Felicia B Bernhard, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Jenny M Dorich
{"title":"Therapeutic Relationship Between Occupational Therapists, Autistic Clients, and Their Caregivers: Pediatric Occupational Therapists' Perspectives and Experiences.","authors":"Felicia B Bernhard, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Jenny M Dorich","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2623230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2623230","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to understand how to develop and maintain a therapeutic relationship with autistic children and their caregivers. Ten pediatric occupational therapists participated in this descriptive qualitative study by engaging in semi-structured interviews, answering open-ended questions about their clinical practice working with autistic children and their caregivers. Data was analyzed with thematic analysis resulting in three themes. The first theme describes a relationship-based therapeutic process that allows the occupational therapy practitioner to partner with the caregiver and to utilize co-regulation to support the autistic child. The second theme highlighted the importance of the occupational therapy practitioner as a facilitator or barrier to the development of the relationship. Lastly, several external factors were found to limit a relationship-based approach and to challenge therapists' well-being and longevity in clinical practice settings. This study identified that the therapeutic relationship is dynamic and critical for the success of occupational therapy with autistic children and their caregivers.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100931","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":"Enabling Change and Home Participation for an Individual with Intellectual Disability: A Case Study in Complex Occupational Therapy Practice.","authors":"Audrey Yong, Alice Harland, David Haines","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2614420","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2614420","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There is a need for greater visibility of occupational therapy within interdisciplinary practice and research, especially in the context of intellectual disability. This case study examines the nuanced role of occupational therapy in supporting an individual with intellectual disability and behaviours of concern during a critical transition. Drawing on data from multiple sources, the study explores occupational therapy involvement and its impact. A two-stage analysis revealed two overarching contributions: (1) the implementation of occupational therapy, and (2) the contribution and mechanisms through which occupational therapy enabled change. The findings highlight how environmental modifications, strategies to reduce participation barriers, sensory-based approaches, and interdisciplinary collaboration contributed to meaningful outcomes. Additionally, mechanisms of change were embedded in occupational therapists' practice of working competently within their scope of expertise, drawing on diverse ways of knowing, and navigating external influences. Key changes were observed for the individual through improved perceived quality of life: evidenced by reduced behaviours of concern, increased occupational participation, and a stabilised daily routine; enhanced occupational performance with greater engagement in daily activities; increased staff knowledge and confidence in supporting occupational needs; and a positive cultural shift and self-efficacy among staff, marked by increased motivation and hopefulness. This study illustrates the value of occupational therapy in enabling participation and fostering change within complex practice contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100957","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":"Instruments of Insight: Cognitive Tool Use by Occupational Therapy Practitioners at Midwest Trauma Centers.","authors":"Amy Yule, Payton Friend, Tamra Trenary, Hannah Oldenburg","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2622625","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2622625","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the hospital setting, standardized cognitive screening and assessment tools are critical to determine the presence of cognitive changes for occupational therapy discharge planning and intervention approaches. However, there is limited understanding of trends related to standardized tool availability and use across different trauma center designations. This study aimed to identify commonly used standardized cognitive screens and functional performance assessments, and to explore factors influencing their selection and use. Electronic surveys were employed with a total of 28 questions. Two hundred and eight occupational therapy practitioners completed an electronic survey that measured demographics, availability and use of screens and performance assessments, and attitudes and perceptions regarding cognitive evaluation. Results support 86.5% of participants reported the use of paper-pencil-based standardized cognitive screens and 65.4% reported the use of cognitive performance assessments. Findings showed differences in access and availability of cognitive screening tools as well as performance-based assessments between trauma center designations. Implications of the results are discussed both with past studies and potential future work.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146067692","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":"Preliminary Study on the Effectiveness of Small Group Activities for Older Adults with Cognitive Decline: A Comparison of Social Interaction and Leisure Activities in Hospitals.","authors":"Natsumi Kimura, Norikazu Kobayashi","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2613893","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2613893","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This pilot study examined the effectiveness of group activities on older adults aged 65 years and older with cognitive decline who were hospitalized due to bone fractures. The study used a quasi-experimental pre/post-test design with non-randomized group assignment. The group activities, which included social interaction and leisure activities, were conducted twice weekly over eight sessions. Both activity groups showed significant improvement in occupational function and social interaction, with a large effect size. Additionally, the social interaction group showed improvements in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and occupational disruptiveness. No significant differences were found in all assessment tools between groups. With these preliminary results, future studies are warranted to conduct more precise and systematic surveys to rigorously examine the effectiveness and validity of these interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146012760","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":"The Impact of a One-Time Group Pain Management Educational Session in Primary Care.","authors":"Allyssa A Howell, John V Rider, Rebecca Edgeworth","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2609718","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2025.2609718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the impact of a 1-hour group pain management session on pain beliefs, kinesiophobia, and occupational engagement delivered by occupational therapists in a primary care setting. Thirty participants with chronic pain completed pre- and post-assessments about their pain beliefs and