ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4742-6805
Current Organisation
University of Sydney
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-01-2022
Abstract: Dating is an occupation through which people form intimate relationships with others. Despite the importance of intimate relationships for wellbeing, there is limited information available in occupational therapy literature about the activities involved in dating and little guidance for practitioners who wish to support clients from erse backgrounds who experience difficulties with dating. To address this gap, this study sought to explore dating among young adults (18–35 years) and compare dating activities between two contexts: Australia and Hong Kong. Data were collected using an e‐survey designed for this study and refined using cognitive interviewing (n = 12). It included questions about dating initiation and activities. Study design and reporting was guided by the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E‐Surveys. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and between group comparisons. Reponses to open ended questions were subjected to interpretative content analysis and quantified. In total, 2208 young adults aged 18–35 who had at least one dating experience and resided in either Australia or Hong Kong completed the survey. Participants met their dates most commonly through school, friends, dating apps, and work. The most frequent ways to ask a person on a date were by suggesting ‘hanging out’ or going out for food, drink or to the movies. Most participants reported that organising a date required extended negotiation between the parties. Differences were found between participants from Hong Kong and Australia. This is the first study of contemporary dating from an occupational perspective and provides an understanding of dating activities in two different cultural contexts.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-09-2023
Abstract: Global migration and an increased life expectancy led to a growing number of people with dementia from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) backgrounds living in long‐term residential care settings. These minority groups' wellbeing may be negatively impacted due to poor culturally appropriate care that fails to honour valued cultural traditions. This study considered culturally appropriate dementia care for older adults with an Indian heritage living in Sydney‐based residential aged care facilities. The Nominal Group Technique was employed to collect data from three groups of stakeholders of Indian heritage over a period of 6 months: care staff (n = 8), family of residential care recipients (n = 8), and community‐dwelling older adults (n = 7). Perspectives highlighted six concepts for consideration: (1) embracing a person‐centred approach to promote culturally appropriate dementia care (2) training staff in culturally appropriate forms of respect (3) the impact of staff ratios on care (4) the importance of familiarity to meaningful engagement (5) the importance of food and (6) the necessity of engaging family and the wider Indian community in residential care activities. Culturally appropriate dementia care for older adults with an Indian heritage is an area in need of further development. To ensure that residents with an Indian heritage are respected as an ethnic minority, it remains crucial that research is generated to inform policy development on each CaLD group as a separate entity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.APMR.2022.07.018
Abstract: To systematically review how sexuality is experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex plus (other gender identifies and sexual orientations) (LGBTQI+) persons living with chronic disease. PsycINFO, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and Web of Science were searched from date of inception to November 2021 for English language publications. Reference lists of relevant publications were also searched. Eligible studies reported on sexuality among LGBTQI+ persons living with chronic disease. The search yielded 12,626 records 665 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 63 documents included (59 unique studies). Study quality was rated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Characteristics of included studies were recorded independently by 2 authors. Differences were resolved through discussion or with a third author. A sequential, exploratory mixed-studies approach was used for synthesis. Pooled analysis indicated that among gay and bisexual men living with prostate cancer, 68.3% experienced erectile dysfunction and 62.9% had insufficient quality of erection to engage in anal sex. Among gay and bisexual men living with HIV or AIDS, 29.3% experienced loss of libido and 25.3% experienced erectile dysfunction. Although sexual dysfunction was common, LGBTQI+ persons had difficulty accessing appropriate sexual counseling and identified negative attitudes and heteronormative assumptions by health care providers as significant barriers to sexual health. Interventions to address sexuality focused entirely on reduction of risky sexual behavior among men living with HIV or AIDS. Women, transgender persons, and intersex persons were largely excluded from the research studies. Current understandings of the effect of chronic disease on LGBTQI+ sexuality are limited and mostly focus on the male sexual response. LGBTQI+ persons who experience difficulty with sexuality struggle to identify appropriate services, and there is an absence of evidence-based interventions to promote sexual health and well-being in this population.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-04-2016
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-12-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1442-2018.2010.00568.X
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of service learning on healthcare students, educators, and community partners in Ireland. Using a qualitative approach with focus groups and interviews, 38 participants' perceptions of the impact of service learning were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The findings in relation to the students reflected previous research: service learning had the capacity to support personal development, enhance academic performance, and increase civic awareness. The primary impacts for the community partners involved accessing students and services. The educators appreciated the opportunities to link academic theory to practice and to engage with the community partners. The results identified that the evaluation of learning outcomes was challenging because of both the evolving nature and breadth of learning achieved by all the stakeholders. However, our findings suggested that some impacts of service learning are consistent between Ireland and the USA. Further research is needed to explore whether the impacts of service learning are comparable across other cultures and contexts.
