Alison Pighills, Susan Melchert, Tessa Brondello, Alicia Eden, Erin Rickman, Anna Tynan
{"title":"Occupational therapy-led environmental assessment and modification—A quantitative evaluation of a pilot implementation study in a regional/rural setting","authors":"Alison Pighills, Susan Melchert, Tessa Brondello, Alicia Eden, Erin Rickman, Anna Tynan","doi":"10.1111/1440-1630.70039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70039","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Environmental assessment and modification is an effective fall prevention intervention for high-risk older people, which has not yet been adopted in routine occupational therapy practice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A pilot pre-post quantitative implementation study was carried out in a regional hospital and health service, within a community-based occupational therapy service, in Queensland between 2019 and 2022, involving 279 occupational therapy medical chart audits of people aged ≥65 at high risk of falls, clinical practice observations of 9 participating occupational therapists, and 32 staff questionnaires.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Consumer and Community Involvement</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Occupational therapists were included as co-researchers, but there was no health consumer or community involvement in the study.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Baseline fall rates were higher than anticipated, with 71% of clients sustaining ≥1 fall in the year preceding intervention and 52% sustaining ≥2 falls. Sixty per cent of people with ≥3 of the 5 identified fall risk factors died during the study period. Implementation outcomes included penetration, fidelity, acceptability, and sustainability.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Penetration</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A fall prevention environmental assessment was provided when indicated in 80% of cases during and immediately after implementation. This increased to 97% 2 years after implementation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Fidelity</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>When intervention was indicated, the occupational therapists delivered a high-intensity fall prevention environmental intervention, as per protocol, in 100% of cases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Acceptability</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Staff surveys revealed a marginal, non-statistically significant, increase in staff knowledge, attitude, confidence, and experience in fall prevention between the baseline and follow-up periods.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Sustainability</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Medical chart audits revealed that implementation was sustained for 30 months and beyond post implementation.<","PeriodicalId":55418,"journal":{"name":"Australian Occupational Therapy Journal","volume":"72 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1440-1630.70039","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144624683","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}
Feby Savira, Suzanne Robinson, Rebecca Grant, Toni Heinemann, Lisa Barry, Rachel Lommerzheim, Kristie Harper
{"title":"Telehealth versus in-person delivery of an occupational therapy home visiting service: A cost analysis","authors":"Feby Savira, Suzanne Robinson, Rebecca Grant, Toni Heinemann, Lisa Barry, Rachel Lommerzheim, Kristie Harper","doi":"10.1111/1440-1630.70036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>It is important to understand the cost implications of occupational therapy home visiting services, delivered using different modalities, supporting patients after discharge from the hospital. This study aimed to compare the costs of an occupational therapy home visiting service delivered via telehealth compared to services delivered in person, including the costs associated with any resultant adverse events.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cost analysis was conducted using data from a retrospective cohort study of adult patients recently discharged from two hospitals who received an occupational therapy home visiting service, including environmental assessment, provision of equipment, and home modifications. Health-care system costs were quantified and compared between telehealth and in-person delivery over the period 2020–2022. Total costs, cost per person, and cost savings, as well as contributors to cost savings, are reported.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Consumer and Community Involvement</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This cost analysis study had no consumer or community involvement.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cost data were reviewed for a total of 537 patients (telehealth, n = 271, including 56 ‘hybrid’ patients; face-to-face, n = 266). In-person group had a greater number of overall encounters compared to the telehealth group, particularly with more frequent use of emergency and inpatient care. Telehealth resulted in a 34% cost reduction compared to in-person care, equivalent to $4 million in savings to the health-care system or a saving of $1186 per telehealth encounter. Telehealth savings were derived from lower number of inpatient and emergency encounters, as well as reduced patient-related travel expenses. For repeat emergency and inpatient encounters, the total cost was $601,909 (82%) less for fall events and $31,772 (33%) less for delirium events, whereas the cost was higher for pressure injury events ($430,161 vs. $29,313 in in-person group).