ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1833-3463
Current Organisations
Southern Cross University
,
James Cook University
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2016
Abstract: Retirement from paid work is an occupational transition, which can have a profound impact on a person's life. This review explored occupational therapy's contribution to and involvement in the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia. An integrative literature review was undertaken using seven article repository databases. PRISMA guidelines informed searches. Articles were included if participants were Australian researchers' discussed retirement from an occupational perspective or the scope of practice of occupational therapists and publication was from 1994 to June 2015 in a peer-reviewed journal. Articles were critically appraised and thematic analysis explored: (i) occupational perspective, (ii) occupational therapy scope of practice, (iii) theory and (iv) retirement definitions. Eight articles met the review criteria. Three occupational perspective themes were identified: retirement intention influences, retirement preparation and retirement roles and activities. No articles on the current scope of practice of occupational therapy were found. Three articles discussed potential occupational therapy approaches. Three themes on what retirement is were identified: complete cessation, gradual transition and intermittent worker. Four theory themes were identified: occupational therapy, ageing, identity and work. Occupational therapy has the potential to be involved in improving health and well-being for people in the work-to-retirement transition process. It is suggested that future research explore not only people's experiences but also the approaches of occupational therapy in assisting people through this occupational transition. The use of theory to guide Australian occupational therapy practice on retirement should also be explored. The use of consistent retirement definitions will assist in understanding research.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 14-11-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610213001889
Abstract: Cognitive impairment places older adults at increased risk of functional decline, injuries, and hospitalization. Assessments to determine whether older persons are still capable of meeting the cognitive challenges of everyday living are crucial to ensure their safe and independent living in the community. The present study aims to translate and validate the Chinese version of the Problems in Everyday Living (PEDL) test for use in Chinese population with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The cultural relevancy and content validity of the Chinese version of PEDL (C-PEDL) was evaluated by a seven-member expert panel. Forty patients with MCI and 40 cognitively healthy participants were recruited to examine the psychometric properties of C-PEDL. Significant differences in the C-PEDL scores were found between the patients with MCI and the cognitively healthy controls in both educated ( F = 9.96, p = 0.003) and illiterate ( F = 10.43, p = 0.004) populations. The C-PEDL had excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities, with intraclass correlation coefficient at 0.95 and 0.99 respectively. The internal consistency of C-PEDL was acceptable with Chronbach's α at 0.69. The C-PEDL had moderate correlation with the Mini-Mental State Examination ( r = 0.45, p = 0.004) and the Category Verbal Fluency Test ( r = 0.40, p = 0.012), and a moderate negative Spearman's correlation with the Global Deteriorating Scale ( r = –0.42, p = 0.007). The C-PEDL is a valid and reliable test for assessing the everyday problem-solving ability in Chinese older population with MCI.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-08-2010
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.506240
Abstract: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) has been practiced in mainland China for over three decades. This study reviews the development of CBR and describes its practice in Chinese communities in order to discuss current controversies within CBR practice internationally and in the Chinese context. Review of literature. Development of CBR, its principles and controversies internationally and in the Eastern world is reviewed. CBR practice in Chinese communities is examined. Shifting ideology and practices mean many different activities are labelled CBR. Variation across contexts has led to many controversies, specifically: the lack of evidence to support practice ownership of programs conceptual differences surrounding autonomy and participation and cultural issues. Contemporary Chinese cultural values and Chinese CBR are shaped by traditional peasant culture, traditional Chinese philosophy and socialist ideology. The review indicates that Western CBR concepts and philosophy cannot be directly applied to the Chinese context. An appropriate model or framework is needed to fit the unique Chinese cultural context and to guide practice in Chinese communities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.ARR.2014.02.008
