Occupational Therapy International[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation-Delivered LSVT-BIG on Motor Function in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Single-Subject Experimental Study.
Jeong SA, Hong DG, Choi IT
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41766752 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at determining the effects of telerehabilitation-delivered LSVT-BIG on physical function, occupational performance, and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. METHOD: The parti...
OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at determining the effects of telerehabilitation-delivered LSVT-BIG on physical function, occupational performance, and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. METHOD: The participants included three patients who had been diagnosed with stroke for > 6 months. This study used the ABA single-subject study design. The study process was conducted for a total of 24 sessions over 6 weeks, including four sessions of baseline (A), 16 sessions of intervention using ZOOM (B), and four sessions of re-baseline (A ). During the intervention period (B), the intervention was conducted four times a week for 4 weeks for 60 min each time, according to the standardized LSVT-BIG protocol. Repeated measures assessments included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Box and Block Test (BBT) at each session. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), modified Barthel index (MBI), and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) were used to assess changes before and after the intervention. Descriptive statistics and visual analyses were used for data analysis. RESULTS: After the telerehabilitation-delivered LSVT-BIG intervention, all participants showed improvement in physical function. The TUG performance time decreased in each session, and the gait and balance improved. Both the BBT and FMA-affected side scores of both upper limbs increased compared with those before the intervention, indicating improvement in upper limb function. In terms of occupational performance and activities of daily living, the COPM performance and satisfaction scores and the MBI scores both increased after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The positive clinical applicability of telerehabilitation-delivered LSVT-BIG intervention for patients with stroke was confirmed. In the future, follow-up studies on LSVT-BIG intervention that expand the benefits of telerehabilitation are needed.
The Impact of Time Use in Different Occupation Areas on Time Deficiency Among Mothers Depending on the Presence of Children With Disabilities.
Bang JH, Jang JS, Jeon BJ … +1 more , Jang WH
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41766751 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Previous research has documented time use patterns among mothers of children with disabilities, but few studies have examined how time allocation across specific occupational domains influences perceived time...
BACKGROUND: Previous research has documented time use patterns among mothers of children with disabilities, but few studies have examined how time allocation across specific occupational domains influences perceived time deficiency. Understanding this relationship is important for developing interventions to support these mothers' well-being and occupational balance. PURPOSE: This study is aimed at investigating differences in mothers' time use across occupational domains based on whether their child has a disability and examining how time allocation affects perceived time deficiency. METHODS: This study included 210 mothers (105 with children with disabilities and 105 with typically developing children) residing in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, South Korea. Participants completed 24-h time diaries, which were categorized according to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (fourth edition). Data were analyzed using independent samples -tests, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Mothers of children with disabilities spent significantly more time on instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) than mothers of typically developing children (512.57 vs. 363.90 min, < 0.001), particularly in child rearing (235.52 vs. 76.67 min, < 0.001) and healthcare system communication (20.38 vs. 3.05 min, < 0.001). Conversely, they spent less time on activities of daily living (ADLs) (142.76 vs. 165.52 min, < 0.01) and work (67.05 vs. 208.10 min, < 0.001). Mothers of children with disabilities reported significantly higher levels of time deficiency (3.09 ± 0.67 vs. 2.61 ± 0.75, < 0.001). Among mothers of children with disabilities, increased time spent on ADLs significantly reduced time deficiency ( = -0.004, < 0.001), whereas IADL time showed a positive but nonsignificant association with time deficiency. CONCLUSION: Mothers of children with disabilities experience occupational imbalance characterized by substantially increased caregiving demands and reduced personal care time, leading to heightened time deficiency. These findings highlight the need for caregiver support services and occupational balance interventions to improve these mothers' quality of life and well-being.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of the ADL Taxonomy Questionnaire in Persons With Stroke: A Rasch Analysis.
Sadeghi E, Shafaroodi N, Fallahpour M … +2 more , Abolghasemi J, Hassani Mehraban A
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41766750 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Cultural adaptation of assessment tools is essential to ensure their accuracy and relevance across different populations. OBJECTIVES: The study focused on cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of...