Publisher: Medical Journals Sweden AB
Date: 2019
Abstract: Although stroke has a profound impact on sexuality there are limited evidence-based interventions to support rehabilitation professionals in this area. The aim of the current research was to prioritize content areas and approaches to sexual rehabilitation from the perspective of stroke survivors, their partners, stroke rehabilitation clinicians and researchers. A 2-step online Delphi method was used to prioritize the content of, and approaches to, sexual rehabilitation with stroke survivors, their partners, stroke rehabilitation clinicians and researchers. Stroke survivors (n = 30), their partners (n = 18), clinicians and researchers in stroke rehabilitation (n = 45) completed at least 1 of 2 investigator-developed surveys. Participants prioritized 18 core content areas for inclusion in sexual rehabilitation following stroke with a high degree of consensus. Another 27 content areas were considered moderately important. There was strong consensus that sexual rehabilitation should be offered in the subacute and chronic phases of stroke recovery. Participants would prefer health professionals to deliver the intervention face-to-face. This study presents opinions from stroke survivors, partners of stroke survivors, clinicians and researchers. The information about content, timing and mode of delivery will be used to develop and evaluate a comprehensive sexuality rehabilitation programme.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-06-2012
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2012.688920
Abstract: To examine occupational therapists' attitudes and beliefs towards addressing clients' sexuality and sexual needs during everyday practice. A cross-sectional internet based survey was conducted among a convenience s le (n = 120) of occupational therapists working in Ireland. Respondents' perceived knowledge, awareness and confidence to address sexuality were examined. Respondents also reported current practice relating to addressing sexuality. Sexuality although considered a legitimate area of practice was rarely addressed by occupational therapists. Participants reported low levels of awareness, knowledge and confidence relating to addressing client sexuality. Specific barriers identified by participants to addressing sexuality include lack of training, perceived lack of readiness of the client, client's age and marital status, perceived appropriateness of sexuality for the client. Occupational therapists in Ireland appear to be ambivalent towards the inclusion of sexuality as part of practice. Current practice rarely includes clients' sexual needs and appears to be influenced by a hetro-normative conservative discourse of sexuality. Additional training and education, which challenges current assumptions relating to sexuality, is required to ensure that the needs of people with illness and disability are met.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.REHAB.2021.101547
Abstract: Sexual dysfunction after stroke is common and is associated with poor health and quality of life outcomes. Clinical guidelines for stroke typically recommend that all stroke survivors have access to support relating to sexuality during rehabilitation. However, the extent to which rehabilitation professionals are prepared to address sexuality after stroke is unclear. To investigate the knowledge, comfort, approach, attitudes, and practices of rehabilitation professionals toward supporting stroke survivors with their sexuality concerns. Cross-sectional analytic survey design. Data were collected by using an electronic questionnaire that contained the Knowledge, Comfort, Approaches, and Attitudes towards Sexuality Scale (KCAASS) and sexuality-related practice questions. Participants were recruited from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, and South Africa. Multiple regression was used to explore KCAASS scores and sexuality-related practices. A total of 958 multi-disciplinary, stroke rehabilitation professionals participated in the study. Only 23% (n=216) of health professionals' reported directly initiating sexuality discussions with stroke survivors. On regression analysis, professionals' practices, perception of their role in sexuality rehabilitation, sexuality training, education, age and sex predicted their knowledge of sexuality after stroke (r Findings confirm that sexuality is neglected in stroke rehabilitation and point to the need for a considered approach to the timing and nature of education.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/HEX.12408
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-09-2013
Abstract: There is a growing body of research to support the role of occupational therapy in dementia care. However, little is known about the extent to which this research is translated into occupational therapy practice. This study addresses this gap by considering current occupational therapy practice in the field of dementia care in Ireland. A cross-sectional online survey was used to gather data about current practice. Convenience s ling and snowball recruitment techniques were used to recruit occupational therapists. Data were analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics and content analysis. Forty-seven therapists responded to the survey. The majority of respondents worked in primary care and provided services for people with early stage or mild dementia. Assessment practices were primarily focussed on cognitive screening and functional performance. Limited attention was paid to occupational participation. Interventions typically addressed environmental modification, assistive devices and compensatory strategies. The ability of therapists to apply research evidence to practice appears to be strongly constrained by practice and organisational demands. There is a need for a global occupational therapy strategy to support knowledge translation in dementia care. At present although occupational therapists are aware of research evidence they face significant barriers in applying this evidence in practice.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-12-2014
