings of mortification because of the stigma of online dating created meaning for participants and influenced their use of strategies to improve resilience. While dating was not a preferred occupation for participants because of its arduous nature and fluctuations in emotion, it was seen as essential to fulfil the function of finding a romantic partner or partner in occupation. Connections between participant experiences and occupational science are discussed to address the lexicon of dating and the form, function and meaning of dating.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study contributes to occupational science knowledge by revealing the occupational understandings of dating as an emerging and dynamic occupation in a rapidly changing culture of Ireland.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42996457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Claire Kearns Murphy, Louise Kemps, C. McDonough, S. McDonough
{"title":"Operation recovery: a feasibility study of an 8 week exercise and lifestyle programme within an Irish first episode psychosis service","authors":"Claire Kearns Murphy, Louise Kemps, C. McDonough, S. McDonough","doi":"10.1108/ijot-03-2022-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-03-2022-0014","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Early interventions focusing on exercise and lifestyle are important for individuals with a diagnosis of psychosis due to increased risk of poor physical health and reduced life expectancy. This study aims to test the feasibility of a multicomponent lifestyle intervention for individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP).\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Individuals attending an Irish FEP service were invited to engage in an eight-week programme including individual and group exercise sessions, group educational sessions and one dietician consultation. Physical activity, physical health, mental health, cognition and personal goals measures were completed pre- and post-intervention and analysed using descriptive statistics. Feasibility data was collected via a non-standardised participant questionnaire and informal data on completion of measures and engagement with the programme.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Ten participants with a diagnosis of FEP completed the intervention. Participants were satisfied with the intervention and adherence rates were high for weekly individual gym sessions but lower for group exercise and education sessions. Mean time spent engaging in physical activity increased and sedentary behaviours decreased. Participants indicated increased readiness for change with 90% moving to the action or maintenance stages of change. Participants attained 74% of their personal goals. There were no changes in average body mass index, cognition or mental health. Data relating to blood pressure, blood tests and steps was missing or incomplete.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study indicates an eight-week exercise and lifestyle programme is feasible and acceptable in a clinical setting. Recommendations relating to satisfaction, clinical markers and resource requirements are made for future studies.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41390383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial: Occupational therapy and the right to occupational participation","authors":"K. Whalley Hammell","doi":"10.1108/ijot-05-2022-031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-05-2022-031","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45476570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karen C. Daly, Emer Isdell, Leo Moynihan, Kate O'Callaghan, Sonia O'Leary, Andrea Pepper, Yvonne Pennisi
{"title":"An exploration of service users’ experience of telehealth occupational therapy interventions in adult mental health services, Ireland, during COVID-19","authors":"Karen C. Daly, Emer Isdell, Leo Moynihan, Kate O'Callaghan, Sonia O'Leary, Andrea Pepper, Yvonne Pennisi","doi":"10.1108/ijot-02-2022-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijot-02-2022-0007","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the delivery of occupational therapy (OT) community mental health services nationally, resulting in the rapid expansion and delivery of services through telehealth. While telehealth technology and its use are not new, widespread adoption was precipitated by the cessation of face-to-face services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Research in this field has been conducted previously; however, it is not specific to OT in the Irish context. This study aims to explore service users’ experience of telehealth OT interventions in adult mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A descriptive qualitative approach was used to explore service users’ experience of mental health telehealth OT services. Five service users were recruited to participate in a focus group to explore their experience of OT via telehealth. The themes identified from this focus group were then further explored via individual interviews. Four of the service users who participated in the focus group chose to complete in-depth interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was then completed.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Two key themes emerged from the data. The theme of positive telehealth experiences included subthemes of gratitude for the option of telehealth and accessibility. The second theme of learning from experience, included subthemes of human connection, preferred platforms of telehealth methods and future considerations for telehealth interventions.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000These findings provide a unique insight into the importance of continuing OT services via telehealth, from the service users’ perspective.\u0000","PeriodicalId":36571,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47755947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}