INTRODUCTION: Cultural adaptation of assessment tools is essential to ensure their accuracy and relevance across different populations. OBJECTIVES: The study focused on cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Persian ADL Taxonomy for assessing daily activities in persons with stroke. DATA COLLECTION LOCATION: Data were collected in a clinical setting and a university hospital in Tehran. METHODS: The ADL Taxonomy was translated into Persian in accordance with standard guidelines. Face validity was tested with 20 stroke patients and convergent validity with 104. Validity and test-retest reliability were analyzed using SPSS, Spearman correlation with MBI scores, and Pearson correlation for reliability( < 0.05). Rasch analysis was performed in R (Version 4.4.1) using the eRm and TAM packages with the 1PL model for dichotomous data, analyzing each of the 46 actions separately. Item difficulty, standard errors, model fit (Infit MnSq ≤ 1.3; = -2 to +2), and discrimination indices (≥ 0.30) were calculated. Person ability estimates were obtained using the EAP method, with PSI (≥ 2.0) and PR (≥ 0.80) calculated and raw scores examined to assess the scale's reliability, discriminative ability, and potential ceiling or floor effects. RESULTS: Face validity confirmed item clarity, with minor edits. Impact scores ranged from 2.70 to 5.00. Content validity indices were high (CVR = 0.54-1.0; ; ; ; modified kappa = 0.84-1.0). Convergent validity showed a strong correlation with the MBI ( = 0.89, < 0.001), and test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.98). Rasch analysis of items showed a wide range of difficulty (-4.77 to 6.61 logits) with acceptable measurement precision, generally good model fit, and adequate discrimination for most items, although a few (e.g., communication and transportation and traveling) displayed misfit and low discriminatory power. Person ability estimates ranged widely (2-46, median = 34, mean = 32.05, Q1 = 25.75, Q3 = 42), with a person separation index of 3.95 and person reliability of 0.94. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the ADL Taxonomy demonstrated excellent validity and reliability, with most items showing good fit and discrimination. The scale reliably distinguished between five levels of ability, and no ceiling or floor effects were observed in the Rasch analysis, supporting its use for assessing daily activities in Persian-speaking stroke patients.
"My Sensory Experiences Tool": A Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapeutic Tool to Support the Sensory Challenges and Preferences of Autistic Children and Adults.
Ashburner J, Tomkins V, Downing C … +4 more , Reitberg E, Hill J, Copley J, Bobir N
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41755899 · Full text
BACKGROUND: My Sensory Experiences Tool (MYSET) is a picture-based card-sort tool designed to support conversations with autistic people about their sensory experiences with a view to enabling better understanding and ac...
BACKGROUND: My Sensory Experiences Tool (MYSET) is a picture-based card-sort tool designed to support conversations with autistic people about their sensory experiences with a view to enabling better understanding and accommodation of their sensory challenges. PURPOSE: This study aimed firstly to describe MYSET and the considerations that guided the development of the tool, and secondly to explore the perceptions of autistic people, family members and professional practitioners of the usefulness of MYSET and ways it could be improved. METHOD: We gathered the perspectives of 18 professional practitioners, five autistic individuals and four family members through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The data was analysed through inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: The participants perceived that MYSET enabled the gathering of individualised qualitative information about the person's sensory experiences. MYSET was also perceived to be accessible, including people ranging in age from 5 years to adulthood and people with abilities ranging from mild intellectual disability to average/high IQ. The tool facilitates conversations about the links between the person's sensory responses and their daily life experiences. A key perceived outcome of MYSET was the enhancement of others' capacity to understand and accommodate the autistic person's sensory challenges. The tool was refined in response to participant feedback. CONCLUSION: MYSET enables the gathering of detailed, individualised qualitative data on the sensory experiences of an autistic person and the collaborative design of accommodations that are compatible with their lifestyle.
Exploring Occupation-Based Interventions for Sleep Within OTPF: A Systematic Review.
Kim JY, Lee SA, Lee SA … +1 more , Park JH
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41755898 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Sleep is a critical occupation that affects health and daily functioning, yet occupation-based approaches to addressing sleep have not been clearly defined within occupational therapy. To clarify current pr...
