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Exploring occupational adaptation through the lives of women with multiple sclerosis
- Authors:
- CAHILL Mairead, CONNOLLY Deirdre, STAPLETON Tadhg
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(3), March 2010, pp.106-115.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects people's physical capabilities and the lives of people with MS are constantly changing (Finlayson et al 2005), yet how people adapt to the disease from an occupational perspective has received little attention. This study explored the occupational adaptation of women with MS. Seven women with MS were recruited from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. Each participant completed the Modified Interest Checklist (Kielhofner and Neville 1983), the Role Checklist (Oakley et al 1985) and the Occupational Questionnaire (Smith et al 1986). Qualitative data were also collected, using the Occupational Performance History Interview - II (Kielhofner et al 2004). Three main themes emerged: the impact of MS on (i) performance capacity, (ii) roles and (iii) interests. The participants adapted by performing interests and roles differently and developing new meaningful interests and roles that were congruent with their performance capacity. The findings highlight the importance of having an understanding of the impact of different types of MS on the occupational adaptation process. A greater understanding will facilitate occupational therapists in enabling people with MS to adapt to their condition by engaging in meaningful occupations throughout the lifespan.
Use of standardised assessments and outcome measures among a sample of Irish occupational therapists working with adults with physical disabilities
- Authors:
- STAPLETON Tadhg, MCBREARTY Ciara
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(2), February 2009, pp.55-64.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study was carried out to explore the current usage of standardised assessments and outcome measures by occupational therapists working with adults with physical disabilities. A survey research design, using a postal questionnaire specifically designed for the study, was employed. Completed questionnaires were returned by 109 occupational therapists working in a variety of settings, including acute care, community and inpatient rehabilitation. A range of standardised assessments and outcome measures was in use, with an average of four different measures being used by the individual respondents. The most commonly used measures were the Mini Mental State Examination (Folstein et al 1975), Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (Wilson et al 1985), Functional Independence Measure (Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation 1999), Barthel Index (Mahoney and Barthel 1965) and the Chessington Occupational Therapy Neurological Assessment Battery (Tyerman et al 1986). However, the consistency of use tended to be low. The barriers to a more consistent use of standardised assessments and outcome measures included time restraints, the unsuitability of the available measures and a lack of sensitivity of the available measures to capture the effectiveness of occupational therapy. The findings support those of previous studies exploring this issue among occupational therapists from different areas of practice. The respondents in this study highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach, encompassing educational, managerial and individual responsibility, to address the issue of the usage of standardised assessments and outcome measures among occupational therapists.