Yael Mayer, Fernanda Mira, Shahbano Zaman, Tal Jarus
{"title":"Inclusion in Fieldwork: Academic Fieldwork Coordinators' Perspectives on Accommodating Disabled Occupational Therapy Students.","authors":"Yael Mayer, Fernanda Mira, Shahbano Zaman, Tal Jarus","doi":"10.1177/00084174251331923","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174251331923","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> Fieldwork is essential in postsecondary health professions programs and can present challenges for disabled students. Fieldwork coordinators, responsible for student placements, play a pivotal role in supporting disabled students. However, limited research exists regarding the experiences of these coordinators in accommodating students with disabilities. <b>Purpose.</b> This mixed methods study aims to understand the perspectives of academic fieldwork coordinators in occupational therapy programs, focusing on their practices to support disabled students and promote a sense of inclusion. <b>Method.</b> Using a mixed methods approach, fifteen academic fieldwork coordinators completed a quantitative survey followed by in-depth semistructured interviews with five coordinators. <b>Results.</b> Participants' experiences presented two main themes. First, academic fieldwork coordinators constantly navigated tensions with institutional norms regarding fieldwork. Second, academic fieldwork coordinators manage fieldwork accommodations within ever-changing human dynamics and social norms, including students' decisions about disclosure. Despite these gaps, the participants emphasized opportunities for enhancing and refining occupational therapy programs by addressing challenges to improve inclusivity for students with disabilities. <b>Conclusion.</b> Addressing these accessibility issues can contribute to the overall improvement of educational practices, fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Examination of the institution's infrastructure, collaboration with disabled individuals, and greater personnel training are key in promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for both academic fieldwork coordinators and disabled students.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"229-240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143992262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Textured Hair Care as a Meaningful Occupation: A Thematic Analysis.","authors":"Christina MacDonald, Esme Kurulak, Roseleen John","doi":"10.1177/00084174251340644","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174251340644","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> Current health and occupational therapy literature lacks discussion on textured hair care as a meaningful occupation. In the Canadian context, this topic remains unexplored. <b>Purpose</b>. The purpose of this study is to explore textured hair care as a meaningful occupation through experiences and perceptions of Canadian occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants who identify as Black or Mixed race. <b>Method</b>. A qualitative thematic design was adopted; 11 occupational therapists and one occupational therapist assistant were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and subsequently coded. Themes and subthemes were identified using thematic analysis. Seven participants engaged in a focus group to confirm preliminary findings. <b>Findings</b>. Five main themes were identified: textured hair is diverse, personal perceptions of textured hair, societal perceptions of textured hair, barriers to participating in textured hair care and addressing knowledge gaps in the profession. All themes are accompanied by subthemes. <b>Conclusion</b>. All participants acknowledged textured hair as a meaningful yet under-addressed occupation. This study begins a critical conversation based on lived experiences with textured hair to promote culturally safer research, education, and practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"219-228"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samantha A Oostlander, Camille Joanisse, Michael S Mulvey, Sarah Fraser, Martine Lagacé, Louise Bélanger-Hardy, Linda Garcia, Annie Robitaille, Margaret Gillis, Jill Courtemanche, Tracey L O'Sullivan
{"title":"Occupational Participation Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.","authors":"Samantha A Oostlander, Camille Joanisse, Michael S Mulvey, Sarah Fraser, Martine Lagacé, Louise Bélanger-Hardy, Linda Garcia, Annie Robitaille, Margaret Gillis, Jill Courtemanche, Tracey L O'Sullivan","doi":"10.1177/00084174241287297","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174241287297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>. The COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt occupational disruption for all people. However, some populations, like older adults, were disproportionately impacted particularly in the earlier waves. <b>Purpose.</b> The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how the occupational participation of community-dwelling older adults was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) to contextualize findings. <b>Method.</b> Sixty-seven older adults participated in semi-structured interviews from September 2020 to May 2021, 37 of which also participated in a follow-up interview one-year later. <b>Findings.