Research Articles (Occupational Therapy)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/21900

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Development and validation of a knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire for healthcare professionals on environmental sustainability in healthcare in Southern Africa
(F1000 Research Ltd, 2024-10) Lister, Helga Elke; Mostert, Karien; Botha, Tanita; Field, Emma; Knock, Danté; Mubi, Natasha; Odendaal, Stefani; Rohde, Megan; Maric, Filip
BACKGROUND: The triple planetary crisis of climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss is increasingly driving poor health outcomes worldwide. Healthcare systems and services are often not environmentally sustainable and compound the problem, while healthcare professionals are also recognised as key leaders in advancing sustainable healthcare. To adopt this leadership position, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare must be established. This article reports the development and validation of a new instrument for this purpose that corresponds to the specificities of the Southern African context. METHODS: Questionnaire development followed a seven-stage process. Information was obtained from a 2021 study titled ‘South African Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: A Mixed Methods Study’ to develop the instrument. Information was also sourced from the literature regarding environmental sustainability and healthcare to generate the first questionnaire with 29 items. The following stages included two rounds of expert input, separated by a pilot study with the target population to receive feedback regarding the instrument’s structure, relevance, and length. Content validity was determined through statistical analysis. RESULTS: Feedback was received from nine experts in stage two and 13 pilot study participants in stage four and incorporated to improve the questionnaire. In stage six, the questionnaire was rated by seven experts. The content validity index of the questionnaire was calculated at two different stages, after which the indices were compared. Following a final edit, the questionnaire has 24 questionnaire items. The closing analysis calculated the scale content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave) of 0,922; this indicates that the final questionnaire has excellent content validity. CONCLUSION: A questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding environmental sustainability in Southern Africa has been developed and validated. This questionnaire can now be used for further studies in Southern Africa.
Outcomes of a creative ability-based intervention : advancing independence in learners with severe intellectual disability
(Wiley, 2025-01) Van Wyngaard, Annamarie Elisabet; Uys, Catharina Jacoba Elizabeth
BACKGROUND : When supporting learners with severe intellectual disabilities, teaching methods needs to be adapted. Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA) aims to enhance participation and facilitate adaptive responses through targeted intervention principles. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the impact of an intervention programme for learners with severe intellectual disability based on the VdTMoCA to improve independence in an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), namely doing a laundry activity. METHOD : A multiple case study with a literal replication design, including six subjects with severe intellectual disability, was used. The intervention consisted of a 1-week baseline assessment and four intervention sessions. To identify changes, levels of prompting and the time taken to initiate each step were measured. RESULTS : This study showed that a meticulously designed intervention programme based on the VdTMoCA principles rendered positive outcomes. Activity analysis and adaptation of the steps in a laundry activity, according to the principles of therapeutic relationship, presentation and structuring, contributed to this success.
The ergonomics regulations : the role of the health professions
(MettaMedia, 2024-03-01) Kocks, Daniel; Swart, Lyndsey; Tafaune, Geoffrey; Lapere, J.; Vlok, G.; daniel.kocks@up.ac.za
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with customising workplace conditions and job demands to fit the capabilities, limitations, and needs of the workforce. It is a multidisciplinary field, synthesising principles from diverse areas such as human factors engineering, industrial engineering, physiology, psychology, industrial design, biomechanics, kinesiology, occupational safety, and occupational health. The Ergonomics Regulations compel employers to undertake ergonomic risk assessments, implement control measures, provide training, and conduct medical surveillance to protect employees from ergonomic-related disorders. The Regulations mandate that ergonomic risk assessments be performed by a ‘competent person’, yet stop short of defining explicit criteria for competence. This has led to some confusion regarding the involvement of health professionals in ergonomic risk assessment and raises the question, ‘Do health professionals comply with the legal definition of competence for this task?’ This paper uses a systems ergonomics approach to highlight the diverse and complex risk factors that human workers bring to the workplace. The authors argue that qualified health professionals are best positioned to identify and manage high-risk motor, sensory, psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioural human factors, and are therefore indispensable in the ergonomic risk assessment process.
