MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INDEPENDENT STUDY SYMPOSIUM THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014 DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COLLEGE OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
10:00 - 10:30 Poster Presentation R224
Parent Perceptions of iPads as Communication Aids for Children with Disabilities Jennifer Barr and Katie Spooner (Study Advisor: Barb Borton) Introduction: The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation (CRF) has funded iPads to facilitate communication for children with special needs. Preliminary evidence suggests that iPads may be an effective tool for communication with this population. However, research in this area is relatively new. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine if iPads funded to serve as communication aids are being used for prescribed purposes. Specific objectives sought to examine settings in which the iPads are being used, communicative functions the iPad enables, additional uses for the iPad, and the impact on other areas of the children’s lives since acquiring the iPad. Methods: The study used a descriptive quantitative approach. Surveys were mailed out to parents of children who had received iPads for communication purposes through the CRF. Results were analyzed using the Fluid Survey platform. Results: Forty-five surveys were completed and returned. Results suggest that recipients of iPads are using the device to facilitate a wide variety of communicative functions. iPads are also being used for leisure and productive activities. Finally, iPads appear to impact positively on several other aspects of the children’s lives including interactions with significant others, independence, and overall quality of life. Conclusion: Results suggest that iPads funded by the CRF as communication aids are being used for their intended purposes. Though the results suggest positive outcomes, this study is preliminary in nature and several limitations must be considered when generalizing findings. The present study has served to identify several opportunities for further research.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
10:00 - 10:30 Paper Session R230
The Role of Occupational Therapists in Primary Care Laura Durling and Madelaine Stefanik (Study Advisor: Pam Wener) Introduction: Primary care service delivery in Canada is changing from sole-physician to interprofessional teams of providers. Recently occupational therapists have been included on these interprofessional teams. However, more evidence is required to establish and articulate the role of occupational therapy in primary care. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the occupational therapy role in a primary care setting. Methods: Using an Interpretive Description method of inquiry, researchers conducted individual in-depth semi-structured interviews with two occupational therapists working in a primary care setting. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Researchers independently open-coded transcripts and then together met and grouped similar codes to form categories. Final categories and overarching theme were discussed, negotiated and agreed to by researchers. Preliminary themes were presented to the participants for feedback that was incorporated into developing final themes. Results: One overarching theme and two categories emerged from the data. The overarching theme of evolving occupational therapy role was further explained by the categories: the generalist with specialist skills and 2) the team’s openness to the role. The participants in this study learned about their role as they sought to meet the needs of the clients, medical residents and team. Conclusions: Taking opportunities to demonstrate the role of occupational therapy in primary care will lead to an improved understanding of the role. Occupational therapists need to seize opportunities to practice in primary care to establish and articulate their role within this setting.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
10:00 - 10:30 Paper Session R236
“Being the Other”: The Lived Experiences of Two Métis Occupational Therapists Samantha Pollock and Heather Yanke (Study Advisor: Theresa Sullivan) Introduction: There is a lack of literature regarding the experiences of Aboriginal peoples working in health care professions including occupational therapy. Understanding the experiences of occupational therapists with different cultural backgrounds is critical if the profession is to become more inclusive. Objectives: This project sought to: 1) explore the lived experiences of Aboriginal occupational therapists, and 2) develop recommendations for the profession of occupational therapy at both the education and practice levels to foster culturally safe environments for Aboriginal students, practitioners and clients. Methods: A qualitative design incorporating a decolonizing approach was utilized. Participants were recruited from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, OT and Aboriginal Peoples Network group. Two Métis women who had completed a Master’s program in occupational therapy agreed to participate. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured format; interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three investigators used inductive content analysis initially to code and then to develop categories and sub-categories. Consultation with a Métis student peer and use of a dynamic member-checking process throughout the analysis enhanced trustworthiness. Results: Two main categories emerged during analysis: environment (including those that foster and hinder cultural safety) and “being the other” (including the emotions and actions that embody this position). Participants also offered recommendations to create more culturally safe environments in education and practice settings. Conclusion: There is a need for the occupational therapy profession to continue the process of creating culturally safe environments not only for Aboriginal clients, but for Aboriginal students and colleagues as well.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
10:30 - 11:00 Poster Presentation R224
Exploration of Professional Identity in Occupational Therapy Students Jaylene Miller and Janelle Martel (Study Advisor: Natalie Macleod Schroeder) Introduction: Professional identity (PI) is an important concept for health care professionals in order to ensure effective practice however a consistent definition of PI does not yet exist. In order to understand the impact of PI it is crucial that the concept be explored. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the meaning, development, and importance of PI in occupational therapy (OT) students. Methods: This descriptive study involved the administration of a survey to 60 OT students in their first or second year of the program. The survey yielded qualitative and quantitative data which was analyzed through the development of categories and using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Participants’ descriptions of PI included factors related to the professional role, values, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors associated with the role, the participants’ sense of self, and their personality, goals, and understanding of the focus of OT. Significant factors contributing to PI development included course content, role models, interactions with health care professionals and students, others’ perceptions of OT, and the Master of OT program. Potential recommendations to include a structured mentorship program, incorporate explicit PI topics within course content, and increase the number fieldwork opportunities were suggested to facilitate the development of PI in OT students within the program. Students anticipated that PI would impact their approach to practice, area of practice, relationships, competence, and the barriers and obstacles that they would encounter. Conclusions: This study identified the meaning, development, and importance of PI as perceived by OT students.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
10:30 - 11:00 Paper Session R230
Parent Reported Concerns About Feeding: Piloting a Revised Feeding Intake Form Kelsey Bulischak and Tonya Enns (Study Advisor: Barb Borton) Introduction: Feeding is a meaningful occupation for parents who have children with cerebral palsy (CP). The literature suggests that it is important for feeding clinic intake forms to address multiple domains of feeding, including feeding environments and social implications of feeding a child with CP. Objectives: The current feeding intake form at Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC) is not evidence-based and does not address the environmental or social aspects of feeding. This study involved revising and piloting the RCC Feeding Clinic Parent intake form with families of children with CP. Methods/Approach: We administered the revised feeding intake form to two parents currently attending feeding clinic, and conducted semi-structured interviews to explore opinions about the format and content of the form. Interviews were transcribed and manually coded into themes to identify modifications to be made to the feeding intake form. Results: Parents struggled to fit their child into specific categories based on the questionnaire responses. They indicated that feeding their child with CP is a complex occupation that is difficult to capture in a questionnaire. Findings suggest that it may be beneficial for clinicians to complete the form with the parent as part of the initial interview at feeding clinic. Conclusions: Findings will inform additional improvements to the feeding intake process used by the feeding clinic at RCC. Using the feeding intake form as an interview guide will provide clinicians with valuable information to promote family-centred care and address the wide range of parent concerns regarding their children with CP.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
10:30 - 11:00 Paper Session R236
