1,721,037 research outputs found
Role, training and job satisfaction of physiotherapy assistants
No full textPhysiotherapy assistants form approximately 20% of the work force within physiotherapy departments and yet little is known about them.The purpose of this study was to assess the current role of physiotherapy assistants in one NHS Region via postal questionnaire, identifying tasks performed and levels of responsibility and supervision; assessing the level of satisfaction of physiotherapy assistants; and comparing these findings with a previous study in 1991. A response rate of 85% (424 assistants) was achieved.The results showed that there is indication of increasing responsibility, independence and specialist skills of physiotherapy assistants since 1991. Training is locally determined and varied. Update of national training initiatives is limited. Overall physiotherapy assistants are satisfied with their jobs (91%). Specific areas of dissatisfaction are pay and career development. Satisfaction is associated with levels of supervision, in-service training and age (p < 0.05)
An investigation of identity change and mood following an acquired neurological disability
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Movement and stagnation - the impact of the environment on perceptions of self, body and breathlessness in COPD
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The experience of spouses caring for a partner admitted to hospital following a single stroke
No full textCarers perspectives on the activity patterns of people with dementia
No full textParticipation in activity is essential for the psychological well-being of people with dementia. The potential benefits of home-based activity programmes may depend on family carers, but little is known about their experience. This study aimed to elicit carers' experiences of involving the person with dementia in activity. Thirty in-depth interviews (i.e. initial and follow-up) were carried out with 15 co-resident carers of people with dementia who were recruited through local community mental health teams. Data were analysed using a grounded theory method. Overall, findings from initial interviews were taken back to the participants at the follow-up interviews. Five activity patterns were identified, which ranged from their usual activity patterns along a continuum through recognizable, illogical, irresponsible and finally reaching a dispossessed pattern. Carers used particular strategies and experienced particular emotional responses along this continuum. This work highlights the complex, temporal and dynamic nature of family carers' involvement in activity engagement. Clinician's interventions could be enhanced by: (1) recognizing the long-term experience of carers in decision making; (2) understanding the strategies used; (3) allowing carers to talk through and share their experiences in a non-judgmental way; (4) ensuring that carers are happy with any suggested interventions
A Delphi survey of best practice occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease in the United Kingdom
No full textThis study was designed to determine the character of best occupational therapy practice for Parkinson's disease in the United Kingdom. Two hundred and forty-two occupational therapists treating people with Parkinson's disease were sent a Delphi survey containing statements about best practice and asked to indicate their level of agreement with each statement. The second survey contained the same list of statements, with group levels of agreement from the first round for each statement. The respondents re-rated their answers and gave their opinion on the efficacy of various interventions. One hundred and fifty occupational therapists (62%) completed both rounds. Ninety-nine per cent of the respondents agreed that Parkinson's disease required lifelong provision of occupational therapy, within multidisciplinary teams, and that the social and psychological aspects of the disease were as important as the physical ones. The occupational therapists had confidence in many techniques for achieving physical, social and psychological goals. However, 40% of the respondents could not rate the efficacy of social and psychological techniques owing to a lack of knowledge. There was a high level of consensus nationally on the character of best practice occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease. The survey highlighted a need for more postgraduate training, especially in psychological techniques
A survey of current occupational therapy practice for Parkinson's Disease in the United Kingdom
No full textLittle is known about the current character of occupational therapy practice for Parkinson's disease in the United Kingdom. The study aimed to document this in order to inform plans for a future multicentre randomised controlled trial. Two hundred and forty-two occupational therapists that treated people with Parkinson's disease were sent a questionnaire regarding demographics, service organisation and therapy content. One hundred and sixty-nine occupational therapists (70%) responded. They had worked with people with Parkinson's disease for a median of 6 years and personally treated a median of 15 people with Parkinson's disease annually. Most (86%) were at senior grade or above 87% worked in the National Health Service and 12% in social services. Forty per cent worked in specialist Parkinson's disease clinics. Most (79%) felt that they needed more specialist postgraduate training.Occupational therapists are employed in both health and social care settings. The character of the occupational therapy is often determined by the location in which it is provided. Current occupational therapy appears to focus on functional activities rather than on the wider social and psychological aspects of occupation. Many occupational therapists felt that they needed more specialist postgraduate training to treat people with Parkinson's disease effectively
Resuming previously valued activities post-stroke: who or what helps?
No full textPurpose. In this article, we aim to develop the understanding of what helps or hinders resumption of valued activities up to 12-months post-stroke.Method. As part of a longitudinal study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 people with stroke and eight informal carers 12-months post-stroke. Interviews covered ongoing effects of stroke, experience of trying to resume activities highlighted as important pre-stroke and factors that influenced progress. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed in depth to explore this aspect of the experience of living with stroke.Results. Valued activities discussed related to employment; domestic and social roles including driving; hobbies, sports and socialising. Outcomes for individuals were influenced by: aspects of physical or cognitive disability; environmental factors; the adaptability of the individual; support from others and professional help. Inability to resume activities impacted on people's sense of self and quality of life, but some tolerated change and presented themselves as adaptable.Conclusions. This study indicates a long-term role for rehabilitation services such as: identifying the significance of different types of activities; providing access to support and treatment for debilitating symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness; addressing patients' emotional and behavioural responses to their condition; working with patients' wider social networks and where appropriate, supporting adaptation to a changed way of life.<br/
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