</b> Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) experiences of loss are complex and layered for older adults, (2) technology as a medium for occupational participation, (3) risk perception influences return to occupation, and (4) age-related challenges for older adults resuming volunteer work. <b>Conclusion.</b> Increasing frequency and severity of influenza pandemics and other disasters are a global concern, and OTs can use their skillsets to foster participation and expand occupational possibilities for older adults. The CanMOP was a helpful tool to understand the nuances underlying the participation of older adults in this context.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"161-172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326026/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142373322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diane MacKenzie, Mary Roduta Roberts, Rose Martini, Christine Ausman, Cori Schmitz
{"title":"Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions: Follow-Up on Changes Within Canadian Academic and Fieldwork Curricula.","authors":"Diane MacKenzie, Mary Roduta Roberts, Rose Martini, Christine Ausman, Cori Schmitz","doi":"10.1177/00084174241310076","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174241310076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> COVID-19 pandemic restrictions necessitated curricular modifications in Canadian occupational therapy education. Documentation and reflection on temporary or permanent curriculum modifications and their perceived impact on student learning and outcomes is critical. <b>Purpose.</b> To explore and compare reported curricula changes (academic and fieldwork) during restricted and post-restricted delivery periods together with the perceived impact on learners. <b>Method.</b> A cross-sectional online descriptive survey was sent to key representatives from administration, curriculum, and fieldwork at all 14 accredited occupational therapy university programs in Canada. <b>Findings.</b> Overall, many pandemic-restricted curricula delivery and assessment changes shifted back toward pre-pandemic methods. Changes that were maintained were congruent with universal design or perceived limited adverse impact on learning. Both in-person and virtual learning were perceived as important for changing practice needs. Fieldwork placement recruitment remained a challenge, with some programs increasing the use of simulation. Interpersonal competency development and assessment method integrity were more visible and of concern. <b>Conclusion.</b> Interpersonal competency development and assessment method integrity were more visible and of concern. Programs demonstrated remarkable flexibility to shift, adapt, and deliver curricula, but the human cost for this accomplishment is still palpable.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"208-218"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326021/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142972966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrew R Freeman, Nadine Larivière, Judith Baillet, Rachel Beauchemin, Étienne Lavoie-Trudeau, Myriam Martel, Mégan St-François
{"title":"Economic Evidence in Occupational Therapy: A Rapid Review.","authors":"Andrew R Freeman, Nadine Larivière, Judith Baillet, Rachel Beauchemin, Étienne Lavoie-Trudeau, Myriam Martel, Mégan St-François","doi":"10.1177/00084174241306983","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174241306983","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> Given the necessity to demonstrate that occupational therapy services are a good use of resources, understanding the state of economic evidence is essential. <b>Purpose.</b> This article presents a <i>rapid review</i> of this evidence. <b>Method.</b> Relevant articles were identified using SCOPUS. Eligible studies included economic analyses of interventions that included occupational therapy and were published in English or French after 1999. The findings were synthesized and then appraised using the <i>Quality of Health Economic Studies</i> (QHES) template. <b>Results.</b> The 135 studies identified were conducted in 23 countries and most commonly: with adults/older adults; in home, inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitation centre settings; with individuals with cerebrovascular accident and orthopaedic conditions. The specific occupational therapy role was specified in 60% of the studies. Approximately 50% of the investigations used a randomized controlled trial and a cost effectiveness analysis, and 40% used a societal economic perspective. The average QHES score was 74.4/100 (reasonable quality). <b>Implications.</b> This review has revealed areas of relative strength, some important gaps, and potential directions for future action. Economic evidence that specifically identifies the occupational therapy contribution must continue to be gathered. The profession should consider the strategic alignment of its economic research (e.g., home care) to maximize its impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":"92 3","pages":"173-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326029/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144790459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emily S Ho, Erica Dove, Lorna Aitkens, Andrea Duncan, Anne M R Agur