Evaluating client functioning in a harm reduction program in South Africa : insights from a tool derived from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
(Frontiers Media, 2024-12) Janse van Rensburg, Michelle Nedine Schorn; Casteleijn, Daleen; Scheibe, Andrew
South Africa faces the detrimental effects of problematic substance use. The Community Oriented Substance Use Program (COSUP) is a research-based, community-situated harm-reduction program. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used as the framework to develop a unique tool to determine the functioning of COSUP clients. The study was a quantitative descriptive, cross-sectional design, with data collected from COSUP sites during January 2023 using the COSUP Client Functioning Tool. Twenty-three Likert-scale structured closed questions about clients’ perceptions of their functioning and context were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended questions about COSUP services were thematically analyzed. Most COSUP clients are working-age African males, and many are unemployed. Clients seem to be coping well physically but need more mental health support. Pressing concerns for COSUP clients are feeling stressed and anxious, an inability to handle stress, poor use of free time, not getting support from others, and not having enough money to meet daily needs. Lack of energy and boredom are significant concerns, along with feelings of rejection and loneliness. Facilitating opportunities for sustaining livelihoods requires focus. Even so, there are those who have a sense of hope due to the positive impact of the program. Basing the COSUP Client Functioning Tool on the ICF framework provided a useful picture of the functioning of people who use/d drugs in their contexts. The COSUP Tool is helpful to guide interventions that are responsive to clients’ needs.
Life skills programmes for university-based wellness support services for students in health sciences professions : a scoping review
(BioMed Central, 2024-12) Lesunyane, Annah; Ramano, Enos M.; Van Niekerk, Karin; Boshoff, Kobie; Dizon, Janine; u04226801@tuks.co.za
BACKGROUND: Student wellness is a major concern during the educational programme of health professionals, as mental distress impacts negatively on students’ academic performance and success. Available literature indicates that improving student wellness has the potential to increase academic performance and success for students. Medical schools implement various forms of support to lessen student distress and enhance wellness. Mental health challenges amongst university students in health sciences professions continue to be on the rise despite support services offered by medical schools. METHODS: A scoping review methodology was used and a detailed search of seven databases including MEDLINE, Ovid Emcare, Embase, Scopus, PsychINFO, and ERIC was performed. The steps of the Preferred Reporting Items extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and guidelines suggested by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework for scoping reviews were followed. Studies that described or investigated life skills programmes with students in health professions, including medicine and nursing fields, were included. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English and did not describe university-based support programmes with students in health sciences professions. RESULTS: After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria 66 articles were included and explored in detail. The identified life skills were grouped into three categories, namely cognitive skills, emotional skills as well as interpersonal and social skills. CONCLUSION: Life skills are necessary to enhance lifelong learning for university students in health sciences professions. These skills encompass the development of a range of competencies including personal, intellectual, social, and emotional skills. Incorporating these life skills as part of holistic student wellness programmes may be an important consideration in guiding wellness support services implemented at universities.
Personalized adaptive learning in higher education : a scoping review of key characteristics and impact on academic performance and engagement
(Elsevier, 2024-11) Du Plooy, Eileen; Casteleijn, Daleen; Franzsen, Denise; Daleen.Casteleijn@up.ac.za
INTRODUCTION: Higher education institutions face persistent challenges of student retention and academic progress. Personalized adaptive learning has the potential to address these issues as it leverages educational technology to tailor learning pathways according to individual student needs. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the key characteristics of personalized adaptive learning in higher education and its impact on academic performance and engagement. METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology was followed. Key international databases were searched to retrieve articles. The titles and abstracts of selected studies were imported into Covidence. Peer-reviewed journal articles, theses, and dissertations focusing on undergraduate students engaged in personalized adaptive learning, published between 2012 and 2024 were included. Data was extracted and charted in Covidence. Results were summarised through a narrative synthesis and visually presented in a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. RESULTS: This review included 69 eligible studies. The findings reveal insights into the multifaceted nature of personalized adaptive learning, which include platforms, implementation strategies, perceived strengths and limitations by instructors and students. Pre-knowledge quizzes were reported as the most common indicator for activating adaptive content delivery, and McGrawHill’s Connect LearnSmart and Moodle were the most utilized adaptive platforms. Improved academic performance was reported by 41 of the studies (n = 41, 59 %), and 25 studies (n = 25, 36 %) indicated increased student engagement. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential of personalized adaptive learning to positively impact academic performance, student engagement and learning, despite technological limitations. Further research is encouraged to address technological challenges, build on strengths and refine implementation and application of personalized adaptive learning in higher education.
Exploring strategies promoting interprofessional collaborative practice in spinal cord injury rehabilitation at a private South African hospital group
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2024-06) McLaggan, Kirstin; Lister, Helga Elke; Filies, Gérard C.
