Professional resources
Professional resources
Preparing for your future as an occupational therapist
A programme aimed at all occupational therapy learners will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to a career in occupational therapy within the NHS , offer you the chance to build your knowledge of the field , and give you the opportunity to learn from registered professionals ’ own experiences .
The programme is designed to offer flexibility , so you can access the resources best suited for your needs at times that suit you and your workload .
There are resources on the NHS as an employer and career pathways , preparing for life as a professional occupational therapist , what to expect as an occupational therapist , making the most of your early years as an occupational therapist and the art of communication .
There are also accessible versions of videos . Log in to the NHS Learning Hub at https :// bit . ly / 3ux1Pwf
Calling OTs to participate in an MRes project
Are you an occupational therapist working with people with learning disabilities , who fall or are at risk of falling ? Are you willing to share your stories in the name of research ? These stories can be good and bad experiences , have positive outcomes or created challenges to you and / or the person ?
Karin West is a student at the University of Brighton completing a Master ’ s in Health Research ( MRes ), supervised by David Haines , and would like to recruit research participants for a one-to-one session , for up to one hour , over Microsoft Teams .
The inclusion criteria is : HCPC registered OTs ; to have experience of being actively working with adults with a learning disability ; have experience with people who have fallen and have a learning disability ; have access to be able to use Microsoft Teams .
The exclusion criteria is : OTs who work within Kent Community Health Foundation NHS Trust community learning disability teams and / or have been part of the Patent and Public Involvement ( PPI ) for this study .
As a thank you , participants will receive an electronic voucher to purchase refreshments . If you are interested and you meet the criteria above or you would like to more information , contact k . west2 @ uni . brighton . ac . uk .
BJOT next issue
Welcome to the December issue of BJOT . The final issue of 2023 kicks off with an editorial by Sabina Khan on ‘ The impact of microaggressions on occupational performance for Muslims ’. It explores how , by addressing the physical , psychological and social effects of microaggressions , occupational therapists can help the community cope with these experiences and improve overall wellbeing and how it would potentially need specialised training and expertise .
Next is the editor ’ s choice article , a narrative literature review on ‘ How do mobility device users integrate their devices into occupational performance ?’ in which Tina Helle and colleagues found technology and occupation to be intertwined , which challenges current models that consider assistive technology merely as a part of the environment .
It suggests that to investigate assistive technology use , applying a transactional or occupational perspective to improve assistive technology provision , will likely increase fulfilment of users ’ needs .
The first research paper in the issue , by Kevser Sevik Kacmaz and colleagues , explores ‘ The reliability and validity of the Cone Evasion Walk test in patients with hip osteoarthritis ’. The test , designed for assessing balance by evaluating the capacity to evade obstacles , was found to be is effective for evaluating the function , dynamic balance , and mobility in patients with hip osteoarthritis in the study , with the authors suggesting it could be a more accurate measure of the dynamic balance activities in the community .
Jennie Trinh Nguyen and colleagues next explore ‘ The relationship between typically developing school-age children ’ s screen time , participation and physical activity ’ concluding that occupational therapists must consider screen-based activities and the impact it can have on daily participation .
It contributes to the occupational therapy evidence base regarding the significant relationship between screen time use , participation , and physical activity in typically developing school-age children .
The next unique study , by Mary Isaacson and Chan Hellman aimed to deepen the understanding of the benefits and challenges of assistance dogs as an occupational therapy intervention for individuals with mobility challenges .
The findings suggest that using an assistance dog could support increased independence , hope through occupation , and companionship . Danielle Byrne and colleagues explored current clinical practice on assessment of sensory impairment of the upper limb post-stroke by OTs within the acute setting in their mixed methods study .
This work adds new knowledge about approaches by occupational therapists to sensory assessment in acute stroke units , namely consideration of knowledge and perceived benefits , and patient characteristics to embed evidence in practice .
In the final research paper , another mixed-methods study , Liz Cade attempts to understand why some students appear to thrive , turning placement experiences into positive empowering opportunities despite the challenges , where others do not .
The paper brings a unique and valuable insight to understanding the complexity and mutually beneficial relationship of individual difference , resilience , and entrepreneurship through the platform of role-emerging placements , building on the existing body of knowledge to inform the occupational therapy profession and the higher education sector .
December 2023 OTnews 57