{"title":"Anatomy Learning Outcomes in Occupational Therapy: Impact of Prior Coursework.","authors":"Emily S Ho, Erica Dove, Lorna Aitkens, Andrea Duncan, Anne M R Agur","doi":"10.1177/00084174241297588","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174241297588","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> To address the learning needs of student Occupational Therapists with diverse academic backgrounds, educators must understand the factors that influence anatomy academic outcomes. <b>Purpose:</b> To compare anatomy learning outcomes of students with and without previous anatomy coursework over time and on higher- versus lower-order thinking skills. <b>Method:</b> An observational cohort study was conducted with entry-level occupational therapy students. Anatomy quizzes, were designed using the Blooming Anatomy Tool, were administered progressively throughout the term. Grades and thinking skills were compared between groups. <b>Findings:</b> At the start of term, students with anatomy coursework fared better than those without; the difference between groups was no longer present in the last four quizzes of the term. In general, students had lower grades on higher-order assessments; this did not differ between groups. <b>Conclusion:</b> Students without anatomy coursework achieved similar assessment outcomes as their peers; however, lower grades at the start of the term indicate that there was an adjustment period to anatomy learning.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"152-160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326025/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142669260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Leah G Taylor, Matthew Bourke, Liliana Alvarez, Kelly P Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Shauna M Burke, Patricia Tucker
{"title":"Exploring occupational therapists' use of movement guidelines for young children with disabilities.","authors":"Leah G Taylor, Matthew Bourke, Liliana Alvarez, Kelly P Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Shauna M Burke, Patricia Tucker","doi":"10.1177/00084174251318200","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174251318200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> Children with developmental disabilities are less likely than their peers without disabilities to meet the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines which provide daily recommendations for time spent in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are well-positioned to support the engagement of preschoolers with developmental disabilities in movement but little is known about if, and how, they might use these guidelines. <b>Purpose.</b> This study examined knowledge, awareness, and guideline-, client-, and environment-related factors influencing the use of the guidelines by OTs working with children (aged 3-4 years) with developmental disabilities. The secondary purpose was to explore relationships between these factors and OT education and experience. <b>Method.</b> The validated Clinician Guideline Determinants Questionnaire (<i>n </i>= 51 items) was administered via Qualtrics to a sample of Canadian pediatric OTs. Descriptive statistics were employed. <b>Findings.</b> Participants <i>(n </i>= 28 OTs) reported moderate to high agreement with the guidelines varying by movement type. Participants agreed they possessed the skills, knowledge, and external support to use the recommendations in practice but were less likely to agree with having training, implementation tools, and self-efficacy to implement the guidelines. <b>Conclusion</b>. Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines hold potential for use by OTs, but capacity-building is required to support implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"185-195"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326028/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143392290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giovanna Tornatore, Hannah Gullo, Jennifer Fleming
{"title":"Technology-Enabled Upper Limb Rehabilitation for Neurological Impairment: A Feasibility Randomized-Controlled Trial Protocol.","authors":"Giovanna Tornatore, Hannah Gullo, Jennifer Fleming","doi":"10.1177/00084174251316105","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174251316105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> Technology-enabled upper limb (UL) rehabilitation improves therapy intensity and impairment outcomes, however clinical usage remains low and evidence for functional outcomes is limited. While benefits of single-mode technologies have been demonstrated, a combination of technology modes or \"hybrid\" approach is an emerging option with shoulder to fingertip capability. Investigation of this approach within a hospital setting is warranted to inform occupational therapy practice with neurological patients. <b>Purpose.</b> This study examines feasibility of hybrid technology-enabled UL rehabilitation for in-patients with neurological impairments. <b>Method and Analyses.