Exploring Stressors in Occupational Therapy Students Alicia Sawyer and Robyn Bonnell (Study Advisor: Archie Cooper) Introduction: Occupational therapy students are stressed. There is no assessment to measure the unique stressors experienced by occupational therapy students, to date. The Occupational Therapy Student Stressor Survey (OTSSS) has been developed to examine stressors in Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students at the University of Manitoba (U of M). Previous research has determined the content validity and the concurrent validity of the OTSSS and the Medical School Learning Environment Survey –Revised (MSLES-R). Objectives: (1) To determine the relationship (concurrent validity) between the OTSSS and two validated measures of student stress - the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21(DASS21) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). (2) To determine if there is a relationship between stressors and demographic variables. (3) To compare stressors between first and second year MOT students. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional on-line survey comprised of three measures and a demographic questionnaire designed by the researchers. Results: (1) Concurrent validity was established between the OTSSS and the DASS21, and the K-10. (2) Debt and the financial subscore of the OTSSS were significantly correlated. (3) No statistically significant differences were found between first and second year MOT students. Conclusions: The OTSSS is a valid tool to measure stressors in MOT students, though small class sizes make it difficult to thoroughly examine the experiences of this population. Further research incorporating pooled data and/or collaboration with other Canadian Universities is required to have an adequate sample size to explore differences in demographic variables, year of study and the relationship to stress.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
11:00 - 11:45 Extended Session R236
Client-Centred Practice in Occupational Therapy: Clients’ Perspectives of Stroke Rehabilitation Tina Bos, Katie Bell, Jayme Bryan and Carollyn Kriski (Study Advisors: Jacquie Ripat & Pam Wener) Introduction: Although client-centred practice is a fundamental approach used in the profession of occupational therapy, few researchers have examined clients’ perspectives or experiences of this approach, specifically in the area of stroke rehabilitation. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the client perspective about their experiences with client-centred practice throughout stroke rehabilitation. Methods: Interpretive description guided the research design and analysis of the data. This method allows for a deep understanding of clients’ perspectives on client-centred practice and is thought to be useful for clinical application. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four adults. Researchers transcribed and individually coded interviews, and then discussed data as a group to create categories from which themes emerged. Results: Two overarching themes were identified. The first, ‘Through clients’ eyes: the power of relationships,’ encompassed the elements of the therapist-client relationship that clients feel comprise client-centred practice. The second theme, ‘Through the haze and onto the path of recovery,’ reflected the dynamic nature of the elements of clientcentred practice that clients’ experienced throughout the phases of rehabilitation. Participants felt client-centred practice was important, but that the balance of power in the therapist-client relationship depended on the phase of the client’s recovery, and how the occupational therapist related to the client. Conclusion: The dynamic nature of client-centred practice varies across the phases of rehabilitation. Clients want occupational therapists who are invested in their recovery and who will support their chosen degree of input. Therapists have a responsibility to honour these wishes.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
11:00 - 11:30 Poster Presentation R224
Disability Retirement in Men with MS: A Journey of Learning Shanna Pycko and Jessi-Beth McCannell (Study Advisor: Cara Brown) Introduction: There is a high unemployment rate in the population with MS (59%); the peak incidence of MS in men is during their work career (age 45-49 years). Literature exists to guide clinicians in extending the work careers for those with MS, but there is a gap in the literature on experiences of disability retirement. The Experiences of Disability Retirement for Men with MS (EDRM) survey was developed to inform occupational therapists about the transition experience to disability retirement for men with MS. Objectives: To enhance the content validity of the EDRM by determining if it is feasible for the population, elicits content that aligns with the survey objectives and is presented in a professional format. Methods: A qualitative approach with a symbolic interactionism framework was used. Methodology included interview on experiences with employment transition and survey completion using the ‘talk-aloud method’. Data was analyzed using qualitative description. Results: Prominent themes identified in the data were: ‘Unique Experiences’, ‘Use of Clinical Language’, and ‘Use of examples’. These themes helped inform content changes to the survey. Other needed survey changes were identified based on survey review (grammatical structuring and concept of psychological adjustment). Conclusions: This study allowed for pragmatic changes to be made to the survey, but content validity was not achieved due to the limited sample size. Inclusion of concepts related to psychological adjustment to diagnosis and its relationship with work cessation of men with MS may strengthen the use of this tool for occupational therapists.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
11:00 - 11:30 Paper Session R230