BACKGROUND: Implementing an interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) in hospitals improves health outcomes, enhances patient safety and reduces length of stay by optimising resource utilisation. Although this approach was desired at a private hospital group in South Africa (SA), the specific strategies for clinical guidelines and capacity management pertaining to spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and the implementation of IPCP were unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore strategies for implementing clinical guidelines and capacity management for SCI rehabilitation to promote IPCP in a private hospital group in SA. METHOD: This exploratory descriptive qualitative study included participants who were selected through purposive sampling. The participants comprised 11 staff from various disciplines and management of the private hospital group, one local and one international expert in IPCP. Three online focus groups (n=13) were conducted, involving three to five participants. The transcriptions were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework. RESULTS:. Interprofessional communication and tools as well as capacity development were three emergent themes from the data. Strategies pertaining to communication methods, digitisation, visual displays, patient care information, educational information and education of healthcare workers were suggested to promote IPCP. CONCLUSION: These findings from the emergent themes could assist in implementing and integrating an IPCP approach into the rehabilitation service. Further research assessing the efficacy of implementing the IPCP strategies and digital platform would be beneficial.
IsiZulu-speaking caregivers' perceptions of child language stimulation
(AOSIS, 2024-07-25) John, Desiree C.; Uys, Catharina Jacoba Elizabeth; Pascoe, Michelle
BACKGROUND : South African children from low-income households are at higher risk of cognitive-linguistic difficulties because of multiple risk factors. Early language stimulation minimises the effects of risk factors and prepares children for literacy and learning. Understanding caregivers’ perceptions of language stimulation is important because perceptions shape practices, which determine child language outcomes. OBJECTIVES : This study explored the existing perceptions of language stimulation among 15 isiZulu-speaking caregivers from KwaDabeka township. METHOD : A qualitative, descriptive research design was adopted and the caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The NVivo software programme supported the inductive, thematic analysis of the data. RESULTS : Although the caregivers held positive perceptions of language stimulation, their perceptions of benefit focussed on meeting children’s basic physiological needs with less reference to the long-term benefits for literacy, employment and social integration. Providing language models, watching television, singing songs, and reading books were perceived to be examples of language-stimulating activities and techniques. The caregivers expressed a need to improve their knowledge of language stimulation and queried how they could be supported to achieve this outcome. CONCLUSION : This group of caregivers needed support to increase their awareness of the longterm benefits of language stimulation and their knowledge and use of evidence-based activities, stimuli and facilitation techniques. CONTRIBUTION : Caregivers’ existing perceptions could serve as a barrier to the effective language stimulation of children from low-income households in South Africa.
SASOM news
(South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM), 2023-12) Nogueira, Claudina; Kocks, Daan; Frost, Claudia; Andrews, Blanche; Hariparsad, Sujatha; Ntatamala, Itumeleng
Following the success and good attendance at the Annual Congress in 2022, which was held in a fully digital format in four sessions across four months, the 2023 Annual Congress of the South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM) was held in the same format. The theme was Occupational health practice in 2023: shining a light on the shadows of medicine, and comprised four sessions on the last Friday of the months of June, July, August, and September 2023. Each session was CPD-accredited for four CEUnits by the South African Medical Association (SAMA).
Relationship between demographic characteristics and return-to-work for loss of income claimants at the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, Botswana
(IOS Press, 2024-04) Modise, Gofaone Lady; Uys, Kitty; Masenge, Andries; Du Plooy, Eileen
BACKGROUND : The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund Botswana compensates claimants who lose their incomes due to road traffic accidents. In Botswana, road traffic accidents are becoming more frequent, and the MVA Fund is experiencing escalating claims. We describe the demographic characteristics of loss of income (LOI) claimants of the MVA Fund Botswana. We assess whether demographic characteristics are related to return to work (RTW). OBJECTIVE : We retrospectively reviewed records of MVA Fund claimants and extracted demographic information. We investigated the demographic profile and the relationship between demographic information and RTW. METHODS : We reviewed 432 LOI claims received by MVA Fund from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020. We descriptively analysed the demographic profiles of claimants. We used a univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to determine the association between independent demographic variables and the dependent variable, RTW. RESULTS : MVA Fund claimants were on average 37-years-old. Claimants were mostly from low-income socio-economic backgrounds. RTW was significantly associated with injury severity, type of injury, and having a RTW plan offer. The final predictors of RTW, using logistic regression, were time away from work and severity of injury. CONCLUSION : In Botswana, claimants who had severe injuries and who stayed away from work for longer were less likely to RTW. The MVA Fund Botswana must recognise the demographic profiles of claimants which are likely to influence RTW.