</b> A Phase II feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare usual care versus hybrid technology intervention using three technology modes (robotics, virtual reality, sensor-based therapy) plus usual care. Pre-post outcomes for UL impairment, activity, participation and self-reported function will be analyzed using 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA. Effect sizes will inform a power analysis for a full-scale RCT. Field observations and participant surveys will capture feasibility factors. It is anticipated hybrid technology for UL neurorehabilitation will be feasible in a hospital setting and show preliminary effectiveness for improving UL use in daily activities. <b>Ethics and Dissemination.</b> Ethics granted from RBWH Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2020/QRBW/67076) and The University of Queensland (2021/HE002211).</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"196-207"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Parmeet Matharu, Elizabeth Pertsev, Patricia Chai, Denise Cheung, Miini Teng, Julia Schmidt, Tal Jarus
{"title":"Opinions and Perspectives of Canadian Occupational Therapists on Artificial Intelligence.","authors":"Parmeet Matharu, Elizabeth Pertsev, Patricia Chai, Denise Cheung, Miini Teng, Julia Schmidt, Tal Jarus","doi":"10.1177/00084174251327301","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174251327301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Technology is rapidly being developed to improve healthcare outcomes. However, the attitudes and perceptions of occupational therapists (OTs) on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare are not yet known. <b>Purpose:</b> This study aims to: explore Canadian OTs' (a) understanding and knowledge on AI, (b) opinions and perspectives on AI, and (c) perceptions of potential benefits and risks AI might bring to occupational therapy practice in Canada. <b>Method:</b> A sequential explanatory mixed method approach was used to gather perspectives of Canadian registered OTs. Two hundred and eighty-two survey respondents and 15 focus group participants took part in the study. <b>Findings:</b> Three main themes emerged: \"AI Knowledge and Implementation,\" \"Use of AI in Occupational Therapy,\" and \"Human vs. Machine.\" OTs have various levels of understanding of AI, and its capabilities within practice and are open to AI use in practice. Although ethical concerns must be addressed, OTs do not perceive AI to pose a threat to employment. <b>Conclusion:</b> OTs have the ability to implement and guide policy changes for technology adoption, and understanding their current perspectives creates opportunities to advocate for change in the field. Further education is needed to better prepare professionals for clinical usage of AI.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"241-249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144036257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Embracing Moss Bag Nurturance: A Step Towards Decolonizing Occupational Therapy Practice and Research.","authors":"Katelyn Favel, Tara Pride","doi":"10.1177/00084174251362357","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00084174251362357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Occupational therapy (OT), a profession deeply entrenched in colonial ideologies, also holds the potential to re-imagine healthcare in collaboration with Indigenous communities. <b>Purpose.</b> This review aims to (1) identify decolonizing practices in OT that can be applied at micro, meso, and macro levels of service delivery and (2) elevate the voices and viewpoints of Indigenous scholars. <b>Method.</b> I conducted a literature review based on a decolonized and relationship-focused approach, using the work of Tynan and Bishop. Seventeen articles were reviewed and guided by moss bag teachings. <b>Findings.</b> By encouraging actions people can do to enact decolonization practices, we hope that non-Indigenous people can critically think about ways in which to challenge coloniality and enact meaningful, relational, and respectful relationships. (1) micro: Before building relationships, occupational therapists need to understand their work environment to create meaningful connections and improve service delivery. (2) meso: occupational therapists in leadership should support Indigenous occupational therapists and fairly compensate them to respect Indigenous knowledge genuinely. (3) macro: occupational therapists involved in creating knowledge must recognize and promote Indigenous knowledge to benefit Indigenous OT students and communities. This paper is not meant to be a prescriptive \"what not to do\" as this varies across each unique situation. <b>Conclusion.</b> Effective actions must be implemented at all levels of service provision, recognizing that all clinicians, researchers, and educators are urged to transform and challenge the normative and colonial status quo ingrained in the OT profession.</p>","PeriodicalId":49097,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy-Revue Canadienne D Ergotherapie","volume":" ","pages":"84174251362357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144745656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}