Student Expectations for a Career in Occupational Therapy Julia Reimer and Navjot Brar (Study Advisor: Archie Cooper) Introduction: Occupational therapy is a profession not well known to the public, restricting opportunities to make informed career choices and leading to low retention rates. Literature has shown that applicants hear about occupational therapy primarily through contact with an allied health profession, family and friends, exposure to occupational therapy through health conditions, pre graduate program exposure, working in health and social environments, prospectuses, printed information and electronic media. Expectations students have from a career in occupational therapy include job satisfaction, recognition and respect, interesting work/variety of work, making a difference clients’ lives, prestige, work-life balance, income and job security. Objectives: To determine how students hear and learn about occupational therapy and their expectations of the profession upon acceptance into a master of occupational therapy program. Methods: An online survey was conducted with students in each year of a master of occupational therapy program who were recruited through posters, a speech by a second year student, a distributed letter and an email. Results: The ages and means by which respondents first heard and learned about occupational therapy, as well as expectations for a career in occupational therapy are consistent with the literature. Literature shows the efficacy of using media as a recruitment strategy, however media was used by few respondents in gaining knowledge about a profession in occupational therapy. Conclusion: In addition to utilizing media as a recruitment strategy, applicants should be provided clarity on what is expected from an occupational therapy profession and should be recruited prior to their entrance into post-secondary education.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
11:30 - 12:00 Poster Presentation R224
The Effects of Social Capital on Perceived Health of Individuals with Physical Disability Zaklina Aguilar and Megan Appleton (Study Advisor: Nelson Oranye) Introduction: Research shows that increased social capital is positively associated with improved perceived health. In Canada, individuals with physical disability often present with lower perceived health compared to the general population. However, few studies have examined the association between social capital and perceived health for individuals with physical disability. Objectives: To examine the extent to which access to social capital or lack of it influences the perceived health of people with physical disability. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey design. Participants were adults with physical disability and were recruited through two community disability organizations in Winnipeg. The survey included demographic information, aspects of perceived health, and indicators of social capital (community participation, social support, perceived safety and trust) that may influence health. 11 participants completed the questionnaire. Two participants did not meet inclusion criteria. Spearman’s correlational statistics was used to measure the correlation amongst access to social capital, perceived health and life satisfaction. Results: Most of the participants were unemployed, had part time employment or students. 78% of participants reported being satisfied with their life, and there was a positive correlation between perceived health and life satisfaction among individuals with physical disability. Conclusions: There is limited knowledge about the influence of social capital on the health of people with physical disability, as well as a lack of valid and reliable measures of social capital for this population. Thus, further research is needed to address these two issues.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
11:30 - 12:00 Poster Presentation R224
The Effects of Social Capital on Perceived Health of Individuals with Physical Disability Zaklina Aguilar and Megan Appleton (Study Advisor: Nelson Oranye) Introduction: Research shows that increased social capital is positively associated with improved perceived health. In Canada, individuals with physical disability often present with lower perceived health compared to the general population. However, few studies have examined the association between social capital and perceived health for individuals with physical disability. Objectives: To examine the extent to which access to social capital or lack of it influences the perceived health of people with physical disability. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey design. Participants were adults with physical disability and were recruited through two community disability organizations in Winnipeg. The survey included demographic information, aspects of perceived health, and indicators of social capital (community participation, social support, perceived safety and trust) that may influence health. 11 participants completed the questionnaire. Two participants did not meet inclusion criteria. Spearman’s correlational statistics was used to measure the correlation amongst access to social capital, perceived health and life satisfaction. Results: Most of the participants were unemployed, had part time employment or students. 78% of participants reported being satisfied with their life, and there was a positive correlation between perceived health and life satisfaction among individuals with physical disability. Conclusions: There is limited knowledge about the influence of social capital on the health of people with physical disability, as well as a lack of valid and reliable measures of social capital for this population. Thus, further research is needed to address these two issues.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
