ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0694-9781
Current Organisation
University of the Sunshine Coast
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 04-02-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-07-2018
Abstract: Pinch and grip strength assessment is commonly performed in occupational therapy practice. However, the typically utilised methods are limited to pinch or grip dynamometers and do not readily translate to handling everyday objects. With the advent of consumer-grade 3D printing and low-cost sensor systems, the possibilities for creating customised assessment devices are expanding. As a first step in determining the validity of low-cost sensor systems, their data must be compared to a gold standard. Consequently, this study examined the criterion validity of two such systems for measuring pinch strength, specifically a small load cell and pressure-sensing fabric, with a mechanical pinch gauge. A total of 33 participants performed strength tests using a mechanical pinch grip device, which had a plastic 3D printed cover with a pressure-sensing fabric overlaid on it to allow for simultaneous criterion validation, and a small load cell with a plastic 3D printed casing designed for comfortable pinch grip assessment. The simultaneously assessed fabric sensor and mechanical pinch grip device showed excellent absolute (ICC This study lays the foundation for these sensor systems to be modified for use as assessment tools during the performance of functional tasks using everyday objects. Additionally, because both systems generate real-time force data they could be used for biofeedback as part of rehabilitation and strengthening programs. To aid uptake and future research using these systems, the 3D print models, step-by-step hardware design and software programs used are provided in an open-source format at tsensors.html.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-05-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00404-021-06101-Y
Abstract: A correction to this paper has been published: 0.1007/s00404-021-06101-y
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-09-2019
Abstract: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from military service can seriously impact quality of life. There is support for the use of service dogs amongst people with PTSD in managing symptoms by reducing anxiety and depression. To date, few studies have investigated this phenomenon comprehensively, particularly in relation to enhancing participation in daily occupations. We explored the experience of a group of ex-serving members of the Australian military with PTSD, who had partnered with a service dog. We sought to understand the influence of the service dog on PTSD symptom management and participation in meaningful daily occupations. Seven participants who had been paired with a service dog were recruited from a Veterans' support organisation. Two semi-structured focus group sessions were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts from the focus group sessions and researcher field notes were analysed independently by two researchers using an inductive approach to generate codes and themes. The themes that emerged from the data were: isolation, safety, lifeline, reconnection and challenges. Veterans in this study reported that partnering with a service dog helped them to feel safe, helped them to manage the symptoms and impact of PTSD, resulting in improved sleep quality, emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, enhanced anger management, and a reduction in the misuse of alcohol and prescription medication and suicidal ideation. These changes led to improved relationships and increased participation in meaningful daily occupations. Ongoing financial support for veterans who have partnered with a service dog needs to be more closely examined. These findings are important and highlight that a larger and more comprehensive, research project examining the impact of service dogs on the quality of life.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2016
Abstract: World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) member organisations comprise 77 national occupational therapy organisations across the world. Each national organisation interacts with its members and the public using erse methods. Increasingly, national organisations are broadening their communication methods. The objective of this study was to examine if and how occupational therapy organisations are using social media for communication, and if so, the types of concerns or barriers they experience and what role they anticipate social media might play in the near future. An online survey was developed 57 of 77 WFOT member organisations responded. This study identified that WFOT national organisations are using social media, to varying degrees, with or without an in idual formally assigned to manage social media. Respondents reported that they used social media to: communicate with members, promote the organisation and promote the profession. Commonly expressed needs included assistance with guidelines for ethical social media use, developing technical expertise, and recognition of limits of time and competing priorities. Recommendations arising from this research are at the global, national, local and in idual levels and incorporate active dissemination and pure diffusion approaches. Taking steps to increase the use of social media could indirectly impact occupational therapy practice through enhancing organisations’ abilities to support practitioners to enhance their practice. Although 57% of WFOT member organisations returned usable responses, there may be some additional perspectives that were not captured. It would be helpful to contact non-responding organisations to explore their social media use and plans. Further research could examine how future initiatives put in place by WFOT impact social media use by member organisations.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-03-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-023-03386-1