INTRODUCTION: Sleep is a critical occupation that affects health and daily functioning, yet occupation-based approaches to addressing sleep have not been clearly defined within occupational therapy. To clarify current practice, this systematic review examined existing literature and classified occupation-based interventions (OBIs) for sleep according to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF). METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL for articles published from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023, with an updated search performed up to October 27, 2024. Studies were included if they examined OBIs for sleep delivered by occupational therapists, incorporated occupation-based approaches or theoretical frameworks, and reported outcomes related to sleep quality, sleep participation, or occupational performance. Studies of any design were considered, while review articles, dissertations, conference proceedings, and non-English or inaccessible publications were excluded. Results were synthesized by classifying OBIs for sleep according to the OTPF. RESULTS: A total of 7510 studies were identified. After removing duplicates, 6729 studies were screened by title and abstract, and 99 articles underwent full-text review. Ten studies met all inclusion criteria. The included studies involved diverse populations, regardless of the presence or absence of sleep-related problems. OTPF-based classification showed that most interventions primarily focused on sleep preparation, suggesting that current occupational therapy approaches may not fully address broader sleep-related needs. A multidisciplinary approach may therefore be necessary to address the complexity of sleep problems. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the value of OBIs as theoretically grounded and clinically relevant strategies, while underscoring the need for further development of interventions that integrate both sleep preparation and participation. However, evidence was limited by heterogeneous outcome measures, which precluded meta-analysis, and by the exclusive focus on occupational therapy interventions, which may not fully reflect the multidisciplinary approaches to sleep.
Pilot Implementation of an Intervention Program to Promote Fine Motor Skills in Preschoolers: Feasibility and Acceptability.
Lersilp S, Panyo K, Chaimaha N … +3 more , Putthinoi S, Punyakaew A, Sung-U S
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41755897 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Early intervention programs are needed for children at risk of fine motor delays. Due to the scarcity of community occupational therapists, alternative services are being developed through collaboration with...
BACKGROUND: Early intervention programs are needed for children at risk of fine motor delays. Due to the scarcity of community occupational therapists, alternative services are being developed through collaboration with related professionals. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot intervention program designed to promote fine motor skill development in preschoolers attending early childhood educational settings in a community. METHODS: A pilot quasi-experimental design was employed. Thirty preschoolers (aged 2-6 years) were identified as at-risk for fine motor delays and recruited from early childhood educational settings in a community in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. The intervention program was tailored to five age groups and comprised 20 activity sessions (10 h total) that focused on both bilateral motor coordination and visual-motor integration. Content validity of the program was assessed by five experts. Feasibility was evaluated by using McNemar's test. Acceptability was explored through a focus group of seven teachers as program users. Then, qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: McNemar's test was employed to evaluate the change in fine motor development for paired dichotomous data ("still delayed" vs. "normal/improved"). At postintervention, 22 out of 30 children (73.33%) demonstrated improved fine motor development, with significant statistical support ( = 5.63, < 0.001, = 0.05). Odds ratio of improvement was 2.75, with 95% confidence interval (CI) (95% CI: 1.22-6.18), indicating the magnitude of the effect. The highest developmental gains were observed in children aged 4.0-4.11 years (Group III). Thematic analysis revealed three core themes indicating acceptability: (1) engagement and appropriateness of materials, (2) effectiveness in promoting fine motor and academic skills, and (3) practicality and usability for teachers. CONCLUSION: This teacher-led collaborative service provides promising preliminary evidence of a feasible and acceptable approach to promoting fine motor skills in at-risk preschoolers, though further rigorous studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Enhancing Development Through Teleoccupational Therapy in Children With Cortical Visual Impairment: A Quasiexperimental Study.
Heybet S, Cevher Eylen S
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41737985 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a teleoccupational therapy intervention program in improving developmental and play skills in children diagnosed with cortical visual impairment (CVI)....
PURPOSE: This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a teleoccupational therapy intervention program in improving developmental and play skills in children diagnosed with cortical visual impairment (CVI). The intervention was structured based on the person-environment-occupation (PEO) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasiexperimental, pretest-posttest study design was employed with eight children aged 4-6 diagnosed with CVI. The intervention consisted of 12 weekly online occupational therapy sessions, focused on visual perception, motor skills, and environmental adaptation strategies. Outcome measures included the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (ADSI) and the Revised Knox Preschool Play Scale (RKPPS). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in motor accuracy, visual attention, and sensory processing after the intervention ( < 0.05). Parental reports indicated increased engagement in purposeful play and daily routines. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: The findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of teleoccupational therapy based on the PEO model in enhancing developmental and play skills in children with CVI. The approach offers a viable alternative when in-person services are limited.