1:00 - 1:30 Poster Presentation R224
A Client-Centered Approach to the Development of a Group Cognitive Intervention Danielle Fogarty and Sara Funk (Study Advisor: Cara Brown) Introduction: Approximately 50% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive impairment. There is a lack of evidence on the most effective cognitive intervention with this population. Initial research on group cognitive intervention programs demonstrates positive benefits for participants. Additionally, literature cites many benefits of using group approaches with this population. Objectives: The overall aim of this study was to gather client perspectives to inform the development of a group cognitive intervention. Specific objectives were to learn about participants’ lived experiences with cognitive impairment, opinions on anticipated helpful cognitive interventions, and opinions on important characteristics in a group intervention. Methods: In this qualitative study, participants were included if they had MS and selfreported mild cognitive impairment. Ten participants participated in two focus groups. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretive description to determine themes. Results: Six themes emerged from the data analysis: cognitive changes, cognition barriers, cognition facilitators, impact on daily life, cognitive strategies, and group structure. Participants discussed factors that made thinking easier or more difficult, how this impacted their daily life, and which strategies they used to overcome these challenges. Participants also gave suggestions for the group intervention. Conclusion: These results will inform the development of a group cognitive intervention to ensure that the content and format of the group will be clientcentered, appropriate, and meaningful to participants, as it has been informed by the experiences and opinions of people who would potentially utilize this group.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
1:00 - 1:45 Extended Session R230
Transition Services Assessment Tool Utility: Client Perspectives and Data Analysis Janet Klassen, Juan Monterrosa, Emma Wolfe, and Andrea Worcester (Study Advisor: Donna Collins) Background: Case-management coordinates, links, and maintains client services over time and is considered an effective approach when addressing the complexities of homelessness. Case-managers use assessment tools to establish client baseline, track progress, inform interventions, and support funding. Siloam Mission Transition Services case-managers administer two non-standardized assessment tools, the Personal Capacity Questionnaire (PCQ) and the Transition Services Assessment Form (TSAF). Objectives: The study purpose was to evaluate the utility of Transition Services’ assessment tools from the clients’ perspective, and to analyze post facto selected Transition Services assessment data. Methods: Eight Transition Services clients participated in either a focus group or an interview to explore the content and process of using the Transition Services assessment forms. In addition, a data set including responses to all questions on both tools was established for 63 clients who completed tools at baseline and at a fourmonth follow-up; descriptive statistics were completed and chi-square testing explored associations between housing variables and other variables of interest to Siloam Mission (e.g. presence of addictions, physical health self-report, employment situation, selfconfidence, outlook-on-life). Results: Clients identified four overriding themes: tools guide goal setting; tools increase awareness of self; case manager role is critical; and process is individualized. Bivariate analysis determined eight significant associations between housing change, housing satisfaction and six of the selected variables. Conclusion: The PCQ and TSAF together provide useful information regarding clients’ situation and clients’ perspective on situational change and satisfaction. Transition Services clients report the tools as valuable in enhancing the case-management process.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
1:00 - 1:45 Extended Interactive Session R236 Client-Centred Occupational Therapy Curriculum: An Expanded Narrative Review of Educational Processes Gina Laliberte, Lucette Lemoine, Kerry Nugent, and Lea Dickieson (Study Advisors: Theresa Sullivan (PI) and Leslie Johnson) During this presentation, attendees will: 1. Consider the challenges associated with gaining client perspectives to inform client-centred occupational therapy curriculum development and discuss how to obtain client perspectives on this topic.; 2. Engage in group discussion about the application of the Ripat et al. (2013) framework to five key educational processes currently used in occupational therapy curricula to develop students’ client-centred practice.