Abstract: Global concern on the potential impact of dementia is mounting. There are emerging calls for studies in older populations to investigate the potential benefits of combining cognitive and exercise interventions for cognitive functions. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the efficacy of combined cognitive and exercise training in older adults with or without cognitive impairment and evaluate the methodological quality of the intervention studies. A systematic search of Cinahl, Medline, PsycINFO, ProQuest, EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Manual searches of the reference list from the included papers and additional internet searches were also done. Eight studies were identified in this review, five of which included a cognitively impaired population and three studies included a cognitively healthy population. The results showed that combined cognitive and exercise training can be effective for improving the cognitive functions and functional status of older adults with and without cognitive impairment. However, limited evidence can be found in populations with cognitive impairment when the evaluation included an active control group comparison. Further well-designed studies are still needed to explore the potential benefits of this new intervention paradigm.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2003
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-10-2013
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-2007
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2002
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2013
DOI: 10.1002/OTI.1355
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to illustrate the development of a new functional task-based exercise programme and initially test its feasibility as well as effectiveness for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study used a single-group repeated-measures design. A total of 11 patients (mean age 71.8 years) were recruited to participate in a structured functional task exercise programme for 10 weeks. All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline, post-intervention and post-3-month follow-up using the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test (CVVLT), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (Lawton IADL) and Problems in Everyday Living test (PEDL). Data were analysed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Cohen's d effect size was used to assess the practical significant effects. The participants showed significant improvement in NCSE composite score, VFT, CVVLT total free recall, CVVLT 10-minute delayed free recall, Lawton IADL and PEDL. Results of this study demonstrate that the newly designed functional task exercise programme, which uses simulated tasks, is feasible and beneficial to cognitive functions and functional status of older persons with MCI. The findings of the current study further reinforce occupational therapy practitioners' understanding that "occupation" is a "means" and an "end". Further study with a larger population is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHT.2015.09.004
Abstract: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Engagement in daily occupations and day to day activities helps to restore function in in iduals with injured hands and provides a platform to practise selected occupations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a combination of Occupation Based Intervention (OBI) and Therapeutic Exercise (TE) compared to TE alone for the rehabilitation of hand injuries. A single center RCT, parallel group was conducted at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital (KLGH), Malaysia. Forty-six adult clients with hand injuries who consented to participate were randomly allocated to either the OBI + TE group or to the TE group. Following a ten week intervention program, statistical significance differences were found in DASH score (TE = 18.64 ± 14.84 vs OBI + TE = 9.50 ± 9.14, p = 0.02) total active motion (TE = 1035.85 ± 179.84 vs OBI + TE = 1203.65 ± 133.60, p = 0.01) neuropathic pain (TE = 2.90 ± 2.79 vs OBI + TE = 1.05 ± 2.01, p = 0.02) COPM performance (TE = 7.62 ± 2.03 vs OBI + TE = 9.53 ± 0.64, p < 0.001) and COPM satisfaction (TE = 7.60 ± 2.11 vs OBI + TE = 9.49 ± 0.76, p < 0.001) in favor of OBI + TE group. This study highlighted the integration of OBI into hand injury rehabilitation improved outcomes for clients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-01-2018
Abstract: The transition from work to retirement is a complex process and unique experience with a relationship existing between work and retirement with implications for health in later life. This review explored the relationship between pre-retirement job and participation in the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia by exploring: (i) factors influencing retirement in relation to pre-retirement job (ii) how jobs are classified (iii) the effect of pre-retirement job (based on categories) on this occupational transition and (iv) the potential role for occupational therapy in this occupational transition. An integrative literature review was completed. PRISMA guidelines were used. Study designs were analysed for methodological quality using the National Health and Medical Research Council levels of evidence. Thematic analysis determined retirement factors which were used to compare differences between jobs. This review included 15 papers. There were two Level III-2, one Level III-3 and 13 Level IV studies. Factors influencing retirement related to the stages of work, preparation, transition and retired. White collar and blue collar was the most common job classification system. Although white collar and blue collar worker definitions utilised were inconsistent, differences between the two groups were still determined in all stages. Differences in the work-to-retirement transition process, based on pre-retirement job, are evident. Understanding differences by job groupings may assist occupational therapists to understand in idualised needs during this occupational transition and subsequent tailoring of interventions (both in idual and group based) to enable engagement in meaningful occupation in the work-to-retirement occupational transition to effect active healthy ageing.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-10-2018
DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1504836
Abstract: Improvements in the diagnosis and disclosure of dying mean that nowadays dying people typically live with an awareness of their status for longer than they have previously. However, little is known regarding how transitions between living and dying roles occur during this time. In this grounded theory study, we investigated role transitions at end-of-life. We found that dying people periodically foreground and background living and dying selfhoods, focus on living day-by-day and goal-by-goal and reframe dying roles with an orientation to living. We argue that with better understanding of role transitions at end-of-life more compassionate and responsive care becomes possible.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-09-2012
Abstract: The issue of safety of the cognitively impaired elderly people living alone has been continuously raised. Traditional psychometric measures of cognitive abilities may not adequately reflect older adults' functioning in a real everyday context. To conduct a systematic review on instruments available for evaluating the everyday problem-solving or everyday competence of the elderly with cognitive impairment and to critically review the measurement properties of the identified instruments. We searched the databases such as Cinahl, Medline, PsycINFO, AARP Ageline, ProQuest and the Cochrane Library for the time period between January 1995 and December 2010. Reference lists of the included papers were also manually searched. Five instruments were included. All the instruments focused their framework on Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) domains which meet well with suggestions from other studies on the importance of IADL in determining an elderly in idual's capability to live independently in the community. No available instruments for the moderate to severe impairment group were identified under this review. Few existing instruments to assess the ability of everyday problem-solving of the elderly with cognitive impairment can be identified in the literature. Further research validating them against functional, real-world outcomes is needed.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.2190/OM.60.3.B
Abstract: Death preparation is an important process as it can help the elderly to achieve ego integrity at the last stage of their lives. This study aims to explore how the ethnic Chinese elderly in Singapore approach issues related to death and dying, and to identify factors that influence death preparation. Descriptive surveys with semi-structured interview questions were used. Eight ethnic Chinese older adults, recruited through purposive s ling, were interviewed. Additionally, 4 adults with a deceased parent were also interviewed to validate and complement the earlier identified themes. Results show that the current generation of Chinese elderly in Singapore do not seem to be averse to talking about issues related to death, and those who find it unnecessary to prepare for death seem to be associated with, among other factors, lesser financial assets and a strong belief in filial piety. With increasing affluence and dissolving traditions, it will be beneficial to draw the attention of the current generation of mature adults on early preparation at the final stage of the lifespan.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2004
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-05-2014
Abstract: the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a functional tasks exercise programme to a cognitive training programme in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. a single-blind randomised control trial with the intervention group compared with an active control group. out-patient clinic. older adults with mild cognitive impairment (n = 83) aged 60 and older living in the community. participants were randomised to either a functional task exercise group (n = 43) or an active cognitive training group (n = 40) for 10 weeks. All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline, post-intervention and 6-month follow-up using Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination, Trail Making Test, Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test, Category Verbal Learning Test, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and Problems in Everyday Living Test. the functional task exercise group showed significant between-group differences in general cognitive functions, memory, executive function, functional status and everyday problem solving ability. The improvements were sustained over time at 6-month follow-up. a functional tasks exercise programme is feasible for improving cognitive functions and functional status of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. This may serve as a cost-effective adjunct to the existing interventions for populations with mild cognitive impairment. ACTRN12610001025022.