The impact of impairment, socio-demographic and environmental factors on spinal cord injury survivors' ability to return to work
(IOS Press, 2023-06) Chimedza, Isaac; Uys, Kitty; Shaheed, Soeker
BACKGROUND : Re-employment of spinal cord injury survivors (SCIS) has been positively related to better community integration. The identification of the determining factors and their impact on return to work (RTW) of SCIS would be helpful in improving the RTW rate. OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study was to identify the factors determining RTW and explore their impact on RTW. METHODS : An adapted Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire Self-Report questionnaire was used to elicit sociodemographic information and work-related characteristics of the participants. Sixty-eight participants with a premorbid worker status completed the questionnaires which were sent via mail, email and hand delivery. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS : At the time of the survey 70.6% of the participants were not re-employed. The inferential statistical analysis indicated that time since injury and re-employment, receiving medical attention due to complications, vocational intervention, supervisor’s support, family support and government support were significant factors of RTW. The results showed no significant differences in RTW by most of the sociodemographic factors. Only two percent of the participants indicated vocational planning and intentions. CONCLUSION : The significant impact of vocational and injury characteristics suggests that vocational rehabilitation services are urgently needed to support SCIS in returning to their worker role. Returning to work is a significant outcome of SCI rehabilitation.
Changing the story : the evaluation of a leadership development programme for vulnerable and deaf youth in South Africa
(MDPI, 2023-11-13) Bastable, Kirsty; Cooke, Paul; Harvey, Lou; Olarte, Victoria; Casteleijn, Daleen; Dada, Shakila; shakila.dada@up.ac.za
Vulnerable youth and youth with disabilities are at great risk of not having their rights met. In addition, they face challenges with regard to empowerment and participation in their own lives. Youth development programmes frequently focus primarily on the individual skills of the youth. However, reviews have indicated that for youth to be able to drive change, additional opportunities at community and broader society levels are required. This project sought to evaluate the changes facilitated by the Changing the Story—Leadership Development Programme as implemented in the Youth Accountability and Deaf Inclusion in South Africa project, for both vulnerable and Deaf youth. A longitudinal Q-sort methodology was used to measure the youths’ changes in perceptions. The results provided evidence of significant change following the programme, including increases in perceptions of empowerment within the community. Furthermore, although vulnerable and Deaf youth began the programme with differing perceptions of self, community and society, these perceptions were more aligned after completion of the programme. The results and challenges experienced using a longitudinal Q-sort methodology are presented and discussed. Recommendations and limitations are also highlighted.
The hidden client : understanding the lived experience of occupational engagement of partners of persons diagnosed with bipolar I disorder
(Taylor and Francis, 2024) Paruk, Juwairiyya; Lister, Helga Elke; Balbahur, Raashmi
The immediate social microcosm surrounding diagnosed individuals are often neglected. Partners of persons with bipolar I disorder experience positive and challenging experiences of occupational engagement, informed by their partner role. Guided by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews unearthed participants’ lived experiences to highlight challenging experiences of occupational engagement, including, unmet occupational needs, occupational disharmony, and imbalance. Protective factors enhancing occupational engagement included satisfactorily achieving occupational needs and the experience of autotelic meaning. This study consolidated that exploring, understanding, and addressing occupational needs for everyone, including secondarily affected populations, should be a focus of occupational therapists.
‘There’s a lot on my shoulders’ – occupational therapists’ experience of stress and burnout in mental healthcare settings in Gauteng, South Africa
(Sage, 2024-03) Weir, Francesca Unity; Ramano, Enos M.; Balbadhur, Raashmi
INTRODUCTION : South African occupational therapists, working in mental healthcare, are exposed to chronic stress; this can lead to their experiencing symptoms of burnout. There has been a call for research to explore the experiences of stress and burnout that occupational therapists encounter whilst working in different contexts, and this article presents findings from a study focused on the field of mental healthcare in Gauteng, South Africa. METHODS : Thirteen occupational therapists participated in the study using qualitative and descriptive methods. The study sample was selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected via online focus group discussions and underwent thematic analysis according to open coding. FINDINGS : This article presents the findings of theme one, as part of a greater dissemination of findings, where the participants described their stress and burnout as a personal psychological experience. This involved the experience of emotional burden, strained interpersonal relationships and feelings of failure. The participants perceived their stress as a fluctuating experience and, a portion of the participants, felt that they had experienced burnout. CONCLUSION : The negative personal psychological impact of stress and burnout on occupational therapists working in South Africa, in the field of mental healthcare, has been well indicated in the study.
