Summary of the Workshop: The convenors of this workshop recognise the context of contemporary Eur... more Summary of the Workshop: The convenors of this workshop recognise the context of contemporary Europe, including: •The hardening political climate •The economy and the limitations to health and social care provided by state organisations •Expanded understandings of health that incorporate the impact of social determinants on inequal- ities of health •Societal and cultural changes including demographics and the ageing population •The increasing mobility of populations including that of refugees •The strengthening of social accountability by citizen participation in practice, education and re- search (although with considerable regional and cultural variation) We also recognise the beginnings of a shift within occupational therapy education, practice and research towards addressing these challenges. As a result we see the need for critical analysis and conceptual development that will provide coherent foundations for ongoing developments around occupation-based social transformation. T...
BackgroundAcquiring the theoretical and practical knowhow of conducting patient and public involv... more BackgroundAcquiring the theoretical and practical knowhow of conducting patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is not part of the traditional curriculum of researchers. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and Huis voor de Zorg, a regional umbrella patient organization, therefore started a 1.5‐year coaching programme.ObjectiveTo establish a community of practice by developing a PPI coaching programme for senior and junior health services researchers of Zuyd University. The context consisted of research projects conducted by the participants.MethodsA participatory action research methodology. Data were collected from reports of thematic group meetings and individual sessions with participants, field notes and regular reflection meetings with the project team. Data were analysed by reflexive deliberation.FindingsThe programme comprised a kick‐off meeting (52 attendees), followed by 7 group meetings with 11 junior and 9 senior researchers. The project team constructed a seriou...
Environments have a modifying effect on the participation of children and adolescents with autism... more Environments have a modifying effect on the participation of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in all areas of life. This cross-sectional study investigated parental perspectives on supportive or hindering environments and the daily contextual strategies parents used to enhance their children’s participation. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered from 115 parents from German-speaking Switzerland using the participation and environment measure-child and youth (PEM-CY) were analyzed. Results revealed 45 environmental supports and barriers at home, at school, and in the community. Contextual strategies were identified in combination with people, activities, time, objects, and places. Parental perspectives on participation and their contextual strategies should be considered in environmental-based interventions to support the participation of children and adolescents with ASD.
Background Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequentl... more Background Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequently, to use a measure like the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) in other than the original English-speaking contexts, cultural adaptation needs to be assured. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and adapt the PEM-CY into German as it is used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Methods Fifteen parents of children and adolescents with disabilities from three German speaking countries participated in three rounds of think-aloud interviews. We followed the procedure of cultural equivalence guidelines including two additional steps. Data was analyzed by content analysis using semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence. Results Results show adaptations mainly focused on experiential and conceptual equivalence. Examples of experiential equivalence included adapting the examples of activities in the PEM-CY to reflect typic...
This protocol describes the steps taken during the scoping review process about main features of ... more This protocol describes the steps taken during the scoping review process about main features of interventions targeting the school environment to enable participation of children with special needs in mainstream education. The registration of this protocol is warranted in order to publish a review. The related article is submitted.
Passend onderwijs is erop gericht alle kinderen te laten voelen dat ze erbij horen en om iedereen... more Passend onderwijs is erop gericht alle kinderen te laten voelen dat ze erbij horen en om iedereen onderwijs te geven dat bij hem of haar past. Het Nederlands-Scandinavische onderzoeksinnovatieproject 'Politics of belonging' richt zich op het optimaliseren van passend onderwijs voor kinderen tot en met 8 jaar in het basisonderwijs.
In de Canadese aanpak Partnering for Change Model, afgekort P4C ligt de focus op a) ondersteuning... more In de Canadese aanpak Partnering for Change Model, afgekort P4C ligt de focus op a) ondersteuning van de leerkracht binnen de klas door een ergotherapeut, b) ‘empowerment’ van leerkrachten en ouders en c) het aanpassen van de fysieke en sociale omgeving op school (in de klas). P4C biedt handvatten voor de leerkrachten, ergotherapeuten en ouders en zoekt naar oplossingen op schoolniveau, klasniveau en individueel niveau met intensieve betrokkenheid van alle partijen.
