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In recent months , BJOT has entered into several important discussions , both with key stakeholders and across social media , regarding the importance of patient and public involvement ( PPI ) in research .
Our leading editorial this issue , by de Longh et al , discusses this further , along with highlighting some of the first steps the journal is taking to increase PPI in the research BJOT publishes and how we operate , starting with adding new PPI statements to our articles .
We wish to thank everyone who has been and continues to be involved in these conversations , for their help in pushing forward this important topic and aiding BJOT ’ s development to better support the occupational therapy community .
We are delighted that this issue contains two systematic reviews , representing a high level of research evidence within the journal . The first , by Taylor et al , investigated the efficacy of sensory discrimination training ( SDT ) on sensorimotor performance in individuals with a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system .
SDT may have potential to be an efficacious treatment option for improving sensorimotor performance in individuals with neurological disease . However , at present there is limited evidence on which to base any firm clinical recommendations .
Following this , our second systematic review , from Brooks and Bannigan , was a mixed methods systematic review conducted including studies with children and adolescents aged five to 16 years , who had mental health difficulties , that evaluated occupational therapy interventions and focused on participation in everyday occupations as an outcome .
One intervention used by occupational therapists with children with Asperger ’ s syndrome and two interventions used with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had some evidence of effect .
No evidence was identified for the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for children and adolescents with other common mental health conditions , however the quality of the included studies was poor and highlights the need for higher evidence level studies in this area .
Our aim at BJOT is to publish research that provides evidence for effective occupational therapy interventions , such as that found in our remaining articles .
Kessler et al examined the feasibility , acceptability and potential efficacy of telerehabilitation occupational performance coaching to enhance participation in stroke survivors . Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of telerehabilitation occupational performance coaching , along with its efficacy for improving performance and satisfaction with performance of goals .
Atler and Fox , in their research article , examined the utility of an occupation-focused assessment , the Daily Experiences of Pleasure , Productivity , and Restoration Profile , as a means to guide engagement in meaningful activity .
The findings support preliminary utility of the Daily Experiences of Pleasure , Productivity , and Restoration Profile to guide engagement in meaningful activity among people living with mental health conditions .
Barclay et al used a retrospective clinical audit of secondary hospital data to investigate and describe the time spent on occupational therapy , and the range of occupational therapy and other allied health services provided to older people admitted to acute care , in one Australian health care service .
This study provides preliminary evidence regarding the contact time and range of occupational therapy assessments and interventions provided to older people in the acute hospital setting .
Finally , Ablewhite et al compared two training methods of improving occupational therapists ’ confidence in completing the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Report ( AHP H & WR ).
Similar results for both training methods shows promise for further development and testing . There is therefore potential to conduct a definitive study in this area that will provide occupational therapists with further high quality evidence for their practice . Visit : www . rcot . co . uk / practice-resources / journals / bjot .
HCPC registration renewal now open
It is time for occupational therapists to renew their registration with the Health and Care Professions Council – if you have been called for audit , don ’ t panic . RCOT has launched a new online hub that will support you with information to guide you through the process .
For occupational therapists the profile submission dates are 1 August 2021 to 31 October 2021 .
Visit www . rcot . co . uk / supporting-you-hcpc-cpd-audit for more information on the process itself , some ‘ top tips ’ if you are selected , examples of learning activities that count as CPD , and information about who to contact if you need help .
Why not volunteer and join an RCOT Branch or Specialist Section committee ?
Our Regions and Specialist Sections have vacancies on their committees , with roles varying from treasurer , to chair , to communications lead . As a committee volunteer , you will help provide networking , development , learning and funding opportunities to your colleagues , whilst learning new skills and building your networks .
Find out more and apply by 31 August 2021 at : www . rcot . co . uk / news / influence-profession-joining-branch-committee . If you have any questions , please get in touch . For Regions committee vacancies email : stacey . abraham @ rcot . co . uk or olivia . lokko @ rcot . co . uk . For Specialist Sections vacancies email : pinky . sidhpura @ rcot . co . uk .
OTnews August 2021 59