DOI: 10.12968/IJTR.2014.21.12.575
Abstract: The rapid expansion of web-based video hosting platforms has resulted in DVD-assisted learning being increasingly used in higher education. This format is particularly attractive for teaching clinical skills as it provides a permanent resource that can be cost effective for the university, while providing a flexible learning tool for the learner. DVD-assisted learning has been found to be effective in teaching clinical skills when compared with other teaching modalities however, the majority of this research has been conducted in the discipline of medicine to teach surgical skills. The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of a DVD-based teaching approach (intervention) compared with the traditional face-to-face approach (control) to teach occupational therapy students to transfer a patient using a hoist. A single-blind, randomised controlled pilot trial was carried out among final-year occupational therapy students (n=12) who were randomly assigned to DVD-assisted or face-to-face training. Each participant's performance in executing the transfer of a non-weight bearing client from bed to wheelchair was evaluated pre- and post-training using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment. Students' perceived confidence in completing the task and satisfaction with the training was evaluated post-training. Both groups of students demonstrated an improvement in performance of the hoist transfer following training. There was no significant difference in the level of improvement between groups however, the small s le size meant the research could not reach definitive conclusions. Participants who attended face-to-face training had higher levels of perceived confidence in completing the task and were more satisfied with the training received than those who engaged in DVD-assisted training. This study is inconclusive in determining whether DVD-assisted training is as effective as face-to-face training in the acquisition of hoist transfer skills among occupational therapists. With DVD-assisted learning expected to increase, this study offers a useful protocol by which to conduct research on this topic with a larger s le size.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-03-2021
DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.1898675
Abstract: Migrants with dementia living in residential care may be at risk of disengagement. To synthesize research relating to the meaningful engagement of migrants with dementia who are living in residential care. Mixed studies systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Nine electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported original research relating to meaningful engagement of migrants with dementia living in residential aged care and were published in English. Two independent reviewers screened the title and abstracts, full texts of eligible studies and conducted a quality appraisal of included texts. A convergent qualitative synthesis approach was used. From 1460 articles, 14 papers representing 12 studies were included. Facilitators of meaningful engagement included: the presence of cultural artefacts in the care environment, the use of multimodal communication and a shared but flexible understanding of residents' culture. Barriers were the absence of a common language and a task-orientated approach to care. Migrants with dementia who are living in residential care are at increased risk of disengagement. Our review highlights the need for culturally congruent residential care to go beyond issues of language and to consider how occupations can be tailored to support ongoing participation and engagement.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-03-2015
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1019012
Abstract: To explore knowledge and practice relating to patient handling among final year occupational therapy students in the Republic of Ireland. We conducted a survey of final year students in three out of four occupational therapy programs in the Republic of Ireland (n = 81). The survey measured students' knowledge of manual handling principles and techniques and explored their experiences and ability to apply this knowledge to clinical situations. All students (n = 81) had undertaken training in patient handling. Just under half of students (n = 35, 43.2%) had received additional training outside of the university setting. Overall knowledge of safe patient handling principles techniques and risk assessment was low (Mean Score = 15.71/28 SD = 3.81). Participants who received additional training achieved a lower mean total score (M = 13.89, SD = 3.54) than those who only undertook university-based training (M = 18.11 SD = 2.66 t(79) = -5.87 p < 0.05). The majority of participants reported intermittent use of taught principles while on clinical practice placements (n = 50, 61.8%) Reasons for not using taught principles included selection of alternative technique by supervisor (n = 30, 56.6%) lack of available equipment (n = 13, 24.5%) and lack of time (n = 13, 24.5%). While occupational therapy students in Ireland receive training in safe patient handling they appear to have limited knowledge of best practice and experience difficulties in applying their learning to clinical situations. There is an urgent need to consider the effectiveness of current educational strategies in this area. Implications for Rehabilitation Safe patient handling is a key component in preventing musculoskeletal injury among rehabilitation professionals The extent to which pre-professional training prepares rehabilitation professionals to practice safe patient handling is unclear Occupational therapy students in this study had limited knowledge of safe patient handling and had difficulty applying their learning to clinical practice Alternative education models are required to support development of safe patient handling skills. Educators may wish to consider how safe patient handling can be embedded across curricula to avoid the challenges of once off instruction and massed practice.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-02-2014