kinesiophobia. Significant improvements were observed immediately after the session and maintained at a 1-month follow-up. Participants reported an increased understanding of pain, as well as improved satisfaction and confidence in their daily activities. These findings suggest that brief, occupational therapy-led group interventions may have a positive impact on chronic pain management in primary care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145896965","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":"Parental Perspectives on the Impact of Adapted Motorized Ride-on Toy Vehicle Use for Children with Limited Mobility: A Multiple Case Study.","authors":"Jennifer M Yates, Martin S Rice","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2607422","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2025.2607422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to examine parents' perspectives on the influence of independent mobility provided by an adapted motorized ride-on vehicle (MROV) on social participation for children with limited mobility. This qualitative, multiple-case study consisted of semi-structured interviews and field notes with caregivers of three children who had received an adapted MROV four to six months prior to data collection. Three major themes emerged from the three families' responses: (a) increased independence and autonomy, (b) enhanced social engagement and participation, and (c) emotional growth, joy, and confidence. Additionally, six prominent subthemes were established based on parents' perception of their child and the adapted MROV. The findings demonstrated the critical value of independent mobility through play from the lens of a parent or caregiver for their child with limited mobility. The adapted MROV not only served as a means for mobility but also facilitated improvements in autonomy, peer interactions, and self-expression. These results highlighted the potential of this intervention form for enhancing the quality of life and promoting engaged participation in children with limited mobility needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145890490","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}
Lindy Tiedemann, Jeni Dulek, Rik Lemoncello, Sarah Foidel
{"title":"Examining Personal Identity and the Influence of an Occupation-Based Prevocational Program Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Multiple Case Study.","authors":"Lindy Tiedemann, Jeni Dulek, Rik Lemoncello, Sarah Foidel","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2437689","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2437689","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience and live with physiological, psychological, and social impacts of their injury throughout their lives, including changes in one's sense of personal identity. This qualitative multiple-case study examines the lived experiences of four individuals living with brain injuries and how participation in occupation-based community programming interacts with post-injury sense of self. Study data reveal a dynamic relationship between occupational participation and personal identity that suggests ongoing post-acute occupational therapy services can support recovery including aspects of identity reformation.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"107-130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142808053","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":"Hearing Loss Interventions for Occupational Therapy Practitioners: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Juliana Bell, Blair Carsone","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2410497","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2410497","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hearing loss can impact an individual's mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. This review identifies existing research on client-centered interventions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) clients which occupational therapy practitioners should understand. Databases searched included CINAHL, JSTOR, ERIC, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar. Full-text articles published in English from December 2013 to December 2023 were reviewed. After data extraction and analysis, 77 articles were synthesized, and interventions were categorized by type, occupation, relevant age group, theme, and professional performing the intervention. Understanding these interventions will help occupational therapy practitioners support DHH clients across the lifespan.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142356110","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}
Amanda Aparecida Alves Cunha Nascimento, Deisiane Oliveira Souto, Gabriela Silva Oliveira, Arthur Felipe Barroso de Lima, Thalita Karla Flores Cruz, Vitor Geraldi Haase
{"title":"Family Perspectives on Functional Priorities for Brazilian Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy.","authors":"Amanda Aparecida Alves Cunha Nascimento, Deisiane Oliveira Souto, Gabriela Silva Oliveira, Arthur Felipe Barroso de Lima, Thalita Karla Flores Cruz, Vitor Geraldi Haase","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2450694","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2450694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to identify the functional priorities of parents/guardians of Brazilian children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and to examine possible variations in priorities concerning different age groups and functional classifications. This cross-sectional study included 171 children with CP (mean age: 7.68 ± 3.32 years). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was administered to the families to identify functional priorities. Among the 740 functional priorities identified, activities of daily living (ADLs) were the most frequent, followed by priorities related to body functions, motor skills, and play. The functional priorities were similar across different functional levels and age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"176-196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142980343","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":"The Role of Reflective Activities for Occupational Therapy Education: Key Elements from a Student Perspective.","authors":"Madeline Au, Jenna Knelson, Gayla Grinde, Shu-Ping Chen","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2450712","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2450712","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This exploratory study explored second-year students' experience with reflective activities in a Canadian Master's in Occupation Therapy program. A survey and follow-up interviews were conducted to examine multiple perspectives and the influences of reflective activities on students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-Square, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that reflections on personal or societal perspectives were perceived to be more beneficial than reflections on clinical simulations. Three themes emerged: (1) key elements influencing the reflective experience, (2) diverse experiences of reflective activity, and (3) the perceived outcomes resulting from positive reflective experiences. This study highlights the significance of reflective activities in occupational therapy education and identifies key elements that shape students' experiences with reflective activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"197-218"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142967238","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}