Publisher: KARGER
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1159/000134296
Abstract: Activity participation has a positive impact on both quantity and quality of life (QOL). Regular participations in physical, social, and cultural activities are associated with successful aging. There is considerable evidence that Tai Chi has positive health benefits physical, psychosocial and therapeutic. Furthermore, Tai Chi does not only consist of a physical component, but also sociocultural, meditative components that are believed to contribute to overall well-being. This chapter describes the benefits of Tai Chi exercise for the older adults, particularly in terms of the psychosocial aspect. The perceived meanings, associated values and well-being, as well as the impact on QOL, of Tai Chi practice among the older adults in Hong Kong are also discussed. Tai Chi exercise is chosen by the elderly participants for its gentle and soft movements. Besides the physical aspect, the benefits they describe include lifestyle issues, as well as psychological and social benefits. Evidence points out that the improvements in physical and mental health through the practice of Tai Chi among the older adults are related to their perceived level of QOL. Findings from numerous studies support the belief that the practice of Tai Chi has multiple benefits to practitioners that are not only physical in nature. It is recommended as a strategy to promote successful aging.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-02-2006
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-06-2015
Abstract: Descriptions and definitions for occupation-based intervention vary in the literature. Occupation-based intervention is assumed to be based on occupation and is seen as both a means and an end. Occupation-based intervention also includes all levels of interventions in occupational therapy as long as the goal is occupational performance. Occupation-based intervention can also be described as a therapeutic process that emerges during the therapy session. The purpose of this study was to achieve a consensus definition of occupation-based intervention among Malaysian occupational therapists. A three-round Delphi technique using a sequential questionnaire was conducted. Fifteen occupational therapists and occupational therapy educators completed all rounds. The Delphi process began with open-ended questions, asking the participants some questions about occupation-based intervention. The second and third rounds asked participants to rank their agreement with statements about occupation-based intervention. Occupation-based intervention is seen by therapists to be both a means and an end, with occupational performance as the main outcome. It is believed that using occupation alone is not enough preparatory and purposeful methods may have to be incorporated to achieve the outcomes. It is important to adopt a common definition of occupation-based intervention in practice and education to signify occupation at the centre of occupational therapy.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1080/09638280600756331
Abstract: To explore and describe the complex issues and factors related to participation in tourism as perceived by people with disabilities in Hong Kong. Naturalistic inquiry using key informant interviews and focus groups with 86 people with disabilities. Interviews were transcribed, translated and coded to develop themes and relationships. Triangulation of three investigators from different backgrounds occurred. The Process of Becoming Travel Active emerged as a six-stage process, intricately related to the personal/disability context and the environmental/travel context. Personal and environmental factors contribute to the six-stage model explaining the complex interplay between tourism, disability and environmental context. Understanding the complexity provides insight into ways to increase active participation in tourism. Health, tourism and disability sectors have a role to play in the development of accessible tourism.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-11-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-07-2016
DOI: 10.3109/11038128.2015.1062047
Abstract: In a previous study consensus was sought from Malaysian occupational therapists of occupation-based intervention (OBI) that was perceived as a means and an end. Occupation as a means refers to occupational and purposeful tasks as a therapeutic agent while occupation as an end refers to occupation as an outcome of intervention. The purpose of this follow-up study was to describe the occupational therapists' experiences of providing OBI in hand injury rehabilitation in Malaysia. Sixteen occupational therapists with more than five years of experience in hand rehabilitation were in idually interviewed on their experiences of using OBI in practice. Data were thematically analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Definition of "Occupation as a means", and "Occupation as an end" was broadened after data analysis of interviews to include two new themes: "Rewarding yet challenging" and "Making OBI a reality". Occupational therapists had positive experiences with OBI and perceived that occupation as a means and an end can be merged into a single therapy session when the occupational therapists use an occupation that is therapeutic. Although occupation as a means and as an end have different purposes, when the ultimate goal is to enhance the clients' maximum level of functioning both can be used for successful rehabilitation of hand injuries.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1995
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-08-2019
DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1648330
Abstract: In this Australian, constructivist grounded theory study, we undertook in-depth interviews with 11 dying people and 8 caregivers to examine their perspectives on role relations at end-of-life. We found that situations of role alignment between dying people and their family and friends support positive relational and practical outcomes, whereas role mismatch can cause considerable distress. Factors contributing to role mismatch at end-of-life were: dying people and their caregivers' efforts to shield each other from emotional harm fear of social exclusion and unwanted focus on the dying identity. Our findings highlight a need for flexibility and adaptability in end-of-life role relations.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.541545
Abstract: The primary aim of this study was to develop an evaluation framework that could effectively describe the quality of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) practice in Chinese communities. This study adopted a case study approach to build and validate a CBR evaluation framework. Core elements of CBR programmes were defined from the literature to form an Initial Framework. Domains and elements of the Initial Framework were then verified with ex les of CBR programmes cited in published articles. The revised framework was then further tested for relevance and appropriateness in the real life context through testing in five Chinese CBR programmes. A final framework for evaluating CBR programmes was developed. It consists of 5 domains, 25 categorised core elements and 72 indicators. A comprehensive CBR evaluation framework was built and initially verified with domains, elements and indicators, and is ready for use in Chinese CBR settings.
No related grants have been discovered for Matthew Yau.