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Our second issue of 2020 begins with an opening editorial by Field et al , who discuss their projects to explore the use of remote-working software that could be used to undertake home assessments and consultations .
The rapid shift to home-working during the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a digitisation process that was already underway as an NHS priority , but it is unclear what effect these changes have had on patient experiences and staff workloads .
Field et al , provide some key lessons for remote-working software and general technological innovation within the profession .
In our first research article , Nouri et al , look at the potential role of occupational therapists in issuing Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports , or fit notes , interviewing patients and stakeholders for their views and experiences .
Interviewees agreed that these were valuable tools in returning to work and that occupational therapists could have a role to play in reducing the burden on GPs to provide these .
Continuing on the topic of return to work , Robart and Boyle conduct a meta-ethnographic review of the literature on supporting those with lower back injuries in their return to work .
The study supports consideration of wider organisational and psychosocial factors and barriers , rather than focusing solely on the injured worker . Suggestions are made for the modification of current work practices , the need for a strength-based approach to rehabilitation and for occupational therapists who might work with people living with back pain .
There is limited understanding of the cultural needs of diverse Black and minority ethnic ( BAME ) populations , such as South
Asian older adults , which may be perpetuating occupational injustices and health inequalities faced by these groups .
Yam et al interviewed seven occupational therapists in the UK to gain understanding of the current cross-cultural issues in supporting South Asian older adults , captured in three major themes : ‘ When the barriers go down ’; ‘ Invasion of the family home ’; and ‘ I go into every assessment assuming nothing ’.
We have two papers in this issue on the theme of brain injury or stroke . In the first of these , Osborne et al aimed to characterise perspectives of individuals with brain injury or stroke , their care partners and neuro-rehabilitation clinicians to inform the design of mobile health app-based interventions .
Results have directly informed the ongoing development of a community-based mobile health app intervention . In the second paper , Treymayne et al interviewed 10 participants who had experience sub-acute stroke , to develop an understanding of stroke survivors ’ current experiences and perceptions of fatigue and the role of post-stroke fatigue education in subacute stroke .
Our final paper is a cross-sectional study from Binesh et al , comparing occupational balance in people with and without type-2 diabetes . In a sample of 160 individuals , there was no significant difference between the groups in occupational balance .
Distress was the only bio-psychological factor associated with occupational balance in people with diabetes . A higher level of distress is associated with lower occupational balance and also poor glycemic control in this population .
All articles are published online at the journal ’ s OnlineFirst page as soon as ready . Visit BJOT via your member login at www . rcot . co . uk to browse these and other recent publications in full ( please go via the RCOT website links to the journal ).
Congratulations to the recipients of this year ’ s Fellowship and Merit Awards
Every year , members of the Royal College are invited The Merit Award 2021 recipients are : to nominate their colleagues for a Fellowship of the • Dr Rebecca Khanna , Independent Occupational Therapist , Royal College of Occupational Therapists , or a Merit Award , in Educational Consultant and Professional Coach ; recognition of their special contribution to the profession . • Dr Duncan Pentland , Lecturer , Division of Occupational
Therapy and Arts Therapies , Queen Margaret University ,
This year , an Honorary Fellowship has been awarded to : Musselburgh ; and
• Andy Tilden , Director of Operations , Skills for Care .
• Jennifer Woods , Senior Occupational Therapist ,
A Fellowship has been awarded to : Rehabilitation Unit , The Christie Hospital , Manchester .
• Professor Wendy Bryant , Honorary Professor , School of Health and Social Care , University of Essex ;
The Royal College is grateful to members who have contributed
• Naomi Hankinson , Consultant ( Health and Social Care ); to and supported the 2021 nominations for these awards .
• Jan Harrison , Founding Director , Harrison Associates ; and Nomination forms for 2022 will be available in June 2021 . Visit
• Elaine Hunter , National Allied Health Professional Consultant , the website for up-to-date information : www . rcot . co . uk / newsand-events / awards-and-funding / merit-and-fellowship-awards Alzheimer Scotland and Scottish Government .
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58 OTnews February 2021