American Journal of Occupational Therapy最新文献

{"title":"How Occupation Is Taught and Assessed in Occupational Therapy Education: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Steven D Taff, Jennifer S Pitonyak, Sheama Krishnagiri, Pollie Price","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051357","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Because occupation is the core concept of the profession, it is imperative that students have deep knowledge of the various facets of occupation and how it serves as both therapeutic mode and objective for clients. Despite the importance, how occupation is taught and assessed is not well understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify existing literature and gaps in professional dialogue surrounding how knowledge of the concept of occupation is taught and assessed.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided this review.</p><p><strong>Data sources: </strong>Electronic databases included PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL.</p><p><strong>Study selection and data collection: </strong>The study explored peer-reviewed publications from 1993 to 2023 and included articles that met the following criteria: occupational therapy or occupational science is represented; the concept of occupation is present; and teaching, learning, or assessment of occupation is described. Data extraction points included perspective of occupation evoked in teaching/learning, knowledge about occupation represented in teaching/learning, and instruction and assessment strategies represented.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 54 articles were included for final data extraction. Occupation as a way of seeing practice was the most common educational perspective, teaching of occupation as a concept unto itself and separate from practice was very prominent, and experiential learning was a frequently occurring instructional approach.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Educators need to deepen their knowledge about occupation and intentionally use authentic instructional approaches that foster student learning in transformative ways. Plain-Language Summary: This review explored literature that describes or investigates how knowledge about the profession's core concept of occupation is taught and assessed. The articles included for final review discussed multiple perspectives of occupation, recognized teaching of occupation as independent of therapy as the most common, identified experiential learning as the main teaching strategy, and noted that assessment of occupation was much less represented. Results of the review indicate a need for educators to be more knowledgeable about occupation and to create more authentic, transformative learning experiences to strengthen student knowledge about occupation.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Family Experiences in a Pediatric Clinical Brain-Computer Interface Program: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Susannah Van Damme, Leslie Mumford, Amy Thompson, Clare Murphy, Tetyana Ali, Amira Hegazi, RuoDing Wang, Kristen Chang, Insia Ali Raza, Tom Chau, Shauna Kingsnorth","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051474","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051474","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are access technologies that can improve the occupational participation of children with disabilities. The research on the experiences of pediatric BCI users and their families is currently limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore experiences of pediatric BCI use and future expectations through caregiver perspectives.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A qualitative, descriptive study using purposeful sampling and inductive thematic analysis. Investigator triangulation and reflexivity enhanced credibility.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Zoom for Healthcare virtual platform.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Fifteen parents (12 mothers and 3 fathers) of children and youth with disabilities (ages 6-18 yr; 9 females and 6 males) who participated in a recreational BCI program at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, with the option of additional at-home BCI use, were selected via purposive sampling.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>In-depth, semistructured interviews were used to collect data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three major themes emerged from the central topic of experiencing play using BCIs: (1) transformative experiences, (2) personalization for success, and (3) future hopes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>By documenting family experiences with and expectations of BCIs, these findings can guide the development of BCI use in clinical and recreational programs. Occupational therapy practitioners can use the transformative potential of BCI technology to create new pathways for participation and empowerment in the lives of children and youth with disabilities. Plain-Language Summary: Children with complex disabilities often cannot take part in play and recreation. Many activities are not accessible to them. Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies can help kids play without needing to move or speak. We asked families using BCIs about their experiences. They shared that use of a BCI empowered their child and allowed others to consider them in a new light. Some families enjoyed the programming, and others found the activities too simple over time. Many families shared that BCI headsets were uncomfortable. A better design for kids with disabilities is important. Families hope that BCIs will help kids control their environment in the future. Occupational therapists should understand how kids and families feel about using BCIs. This study helps occupational therapists learn about the benefits of BCIs in their practice and the challenges of using them.