Gillian Collins, Emma Daly, David Gallagher, Andrew Smyth
{"title":"The role of rehabilitation in Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) recovery: An effectiveness study.","authors":"Gillian Collins, Emma Daly, David Gallagher, Andrew Smyth","doi":"10.1177/03080226251375316","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251375316","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of our rehabilitation program for patients with Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) by comparing their symptoms before and after intervention.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A prospective cohort study was conducted with adults referred to a COVID clinic over 6 months. Participants (<i>n</i> = 48) were assessed at three timepoints and served as their own control, allowing comparison of symptom changes during a 6-week waiting period versus a 6-week rehabilitation period. The virtual group rehabilitation program, led by occupational therapy and physiotherapy, offered practical strategies, peer support and guidance to enhance daily function and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 117 invited, 48 (41%) consented and completed baseline measures. After excluding incomplete data, 36 participants were included in the analysis. Unlike many PCS studies lacking comparators, this within-subject design strengthened the findings. No significant changes occurred during the waiting period, but significant improvements were seen post-intervention:C19-YRSm: 29 ± 1.7 (baseline), 28.3 ± 1.7 (week 6, <i>p</i> = 0.34), improving to 18.3 ± 1.9 (week 12, <i>p</i> < 0.001).MFIS: 54.1 ± 2.8 (baseline), 54.2 ± 2.6 (week 6, <i>p</i> = 0.18), improving to 36.8 ± 3.2 (week 12, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A virtual MDT-led rehabilitation program significantly reduced PCS symptoms, supporting the value of structured rehabilitation in PCS recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 3","pages":"165-176"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12929859/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Future trends and challenges in occupational therapy: Insights from a Delphi study.","authors":"Gözde Önal, Turan Emre Özdemir","doi":"10.1177/03080226251368235","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251368235","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Occupational therapy is evolving rapidly due to technological advances and demographic and sociocultural changes. Recognizing emerging trends is fundamental to developing responsive educational programs, evidence-based practices, and adaptive health policies. This study explores expert perspectives across five themes: (1) Future Technologies, (2) Neuroscience and Biotechnology Integration, (3) Technology-Based Therapy Approaches, (4) Sociocultural and Demographic Impacts, and (5) Innovative Educational Methods.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A three-round Delphi study was conducted with 36 occupational therapy professionals. The sample included 12 academicians (mean age (<i>M</i>) = 34.5, 67% female), 12 clinicians (<i>M</i> = 31.2, 75% female), and 12 final-year interns (<i>M</i> = 23.1, 92% female). The mean professional experience was 6.0 years for academicians and 5.8 years for clinicians. Thematic analysis and Kendall's W were used to evaluate consensus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants emphasized the importance of integrating virtual reality/augmented reality interventions, artificial intelligence-supported assessments, and telehealth into occupational therapy practice. Neuroplasticity-based interventions and simulation-based learning were highlighted for future competence. Ethical concerns regarding artificial intelligence, as well as cost and digital literacy barriers, were also noted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To meet future challenges, occupational therapists should enhance digital competencies, ensure accessibility, and develop inclusive, culturally responsive practices. Findings inform clinical, educational, and policy strategies in occupational therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 2","pages":"102-115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12858763/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146108090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of work in the recovery journey: Meaning, transformation, and inclusion.","authors":"Amy Beaudoin, Claire Kelly, Brieanna Soderquist, Amanda Wilson, Rebecca Alley, Shu-Ping Chen","doi":"10.1177/03080226251375312","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251375312","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Employment plays a vital role in the recovery of individuals with serious mental illness, yet its specific contributions to well-being remain underexplored. This study examines how individuals perceive employment in their recovery, identifying key factors that support workplace inclusion and personal growth.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An explanatory, multiple-case study design was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five participants with serious mental illness, and data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring themes related to employment and recovery.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Employment fostered self-awareness, advocacy, and self-actualization. Participants reported that understanding their condition enabled them to advocate for workplace accommodations, while both awareness and advocacy supported self-actualization. Peer support was critical for sustaining employment and fostering a sense of belonging. These elements interacted to create an inclusive work environment that facilitated ongoing recovery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Employment is a dynamic and integral component of recovery. Workplace policies promoting self-awareness, advocacy, and peer support enhance job retention and well-being. Occupational therapists can play a key role in supporting individuals by facilitating workplace accommodations, strengthening self-advocacy skills, and fostering peer support networks, ensuring that employment contributes meaningfully to recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 4","pages":"246-255"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982831/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147469973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Žlibinaitė, Evelina Lamsodienė, Milda Gintilienė, Gabrielė Mozerytė, Carita Håkansson, Petra Wagman, Serkan Pekçetin