Relationship Between Caregiver Burden and Sense of Coherence in Home-Based Family Caregivers.
Yamamoto Y
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41613622 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: Family caregivers often face significant challenges, such as insufficient sleep, fatigue due to aging, difficulty engaging in social activities, and fewer interactions with friends and neighbors. However, som...
OBJECTIVES: Family caregivers often face significant challenges, such as insufficient sleep, fatigue due to aging, difficulty engaging in social activities, and fewer interactions with friends and neighbors. However, some family caregivers manage to maintain active lifestyles while providing home care. This study is aimed at exploring the relationship between family caregivers' sense of coherence (SOC) and their perception of caregiving burden. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 74 family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults who used day-care insurance services; 64 were included in the final analysis. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included the SOC-13 scale, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors influencing caregivers' perception of caregiving burden, with SOC subfactors serving as explanatory variables. RESULTS: Comprehensibility, one of the SOC subscales, showed a significant negative association with caregiver burden, and the association was strengthened after adjustment (Model 2: = -0.376, = -0.534, = 0.005). Daily caregiving hours were positively associated with burden, whereas meaningfulness and manageability were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of comprehensibility in influencing caregivers' sense of burden. The findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between caregivers' SOC and their perceived caregiving burden. Moreover, they emphasize the relevance of this relationship to the field of occupational therapy, as occupational therapists can play a key role in enhancing caregivers' comprehensibility, thereby helping them alleviate the caregiving burden through targeted interventions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings underscore the importance of promoting comprehensibility among family caregivers to alleviate their perceived burden and support sustained caregiving. Occupational therapy interventions focused on improving caregivers' understanding of the caregiving process can contribute to better mental and physical health outcomes, benefiting both caregivers and care recipients.
Family-Centered Occupational Therapy Consultation for Children Under 18 Years Old: A Scoping Review.
Shahbazi M, Abed EH, Esmaili SK
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41522633 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Family-centered occupational therapy provided in children's natural environments can enhance learning, development, participation, and caregiver competence. Consultation is a key approach within this model....
INTRODUCTION: Family-centered occupational therapy provided in children's natural environments can enhance learning, development, participation, and caregiver competence. Consultation is a key approach within this model. This scoping review examined the literature on family-centered occupational therapy consultation for individuals under 18 years old and its reported effects on families and goal achievement. METHOD: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, five databases and gray literature were searched (2000-April 2025). Studies were included if they described synchronous consultation between families and occupational therapists. Data were extracted on study design, intervention characteristics, and outcomes. RESULTS: Then, 15 studies met inclusion criteria (12 quantitative and three qualitative). Of the quantitative studies, eight reported statistically significant improvements in child or parent outcomes (e.g., occupational performance, participation, and parental confidence), three reported mixed or nonsignificant results, and one was descriptive only. Qualitative studies consistently reported increased caregiver understanding, confidence, and ability to implement strategies in natural environments. Most interventions occurred in schools or home programs, with limited evidence from telehealth, adolescents, or non-Western contexts. CONCLUSION: Family-centered consultation in pediatric occupational therapy shows promise for improving participation-related outcomes and caregiver competence but remains methodologically heterogeneous and understudied in certain populations and formats. Further research should address these gaps to strengthen the evidence base.
Correction to "Benefits of an Intensive Individual CO-OP Intervention in a Group Setting for Children With DCD".
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41522632 · Full text
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/8209128.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/8209128.].
Interprofessional Collaboration Between Nurses and Occupational Therapists Enhances Independence and Reduces Disposable Absorbent Product Use in Older Patients.
Kondo K, Noguchi N, Akiyama R … +6 more , Otsuka T, Suyakong C, Honda S, Tajima N, Murata W, Lee B
Occup Ther Int · 2026 · PMID 41498052 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: The prospective, historically controlled study evaluated whether a collaborative practice (CP) model between nurses and occupational therapists improves activities of daily living (ADLs) and reduces the use...
