METHODS: Published literature was systematically searched according to PRISMA guidelines using specific key terms. Initial search identified 785 studies; however only seven met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for final review. Studies were methodologically appraised using the McMaster Critical Review Form-Quantitative Studies.
RESULTS: The review found no randomised control trial study design pertaining to the reviewed area. However, it can be seen that occupational therapy interventions for writing skills in 4-6 year old children managed to increase the targeted skills. The results were similar across samples with or without disabilities. An effective integration of occupational therapy interventions into educational curriculum was found to save both time and cost.
CONCLUSION: The long-term benefit from these interventions and the effects of these interventions on a broader spectrum of fine motor abilities need to be explored further with stronger research designs. However, the lack of studies adopting high level study designs, i.e., RCT designs means, results need to be approached with caution by occupational therapists when implementing handwriting skills intervention in practice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted independently on scientific databases: Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science (WOS). The process was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULT: Of the 195 studies identified, 8 articles involving 185 participants, aged 17 months to 12 years old, across six countries met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies indicate significant improvement in social communication abilities, while one study demonstrates insignificant results and another study presents mixed outcomes, utilising two different assessment tools.
CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy has showed promise in improving social communication in children with ASD. Nonetheless, this review emphasises the need for greater indepth study and long-term evaluation to better explain and sustain these benefits. More research is needed to develop OT interventions that are both effective and evidence-based.
METHODS: This study was divided into three phases: (1) translation and linguistic validity involving both forward and backward translations; (2) establishment of face validity and content validity; and (3) establishment of reliability involving inter-rater, test-retest and internal consistency analyses. Data used for these analyses were obtained by interviewing 65 elderly respondents.
RESULTS: Percentages of Content Validity Index for 4 criteria were from 88.89 to 100.0. The Cronbach α coefficient for internal consistency was 0.838. Intra-class Correlation Coefficient of inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability was 0.957 and 0.950 respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The result shows that the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale - Malay Version has excellent reliability and validity for use with the Malay speaking elderly people in Malaysia. This scale could be used by professionals to assess functional ability of elderly who live independently in community.
METHODS: An overview of reviews was conducted. A systematic search was performed on four databases up to March 2018. Included systematic reviews were analysed for quality using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR).
RESULTS: A total of 2187 articles were identified after removing duplicates. Ultimately, 58 systematic reviews were identified that yielded 641 instruments. From those, 45 instruments were selected for appraisal as they met the inclusion criteria of being developed mainly by occupational therapists and were recommended in the summarised findings from the systematic reviews. The instruments were classified according to the following occupation domains: (i) multidimensional, (ii) activities of daily living, (iii) productivity, (iv) social, (v) sleep/rest, (vi) sexuality and (vii) spirituality. No systematic review was identified that specifically focussed on occupations related to school/education, leisure and play.
DISCUSSION: Certain occupation domains such as activities of daily living, social and sleep/rest received high attention amongst researchers. There is a need for systematic reviews of instruments to measure education/school, play and leisure. Limited numbers of instruments were developed by occupational therapists outside the occupation domain of activities of daily living, and in areas of practice other than children and older people. Nevertheless, this overview can give some guidance for occupational therapists in selecting a suitable occupational therapy instrument for practice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 244 occupational therapy practitioners; 43 males; and 181 females. The level of empathy and listening style were assessed using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy Health Professional version and Listening Styles Profile- Revised questionnaires. Data were collected using Google Form. Analysis data were done using IBM SPSS Statistical Software version 26.
RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that Malaysia occupational therapists preferred perspective taking (mean 55.67, Standard Deviation, SD 10.54) in empathy and the analytical listening in listening styles approach (mean 34.71, SD 6.76). In addition, there was a moderate to strong significant correlation between the level of empathy and listening styles (r= 0.419 to 0.648, p<0.05). Furthermore, there is significant difference between listening styles and empathy in relation to gender (male>female) p=0.001-0.038), race (Indian higher than Malay and Chinese) and areas of practice (paediatric higher than psychiatric) (p= 0.016 to 0.039).
CONCLUSION: The findings are helpful for occupational therapists to improve their quality services by being more listening and empathetic while providing proper intervention to the patients.
DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Occupational therapy unit of a public hospital.
SUBJECTS: A total of 46 adults with stroke.
INTERVENTION: After random assignment, for six weeks, both intervention group and control group received a 2 hour/week conventional occupational therapy program, with the intervention group receiving an extra 6 hour/day pressure garment application (long glove).
MAIN MEASURES: Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure, and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. Eligibility measures: Mini Mental State Examination and Modified Modified Ashworth Scale. Assessments were performed at baseline and six weeks postintervention.
RESULTS: There were 21 participants with the mean age of 51.19 (8.28) years in the intervention group and 22 participants with the mean (SD) age of 52.82 (8.71) years in the control group. The intervention group had median (interquartile range (IQR)) post-stroke duration of 1 (1) month, while for the control group, they were 2 (2) months. There was no difference in spasticity, and both perceived and actual arm functions between the groups at six weeks after baseline.
CONCLUSION: Wearing a pressure garment on the arm for 6 hours daily had no effect in controlling spasticity or on improving arm function in the early stages after stroke.