This article presents a student evaluation of a joint international education developed as part o... more This article presents a student evaluation of a joint international education developed as part of a European project which sought to equip health care practitioners with the skills to support employability of individuals furthest removed from the labour market, disadvantaged on account of age, gender, migration or ethnicity. Thirty eight students out of the forty one students that participated in the pilot of four modules (NL, UK, SE, DE) returned completed digital questionnaires (92.6% response rate). The study is descriptive by nature. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from students. Additionally students attending the module in the UK also took part in a series of qualitative interviews which sought to explore their experiences in more detail. These were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Students reported that joint education facilitates competence development. The competencies they identified (Information Communications Technology) were recognised as being key to e...
ABSTRACT Background The aim was to provide an overview of the number, domains and priority of nee... more ABSTRACT Background The aim was to provide an overview of the number, domains and priority of needs as expressed by parents in supporting participation of their school-aged child with a physical disability. Additionally, this study investigated whether the number of needs within each domain is related to the child's gross motor function level, parent's perceived own general health, family socio-economic status and family type.MethodA cross-sectional study with a total of 146 participants (84.9% mothers) who completed a survey including the Family Needs Inventory – Paediatric Rehabilitation, the Gross Motor Function Classification System Family Report Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. A need has been operationalized as ‘a family's, parent's or other family member's expressed desire for information, services and supports related to their family’. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were applied.ResultsParents (n = 146; response rate 27%) varied in the number of expressed needs (range 0–124; mean = 35.9; median = 30; SD = 25.6). Highest mean percentage scores were found for the domains ‘Laws, regulations and fees’ (36%), ‘Leisure time’ (35.6%) and ‘Aids, adaptations, facilities and resources’ (33.8%). Seven single needs were expressed by 50% or more of the parents. All domains of needs showed a positive correlation with perceived parental general health. The domains ‘Laws, regulations and fees’, ‘Day care & school’, ‘Emotional and mental support’ and ‘Raising my child’ correlated negatively with family socio-economic status; and child's gross motor function level correlated positively with the domains ‘Aids, adaptations, facilities and resources’, ‘Practical support at home’ and ‘Leisure time’.Conclusions As parents have a major influence on participation of children with a physical disability, meeting their individual needs should become an objective for service providers and policy makers. Family-centred service might be more effective by putting a greater emphasis on changing the environment.
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2002
ABSTRACT This study investigated some Slovenian people's experiences of well-being whilst... more ABSTRACT This study investigated some Slovenian people's experiences of well-being whilst engaged in daily occupations. No research has previously been carried out in this area in Slovenia. Research is needed to improve our knowledge about people's experiences while carrying out occupations to be able to better understand the needs of potential clients. In this qualitative study, focus groups involving 24 Slovenians from different parts of the country participated in the data collection. Four central themes were identified in the analysis: (1) occupation as the organizer of a preferred rhythm that creates a feeling of balance in life, (2) occupation as the creator of an experience of mastery and control, (3) occupation as a facilitator of social relationships, and (4) occupation as a way to connect and contribute to family and society.
Introduction: The concept of participation has been extensively used in health and social care li... more Introduction: The concept of participation has been extensively used in health and social care literature since the World Health Organization introduced its description in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in 2001. More recently, the concept of social participation is frequently used in research articles and policy reports. However, in the ICF, no specific definition exists for social participation, and an explanation of differences between the concepts is not available. Aim: The central question in this discussion article is whether participation, as defined by the ICF, and social participation are distinct concepts. This article illustrates the concepts of participation and social participation, presents a critical discussion of their definitions, followed by implications for rehabilitation and possible future directions. Discussion: A clear definition for participation or social participation does not yet exist. Definitions for social pa...