Strategies to alleviate the burden experienced by informal caregivers of persons with severe mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries : scoping review
(JMIR Publications, 2024) Silaule, Olindah; Casteleijn, Daleen; Adams, Fasloen; Nkosi, Nokuthula Gloria
BACKGROUND : There is considerable evidence of the burden of care encountered by informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries. Previous studies have highlighted the need to support these informal caregivers as key players in the care of these patients. To date, limited evidence exists on the extent and types of strategies for supporting these informal caregivers in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE : This scoping review aims to identify and describe the extent and type of evidence on the existing strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS : A systematic literature search was completed following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The participants, concept, and context framework was used to guide the search for literature sources across 5 databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for published literature and ProQuest for unpublished literature. This review included studies that reported on strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions, with a focus on studies that evaluated or recommended caregiver interventions and support strategies in low- and middle-income countries. The search was limited to studies conducted between 2001 and 2021, and only papers written in English were considered for inclusion. Using the Covidence software (Veritas Health Innovation), 2 reviewers independently screened the papers, applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and met biweekly to discuss and resolve conflicts. The relevant studies and reported outcomes were summarized, organized, and analyzed descriptively using numeric summary analysis and deductive content analysis. RESULTS : Of the 18,342 studies identified, 44 (0.24%) met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were from 16 low- and middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South and North America. Most studies (21/44, 48%) were randomized controlled trials conducted in Asian countries. The identified strategies were grouped into 2 categories: implemented and recommended intervention strategies. Identified strategies included community-based interventions, psychoeducation interventions, support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, spirituality-based interventions, and smartphone-based interventions. In addition, mindfulness and empowerment, collaborative interventions, standard care, financial and social support, counseling, occupation-based interventions, policy and legislature, and access to mental health care were identified. Psychoeducation and support group interventions were identified as common strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions. CONCLUSIONS : This review provides evidence on the types of implemented and recommended strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers in low- and middle-income countries. Although psychoeducational interventions were the most preferred strategy for alleviating burden, their benefits were short-lived when compared with peer-led support groups. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) : RR2-10.2196/44268
Studies into the reduction of domestic fuel burning emissions by means of facile catalytic abatement technology
(National Association for Clean Air, 2023) Steyn, Marilize; Claassen, Nicolaas; Forbes, Patricia B.C.
The negative health and socio-economic impacts of emissions associated with domestic fuel burning are widely recognized. Although there has been much progress in the provision of electricity to households in South Africa, many still rely on solid fuel sources such as wood and coal. While various investigations have been done on reducing household emissions by reducing the use of polluting fuels and improvements in combustion efficiency, comparatively fewer studies have been conducted on the reduction of emissions through use of abatement technology. Catalytic oxidation could be utilized to oxidize particulate matter precursors such as volatile organic compounds and soot particles to reduce secondary particulate formation. Although catalytic methods have not been effectively utilized in practical domestic applications, studies have shown effective soot reduction during laboratory testing. This study investigated the synthesis and use of a manganese oxide based catalyst to reduce particulate matter from domestic fuel burning stoves. The catalyst was synthesized onto a mesh substrate and inserted into the flue of the stove. During field testing, the presence of the catalyst increased the mass of particulate matter collected onto PTFE filters used for gravimetric analysis, with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showing spherical particles in the pores of the filters used during the catalytic runs. The baseline runs had very few of these particle clusters. Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis of the catalyst run filters did not detect manganese, revealing that increased particulate concentrations were not as a result of macroscopic particles of the catalyst being dislodged from the support. Dislodgement of very small metal particles from the catalyst could, however serve as nucleation nodes for particle growth which would have a non-metal coating leading to the non-detection of manganese. The increase in particulate matter could also be caused by the impingement of particulate matter precursors on the catalyst followed by particle growth and dislodgement into the flue gas. The testwork showed that an active catalyst can be synthesized onto a mesh catalyst support in a relatively simple and costeffective manner, which can be utilized in domestic fuel burning devices. It is recommended that a range of optimized, potentially active catalysts be tested to improve the oxidation of particulate matter precursors to carbon dioxide.
