ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9153-7572
Current Organisations
Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine
,
Auckland University of Technology
,
Bond University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-06-2015
Abstract: The aim of this project was to evaluate program outcomes following the implementation of an evidence-based approach to supported employment on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. A prospective observational design was used to evaluate employment outcomes and fidelity to the evidence-based principles and practices of a specialised form of supported employment. The cohort was defined as all those (n = 114) that entered the program at each of three sites within a 21-month period. Each participant was followed up for a minimum of six months. All three sites implemented the employment program by establishing a partnership between a non-government organisation and the Gold Coast community mental health service. The primary outcome variable was the proportion commencing competitive employment during the follow-up period from among those that commenced receiving assistance (the denominator). This ranged from 12% at Site C to 33.3% at Site A, and 37% at Site B. Fidelity to evidence-based principles was fair at Sites A and C and good at Site B. These results were below expectations based on international-controlled trials. The variation in site effectiveness appeared related to both fidelity to evidence-based principles and to other factors at each site, which could not be clearly identified. Delivering an effective supported employment program using an inter-agency partnership method is challenging. There are several roles in which occupational therapists can be involved that facilitate improving both the implementation and the effectiveness of supported employment for people with severe mental illness in Australia.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-07-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-04-2022
Abstract: Current research evidence suggests that people with schizophrenia have sensory processing difficulties. Sensory modulation has growing evidence for use in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which health, social, cognitive, and occupational functioning outcomes were impacted by sensory modulation interventions for people with schizophrenia. A prospective observational cohort study using a waitlist control design was used in two large hospital and health services in Queensland, Australia. The study recruited patients who used sensory modulation ( n = 30) across the two hospitals and those who did not use sensory modulation interventions as a control ( n = 11). Results were analysed using a series of planned comparisons including independent and paired t‐ tests, and mixed ANOVA was used whenever statistically indicated. The analysed measures were pre‐ and post‐intervention scores. This study found no statically significant differences between the control and intervention groups at both pre‐ and post‐intervention. However, analysis of results from within the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements between pre‐ and post‐test scores on distress, occupational functioning, and health and social functioning but not on sensory processing and global cognitive processing. Further analysis of results from this study, compared with those from an earlier study on the general population showed significant differences in Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding, as measured by the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile, between participants with schizophrenia and those without schizophrenia. This study provides evidence to suggest that sensory modulation interventions can be complementary to standard care when utilised appropriately in clinical settings. Findings also suggest that the sensory profile of people with schizophrenia is different to that of the general population and this may have clinical implications. Further longitudinal research is needed with larger and randomised s les, using more targeted measures to better explore effectiveness of sensory modulation interventions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-08-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-12-2020
Abstract: Recovery-oriented practice policies and occupational therapy education accreditation standards require that consumers are engaged in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula. This consumer involvement (sometimes referred to as service-user involvement or patient involvement in other contexts) should go beyond consumers simply 'telling their stories' to more meaningful collaboration in curricula. This study was designed to map the current patterns of consumer involvement in occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. A survey was distributed to all occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey included questions related to: (a) perceived enablers and barriers to consumer involvement in education (b) organisational structures and support (c) ways in which consumer are involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula (d) access to remuneration for consumers (e) overall ratings of the level of consumer involvement in curricula and (f) academic confidence in working with consumers. Usable responses were received for 23 programs from 19 universities (83% response rate). Every program reported some consumer involvement in the curriculum. Consumer participation tended to be mainly focussed on curriculum delivery with less frequent involvement in curriculum design or evaluation. The most common barrier to consumer involvement in curricula was 'funding/remuneration for consumers' and the most common enabler of consumer involvement was 'positive attitudes of teaching staff'. In comparison to previous reports, consumer involvement in occupational therapy curricula has increased over the past decade. However, ongoing effort is required to support true collaboration in all aspects of curriculum design, delivery and evaluation. While this will require attention and effort from academic teams, changes at a university level to establish systems to engage and effectively remunerate consumers for their involvement (especially in design and evaluation elements) are also required.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-02-2021
Abstract: Current non-pharmacological treatment options for people with schizophrenia are limited. There is, however, emerging evidence that sensory modulation can be beneficial for this population. This study aimed to gain insight into sensory modulation from the user’s and the treating staff’s perspectives. A qualitative content analysis design was used. Transcripts from occupational therapists ( n=11) and patients with schizophrenia ( n=13) derived from in-depth semi-structured interviews were analysed for themes using content analysis. Five themes emerged from this study: Service user education on the sensory approach is the key A variety of tools should be tried Sensory modulation provides a valued treatment option There are challenges of managing perceived risk at an organisational level and There is a shortage of accessible and effective training. People with schizophrenia and treating staff had congruent perceptions regarding the use of sensory modulation as a treatment option. The findings suggest that sensory modulation can be a valued addition to treatment options for people with schizophrenia. We suggest further research on sensory modulation intervention effectiveness using quantitative methods so these results can be further explored.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-10-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00787-022-02094-4