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Telehealth occupational therapy home assessments yielded cost savings over traditional in-person visits, attributed to fewer inpatient and emergency visits and lower travel costs. The cost-saving effect was observed for fall and delirium events, but not for pressure injury events, suggesting it may not be appropriate for all conditions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <sec","PeriodicalId":55418,"journal":{"name":"Australian Occupational Therapy Journal","volume":"72 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1440-1630.70036","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574102","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 interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experiences of disability service providers supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and how these are shaped by disability policy within Australia","authors":"Natalie Chu, Rosalind Bye, David Lim","doi":"10.1111/1440-1630.70038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70038","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds constitute a significant portion of Australia's population but have disproportionately lower access to disability services compared to people from non-CALD backgrounds. While their service needs have been well documented, research on the impact of disability policy has not. This study explored the experiences of service providers who support people from CALD backgrounds living with physical disability in New South Wales (NSW) to understand their experiences of delivering disability services to this client group and how these experiences are influenced by Australian disability policy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Consumer and Community Involvement</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Three instances of consumer feedback influenced revisions to interview questions and study design. Two were within a university context, and one was with a community group that focusses on people from CALD backgrounds living with disability.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Recruitment of disability service providers was undertaken using a broad approach, via contact with numerous disability service provider organisations in NSW. Overall, seven service providers were recruited, which included three disability support workers, three occupational therapists, and a nurse. Participants engaged in a semi-structured interview over video conference. Their accounts were transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Four groups of experiential themes arose from the analysis. More time is required when working with people from CALD backgrounds; Person centred care can be facilitated by policy, community engagement, and expertise; a fragmented sector superimposed on intersectionality; and integrated care is facilitated by community engagement, networks, and relationship building.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This research identified key themes that reflected service providers experiences. It illustrates how Australian disability policy shapes service provision for this cohort, and how policy improvements have the capacity to enhance service provision.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>People from CALD backgrounds make up a large part of Australia's population but use di","PeriodicalId":55418,"journal":{"name":"Australian Occupational Therapy Journal","volume":"72 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1440-1630.70038","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144573724","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}
Kathryn Marshall, Jacki Liddle, Louise Gustafsson, Rachael Watson, Freyr Patterson, Jennifer Fleming
{"title":"Co-designing approaches to enhance falls management after spinal cord injury in an Australian spinal injuries unit","authors":"Kathryn Marshall, Jacki Liddle, Louise Gustafsson, Rachael Watson, Freyr Patterson, Jennifer Fleming","doi":"10.1111/1440-1630.70037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70037","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk of falls because of changes in sensation and motor function. While research exists on the consumer and clinician perspective of falls and fall prevention, these groups have not been brought together to determine how to effectively address this issue. The study aimed to co-design approaches to enhance falls management including prevention of falls and post fall management, after SCI in inpatient spinal rehabilitation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using an experience-based co-design process, six consumers and eight clinicians, including occupational therapists, each participated in multiple focus groups and/or individual interviews. Data were collected over three cycles and were used to (1) share and explore the experience and perspectives of falls after SCI, (2) determine possible approaches to enhance services currently offered, and (3) develop and refine principles to enhance falls management. Data analysis followed an interpretive description approach with constant comparative analysis. Following each cycle, researchers engaged in discussion, generated themes, and tested ideas in the following cycle.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Consumer and community involvement</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This research was completed with people with lived experience of SCI. Co-investigators with lived experience of SCI were involved in the planning and conduct of the study.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>It was agreed that falls management is required lifelong for persons with SCI, although the important role of inpatient preparation was highlighted. Different perspectives were shared with consensus met on key issues and actions to address falls in the inpatient setting. Practice principles produced included getting everyone on the same page, learning to move safely through experience-based learning, understanding it is more than just falls, and the need for individualised practice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This work has combined experiences and perspectives from consumers and clinicians with approaches developed for future service improvement to enhance falls management for people with SCI in inpatient spinal rehabilitation</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This work asked people with spinal cord injury an","PeriodicalId":55418,"journal":{"name":"Australian Occupational Therapy Journal","volume":"72 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1440-1630.70037","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144573589","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":"Connect and collaborate—Building relationships to shape the future of occupational therapy together","authors":"Courtenay Harris, Justin Scanlan","doi":"10.1111/1440-1630.70035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70035","url":null,"abstract":"<p>As we write this Editorial during National Reconciliation week, we have been reflecting on this year's theme of <i>Bridging Now to Next</i>, and what role we have in honouring the truths of the past to build a more united and respectful nation. What is clear to us as we reflect on a brighter future for all peoples is that at the very core of any path forward are the strong respectful relationships that we build with each other and our communities (Wright et al., <span>2023</span>).