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 15-03-2019
Abstract: The aim of this study is to systematically review practitioners’ practices and attitudes in regards to communicating a diagnosis of dementia. A systematic search was conducted of Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed for English language original empirical papers. A sequential explanatory mixed studies analysis approach was used. Twenty-five quantitative descriptive, two intervention, six mixed methods descriptive and 21 qualitative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed that 34% of GPs and 48% of specialists usually/routinely tell the person with dementia their diagnosis, and 89% of GPs and 97% specialists usually/routinely tell the family the diagnosis. Euphemistic terms such as ‘memory problems’ are more often used to describe dementia than medical terms. Practitioners’ decision to diagnose and communicate the diagnosis of dementia are influenced by (a) their own beliefs regarding dementia and treatment efficacy and their confidence in diagnosis and communication (b) patient circumstances including level of awareness, level of severity and family support (c) the health and social care system including access to specialist and diagnostic services, reimbursement for diagnosis/management and availability of services and (d) cultural norms in relation to dementia including stigma, labels, and common clinical practice. The diagnosis and communication of diagnosis of dementia are intertwined processes and should be concurrently addressed in interventions. Multicomponent approaches to address these practices could include guideline development, practitioner education, anti-stigma public health c aigns, offering post-diagnosis treatments and support and sufficient reimbursement for practitioners for time spent managing dementia.
Publisher: AOTA Press
Date: 18-12-2015
Abstract: Despite recognition of the rights of disabled people to sexuality, occupational therapists continue to not address sexuality in practice. This failure can be understood as a consequence of social discourses relating to sexuality and disability and a professional discourse that values certain occupations over others. Given the importance of sexuality to the human experience and the evidence of the link between the opportunity for sexual expression and well-being, occupational therapists need to change their practice in relation to sexuality and disability. One method of achieving this change may be to adopt a rights-based approach to sexuality and disability. This article presents the possibilities offered by such an approach, discusses implications for occupational therapy practitioners, and proposes suggestions for future actions to ensure that the rights of disabled people to sexuality are embedded in occupational therapy practice.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-12-2021
Abstract: Parenting is a valued, common and challenging adult role. Many parents, including some living with disability or difficult social circumstances, experience barriers to fulfilling their parenting roles. Yet, occupational therapy involvement in parenting is rarely documented. Current understandings about ‘doing’ parenting lack cohesion and are dispersed in occupational therapy literature. This study aims to map and synthesise occupational therapy literature on ‘doing’ parenting to describe the state of the existing knowledge base, and develop a conceptual framework of parenting occupations as portrayed in occupational therapy literature. A scoping review was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on 28 October 2019 and updated on 18 February 2021. Journal articles and book chapters were screened for eligibility. Included texts' publication characteristics, methodological characteristics, and areas of focus were summarised. Interpretive content analysis was conducted. From 5945 unique records, 105 texts were included. These discussed general parenting, parents with disabilities, and parenting in challenging social situations. Most texts focussed on mothers caring for young children in Western cultural contexts. The analysis culminated in the development of a conceptual framework: the Parenting Occupations and Purposes (POP) Framework. This comprises 10 interrelated areas of parenting occupations, which are performed for the purposes of addressing the child's basic, developmental and social needs. Parenting occupations were also found to be influenced by additional, underlying occupations that build parenting capacity ‐ Continuous Parental Development (CPD) occupations. These findings provide an overview of current occupational therapy conceptualisations of parenting. Unlike most of the existing literature on parenting, the POP Framework is parent‐centric rather than child‐centric. More research on parenting occupations is needed, especially with more erse representation (fathers, ages of children, parental disability and sociocultural background). Further research is required to examine the POP Framework's usefulness in guiding research and practice, particularly among parents with erse characteristics.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-08-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610217001545
