This study aimed to examine the impact of OT interventions on individuals with mild to moderate dementia, per MMSE scoring. Individuals included in this study were allocated to either a control group or group that received OT interventions including relaxation techniques, physical exercise, personal activities, cognitive activities and recreational activities. The interventions were measured based on the WHOQOL-BREF which measures quality of life based on 26 measures. The study was able to include a total of 77 Indian subjects. The results of the study revealed that quality of life improved greatly in the experimental group as compared to the control group which experienced a sharp decline in function. Personally, I feel that this is a great article. It illustrates the importance of our services in a growing population of patients. Also, it provides a clear outline of a typical treatment session which seems to mirror the groups we performed in Chris's class. It is great to see that research continues to validate what we are learning across various populations and cultures.

This article examined the issues in forming and implementing an interperfessional course in medically-based education programs. In this study, the researchers attempted to examine the impact of an interperfessional course on an OT's experience prior to the start of a Level 1 placement. The course utilized in the study employed teaching various points. This includes a get-to-know session, introduction to understanding the role of OT's and SLP's in such a setting, and integration of theory. The study included a fairly small sample size of 15 subjects cross a test and control group. Subjects were measured on the effectiveness of the course through the completion of a journal as well as a survey which asked 41 questions aiming to answer the overall effectiveness of the course. At the completion of the experience, the majority of OT students reported positive experiences with the course. Also, they reported that the course was a crucial component of their growth in the area of interperfessional skills. I feel that this is a good idea for us as OT students to potentially pursue. Prior to fieldwork, I did not fully grasp the extent of what other disciplines perform in the therapy department. However, I feel a course based on this would greatly aid in improving these skills.

This article examined the applicability of one day supervision training workshops for clinical professionals across many medical disciplines. The design of the course was designed to reflect "real life" scenarios for both supervisors and supervisees. After each workshop, the participants were provided with constructive feedback per their actions during such scenarios. The study assessed 90 participants with pre and post test forms and found that close to half of participants found their actions toward supervising students changed, despite their pre test level of competency. The study suggests that the use of such workshops can be a positive investment in the teaching of proper supervision in medical disciplines. Overall, I feel that such a resource can be good for CI's because it can allow for instructors to refresh their skills and improve their overall supervision.

This study examined if the implementation of the adult learning method was appropriate in preparing OT students for clinical reasoning prior to the start of their clinical rotations. This theory assumes that adults are self-directed learners and that learning best occurs when experiences are goal-based and relevant. The researchers of this study completed their study in a qualitative and quantitative manner to confirm results. The researchers performed surveys with 74 second year OT students across a two year period. This survey allowed for students to also share subjective comments on their experiences and how the adult learning theory prepared them for such an experience. The results of the study that students in both cohorts exhibited increased comfort with such experiences after the completion of the adult learning course. Overall, I feel that this confirmed my beliefs concerning the adult learning method. As soon-to-be clinicians, we must exhibit many of the tendencies found in the adult learning model when arriving at or forming clinical thoughts. Without such skills, we will most likely not be effective clinicians.

This article examined the inclusion of ethics courses in various OT and PT programs in Canada. When identifying potential courses, the researchers examined the syllabus descriptions of courses within the curriculum. The keywords were cataloged and organized in order to demonstrate overall occurrence and its focus on educating ethics. The researchers found that 5.9-6.5% of programs offer official ethics courses in their programs. The researchers also found that despite these low percentages of official courses, instruction in ethics was provided in other broad courses. Additionally, it was found that master-level programs provided a higher degree of ethical instruction as opposed to bachelor programs. This is a good article because it illustrates that programs are becoming more aware of the need for ethical instruction with entry-level clinicians.

