OTnews April 2024 | Page 49

Professional resources

Professional resources

BJOT next issue

Welcome to Volume 87 , Issue 4 of BJOT . You can read all our peer-reviewed articles at https :// journals . sagepub . com / home / bjo .
The editorial by Lauren Walker summarises the learning from the findings of the RCOT workforce survey 2022 – 2023 and discusses what lies ahead . It explores the reasons behind the strain felt by the profession and how to potentially address them , while highlighting the optimism around occupational therapy as a rewarding career , despite the undeniable challenges .
The study by James P Gavin and colleagues on public and professional involvement in a systematic review investigating the impact of occupational therapy on the self-management of rheumatoid arthritis adds to the evidence base exemplifying the value of involving the public and healthcare professionals in research , particularly within a mixed methods systematic review .
Julie Ann Nastasi explores the strategies used by adults with visual impairment , and specifically explores the lives of three middleaged people with visual impairment to gain a better understanding .
The findings were that adaptation and technology facilitated independence in occupations , participation in activities provided opportunities for socialisation outside of the home and while all desired to work , none of the participants worked due to their visual impairment .
The results from a survey on perceptions of black and minoritised ethnic ( BME ) occupational
therapists on mentoring are discussed by Anita Atwal and colleagues in the next paper . As a first study of its kind to investigate perspective from UK BME occupational therapists on mentoring for career progression , it highlights the range of mentoring approaches and the unmet need for BME occupational therapists to have BME mentors .
Victoria Hogan and colleagues discuss workrelated quality of life of occupational therapists in Ireland in their research paper . The study provides the first analysis of work factors that may positively or negatively affect working experience , wellbeing and turnover intention among Irish occupational therapists and indicates areas for improvement .
The results from a UK clinical survey on occupational therapy practice to support executive function impairment after acquired brain injury is dissected by Sarah de Charentenay et al in the next paper .
This study , in a sample of occupational therapists in the UK , explored treatment of executive functioning impairment in adults after acquired brain injury and clinician ’ s confidence and support received .
The issue closes with a cross-sectional study from South Africa on occupational therapy upper limb splinting practice for clients with acquired brain injuries , by Megan Barbara van Wyk et al .
The key findings from the study were that splints are used as part of a preventative and maintenance approach for clients with acquired brain injuries in South Africa and that clients ’ cognition , and that occupational performance needs and goals as well as the availability of support should guide the decision to splint .
New study calls for OTs to contribute to increased LGBQ inclusion awareness in healthcare
An MSc study from Brunel University London , investigating the perspectives of occupational therapists on their knowledge , preparedness and skills in working with young LGBQ clients would like to hear from Band 5 and Band 6-equivalent occupational therapists with work experience in child and adolescent mental health services ( CAMHS ) or mental health community organisations serving young people in the UK .
If you , or anyone you know , would like to participate the registration link is https :// bit . ly / 3vL3cIE . Please contact Sharon at 2264151 @ brunel . ac . uk for any questions .
April 2024 OTnews 49