The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association
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This research examines the lived experiences of six novice occupational therapists (0-2 years experience) and eight career occupational therapists (> or = 5 years in the everyday practice in adult rehabilitation. The study focused specifically on therapists' experiences of working together with patients and the ways in which these experiences unfolded over the course of therapy. Data were generated using a combination of phenomenological interviews with all 14 therapist-participants (Phase I) and participant observation of four therapist-patient dyads throughout the course of rehabilitation therapy (Phase II). ⋯ The analysis revealed that Finding Common Ground was a shared meaning of working together with patients regarding therapy goals and expectations. Findings suggest that occupational therapists may resist negotiating differences with patients over therapy goals and expectations and instead rely primarily on compatibility as the basis of finding common ground. Findings reveal the importance for occupational therapists to be (1) open to negotiating differences with patients over goals and expectations, (2) aware of the ideologies that may influence their practices, and (3) adequately prepared to deal effectively with the challenging interpersonal aspects of practice.
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Relatively little is known about the treatment effectiveness and functional outcomes of pediatric rehabilitation therapies. This study was conducted to gain knowledge of the type and quantity of inpatient rehabilitation services provided to children who received acute inpatient rehabilitation and compare functional gains by age and diagnosis. ⋯ Rehabilitation therapy provision in pediatric inpatient rehabilitation varies greatly depending on children's age and the nature of the impairment. Systematic reporting of type and quantity of rehabilitation therapies along with functional assessments before and after hospitalization would allow researchers to track functional changes and study the determinants of functional improvement.
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This qualitative study examined the experiences of occupational therapists working in palliative care. Multiple qualitative interviews were conducted with each of eight occupational therapists working with people who are terminally ill. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for recurring and unique themes. ⋯ The exploration of personal-professional connections can contribute to the understanding of occupational therapy practice in palliative care. Furthermore, these individual stories may resonate for other occupational therapists and inspire personal and professional reflection; validation of feelings and issues can arise from parallel comparisons. Therapists may in tum gain insight into the relationship between their own personal and professional experiences.