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147595614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patients' and Therapists' Perceptions of Duration of Rehabilitation for Postoperative Distal Radius Fractures: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Terufumi Iitsuka, Hiroshi Kurumadani, Yoshiyuki Inagaki, Hideyuki Ota, Katsuyuki Iwatsuki","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051302","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>The optimal duration of occupational therapy after distal radius fracture remains uncertain. Occupational therapy practitioners focus on objective indicators such as range of motion and grip strength, whereas patients prioritize subjective daily activity difficulties.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify objective and subjective factors influencing decisions to continue occupational therapy from therapists' and patients' perspectives.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Prospective observational cohort study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Multicenter.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Patients (N = 143) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for distal radius fracture were enrolled. The number of participants analyzed at Postoperative Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 was 143, 138, 114, and 82, respectively, because of attrition and incomplete data.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Objective assessments included range of motion and grip strength, whereas patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Hand20 questionnaire. Therapists and patients evaluated the necessity for continued occupational therapy. Statistical analyses included Cohen's κ for agreement, Lasso regression for variable selection, and generalized linear models for significance testing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Therapists prioritized objective measures (range of motion, grip strength), whereas patients emphasized subjective difficulties with daily activities. At Postoperative Week 8, Hand20 scores significantly affected the decisions of both groups, more closely aligning with perceptions. By Postoperative Week 12, therapists reverted to objective measures, renewing discrepancies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Discrepancies exist between therapists' objective assessments and patients' subjective recovery requirements regarding therapy continuation. With limited evidence supporting therapy beyond 12 wk, integrating patient-reported outcomes into shared decision-making may enhance functional recovery and satisfaction, particularly during the first 8 wk postoperation. Plain-Language Summary: This study investigated how patients and occupational therapists decide whether to continue or discontinue therapy after a wrist fracture. Therapists focus on movement and strength, whereas patients care more about how their hand feels during daily activities. Early after surgery, their views were different; however, by 8 weeks, similarities were observed. Subsequently, differences reemerged. The results suggest that listening to patients' experiences, especially during the first 8 weeks, may improve therapy plans and recovery outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147481967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Activity Management Among Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Sena Albay, Sinem Salar, Gamze Ekici","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051431","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051431","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) symptoms affect people's activity behaviors, limiting their daily participation. Integrating activity pacing strategies into occupational therapy may improve chronic pain management.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of activity management (AM) in improving activity patterns, limitations related to FMS, occupational performance, occupational balance, and quality of life among women with FMS.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Randomized controlled trial.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>University hospital occupational therapy clinic.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Thirty-one women with FMS (ages 18-65 yr; 15 intervention, 16 control).</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>The intervention group received individual, online AM sessions twice weekly for 4 wk, including activity pacing, mindfulness and ergonomics training, posture and relaxation exercises, and joint energy conservation techniques.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Physical and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded for each participant, and the Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain, Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Occupational Balance Questionnaire, and Nottingham Health Profile were administered twice, at baseline and at the end of the study, and the results were compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention group showed decreased overdoing and avoidance and increased pacing (from 6.7% to 60%). Significant improvements were found in activity patterns (p = .012), symptoms (p = .004), occupational satisfaction (p = .001), and quality of life pain (p = .003).</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>AM is effective in reducing symptoms related to FMS among women and maladaptive activity patterns caused by chronic pain. AM can be considered an effective intervention method for FMS. Larger sample sizes and long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings. Plain-Language Summary: Fibromyalgia symptoms limit individuals' participation in activities and reduce their quality of life. This study evaluated the effectiveness of activity management in improving activity patterns, limitations related to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), occupational performance, occupational balance, and quality of life among women with FMS. The activity management intervention integrated traditional pain management approaches used by occupational therapists with activity pacing strategies, offering a person-centered, individualized, web-based intervention model. As a result of this study, improvements were observed in maladaptive activity patterns, symptoms, occupational satisfaction, and the pain dimension of quality of life of women with FMS. Our findings suggest that activity management can be considered an effective intervention for women with FMS.