Abstract: Despite suicide ideation being one of the most frequently reported health issues impacting tertiary students, there is a paucity of research evaluating the efficacy of preventive interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes for students studying at two tertiary institutes. The current study evaluated the efficacy of the “Talk-to-Me” Mass Open Online Course (MOOC) in improving tertiary students’ abilities to support the mental health of themselves and their peers via a randomised controlled trial design, comparing them to a waitlist control group. Overall, 129 tertiary students ( M = 25.22 years, SD = 7.43 80% female) undertaking a health science or education course at two Western Australian universities were randomly allocated to either “Talk-to-Me” ( n = 66) or waitlist control ( n = 63) groups. The participants’ responses to suicidal statements (primary outcome), knowledge of mental health, generalised self-efficacy, coping skills, and overall utility of the program (secondary outcomes) were collected at three timepoints (baseline 10-weeks and 24-weeks from baseline). Assessment time and group interaction were explored using a random-effects regression model, examining changes in the primary and secondary outcomes. Intention-to-treat analysis ( N = 129) at 10-weeks demonstrated a significant improvement in generalised self-efficacy for “Talk-to-Me” compared to the control group (ES = 0.36, p = .04), with only the “Talk-to-Me” participants reporting increased knowledge in responding to suicidal ideation (primary outcome). This change was sustained for 24 weeks. Findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting that the “Talk-to-Me” MOOC can effectively improve tertiary students’ mental health and knowledge of how to support themselves and others in distress. ACTRN12619000630112, registered 18-03-2019, anzctr.org.au.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-10-2017
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-01-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-12-2016
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-01-2017
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 04-02-2016
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.1617
Abstract: This study examines the role of the magnocellular system in the early stages of face perception, in particular sex categorization. Utilizing the specific property of magnocellular suppression in red light, we investigated visually guided reaching to low and high spatial frequency hybrid faces against red and grey backgrounds. The arm movement curvature measure shows that reduced response of the magnocellular pathway interferes with the low spatial frequency component of face perception. This finding provides behavioral evidence for magnocellular contribution to non-emotional aspect of face perception.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-08-2022
DOI: 10.1177/17504589211005714
Abstract: Children and their caregivers often experience anxiety related to a perioperative admission. A systematic scoping review was conducted to map the evidence for child life therapy, including the professional background of treating clinicians. A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley methodology. Six databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched. After reviewing 578 titles and abstracts, and 55 full texts, 11 studies were retained. Included studies were randomised controlled trials ( n = 5), retrospective studies ( n = 3), descriptive studies ( n = 1) and clinical studies ( n = 2). Child life therapy was effective for anxiety, anaesthetic induction quality, child cooperation and parental satisfaction. Professions delivering interventions included Child Life Therapists, nurses and a multidisciplinary team. There is emerging evidence for child life therapy which may be used to guide delivery of paediatric procedural support in perioperative settings. Further studies are needed to inform practice.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-03-2015
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-05-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-09-2018
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 29-07-2020
DOI: 10.1108/IJOT-12-2018-0025
Abstract: Previous research has provided limited evidence on whether and how demographic factors associate with sensory processing patterns (SPP) in adults. This paper aims to examine relationships between SPPs and sociodemographic factors of age, sex, education and ethnicity in healthy adults. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 71 adult participants was recruited from the community, using convenience s ling. Each participant completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales – short version (DASS-21). Demographic information on age, sex, education and ethnicity was collected. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA). SPPs, as measured by the AASP, were significantly correlated to demographic factors of age and education after controlling for emotional distress using the DASS-21. A statistically significant multivariate effect was found across the four dependent variables (low registration, seeking, sensitivity and avoiding) for the age category, F = 6.922, p = 0.009, η p 2 = 0.145, in the presence of a covariate DASS. The education category showed significance only in the seeking domain ( p = 0.008, η p 2 = 0.10) after controlling for DASS. There was no significant correlation between SPPs and gender or ethnicity. Results also indicated that mean scores of participants in this study were “similar to most people” as standardised in the AASP. This was a cross-sectional study with limitations including that the study used a relatively small s le and was based on self-reported healthy participants. SPPs may correlate with healthy adults’ age and to a lesser extent education. This suggests that it might be helpful to consider such demographic factors when interpreting SPPs in clinical populations, although further research in larger s les is needed to reach firmer conclusions about possible implications of demographic variables. The findings in this paper add to the growing evidence that suggest that SPPs vary with sociodemographic factors.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-02-2018
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-09-2017
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-04-2017
DOI: 10.1108/IJOT-02-2017-0004
Abstract: The in idual placement and support (IPS) model is an evidence-based approach to employment support for people with severe mental illness that functions by co-locating an employment consultant from the local disability employment service within a community mental health team to assist service users to find work. This paper aims to examine the unintended impacts of implementing IPS on occupational therapy practice and offer some suggestions. The authors performed a narrative literature review on the IPS model, employment and occupational therapy. Authors then analysed and discussed impact on occupational therapy practice and concluded by making suggestions based on current evidence and practice. The authors concluded that implementation of IPS has resulted in some unintended changes of practice in mental health with occupational therapists taking a less active role in enabling employment outcomes than previously. This paper concludes by calling upon occupational therapists to re-establish their role of enabling employment. This paper offers an original viewpoint on employment and occupational therapy based on current evidence and authors’ expertise.
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for Tawanda Machingura.