{"title":"Validity and reliability of the Lithuanian Occupational Balance Questionnaire.","authors":"Laura Žlibinaitė, Evelina Lamsodienė, Milda Gintilienė, Gabrielė Mozerytė, Carita Håkansson, Petra Wagman, Serkan Pekçetin","doi":"10.1177/03080226251363732","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251363732","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Occupational balance is an important concept in occupational therapy. However, no validated Occupational balance assessments currently exist in Lithuania. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire 11 (OBQ11-LT).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A total of 127 healthy adults completed the OBQ11-LT to evaluate construct validity. Of these, 53 participants were randomly assigned to complete the questionnaire again after 7-10 days to assess test-retest reliability. Construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for both total scores and individual items. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The model demonstrated acceptable fit (χ²(45) = 719.79, <i>p</i> < 0.001; CFI = 0.933; TLI = 0.909; RMSEA = 0.106). The ICC between test and retest OBQ11-LT total score was 0.924. Total scores showed a significant statistical relationship (<i>p</i> < 0.01), indicating good reliability. Cronbach's alpha for the OBQ11-LT total score was 0.915, indicating acceptable internal consistency.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>OBQ11-LT demonstrates good reliability and validity for assessing occupational balance in general populations. Its psychometric properties are suitable for practice and research, making it a valuable tool for studying occupational balance in similar contexts and broadening the research areas for Lithuanian occupational therapists.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 2","pages":"94-101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12858774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146108125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An occupational perspective of the lived experience of individuals with Alopecia Areata: A scoping review.","authors":"Lexi Lindley, Daniel Cezar da Cruz, Angela Murphy","doi":"10.1177/03080226251368232","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251368232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic condition that causes unpredictable hair loss, often leading to significant psychological distress. While the social and medical implications of AA have been explored, the occupational impact has not been considered. This scoping review aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals with AA from an occupational perspective. A five-stage methodological framework was followed, with a search conducted across three databases (2003-2023), identifying key terms related to AA and its effects on both children, adults, and older adults. Eleven qualitative studies were selected from an initial 265 results, including 989 participants aged 10-79, mainly from North America and the United Kingdom. Data were analysed thematically, identifying three key themes: (1) Navigating AA through occupations across the lifespan, (2) Occupational Engagement in Self-Care is not Always Pleasurable, and (3) Connecting the meaning of hair and its loss with daily occupations. The review concluded that AA affects various aspects of life, including work, study, self-care, and physical activities. While the condition can be distressing, it sometimes leads to the development of new, meaningful occupations. These findings highlight the potential role of occupational therapists in supporting individuals with AA.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 6","pages":"370-383"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13198665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca F Hings, Katarzyna Furmaniak, Carolyn Dunford, Christopher Rd Wagstaff, Alessandro Quartiroli
{"title":"Exploring the emotional labour of occupational therapists when interacting with clients.","authors":"Rebecca F Hings, Katarzyna Furmaniak, Carolyn Dunford, Christopher Rd Wagstaff, Alessandro Quartiroli","doi":"10.1177/03080226251363728","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251363728","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Occupational therapy is an inherently emotional endeavour for both clients and therapists. Despite navigating diverse and challenging work environments, relatively little is known about how occupational therapists are expected to manage and express their emotions in line with job-related emotion norms. The aim of this study was to explore the emotional labour experiences of occupational therapists when interacting with clients.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Fourteen qualified occupational therapists (11 female and 3 male) took part in a semi-structured interview about practice-related emotion norms, emotion regulation and emotion performance demands. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Two overarching themes captured the complexities of emotional labour when interacting with clients including (1) navigating subjective emotion norms, and, (2) negotiating authentic and inauthentic emotions to nurture the therapeutic relationship. Prioritizing client needs informed how and what emotions were expressed and regardless of the emotional labour strategies adopted, therapists strived for perceptions of sincerity in their relationships with clients.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The enactment of emotional labour when interacting with clients is critical to delivering therapy and meeting professional standards. The findings have implications for practitioners (e.g. reflective practice, self-care), managers (e.g. supervision) and organizations (e.g. support structures, education) and point to fruitful avenues for research.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 1","pages":"36-45"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12745613/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145866044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Service user perspectives on the value and effectiveness of occupational therapy following intervention for severe depression.","authors":"Lynn Christie, Deborah Davys, Penny A Cook","doi":"10.1177/03080226251363731","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251363731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Depression is characterised by loss of interest in activities and difficulty carrying out everyday tasks. Occupational therapy supports people to participate in the activities they want or need to do; however, there is limited evidence on the perceived effectiveness of occupational therapy for people with depression.