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Capturing Collaboration: Validation of the Intraprofessional Collaborative Practice Survey in Occupational Therapy Students.","authors":"Chia-Wei Fan, Yen-Chun Wang, Chung-Ying Lin","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051463","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Intraprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants enhances treatment outcomes and ensures coordinated and client-centered care. Although the Intraprofessional Collaborative Practice Survey (ICPS) was developed to assess intraprofessional collaboration, psychometric validation has not been established.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the psychometric properties of the ICPS among occupational therapy students in the United States.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Accredited occupational therapy programs across the United States.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>A total of 389 occupational therapy students (236 in master of occupational therapy [MOT] programs and 153 in occupational therapy doctorate [OTD] programs) completed the ICPS. A subset of 289 students also completed an adapted version of the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS).</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>The ICPS, occupational therapy version, and an adapted version of the ICCAS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Factor analyses supported the hypothesized four-domain structure for both perceived importance and perceived ability modules in the ICPS. Internal consistency was excellent. Evidence of convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity was found, with moderate to strong correlations with the ICCAS. Measurement invariance was supported across MOT and OTD program students.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>The ICPS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing intraprofessional collaboration competencies. Its alignment with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education's 2023 practice-based standards underscores its value for program evaluation and professional development.</p><p><strong>Plain-language summary: </strong>Collaboration between occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants is essential for safe, effective client care. This study validated the use of the Intraprofessional Collaborative Practice Survey (ICPS) among occupational therapy students and found it to be reliable and consistent across master's and doctoral programs. The ICPS can help educators and researchers evaluate student learning, track collaboration competencies, and strengthen training programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147481964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding Refugee Adolescents' Occupational Participation Challenges Through the Kawa Model: A Thematic Analysis.","authors":"Emine Sağlamoğlu, Hatice Abaoğlu","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051418","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051418","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Refugee adolescents face significant barriers to daily participation, including economic hardships, health concerns, trauma, and social isolation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore occupational performance and the participation challenges of refugee adolescents at a youth center, using the Kawa model.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative, phenomenological study using semistructured interviews and Kawa model-based visual activities. The thematic analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke's framework.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Ankara Altındağ Youth Center in Ankara, Turkey.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Twelve refugee adolescents (ages 10-18 yr). Participants resided in Turkey for at least 6 mo and were purposively sampled for diversity.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Challenges and facilitators to occupational performance and participation were explored.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five main themes emerged: economic hardships and survival struggles, health and safety for a secure future, seeking a new life in the shadow of war, family ties between support and burden, and hopes for the future shaped by the flow of life.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>The Kawa model effectively illuminated the complex factors that influence the lives of refugee adolescents. Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive, holistic occupational therapy interventions addressing both barriers and facilitators to participation. Plain-Language Summary: Using the Kawa model, this study explored the daily life challenges and hopes of refugee adolescents in Turkey. Financial issues, health and safety concerns, and past trauma were identified as major obstacles, or \"rocks in their life river.