INTRODUCTION: The prospective, historically controlled study evaluated whether a collaborative practice (CP) model between nurses and occupational therapists improves activities of daily living (ADLs) and reduces the use of disposable absorbent products and physical restraints in hospitalized older patients. METHODS: Data from the historical control group ( = 72), who received usual care, were collected from medical records, and the intervention group ( = 46), who participated in the CP-based intervention, was recruited in a community-based care ward in a regional hospital. The CP model was designed to facilitate collaborative planning for improving ADLs between nurses and occupational therapists. Outcome measures included disposable absorbent product use, physical restraint use, and the functional independence measure (FIM). Assessments were conducted at admission and discharge. Propensity score matching was applied to balance baseline characteristics between groups and to reduce potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Propensity score matching generated 45 pairs ("historical controls," = 45, and "interventions," = 45). Although physical restraint use was reduced in both groups ( ≤ 0.007), the use of disposable absorbent products in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the historical control group ( = 0.020). Additionally, significant interaction effects were observed between time and group for all FIM scores, indicating greater improvements in ADLs in the intervention group, with moderate to large effect sizes ( ≤ 0.013, partial ≥ 0.068). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the positive impact of a CP model between nurses and occupational therapists in improving ADLs and reducing disposable absorbent product use in older patients. These findings suggest that this model of CP enhances the quality of geriatric care. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number: UMIN000047072.
Occupational Therapy-Based Physical Activity Questionnaire (OTBPAQ) Categorization of Physical Activity Composition Ratios of Older Individuals Living in the Community.
Tashiro D, Ogawa M, Otaki M … +3 more , Nakamae T, Morikawa T, Oba J
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41480251 · Full text
BACKGROUND: This study is aimed at calculating and categorizing the composition ratios of physical activity categories in relation to total daily physical activity among older adults living in a community using the Occup...
BACKGROUND: This study is aimed at calculating and categorizing the composition ratios of physical activity categories in relation to total daily physical activity among older adults living in a community using the Occupational Therapy-Based Physical Activity Questionnaire (OTBPAQ) and at examining their characteristics. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The survey used the OTBPAQ to evaluate the composition of physical activity categories as well as a questionnaire on participant characteristics (sex, age, presence of family members, subjective well-being, hobbies and activities, physical pain, frailty, and physical activity). The OTBPAQ was developed as an evaluation chart concerning the "occupation" category. Subsequently, cluster analysis was conducted based on the composition ratios of physical activity categories in relation to total daily physical activity, and the relevance of the participant characteristics was confirmed for each extracted group. RESULTS: A total of 499 participants were allocated using cluster analysis into five groups, namely, "balance-oriented group," "aerobic exercise group," "shopping group," "sports group," and "recreational gymnastics group," based on the main activity categories of each cluster. Results showed that participant characteristics, such as the amount of physical activity and number of physical activity categories, differed among the clusters. CONCLUSION: The OTBPAQ could extract five clusters of older adults in a community based on the composition ratio of physical activity categories. Examining the composition ratio of physical activity categories can facilitate a highly individualized approach to physical activity for each group, leading to more effective care prevention measures to increase healthy life expectancy.
Chinese Graduate Health Science Students' Perceptions of Teaching Pedagogies on Their Educational Experience.
Benson JD, Simpson RC
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41473455 · Full text
This paper explores pedagogical approaches for teaching Chinese graduate health science students by identifying students' perceptions of teaching and learning strategies that support learning. This study used a survey de...
This paper explores pedagogical approaches for teaching Chinese graduate health science students by identifying students' perceptions of teaching and learning strategies that support learning. This study used a survey design to answer the research question: "How do Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) graduate health science students perceive the impact of teaching pedagogies on their educational experience?" Descriptive methods and the Friedman test were used to analyze the data. Data from 34 completed surveys revealed that students perceive responsive instruction and guided feedback (clear, frequent, verbal, and written) as most beneficial to learning. Advance access to notes and materials also supported learning. Student-led oral discussions and nonverbal communications (via student response systems) were deemed less beneficial. Students valued the opportunity to learn and practice clinical skills in the classroom and the clinic. These findings highlight the need for Western instructors to modify teaching strategies to meet the needs of the EFL learner while maintaining the rigor of the health science curriculum content.