Introduction: The development of client-centredness in occupational therapy students is of growing interest to curriculum developers. Although a variety of educational processes are currently employed, there is limited research examining clients’ involvement in curriculum development. Objectives: Our project sought to gain clients’ perspectives on educational processes for client-centred practice to inform future curriculum development. However, challenges with recruitment led us instead to expand on educational processes from the available literature Methods: An expanded narrative literature review was conducted of various scholarly articles. We then applied the Conceptual Framework of Client-Centred Development in Student Occupational Therapists developed by Ripat, Wener & Dobinson (2013) to five key educational processes to determine whether these processes capture the development of client-centredness in occupational therapy students. Practice Implications: It was determined that educators need to focus on providing more opportunities for students to learn and recognize the ways academic/practice discrepancies, who is the client, and power and control influence the development of client-centredness. Further research is needed to examine the impact of educational processes’ timing within curricula on students’ development of client-centredness. Conclusions: Understanding the impact of various educational processes can enhance the development of client-centredness for student occupational therapists. As clientcentred practice is a multifaceted core component of occupational therapy, future research can explore the specific elements of client-centredness and evaluate change in student development over time.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
1:30 - 2:00 Poster Presentation R224
The Impact of the Parent-Adolescent Relationship on Eating Disorder Treatment Outcome Jacquelyn Dumontet and Alexandra Klassen (Study Advisor: Nelson Oranye) Background: Eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia nervosa) impact approximately 0.4%-1.5% of young females and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. The Maudsley approach to Family-based therapy (FBT) has been identified as an effective treatment approach to adolescent eating disorders. Although proven effective, the exact mechanisms of its effectiveness are unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore clinician perceptions of factors within the parent-adolescent relationship that impact adolescent eating disorder treatment outcome, when engaged in FBT. Methods: Using a qualitative description approach, interviews were to be conducted with 2-3 clinicians involved in the administration of the Maudsley approach to FBT for adolescent eating disorder treatment at the Psychealth Centre. Due to difficulty recruiting participants the researcher’s developed and evidence-based guide for clinical use. Results: Potential participants for this study declined due to concerns around confidentiality. However, it was anticipated this study could provide a rich description of parent-adolescent relational factors and their effect on treatment outcome. As an alternative course of action, an evidence-based guide was developed summarizing current literature that supports the use of the Maudsley approach as an effective treatment method for adolescent eating disorder. Conclusion: The literature demonstrates the Maudsley approach to adolescent eating disorder treatment as effective. In order to develop a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the efficacy of this approach future research should focus on the impact the parent-adolescent relationship has on treatment outcome.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
2:00 - 2:45 Extended Interactive Session R236 Establishing WheelTalk Validity Among Older Wheelchair Users and Young Non-Users Kaley Gilham, Jonathan Hall and Nicole Wilson (Study Advisor: Ed Giesbrecht) Learning objectives for this session include: 1. Understand how the current project adds to the validity of the Wheeling While Talking Test; 2. Understand the use of the Wheeling While Talking Test and how to implement it to clients; 3. Gain knowledge of how the Wheeling While Talking Test can benefit client outcomes. Introduction: Wheelchair safety among older adults is essential to preventing injury.The WheelTalk is a reliable tool that assesses safety using a divided attention task. Age, cognitive level, confidence, and skill all impact safety, therefore a comparison of these characteristics with the WheelTalk would aid in establishing validity. Objective: Assess validity of the WheelTalk through measuring associations between WheelTalk and components associated with safety. Methods: The study consisted of two phases performed at two sites. Phase 1: Occupational therapy (OT) students (n=65) participated in a wheelchair skills boot-camp. WheelTalk scores were compared to confidence and skill levels, both pre/post boot-camp. Pre/post comparisons were analyzed using ANOVA; between-measure associations were analyzed using Pearson. Phase 2: Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, association among older adults’ (n=33) WheelTalk scores and measures associated with safety (age, cognition, and confidence) were analyzed using Pearson. Results: Phase 1: The boot-camp was not associated with a significance change in WheelTalk scores. Skill acquisition was associated with improved WheelTalk scores (p=.000). Phase 2: A moderate correlation was observed between WheelTalk scores and confidence (r=.351) and cognition (r=.295). Age and safety did not correlate with better WheelTalk scores. Conclusions: Our results add to the evidence that contribute to validation of the WheelTalk, as both confidence and cognition are linked to WheelTalk scores. Additionally, skill acquisition had a positive association with improved WheelTalk scores among OT students; similar effects may occur among older adults.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