\" Strong family ties functioned as supportive \"river walls,\" whereas the educational journey and hopes for the future were seen as \"driftwood\" and \"open spaces\" for progress. Occupational therapy should address both difficulties and strengths to help these young people thrive. Positionality Statement: At the time of the study, the lead author (Emine Sağlamoğlu) was a research assistant and occupational therapist with experience working with disadvantaged youths. The second author (Hatice Abaoğlu) was an associate professor specializing in mental health and qualitative research. The multidisciplinary research team, possessing expertise in participation problems and occupational performance, conducted all interviews. A researcher with 10 yr of occupational therapy experience finalized the interview questions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Providers' Perspectives Regarding Factors That Influence Access to Occupational Therapy in the Veterans Health Administration Inpatient Psychiatric Setting.","authors":"Adam R Kinney, Morgan Nance, Molly E Penzenik, Jeri E Forster, Lisa A Brenner","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051399","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051399","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Veterans with occupational performance limitations who are receiving inpatient psychiatric services benefit from occupational therapy. Knowledge of the factors that influence access to occupational therapy services among Veterans receiving inpatient psychiatric care in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To elicit providers' perspectives regarding barriers to and facilitators of accessing occupational therapy services in the VHA inpatient psychiatric setting.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted, and themes were identified using a descriptive-and-interpretive approach to analysis.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>National VHA inpatient psychiatric settings.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>National VHA providers and administrators (N = 16) involved in delivering inpatient psychiatric occupational therapy.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Semistructured qualitative interviews designed to elicit barriers to and facilitators of accessing occupational therapy services in the VHA inpatient psychiatric setting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Interviews elicited multilevel barriers to accessing inpatient psychiatric occupational therapy, including those at the level of the patient (e.g., Veteran preference), provider (e.g., limited awareness of occupational therapy's scope of practice), and facility (e.g., occupational therapy staffing issues). Similarly, patient- (e.g., patient education), provider- (e.g., occupational therapy champions), and facility-level factors (e.g., standardized referral process) capable of promoting access to these services were identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>This study revealed multilevel determinants of accessing inpatient psychiatric occupational therapy in the VHA. The findings serve as modifiable targets of multifaceted strategies aimed at expanding access to these beneficial services and improving Veteran outcomes. Plain-Language Summary: Although emerging evidence has suggested gaps in access to inpatient psychiatric occupational therapy services in the Veterans Health Administration, knowledge regarding the specific drivers of such gaps has been limited. This study enhances our understanding of factors that shape access to these beneficial services, revealing that factors at the level of the patient (e.g., Veteran preference), provider (e.g., limited awareness of occupational therapy's scope of practice), and facility (e.g., standardized referral process) influence utilization. These findings lay the foundation for the development of multifaceted strategies that expand access to these beneficial services by enhancing practice and policy.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147576280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sensory Processing Disorders and Emotional Distress Among Young Children Exposed to Traumatic Events.","authors":"Lihi Liberman, Efrat Harel, Yafit Gilboa","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051402","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051402","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Importance: &lt;/strong&gt;Sensory processing disorders have been found mostly among school-age children exposed to traumatic events or after maltreatment. Therefore, it is important to examine sensory processing and emotional distress among young children exposed to traumatic events after a collective terror attack.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To examine the correlation between sensory processing patterns and emotional distress among young children exposed to traumatic events after a terror attack.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design: &lt;/strong&gt;Cross-sectional design with purposive criterion sampling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Setting: &lt;/strong&gt;Community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Participants: &lt;/strong&gt;Thirty-seven children ages 2 to 7 yr, residents of the Gaza envelope (the populated areas in the Southern District of Israel within 4.3 mi of the Gaza Strip border) in Israel, who were directly affected by the events that followed the October 7, 2023, terror attack.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Outcomes and measures: &lt;/strong&gt;Demographic questionnaire, the Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale (PEDS), and the Sensory Profile 2.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Participants scored significantly higher than the cutoff scores for PEDS Total Score and the Anxious/Withdrawn, Fearful, and Acting Out subscales. Almost half the participants showed sensory processing patterns that were scored as \"more\" or \"much more\" than others, with sensory avoidance and sensitivity being the most prevalent. Significant correlations were found between most of the emotional distress and sensory processing patterns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions and relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Sensory processing difficulties frequently occurred and were significantly correlated with emotional distress among young children exposed to traumatic events. Occupational therapy practitioners working with children with sensory processing difficulties play a role in addressing the environmental and regulatory needs of young children affected by trauma. Plain-Language Summary: This study examined how young children ages 2 to 7 years were affected by the traumatic events after the October 7, 2023, terror attack in Israel. It focused on