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study aims/objectives were to identify service user perspectives on (i) the effectiveness of individualised occupational therapy in enabling improvement in occupational functioning and participation, and (ii) the most effective components of occupational therapy. Semi-structured interviews with community-dwelling adults diagnosed with severe, and predominantly enduring, depression and an identified occupational need, who had received occupational therapy, were analysed thematically. Participants ( <i>n</i> = 7) were derived from a larger mixed-methods study.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Three key themes were identified: Occupational therapy is about doing everyday activities which supports positive change; occupational therapy is client-centred which supports progress; the skills, attributes and characteristics of occupational therapists are important.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Compelling narratives of how occupational therapy improves participation were evident, providing detailed information on the perceived effectiveness of occupational therapy. This research supports the evidence base for occupational therapy in mental health by mapping the perceived mechanisms of change, or aspects of occupational therapy participants found most helpful.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 2","pages":"83-93"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12858772/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146108062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reflections on RCOT campaign 'complexity of occupation': The dimensions of occupation and the dimensions of practice.","authors":"Daniel Cezar da Cruz","doi":"10.1177/03080226251369709","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251369709","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"89 4","pages":"215-216"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982829/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147469956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tai Frater, Carolyn Dunford, Silvia Zumaglini, Fiona Graham, Dido Green
{"title":"Acceptability and feasibility of online occupational performance coaching for parents of children with disabilities in the UK.","authors":"Tai Frater, Carolyn Dunford, Silvia Zumaglini, Fiona Graham, Dido Green","doi":"10.1177/03080226251340508","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251340508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Occupational performance coaching is a collaborative, strengths-based approach used by occupational therapists working with children and families. This study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility of delivering an online occupational performance coaching programme for parents of children with disabilities in the United Kingdom.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Mixed-methods feasibility study. Eight UK-based families with children with disabilities participated in four to eight online coaching sessions. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to measure changes in occupational performance. The Parenting Stress Index Fourth Edition (short form) was used to measure changes in parental stress. Six parents were interviewed, and four therapists participated in a focus group to explore their experiences of the programme.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Parents and therapists reported a high level of acceptability for the telehealth coaching intervention. Parents reported positive changes in occupational performance (mean difference 3.29; <i>p</i> = 0.01) occupational satisfaction (mean difference 3.99; <i>p</i> = 0.01). Parents' average total stress decreased by 12.5 points with greatest reductions in the parental distress subscale. Therapist fidelity to intervention was relatively low.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The coaching programme was acceptable for parents who responded well to the intervention with noted gains in occupational performance and satisfaction. Programme delivery was feasible for therapists though further training in occupational performance coaching is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"88 9","pages":"563-573"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12399807/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An action research project about how to improve the support by primary school teachers of children who are delayed in their readiness to write.","authors":"Stella Parkinson, Devyn Glass, John-Paul Riordan","doi":"10.1177/03080226251355109","DOIUrl":"10.1177/03080226251355109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Handwriting difficulties are relatively common, and negatively impact children's emotional well-being and academic performance. This study aims to understand what one cohort of early career primary school teachers (ECTs) know about handwriting readiness from their training, and how to help teachers better support children who are delayed in their readiness to write.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Phase 1 of the study utilised a purposive sampling strategy to send an online survey to all ECTs in Kent, UK. Phase 2 consisted of a handwriting training session and focus group with six ECTs. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse data from both phases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 82% of respondents reported no training in handwriting development and 90% were not taught how to identify children with handwriting difficulties. Themes from focus group data included a lack of confidence in teaching handwriting, uncertainty about how to support children with handwriting difficulties, and a need to understand handwriting prerequisites.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings demonstrate a gap in teachers' knowledge of handwriting instruction and lack of confidence with handwriting and identifying handwriting difficulties. Findings suggest there is huge potential for further research in this area, both to benefit children and young people and to build workforce skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":49096,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"88 12","pages":"773-782"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12623622/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145558350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}