2:00 - 2:30 Poster Presentation R224
Occupational Therapy and Dental Hygiene Students’ Experience of an Ergonomic Interprofessional Education Session Katia Kovalchuk and Erika Hunzinger (Study Advisor: Leslie Johnson) Introduction: Interprofessional education (IPE) is an interactive process where students learn with, from, and about one another in preparation for effective collaboration in future health care teams. A unique, two-part ergonomic learning opportunity occurs at the University of Manitoba with Dental Hygiene and Occupational Therapy students incorporating both a clinical role play and a debriefing session which involves identifying ergonomic challenges of Dental Hygiene work practices, proposing solutions and discussing the barriers to adopting the ergonomic solutions. Objectives: This study explored the students’ experiential learning regarding interprofessional competencies within the ergonomic sessions. Opportunity was provided for students to give feedback. Methods: Ten participants from the Occupational Therapy and Dental Hygiene programs were recruited to participate in a focus group. Researchers independently coded transcripts and compared analyzed data to identify common themes. Member checking was completed to confirm accuracy of findings. Results: Emerging themes included the influence of the students’ personal lens, the complexity of the learning experience, the wearing of multiple “hats” during the learning event, and development of professional identity. Suggestions were offered by the students on improving the clinical applicability of the session. Conclusion: This study explored students’ experiential learning regarding interprofessional competencies and highlighted the development of students’ professional identity through a clinical role-play. Examining interprofessional education strategies is challenging due to unique contexts, participants and experiences. Findings from this study shed light on the development of professional identity, practicing interprofessional competencies and its impact on interprofessional collaboration within the context of an educational session.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
2:00 - 2:45 Extended Session R230
Effectiveness of WRHA Falls Prevention Program in Winnipeg Day Hospitals Katelyn Jonsson, Michelle Moir, Elayna Hurtig and Kari Christensen (Study Advisor: Leanne Leclair) Introduction: Falls among older adults are an increasing concern for society due to the growing population of people over 65 years. Falls can result in serious injuries, loss of independence, psychological effects, and/or death. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is currently offering a falls prevention program in Winnipeg, Manitoba for community-dwelling older adults at four day hospitals. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the WRHA day hospital program. Methods: Using a retrospective pre-test, post-test design, baseline, program completion, and three-month follow-up assessment data from clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (n=97) who participated in the falls prevention program at the day hospital sites were analyzed. Descriptive parametric and nonparametric tests were used to analyze relationships among data. The assessments measured balance, mobility, strength, fear of falling, hypertension, and overall fall risk. Results: There were significant differences between the pre and post test means of Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) (p < 0.001), Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) (p < 0.001), SixMinute Walk Test (6MWT) (p < 0.001), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (p = 0.004), and Timed Sitto-Stand (TSS) (p < 0.001). Many of the assessments were strongly correlated (BBS, TUG, 2MWT, 6MWT, and TSS). Twenty percent of the participants experienced a fall at three months follow-up compared to 74.8% at intake. Due to missing data, several follow-up outcomes could not be analyzed. Conclusions: Overall, participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; balance and mobility improved following completion of the program. However, the impact on reducing falls was inconclusive. More complete data and follow-up is required to make conclusions regarding effectiveness of the program.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
2:30 - 3:00 Poster Presentation R224
Provision of Support for Individuals in Supportive Living: Perceptions of Support Personnel Bree Gillis and Chloe Nguyen (Study Advisor: Emily Etcheverry) Introduction: Deinstitutionalization was a shift from large institutions, which segregated persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from the community and kept them in highly regulated environments, to small scale housing in the community. Supported community living takes many forms including semiindependent or independent living and group homes. A term often used in the literature to describe the support provided for clients in community living is person-centered support, however there is a lack of research on providing this support in semiindependent or independent living. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to gain in depth knowledge of the perspectives of support personnel on assessing and providing support to individuals with IDD living independently in the community. Focusing on how support personnel describe and carry out their approach to providing support. Method: The authors conducted a focus group with three clinical case managers at a community-based agency to explore their perspectives on providing support to individuals with IDD living independently in the community. Results: Five main themes related to the provision of support for individuals with IDD living independently in the community were identified from the focus group. These themes included support, individuality, communication, autonomy, and advocacy. Conclusion: The current study indicates that person-centered support can be used as an overall approach when supporting individuals with IDD living independently in the community.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