the correlation between emotional distress and sensory processing. Emotional distress refers to strong negative feelings that may affect how a child behaves. Among young children, it may show up as fear, anxiety or acting out. Sensory processing is how children notice, interpret, and respond to things they see, hear, touch, taste, or feel. Some children are overly sensitive and can be easily overwhelmed by sights, sounds, or textures. Others may not notice sensations that most people do, some may seek extra stimulation, and some may avoid certain sensations. The study included 37 children living near the Gaza border who directly experienced traumatic events. The results showed that many had high levels of emotional distress and sensory processing difficulties, especially sensitivity and avoidance. Emotional distress and sensor","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147595764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping Collaborative Practices Between Occupational Therapists and Peer Supporters in Mental Health: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Michio Maruta, Akira Nakashima, Kikuo Eguchi, Gwanghee Han, Daiki Yamazono, Tomofusa Kawano, Miki Yamashita, Yuri Onomichi, Akira Imamura, Suguru Shimokihara, Goro Tanaka","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051394","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051394","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Importance: &lt;/strong&gt;Occupational therapists and peer supporters share recovery-oriented values and increasingly collaborate in mental health settings. However, the structure and implementation of this collaboration remain unclear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To map the literature on collaborative practices between occupational therapists and peer supporters in mental health, focusing on structures, roles, perceived benefits, and challenges.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Data sources: &lt;/strong&gt;PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases were searched in January 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Study selection and data extraction: &lt;/strong&gt;This review followed the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley (2005). By using the Participants, Concept, and Context framework, the authors included studies that involved people with mental health conditions, described collaborative efforts between occupational therapists and peer supporters, and were situated in mental health settings. A brief stakeholder consultation was conducted to enhance the practical relevance of the findings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;This study included 11 studies published between 2001 and 2023. Three collaboration models were identified: cofacilitated, peer supporter-led with occupational therapist support, and occupational therapist-led with peer supporter involvement. Occupational therapists contributed clinical, structural, and contextual expertise, whereas peer supporters provided lived experiences, emotional support, and recovery-oriented perspectives. The reported benefits included improved occupational engagement, quality of life, and peer supporter development. Challenges included role ambiguity, boundary issues, and limited organizational support. Stakeholders broadly agreed with these findings and highlighted their relevance to collaborative practice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions and relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Occupational therapists play an important collaborative role in enabling peer supporters to apply experiential knowledge in recovery-oriented practice. Clarifying roles, fostering mutual understanding, and building supportive structures are essential. Plain-Language Summary: This study explored how occupational therapists and peer supporters collaborate in mental health services. Peer supporters are individuals with lived experiences of mental health challenges who support others on their recovery journeys. Occupational therapists are health professionals who help individuals participate in meaningful daily activities and regain structure and identity. When occupational therapists and peer supporters collaborate, they combine clinical and experiential knowledge to support recovery in complementary ways. In this review, we identified several collaboration models including coleading group sessions, peer supporter-led programs with occupational therapist support, and occupational therapist-led programs with peer supporter involvement. This review found that such ","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promoting Biopsychosocial Assessment of Phantom Limb Pain in Veterans With Amputation.","authors":"Kierra J Falbo, Andrew H Hansen, Tonya L Rich","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051428","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2026.051428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pain management is a focus of rehabilitation for Veterans after amputation, and occupational therapy practitioners play a key role in providing this care as part of an interdisciplinary team. However, the evaluation and treatment of phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation lack guidance with respect to best practices. There is a need for improved identification of factors that contribute to PLP so that treatment targets can be identified. In this column, we discuss the application of the biopsychosocial model to the clinical management of PLP as part of comprehensive care for Veterans after amputation. We present factors associated with PLP, categorized using the biopsychosocial model, and discuss specific considerations for Veterans. We also provide recommendations for the biopsychosocial evaluation of PLP in occupational therapy practice, and we highlight the value of involving occupational therapists in interdisciplinary health care teams. Furthermore, we recommend continued evaluation and discussion to monitor changes in PLP and its associated factors over time.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}