From Uncertainty to Competence: A Longitudinal Study of Confidence Development in Occupational Therapy Education.
Perkins NA, Bains R
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41445841 · Full text
Confidence plays a critical role in students' academic performance, particularly in complex foundational content such as neuroscience. While confidence is often discussed interchangeably with self-efficacy, the two const...
Confidence plays a critical role in students' academic performance, particularly in complex foundational content such as neuroscience. While confidence is often discussed interchangeably with self-efficacy, the two constructs are distinct yet complementary. Few studies have examined how confidence changes over time in occupational therapy neuroscience courses or what factors contribute to its development. This longitudinal mixed-methods study examined confidence changes throughout a 15-week neuroscience course in an Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. The study integrated quantitative measurements with qualitative reflections to understand both the magnitude and mechanisms of confidence development. Data were collected from 73 students across two independent cohorts in consecutive years (2023: = 37; 2024: = 36). Students completed weekly surveys with four Likert scale questions assessing neuroscience-related confidence and three open-ended questions at baseline, mid-course, and end-of-course exploring factors influencing confidence. Analysis included nonparametric statistical tests for quantitative data and thematic analysis with sentiment analysis for qualitative responses. Both cohorts demonstrated statistically significant confidence increases from baseline to end-of-course ( < 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed four themes replicating across both years: prior academic experiences (mixed effect), instructional support and learning environment (facilitator), interest in neurological practice (facilitator), and content complexity with anticipatory anxiety (barrier). Students attributed confidence gains to hands-on learning activities, peer collaboration, and structured feedback. Sentiment patterns showed predominantly positive baseline attitudes despite concerns, shifting to more neutral mid-course assessments reflecting realistic recalibration, then highly positive end-of-course reflections on self-assessment value. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings revealed that confidence development follows predictable patterns influenced by cognitive and emotional factors. Replication across two independent cohorts strengthens validity. Implications for occupational therapy education include intentional scaffolding, active learning opportunities, peer collaboration, and attention to Generation Z learners' needs for external validation and structured support. These findings inform curriculum design strategies to enhance confidence, self-efficacy, and clinical reasoning preparation.
Identifying Core Competencies for Prefieldwork Occupational Therapy Students in Adult Therapy: A Delphi Study With Clinical Therapists.
Fan SC, Shao JY, Lu TY … +2 more , Chi WC, Hung CH
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41438221 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Prefieldwork students often experience challenges transitioning from academic learning to clinical practice due to gaps in competency development. While established frameworks define postgraduate competenci...
INTRODUCTION: Prefieldwork students often experience challenges transitioning from academic learning to clinical practice due to gaps in competency development. While established frameworks define postgraduate competencies, the specific needs of prefieldwork students remain underexplored. This study is aimed at identifying core competencies essential for prefieldwork students in adult therapy settings. METHOD: A two-phase study design was employed. In Phase 1, focus group discussions involving clinical supervisors, faculty members, and prefieldwork students identified key competency domains. In Phase 2, a modified Delphi method was conducted with clinical supervisors ( = 22 in Round 1, = 20 in Round 2) to establish consensus on competency inclusion and definitions. Data analysis included thematic coding, interrater reliability assessment (Cohen's kappa), and statistical evaluation using mean scores, interquartile range (IQR), and content validity ratio (CVR). RESULTS: The focus group discussions identified key competency challenges, including insufficient knowledge of splinting principles, limited assessment skills, and difficulties in professional communication. Initial thematic analysis mapped these challenges to nine established competency domains. The Delphi survey further added five emerging competencies: , , , , and . Five emerging competencies were organized into three thematic groups: interpersonal adaptation, contextual cognition, and system navigation. However, the management competency was excluded due to low consensus. CONCLUSION: This study highlights critical competency gaps in prefieldwork OT education, emphasizing the need for structured curriculum interventions. Prefieldwork OT curricula should strengthen coping, reflection, and resource linking through reflective journaling, stress management, and resource planning. The role of local-global awareness should be clarified. The management competency was excluded from the final competency list due to limited appropriateness.