Summary of the Workshop: The convenors of this workshop recognise the context of contemporary Eur... more Summary of the Workshop: The convenors of this workshop recognise the context of contemporary Europe, including: •The hardening political climate •The economy and the limitations to health and social care provided by state organisations •Expanded understandings of health that incorporate the impact of social determinants on inequal- ities of health •Societal and cultural changes including demographics and the ageing population •The increasing mobility of populations including that of refugees •The strengthening of social accountability by citizen participation in practice, education and re- search (although with considerable regional and cultural variation) We also recognise the beginnings of a shift within occupational therapy education, practice and research towards addressing these challenges. As a result we see the need for critical analysis and conceptual development that will provide coherent foundations for ongoing developments around occupation-based social transformation. T...
BackgroundAcquiring the theoretical and practical knowhow of conducting patient and public involv... more BackgroundAcquiring the theoretical and practical knowhow of conducting patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is not part of the traditional curriculum of researchers. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and Huis voor de Zorg, a regional umbrella patient organization, therefore started a 1.5‐year coaching programme.ObjectiveTo establish a community of practice by developing a PPI coaching programme for senior and junior health services researchers of Zuyd University. The context consisted of research projects conducted by the participants.MethodsA participatory action research methodology. Data were collected from reports of thematic group meetings and individual sessions with participants, field notes and regular reflection meetings with the project team. Data were analysed by reflexive deliberation.FindingsThe programme comprised a kick‐off meeting (52 attendees), followed by 7 group meetings with 11 junior and 9 senior researchers. The project team constructed a seriou...
Environments have a modifying effect on the participation of children and adolescents with autism... more Environments have a modifying effect on the participation of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in all areas of life. This cross-sectional study investigated parental perspectives on supportive or hindering environments and the daily contextual strategies parents used to enhance their children’s participation. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered from 115 parents from German-speaking Switzerland using the participation and environment measure-child and youth (PEM-CY) were analyzed. Results revealed 45 environmental supports and barriers at home, at school, and in the community. Contextual strategies were identified in combination with people, activities, time, objects, and places. Parental perspectives on participation and their contextual strategies should be considered in environmental-based interventions to support the participation of children and adolescents with ASD.
Background Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequentl... more Background Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequently, to use a measure like the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) in other than the original English-speaking contexts, cultural adaptation needs to be assured. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and adapt the PEM-CY into German as it is used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Methods Fifteen parents of children and adolescents with disabilities from three German speaking countries participated in three rounds of think-aloud interviews. We followed the procedure of cultural equivalence guidelines including two additional steps. Data was analyzed by content analysis using semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence. Results Results show adaptations mainly focused on experiential and conceptual equivalence. Examples of experiential equivalence included adapting the examples of activities in the PEM-CY to reflect typic...
This protocol describes the steps taken during the scoping review process about main features of ... more This protocol describes the steps taken during the scoping review process about main features of interventions targeting the school environment to enable participation of children with special needs in mainstream education. The registration of this protocol is warranted in order to publish a review. The related article is submitted.
Passend onderwijs is erop gericht alle kinderen te laten voelen dat ze erbij horen en om iedereen... more Passend onderwijs is erop gericht alle kinderen te laten voelen dat ze erbij horen en om iedereen onderwijs te geven dat bij hem of haar past. Het Nederlands-Scandinavische onderzoeksinnovatieproject 'Politics of belonging' richt zich op het optimaliseren van passend onderwijs voor kinderen tot en met 8 jaar in het basisonderwijs.
In de Canadese aanpak Partnering for Change Model, afgekort P4C ligt de focus op a) ondersteuning... more In de Canadese aanpak Partnering for Change Model, afgekort P4C ligt de focus op a) ondersteuning van de leerkracht binnen de klas door een ergotherapeut, b) ‘empowerment’ van leerkrachten en ouders en c) het aanpassen van de fysieke en sociale omgeving op school (in de klas). P4C biedt handvatten voor de leerkrachten, ergotherapeuten en ouders en zoekt naar oplossingen op schoolniveau, klasniveau en individueel niveau met intensieve betrokkenheid van alle partijen.