Assessing work speed using MODAPTS : a tool for occupational therapists
(IOS Press, 2023-11) Harmse, Suzanne; Buys, Tania; Claassen, Nico; suzanne.nel@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND : The importance to be able to work is recognised as one of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. Occupational therapists working in vocational rehabilitation require cost effective, valid, and reliable tests that offer flexibility during the work evaluation process. The use of self-developed work samples standardized using Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards (MODAPTS) as an objective measure of work speed could meet this need. OBJECTIVE : Evaluate the face, content, and criterion validity of MODAPTS work samples to assess work speed. METHODS : We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional, descriptive study. Occupational therapists completed electronic surveys to evaluate face and content validity. We evaluated criterion validity during a multiphase process that involved a realist synthesis, online survey, and comparing MODAPTS to Methods Time Management (MTM) time standards using three work samples that measured work speed. RESULTS : MODAPTS had good face validity for measuring work speed. We also confirmed the content and criterion validity of codes used to analyse basic movement and handling of smaller and larger articles as well as other body actions. CONCLUSION : MODAPTS demonstrated adequate face, content and criterion validity of tasks involving basic movements, handling of articles and other body actions.
Perspectives of rehabilitation professionals on assistive technology provision to young children in South Africa : a national survey
(Taylor and Francis, 2023) Van Niekerk, Karin; Dada, Shakila; Tonsing, Kerstin Monika; karin.vanniekerk@up.ac.za
PURPOSE : Various factors influence the selection of assistive technology for young children within a context with limited resources, such as South Africa. Rehabilitation professionals are required to weigh up different factors as part of their professional reasoning process when making assistive technology (AT) selections. Insight into the perceived influence of different factors may assist in understanding how professionals make decisions about AT in this context. MATERIALS AND METHODS : An online survey with questions designed using best–worst scaling was distributed to rehabilitation professionals throughout South Africa. Factors influencing assistive technology selection included in the best–worst survey were identified in previous phases of a larger project. A total of n = 451 rehabilitation professionals completed the survey by selecting the factors that were most and least influential on their assistive technology provision. RESULTS : Results of the survey were obtained by calculating the number of times each factor was selected as most influential across the entire sample, and across all questions, enabling the researchers to sort the items in terms of the frequency of selection. CONCLUSIONS : Even though the rehabilitation professionals that participated in the study provide services in a context with limited resources, assessment and factors pertaining to the assistive technology itself were generally perceived to be of greater influence than environmental factors. It is recommended that these factors be reflected in frameworks and models of AT selection. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION : The family’s ability to support the implementation of AT is an important resource that is perceived to influence the selection of AT by an RP. Insight into the mind-set of professionals that are used to selecting AT within settings with limited resources may provide RPs in well-resourced contexts with guidance on how to do more, with less. RPs should aim to determine child preference and attitude towards AT during the AT selection process. RPs should be aware of their own influence on AT selection. Existing AT Selection models should be adapted to clearly reflect the influence of the recommending professional.
Investigating the influence of the properties of school uniforms on children with sensory overreactivity
(Sage, 2024-07) Jordaan, Wenette; Diedericks, Lizette; Van Niekerk, Karin; Kruger, Stefanie Marguerite; lizette.diedericks@up.ac.za
This study aimed to deepen the understanding of the influence of the properties of school uniforms that may contribute to discomfort and irritation for children with sensory overreactivity. The specific objectives were (a) to identify the difficulties that children with sensory overreactivity experience when wearing a school uniform and (b) explore possible adaptations of the school uniform that can reduce the discomfort and irritation caused by the uniform. In this exploratory, qualitative study, four focus group interviews were conducted with a total sample of 16 participants. Mothers and occupational therapists that live and work with children with sensory overreactivity participated in this study. During thematic analysis, three themes emerged as important to understand the discomfort caused by a school uniform: textiles, design, and construction. This study contributes to the literature on school uniforms and the sensory aspects of clothing. Guidelines for parents are presented and future research possibilities are discussed.
A qualitative study of occupational therapists’ understanding of spirituality in South Africa
(Springer, 2023-04) Balbadhur, Raashmi; Rudman, Elsje; Janse van Rensburg, Michelle Nedine Schorn; Heyns, Tanya; raashmi.balbadhur@up.ac.za
Occupational therapy is a holistic profession that assists clients to restore meaning to their lives—a vital spiritual task. Spirituality is a multifaceted and multidimensional construct that occupational therapists need to integrate into everyday practice. In this study, Occupational Therapy educators’ and clinicians’ understanding of spirituality in their practice was qualitatively explored by purposively selecting 24 participants who attended a workshop based on an appreciative approach, in Gauteng, South Africa. Data were collected through self-report interview schedules and focus group inquiries and were analysed using the creative hermeneutic method. Participants expressed spirituality in occupational therapy as connectedness, meaning of life and client-centred practice.

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