Abstract: Prescribed Disengagement ® is the description of the post-diagnostic advice given to people after a diagnosis of dementia, which explicitly or implicitly suggests that the person should be slowing down or pulling back from activities. This results in isolation, loss of hope, self-esteem and self-identity, and threatens social health. This study aims to review whether Prescribed Disengagement ® can be identified in the literature on subjective experiences of people living with early dementia. A systematic search was performed. Inclusion criteria were original empirical qualitative studies published in English that addressed the subjective experiences of living with a diagnosis of objectively defined early dementia. Thematic synthesis was undertaken. Thirty-five papers involving 373 participants were included. Following a diagnosis, people with dementia struggled with self-identity, independence, control and status, activities, stigma, and how to view the future. Reactions in these areas ranged from active and positive to negative and passive. Many studies reported participants’ dissatisfaction with the way the diagnosis was communicated. There was insufficient information provided about dementia and limited treatments and support offered. The diagnosis process and post-diagnostic support may have contributed to disempowerment of the person with dementia, made it more difficult to accept the diagnosis, and exacerbated negative views and self-stigma around dementia. These results do not support the idea of Prescribed Disengagement ® . However disengagement may have been implied during the diagnosis process and post-diagnostic support. Research is needed on how to improve the communication of dementia diagnosis and support people to live well post-diagnosis.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-04-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S11195-022-09734-2
Abstract: This paper explores attitudes toward dating people with disability amongst young people in Australia and Hong Kong. Data relating to disability were extracted from an e-survey that investigated young people’s (n = 2208) experiences of and attitudes toward dating. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while open ended responses were subjected to interpretive content analysis. When asked about preferred characteristics for potential dates, young people identified factors that were unlikely to be negatively influenced by disability, such as loyalty, honesty, dedication, humour, and kindness. Yet when asked whether disability would influence their dating choices, most said that it would and expressed an unwillingness to date people with disability. Young adults in Hong Kong expressed less openness to dating people with disability than those in Australia. Physical disability and mental health issues were seen as less of a barrier to dating than intellectual or developmental disability. Despite recent gains in public attitudes toward people with disability, improvements are needed in terms of young people in the general population viewing people with disability as suitable partners and thus, allowing them to enjoy equal rights to relationships and sexuality. Culture is an important determinant, indicating a potential for change.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-05-2013
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.788220
Abstract: To explore community-university partnerships in occupational therapy education in Europe. Educators from Europe were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed for the study. Eleven completed questionnaires were included. Descriptive statistics were generated from quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The majority of participants reported that community-university partnerships were part of the third year of undergraduate occupational therapy studies. Partners were from a broad range of sectors. The activities undertaken were typically focused on specific target groups within the community. Three main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis (i) instigating community-university partnerships, (ii) processes of creating and sustaining partnerships and (iii) perceived outcomes of community-university partnerships. This is the first study of community-university partnerships in Europe generating some useful findings. Clarification is needed regarding the use of the term community-university partnership. Educators are called upon to consider how partnerships are embedded into curricula and to address issues of sustainability. Healthcare education should prepare rehabilitation professionals to collaborate with erse communities. Community--university collaborations appear to offer opportunities to support students to develop competences for future community orientated practice. Key issues to be considered include choice of pedagogical approach, issues of reciprocity and sustainability.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-02-2019
DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2018.1441323