Measurement Tools in Occupational Therapy Practice Primary School Setting: A Scoping Review.
Ashari P, Shiraishi M, Ishibashi Y
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41384029 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapists play a crucial role in supporting students' participation in primary school by assessing factors that influence their performance. Measurement tools are essential for identifying sup...
INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapists play a crucial role in supporting students' participation in primary school by assessing factors that influence their performance. Measurement tools are essential for identifying supports and barriers to participation; however, their alignment with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-Child and Youth Version remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review was aimed at identifying available measurement tools used in occupational therapy practice in the primary school setting and mapping their focus according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-Child and Youth Version components. METHODS: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis across four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science), supplemented by a targeted gray literature search from ProQuest, and hand-searching articles between 2007 and 2025. Eligible studies included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research that utilized measurement tools by OT in primary school settings. A total of 705 articles were retrieved, with 41 meeting the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Fifty-two measurement tools used by school-based occupational therapy were identified. Although schools encompass various occupations such as self-care tasks, learning activities, school leisure activities, and social activities, this literature review found that school-based occupational therapy practice in primary school settings primarily addressed handwriting as a student occupational problem. The most frequently used tools were the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, the Persian Handwriting Assessment Tool, and the Evaluation Tool for Children's Handwriting. At the same time, most tools focused on handwriting assessment, and only a few incorporated environmental factors. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the predominant focus of school-based occupational therapy measurements on cognitive and motor functions, with limited attention to environmental factors. Future research considers prioritizing the development of more comprehensive tools that holistically assess students' occupational performance.
Factors Influencing Occupation-Based Practice in Physical Dysfunction: Perspectives of Thai Occupational Therapists.
Tupsai P, Munkhetvit P, Kaunnil A
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41384028 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Occupation-based practice (OBP) is a core concept in occupational therapy, integrating meaningful and purposeful occupations into assessment, intervention, and outcomes. There were 561 Thai occupational the...
INTRODUCTION: Occupation-based practice (OBP) is a core concept in occupational therapy, integrating meaningful and purposeful occupations into assessment, intervention, and outcomes. There were 561 Thai occupational therapists who specialize in treating clients with physical dysfunction who participated in this study. This study was aimed at examining the perspectives and experiences of occupational therapists using OBP for clients with physical dysfunction. METHOD: In the survey phase, there was an online survey conducted using a Google survey found on a social media platform that was listed as the official website, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. In the interview phase, nine participants were interviewed, and their responses were analyzed through thematic analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-two participants responded. Quantitative and qualitative results were integrated. Forty-seven percent strongly agreed, and 39% agreed that allowing clients to choose relevant occupations was essential. Fifty percent strongly agreed and 40% agreed that OT services should be based on real-life contexts. OBP was also used to encourage clients to pursue more occupations (47% strongly agreed, 48% agreed). The interviews support the notion that attitudes toward occupation drive OBP. When addressing the role of facilitators, 37% strongly agreed and 47% agreed that clients were key in enabling OBP. Therapists found OBP effective for treatment (36% strongly agreed, 45% agreed). Barriers included insufficient time for OBP (21% strongly disagreed, 39% disagreed) and that there are inadequate clinical settings (23% strongly disagreed, 34% disagreed). These findings concurred with interview data which highlighted limited time and inadequate space as key factors influencing OBP. CONCLUSION: The core features of OBP are client-centered goals, implementation, motivation, and engagement, highlighting the importance of occupation in practice. Influencing factors include clients, therapists, policies, service systems, and clinical settings. When implementing OBP, therapists should consider these factors and their relationships.
Ableism in Occupational Therapy: A Critical Qualitative Analysis of Disabled Practitioners' Experiences in the Profession.
Heffron JL, The KJ, Harrison A
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41244960 · Full text
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore disabled occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) experiences of ableism in the occupational therapy profession. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a critical qualitati...