3:00 - 3:30 Poster Presentation R224
Engaging with Master of Occupational Therapy Alumni for Program Evaluation Dianna Wilton (Study Advisors: Donna Collins and Emily Etcheverry) Introduction: Tapping into alumni resources helps universities evaluate learning outcomes and identify program improvement goals. Declining graduate survey participation has prompted the exploration of additional communication methods to optimize alumni engagement. The purpose of this study was to learn effective methods to engage with alumni of the University of Manitoba Master of Occupational Therapy program, and to identify their salient feedback topics for future program reviews. Objectives: The study aimed to: determine alumni preferred communication and contact methods, explore alumni attitudes and values about providing program feedback, and identify significant aspects of program content, delivery, or requirements for review. Methods: This descriptive study used an anonymous custom-designed online survey to target all University of Manitoba Master of Occupational Therapy program alumni. Results: There were 110 survey respondents out of 393 program graduates, a response rate of 28%. Most respondents reported preferring email contact and using online surveys to communicate program feedback. Recent and younger graduates were the most receptive to using Facebook to communicate feedback. Alumni interest in providing program feedback was initially high, but declined over time; some respondents perceived that their feedback became increasingly irrelevant. Alumni prioritized providing feedback on program teaching strategies/instructional methods, and on the effectiveness of course content in preparing for professional practice. Conclusion: Alumni of the Master of Occupational Therapy program want to provide feedback through a variety of convenient communication methods. Effective engagement for program evaluation requires clear communication with alumni that their feedback remains distinctly important for review and improvement purposes.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
3:00 - 3:30 Paper Session R230
The Development of a Survey: “Why Men Choose Occupational Therapy as a Profession” Kristin Ryz (Study Advisor: Lisa Mendez) Introduction: Occupational therapy has traditionally been a predominately female profession; this trend continues today with men accounting for 8.2% of occupational therapists in Canada. While increasing the number of males is an important step in increasing the diversity within the profession, little is known about men’s reasons for choosing occupational therapy as a career. Objectives: To 1) develop a survey that examines the factors that influence or deter men when choosing occupational therapy as a profession and to 2) determine the content validity of the survey. Methods: A survey was developed based on previous literature and qualitative interviews. The survey contained multiple choice and Likart-scale questions identifying factors that influence men to choose occupational therapy as a career, factors that deter men from choosing the profession, and strategies to improve the recruitment of men to the profession. Five recently graduated male occupational therapists reviewed the survey for the following: clarity, redundancies, gaps in content, organization, length, and comfort level in answering the questions. Results: The reviewers reported that the survey was well organized, did not contain any redundancies or gaps in content, and that they would be comfortable answering all the questions. Some concerns were expressed with the clarity and length of the survey. The feedback was integrated into the second version of the survey. Conclusion: The results show the survey to have good preliminary content validity. The next step is to repeat the content review with a larger cohort.
MOT Independent Study Symposium 2014
3:00 - 3:30 Paper Session R236
Wheeled Mobility Device Users: Winter Community Participation is a Right for All Angela Colatruglio (Study Advisor: Jacquie Ripat) Introduction: Wheeled mobility device (WMD) users participate less often in the community during winter when compared to other seasons. Limited research has been conducted in this area and it is important to understand what environmental barriers WMD users face and what recommendations they suggest to help improve winter community participation. Objectives: The objectives of this qualitative study were to 1) gain an understanding of what WMD users identify as environmental barriers to community participation in cold weather climates, and 2) explore WMD usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recommendations to overcome environmental barriers to community participation in cold weather climates. Methods: Researchers conducted a seven day online focus group with eight WMD users who lived in, or near, Winnipeg. Participants were asked to respond to questions posted by the moderator on a daily basis. All data on the discussion board was saved automatically on the website and then copied and pasted into a word document. Researchers coded the data, topics were organized into clusters, and major topics were collapsed into categories. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: 1) Community participation in winter: life resumes in spring and summer, 2) Winter barriers to community participation, 3) Participation is a right, and 4) Key stakeholders are responsible for change. Conclusion: Winter barriers restrict WMD usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; community participation. It is the responsibility of all key stakeholders to be involved in change and ensure that WMD users are able to enjoy the right to participate in the community to the same extent as the rest of society.