Abstract: People with moderate to advanced dementia living in residential care are at risk of occupational deprivation. Person-centered care has been adopted as a guiding principle in the provision of residential care for older adults with dementia. In this context, there has been shift in occupational therapy practice from addressing occupational performance towards focusing on meaningful engagement. While both meaningful engagement and person-centered care have been well researched the relationship between the two concepts is poorly understood. A critical interpretative synthesis was conducted to determine how principles of person-centered care inform occupational therapy practice in relation to promotion of meaningful engagement among residents with moderate to advanced dementia. A systematic search of research addressing meaningful engagement of people with moderate to advanced dementia identified 26 papers. Papers were classified as theoretical papers and empirical research. Two overarching constructs emerged, namely promoting a culture of collaborative care and understanding the resident as a person with a past, present and future. Occupational deprivation prevails and person-centered care is not fully addressed if opportunities for growth and engagement for residents with moderate to advanced dementia is not extended beyond their life history. Creating continued opportunities for building agency of residents with dementia could promote occupational justice in residential care.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-09-2019
Abstract: To synthesise how post-stroke sexuality is experienced by stroke survivors and partners of stroke survivors. MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to May 2018 using a combination of relevant Medical Subject Headings and Free Text Terms. Only papers published in English reporting original qualitative research were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Research Checklist. All text presented as ‘results’ or ‘findings’ in the included studies was extracted and subjected to a thematic analysis and synthesis which was discussed and agreed by the research team. The initial search yielded 136 unique papers with a further 8 papers identified through reference checking. Following full-text review, 43 papers were included in the final synthesis. Two analytical themes were identified: sexuality is silenced and sexuality is muted and sometimes changed, but not forgotten. These themes were made up of six descriptive themes: struggle to communicate within relationships, health professionals don’t talk about sexuality, sexuality and disability is a taboo topic, changes to pre-stroke relationships, changed relationship with the stroke survivor’s own body and resuming sexual intimacy – adaptation and loss. Stroke has a profound impact on how sexuality is experienced by both stroke survivors and partners of stroke survivors. Despite this, post-stroke sexuality is rarely discussed openly. Stroke survivors and partners value sexuality and may benefit from strategies to support adjustment to post-stroke sexuality.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-05-2016
DOI: 10.12968/IJTR.2016.23.5.207
Abstract: To explore the experience of early supported discharge from the perspective of stroke survivors in Ireland. A qualitative research design was used. Participants (n=4) were purposively selected, and each had undergone early supported discharge. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with each of these in iduals, and were then analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Getting out and getting on. (2) Understandings and misunderstandings. While participants welcomed early supported discharge and reported positive experiences, they also experienced anxiety and uncertainty regarding early discharge and their ability to cope at home following stroke. Early supported discharge appears to be a positive experience for stroke survivors. Health care professionals should pay particular attention to providing adequate information about early supported discharge for stroke survivors and their carers. Further research is needed to capture carers' perspectives of early supported discharge.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-06-2013
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.805823
Abstract: To explore occupational therapists' perspectives on addressing sexuality in the context of rehabilitation services for older people. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Data were collected using a series of focus groups (n = 5) among occupational therapists (n = 22) working with older people. Data were analysed using content analysis. Occupational therapists in this study rarely addressed sexuality in the context of rehabilitation services for older people. Three major categories emerged in relation to barriers which influence therapists' practice in this area: (i) the influence of culture on decisions regarding whether or not to address sexuality, (ii) perceived competence and confidence to address sexuality and (iii) the impact of resources regarding the inclusion or exclusion of sexuality from rehabilitation. Although sexuality is increasingly considered an important and relevant aspect of successful ageing the extent to which healthcare professionals are prepared to address sexual concerns identified by older people is less clear. If new expectations of healthy ageing are to be met, healthcare professionals must acknowledge the importance of sexuality and be prepared to be involved in sexual health management. Implications for Rehabilitation Healthcare professionals continue to be reluctant to respond to older peoples' concerns relating to sexuality. Occupational therapists in Ireland identified socio-cultural norms relating to sexuality, perceived professional competence and confidence and prioritization of resources as key barriers. Education is needed to improve therapists' perceived competence and confidence in addressing sexuality with older adults. Policy change is required to consider the underlying assumptions about sexuality, ageing and disability.
No related grants have been discovered for Margaret Mc Grath.