Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2019_Joomag | Seite 49

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FEATURE
The focus of the group is based on the fundamental belief,
which all occupational therapists hold, that participation in
activities is an essential health and wellbeing outcome. These
activities need to be considered within the context of the
individual’s life, which provides that person with a sense of
engagement.
The research group is therefore concerned with people, their
occupations and their environment. This is reflected in the range
of research activities within the group which encompasses studies
into:
• the impact of events such as trauma or life transitions on
individuals’ occupational engagement;
• the lived experience of different occupations;
• developing a database of case studies to build an evidence
base for occupational therapy;
• collecting rigorous time use
data; and

• considering the impact of an
‘‘
environment (these studies
include research into dementia
friendly flying and homelessness).
The group is passionate about
developing an evidence base, not
only for occupational therapy, but
also the wider interprofessional
team and the communities we live in
and serve.
Appreciative leadership
A place to belong
My experience is that research can seem a daunting and
sometimes lonely challenge, but being a member of PIEL provides
me with the support and inspiration to take me forward in my
research journey.
I was not alone in experiencing the benefit of this group. Fellow
PIEL member Samantha Whiting, teaching and research associate
in occupational therapy at University of Plymouth, comments:
‘The group is a fantastic platform for all levels of researcher with
differing interests. [As] one of the newest members of the team,
being part of the group has allowed me to learn from more
experienced researchers and uncover some of the mysteries of
research, such as applying for funding, collaborating with other
health professions and not being afraid to develop international
partnerships.
‘The group is a space to share ideas and
passions in order to move forward with projects
that could shape the way we understand
The group has a range
of experience, from
novice researchers to very
experienced researchers, who
have a wealth of knowledge,
and it has assisted me in
having a clearer focus.
At the inaugural meeting, the activity
that I found particularly useful to assist me
in developing a research programme with clear
objectives and timeframes was using an appreciative leadership
exercise.
This encouraged everyone attending to really focus on our
research and discover, dream, design and shape the future
destiny of the group collectively.
As a starting point, we all produced a visual slide on our
research interest areas; this was presented to the group to
achieve the first stage – ‘discover’ – in the model.
As a group we then ‘dreamt’ – this included envisioning what
we wanted for the future, including how the group could provide
support, guidance and inspiration to researchers whatever the
stage of their research journey they were.
Personally, this process enabled me to see that I needed to
narrow down my research interests. I tend to get excited about a
wide range of areas and want to be involved in multiple projects,
and this in turn can lead to me not completing the projects.
The group has a range of experience, from novice researchers
to very experienced researchers, who have a wealth of
knowledge, and it has assisted me in having a clearer focus.
From its members’ ongoing support, I now have a much clearer
research plan for the future.
participation in all its forms across the
lifespan.’
Sarah Reynolds, lecturer/practitioner
at University of Plymouth adds: ‘The
participation in the everyday life group
offered me a great opportunity for
networking.’
The need to facilitate
collaboration through networks
As highlighted in the quotations above and
previous articles (Bannigan and Ritchie 2017)
networking and working in collaborations is a great
way to start and develop research skills.
The presentations given by all the members in the inaugural
meeting has provided me with an increased knowledge of all the
exciting projects that are ongoing and planned for the future. I left
the meeting feeling uplifted and with some great contacts that I
intend to use in future research.
This forum has provided me with a great launch pad to move
forward with my research areas, and inspired me to write my first
Occupational Therapy News article. I hope that this article has
also made you consider your own position; I really do believe
that with the right environment every occupational therapist can
achieve their research dreams. If I can, I am sure you can too.
Reference
Bannigan K and Ritchie S (2017) Feel the fear and start doing research
tomorrow, Occupational Therapy News 25(11): 44-46
Marnie Smith, Programme Lead, BSc (Hons) occupational
therapy, University of Plymouth. Want to know more? Please email
[e-mail] or visit https://www.plymouth.
ac.uk/research/participation-in-everyday-life or see Twitter @
PIELRes
OTnews February 2019 49