This article focused on determining the trend of practicing Occupational therapists that utilize research to form their evidence-based practice. The article mentions how this is a vital component to a medically-based profession. To examine this question a two page survey was sent out across the country to occupational therapists across various clinical settings. The results demonstrated that the majority of practitioners have access to the relevant information required for evidenced-based practice, whether through online journals or seminars. Also, the data illustrated the higher rates of accessing information correlated positively with higher academic degrees attained. Barriers found to the implementation of such practice included cost of attending such courses as well as lack of convenience accessing online databases. Ultimately, it seems that lack of time appeared to be the greatest barrier to pursuing and attaining such information. Overall, I feel the results demonstrate the change in culture that is occurring within the profession. However, if this change is to become permanent we as the future of the profession must continue to push this ideal forward and assist the profession into the coming years.

This blog discusses the importance of appropriate OT interventions in children and adolescents with psychosocial and mental health needs. The blog itself is by an OT who has experience of over 20 years in the field. The main point is that currently the profession does not have correct measures or appropriate and encompassing treatments for these children with conditions that only compound as they mature throughout school. The author argues that if we as a profession do not become more adept at this we will continue to provide ineffective treatment addressing the psychosocial needs of such a population. Also, the author points out that if the profession is unable to distinguish itself, we may be left out of this area of practice in the future. I found the point very interesting and definitely worth consideration even if one does not plan on practicing in a pediatric setting.

This article examined what questions and clinical reasoning seasoned allied health professionals ask when posed with a challenging case. Clinical reasoning is crucial as a health care professional and the interesting aspect of this research was to determine how clinicians teach this valuable skill to students. The data illustrated that the popular method was a gradual exposure of clients and self reflection. Additionally, the study identifies and outlines various questions that students can ask themselves when dealing with a client. I really enjoyed this because I feel that these are the two methods that I have most employed in my development of clinical reasoning. I feel that the information in this article can be a great resource us as students, especially when we are dealing with a particularly difficult case.

This article examines the longitudinal effects that a specific OT and PT program within a specific university affect ethical decision-making in their students. The study examined two classes of students and administered the Defining Issues Test (DIT) which according to the article is suppose to be a fairly valid measure. The test was administered on the first day of class and then in the final semester of the students coursework. The results found that the formation of ethics can be a difficult process. The study states that age is a huge factor in this process. Students over 30 years old appear to have formed and be set in their own ethical decision making process. Also, the study found that with at least this program, the students were not provided with enough coursework and instruction in ethical decision-making. The authors suggest that programs provide three to twelve weeks of instruction on ethics as opposed to the typical intermittent instruction throughout coursework. Overall, I found this to be interesting to consider. Overall, I feel that the program is set-up really well. However, I must admit that I would be curious if we had a course that was specifically aimed at ethics. Perhaps this will occur when the program moves to a doctorate degree.

This study examines how structured activities assist medically-students learn professionalism. According to the article, professionalism is made up of parameters, behaviors and responsibilities. Also, the article points out that we as future health professionals should be able to coordinate, collaborate and communicate in interdisciplinary teams to make decisions. The study itself involved recruiting students across various health-related disciplines and providing them with an orientation and clinical experience with another discipline. After the completion of these activities the students were provided with a survey to rank the effect that the experiences had on their level of professionalism. Overall, the study found that such experiences were beneficial to the development of a greater sense of professionalism. However, the study also found that the logistics of coordinating such activities was a huge barrier. I really enjoyed the study despite the fact that Occupational Therapy was not included. I feel that this would be a great idea for future classes to do at Shawnee if possible.

This research articles discusses a survey conducted to determine the trends, benefits and barriers to fieldwork educators within various healthcare settings in Australia. The article states that as the demand for Occupational Therapy grows, the demand for new placements for students will grow. The survey found that there are numerous benefits to providing supervision to fieldwork students including the ability to recruit future employees and "give something back" to the profession. However, the study discovered that barriers due exist as lack of space as well as demands in workload. I feel this is a great article to read because it can help us gain a greater understanding of what our clinical instructors go through to have us as students and what we need to consider as potential instructors in the future.