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore disabled occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) experiences of ableism in the occupational therapy profession. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a critical qualitative approach led by three disabled occupational therapists and informed by disability studies theory. Researchers conducted 12 semistructured interviews with disabled OTPs. Interviews were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. RESULTS: Experiences of ableism were pervasive for OTPs with disabilities. Disabled OTPs experienced ideological, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized ableism in the profession. Participants described varying views of the culture of occupational therapy regarding disability. Participants navigated their work through the use of social supports, formal, informal, and self-accommodations, and coping strategies. Disabled OTPs also described how their disabilities informed their approaches to practice, including antiableist and disability-affirming approaches. Disabled OTPs readily identified room for change in the profession and provided recommendations for improving accessibility and inclusivity in OT. CONCLUSIONS: Participants experienced disability oppression (ableism) in the profession. Structures and norms in the profession prioritized nondisabled ways of being that contributed to many of the barriers experienced. Participants' approaches and recommendations can help disrupt systems of ableism in occupational therapy.
Indonesian Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Sensory Processing Measure-2 (SPM-2) for Preschool Children: A Study Protocol.
Kosasih A, Dirgantara P, Khoirunisah Z … +5 more , Gidion H, Luthfi M, Arsyi RN, Fajariani D, Herqutanto
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 41190080 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Sensory processing is foundational for learning and behaviors. Challenges in sensory processing can impair daily functioning; therefore, sensory processing disorder is frequently linked with neurodevelopmen...
INTRODUCTION: Sensory processing is foundational for learning and behaviors. Challenges in sensory processing can impair daily functioning; therefore, sensory processing disorder is frequently linked with neurodevelopmental disorders and other clinical conditions, though it can also occur independently. However, there is a lack of validated tools in Indonesia for assessing sensory processing difficulties. The Sensory Processing Measurement second edition (SPM-2) is available in English and other languages. To ensure its accuracy for the Indonesian-speaking population, a study was conducted to translate, validate, and ensure its reliability and cultural relevance in Indonesian. This study is aimed at translating and testing the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of the SPM-2 for preschoolers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A step-by-step approach will be conducted according to principles of good practice for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes (ISPOR). After obtaining permission from the publisher of the instrument, a sworn translator will conduct a forward translation. A native English translator will perform backward translation. Each of these translating processes will require harmonization to produce results involving a team of experts and the copyright owner. Cognitive debriefing will be conducted on parents/caregivers and teachers of 100 children ages 2-5 years. Content validity will be assessed by calculating the Item-Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Scale-Content Validity Index (S-CVI). Moreover, reliability will be assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The result will be reviewed by the expert committee to finalize the translated document. DISCUSSION: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of instruments require a systematic approach to ensure their quality for research and clinical settings. Further study shall follow to test the psychometric properties of the Indonesian version of SPM-2 before it is ready for use nationwide.
Empowering Advocacy: A Theatre Pedagogy Training With Occupational Therapists.
Barmpagiannis P, Chazapi O
Occup Ther Int · 2025 · PMID 40995026 · Full text
Advocacy is a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice, yet systemic barriers and complex interpersonal dynamics often hinder its effective implementation. This study was aimed at exploring the essential elements tha...
Advocacy is a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice, yet systemic barriers and complex interpersonal dynamics often hinder its effective implementation. This study was aimed at exploring the essential elements that occupational therapists perceive as essential for advocating effectively on behalf of the individuals they collaborate with. Eleven occupational therapists participated in a 3-month educational program grounded in theatre pedagogy, an experiential learning approach designed to foster self-reflection and practical skill application. Following the program, semistructured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key elements of advocacy. The analysis revealed three core themes: occupational justice awareness, creativity and flexibility, and perspective expansion. Participants highlighted the importance of recognizing systemic inequities and promoting inclusive practices to achieve occupational justice. Creativity and adaptability were identified as essential for tailoring advocacy strategies to diverse contexts and challenges. Perspective expansion, encompassing cultural humility and reflective practice, emerged as vital for understanding the multifaceted dynamics of advocacy and the evolving roles of therapists in addressing personal needs. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on advocacy in occupational therapy by identifying specific competencies that enhance advocacy efforts. The findings underscore the need for targeted training programs and resources that integrate experiential learning methodologies to strengthen these competencies. By cultivating these skills, occupational therapists can become more effective agents of change, advancing relationship-focused care and societal equity.
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