Abstract: The impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a significant and often neglected issue in the treatment and survivorship period of young gynaecological cancer survivors (YGCS). This study sought to explore women’s lived experiences to understand how to protect and improve SQoL. A qualitative study with women aged 18–45 and pre- or perimenopausal at diagnosis ( n = 15). A thematic analysis was performed in NVivo. Participants also completed a pre-interview questionnaire and The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). YGCS experienced high psychosexual distress. Notably, seven themes were identified: adjustment, confidence, fear, loss, shame, trauma, and communication. Gynaecological cancer (GC) treatment interfered with everyday life and had a long-term impact on mental, physical, and emotional health, with many reporting an altered sense of self, body image and sexual identity. Single women felt vulnerable in new relationships, while partnered women reported low sexual desire and guilt about sexual difficulties. Open communication, emotional intimacy, and an acceptance of the ‘new normal’ buffered the trauma of cancer and were vital to relationship satisfaction. Lastly, absent, or blunt patient-clinician communication contributed to psychosexual distress. GC interferes with sexual function, partner relationships, psychosexual wellbeing, and quality of life. A better understanding of the lived experiences of YGCS can help healthcare providers to adopt a holistic, patient-centric, and multidisciplinary approach to SQoL. YGCS want psychosexual communication and support, across all stages of treatment and care. Healthcare providers should initiate and normalise conversations on the impact of treatment on SQoL.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-04-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00404-021-06056-0
Abstract: The impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a well-established survivorship issue for gynaecological cancer survivors (GCS), yet little is known on how to intervene. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the factors explaining the variability in SQoL for GCS. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and the software Covidence. Electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science, PUBMED and CINAHL were searched for original research on GCS published between 2002 and 2018. We performed a two-stage screening process against selection criteria and quality assessment of in idual studies. The Salutogenic Theory and the PRECEDE–PROCEED model were used as theoretical frameworks to identify and categorise factors. The initial search yielded 3,505 articles resulting in a total of 46 studies used to examine the association between factors of SQoL and gynaecological cancers. Our findings suggested that SQoL varies across subgroups based on age, menopausal status, relationship status, and treatment modality. Protective factors included clinicians’ knowledge and confidence, preventive medical approach, risk and needs assessment, patient–clinician communication, relationship quality, psychosocial support, symptom management, accessibility of psychosexual care, and self-efficacy in the rediscovery of sexuality. Despite the high incidence and long-term impact of sexual health issues on quality of life, supportive care needs are not being met. A better understanding of the evidence base around the factors of SQoL can help health professionals take steps to protect and improve SQoL in GCS.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-02-2015
Publisher: Deakin University
Date: 04-07-2023
DOI: 10.21153/JTLGE2023VOL14NO1ART1704
Abstract: The use of an ePortfolio to support the education of health and social care professionals is increasing in higher education. ePortfolios support the educational journey of students however, it is unclear how they are used to demonstrate competency or enhance employability. The aims of this study were to explore the literature to identify the use of ePortfolios in health and social care higher education curricula to demonstrate competency or improve employability. Three electronic databases were searched to identify papers using scoping review methodology. Studies that were published between 2001 and 2019 were included. A total of 1530 articles were initially identified after duplicates were removed. Nine studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis following a robust review. Data were synthesised into themes that describe the role of ePortfolios in demonstrating competencies in higher education or improving employability they were (1) Self-Directed Learning, (2) Deeper Learning, (3) Expanding Literacies, (4) Successful Implementation. These studies highlight that ePortfolio is both a product and a process. ePortfolios support students to gather artefacts that demonstrate professional competency which can be applied in the job-seeking process. The ePortfolio development process applies social constructionist approaches to learning which support lifelong learning and enhance employability. The findings also highlight the importance of providing students with clear expectations of the role of an ePortfolio in their professional learning journey.
No related grants have been discovered for Anita Hamilton.