This article presents a student evaluation of a joint international education developed as part o... more This article presents a student evaluation of a joint international education developed as part of a European project which sought to equip health care practitioners with the skills to support employability of individuals furthest removed from the labour market, disadvantaged on account of age, gender, migration or ethnicity. Thirty eight students out of the forty one students that participated in the pilot of four modules (NL, UK, SE, DE) returned completed digital questionnaires (92.6% response rate). The study is descriptive by nature. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from students. Additionally students attending the module in the UK also took part in a series of qualitative interviews which sought to explore their experiences in more detail. These were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Students reported that joint education facilitates competence development. The competencies they identified (Information Communications Technology) were recognised as being key to e...
ABSTRACT Background The aim was to provide an overview of the number, domains and priority of nee... more ABSTRACT Background The aim was to provide an overview of the number, domains and priority of needs as expressed by parents in supporting participation of their school-aged child with a physical disability. Additionally, this study investigated whether the number of needs within each domain is related to the child's gross motor function level, parent's perceived own general health, family socio-economic status and family type.MethodA cross-sectional study with a total of 146 participants (84.9% mothers) who completed a survey including the Family Needs Inventory – Paediatric Rehabilitation, the Gross Motor Function Classification System Family Report Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. A need has been operationalized as ‘a family's, parent's or other family member's expressed desire for information, services and supports related to their family’. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were applied.ResultsParents (n = 146; response rate 27%) varied in the number of expressed needs (range 0–124; mean = 35.9; median = 30; SD = 25.6). Highest mean percentage scores were found for the domains ‘Laws, regulations and fees’ (36%), ‘Leisure time’ (35.6%) and ‘Aids, adaptations, facilities and resources’ (33.8%). Seven single needs were expressed by 50% or more of the parents. All domains of needs showed a positive correlation with perceived parental general health. The domains ‘Laws, regulations and fees’, ‘Day care & school’, ‘Emotional and mental support’ and ‘Raising my child’ correlated negatively with family socio-economic status; and child's gross motor function level correlated positively with the domains ‘Aids, adaptations, facilities and resources’, ‘Practical support at home’ and ‘Leisure time’.Conclusions As parents have a major influence on participation of children with a physical disability, meeting their individual needs should become an objective for service providers and policy makers. Family-centred service might be more effective by putting a greater emphasis on changing the environment.
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2002
ABSTRACT This study investigated some Slovenian people's experiences of well-being whilst... more ABSTRACT This study investigated some Slovenian people's experiences of well-being whilst engaged in daily occupations. No research has previously been carried out in this area in Slovenia. Research is needed to improve our knowledge about people's experiences while carrying out occupations to be able to better understand the needs of potential clients. In this qualitative study, focus groups involving 24 Slovenians from different parts of the country participated in the data collection. Four central themes were identified in the analysis: (1) occupation as the organizer of a preferred rhythm that creates a feeling of balance in life, (2) occupation as the creator of an experience of mastery and control, (3) occupation as a facilitator of social relationships, and (4) occupation as a way to connect and contribute to family and society.
Introduction: The concept of participation has been extensively used in health and social care li... more Introduction: The concept of participation has been extensively used in health and social care literature since the World Health Organization introduced its description in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in 2001. More recently, the concept of social participation is frequently used in research articles and policy reports. However, in the ICF, no specific definition exists for social participation, and an explanation of differences between the concepts is not available. Aim: The central question in this discussion article is whether participation, as defined by the ICF, and social participation are distinct concepts. This article illustrates the concepts of participation and social participation, presents a critical discussion of their definitions, followed by implications for rehabilitation and possible future directions. Discussion: A clear definition for participation or social participation does not yet exist. Definitions for social pa...
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