</p><p>Considering the relationships we have in our everyday life as occupational therapists, we are mindful that it is only through our relationships with clients, their families, our interprofessional colleagues, stakeholders, and research participants and teams, that we are afforded experiences and opportunities to create new knowledges and new practices that we can share in such environments as a scientific conference.</p><p>As we prepare for, and eagerly await, the upcoming 31st National Occupational Therapy Australia Conference and Exhibition, we are looking forward to bringing to life the conference theme of ‘Connect and Collaborate’. In doing so, we can continue to build the relationships we need to make the difference for our local, national, and global communities. In connecting and collaborating, we have the opportunity to listen and learn from each other, to celebrate occupational therapy, and to continue to inspire the transformative profession we all are passionate about.</p><p>We invite you to embrace the conference theme not just over the 3 days we gather in Adelaide, but well beyond. Let the knowledge you gain and the relationships you build ripple outwards—merging into waves of influence that positively impact on the future of occupational therapy and the health and social care of our communities.</p><p>This conference will showcase work from clinicians, researchers, educators, engineers, artists, advocates, students, and thought leaders from a myriad of professional backgrounds from across Australia and globally. These cross-sector collaborations and diversity of expertise and experience reminds us that the success of occupational therapy is not only in individual expertise but also in our collective commitment to collaborate with others in our client centred care.</p><p>This conference has been designed to provide many opportunities to explore, challenge, and reimagine the boundaries of our practice. The conference theme of connection and collaboration is reflected in every keynote, session, and conversation throughout the program. Furthermore, workshops, interactive learning sessions, and networking events provide fertile ground for collaboration. We hope that the presentations provoke reflection and spark innovation, as the informal conversations—over coffee, in hallways, or in the exhibition space—nurture a culture of mentorship, dialogue, and shared growth.</p><p>Continuing the legacy of innovation introduced by Natasha Lannin and the 2011 con","PeriodicalId":55418,"journal":{"name":"Australian Occupational Therapy Journal","volume":"72 S1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1440-1630.70035","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144367502","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":"Comparison of CO-OP and goal-directed training on occupational performance and functional status in children with cerebral palsy: Three-armed randomised trial","authors":"Zeynep Kolit, Rüya Gül Temel, Gamze Ekici","doi":"10.1111/1440-1630.70033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70033","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that impacts motor skills and daily functioning in children. While conventional occupational therapy aims to improve these areas, newer approaches like ‘Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance’ (CO-OP) and ‘Goal-Directed Training’ (GDT) show promise. However, their comparative effectiveness in enhancing occupational performance and functional status in children with CP remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of the CO-OP and GDT on the occupational performance and functional status of children with CP.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sixty children were randomly assigned to three intervention groups: CO-OP approach in addition to conventional occupational therapy (COT) (Group A; <i>n</i> = 20), GDT in addition to COT (Group B, <i>n</i> = 20), and only COT (Group C; <i>n</i> = 20). The outcomes regarding occupational performance via the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and functional status via the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory were evaluated by the blind evaluators before and after the interventions. All participants received two sessions per week over a 12-week period.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Consumer and Community Involvement</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>No consumer and community involvement in these studies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>All groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in occupational performance and functional status (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Between-group comparisons revealed that Group A achieved greater improvements in occupational performance and functional status, which particularly in the areas of self-care, mobility, and total Paediatric Assessment of Disability Inventory (PEDI) scores (<i>p</i> < 0.05), compared to the other groups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Although significant gains were achieved on occupational performance and functional status levels of both the CO-OP approach and GDT, it was revealed that the group receiving the CO-OP approach had superior effects.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects how children move and use their muscles. It can make everyday tasks like getting dressed or playing more difficult. Occupationa","PeriodicalId":55418,"journal":{"name":"Australian Occupational Therapy Journal","volume":"72 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1440-1630.70033","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144256408","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}