Mental health practices in rehabilitation for youth with physical disabilities: a chart review study.

PURPOSE: Evidence on co-occurring mental health problems in youth with physical disabilities is growing, however how services are provided remains unclear. This study examined current interprofessional rehabilitation practices for physical and mental health services. METHODS: Youth (aged 15-24) followed for a physical disability that had mental health problems were identified. Chart reviews were used to identify practices. Mental health-related diagnoses/symptoms, assessments, goals, interventions, and referrals were extracted for inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Sixty charts were reviewed. Mental health problems included anxiety (n = 53), depression (n = 25), neurodevelopmental (n = 19) and personality disorders (n = 8), often (n = 36) citing more than one. No mental health assessments were found, and in 43%, no goals or interventions were evident. Relevant goals (n = 98) targeted emotional management, autonomy/communication of needs, acceptance of physical condition, socialization, routines/energy levels, school/work supports, and leisure/calming environments. Interventions (n = 104) included emotional management, formal individual/group therapy, links with external supports, routines/activities, reflection/acceptance, and school/work support. Mental health services were received in-house (n = 24) and/or externally (n = 30), plus 18 referrals pending and 14 not referred. CONCLUSION: Many had more than one mental health problem, suggesting the complexity of their condition. While some mental health goals/interventions are documented, problems may often not be reported or addressed in this context.

Further attention can be directed to the needs of youth with physical disabilities and co-occurring mental health problems as they are not fully addressed by current interdisciplinary rehabilitation practices.Follow-up (services and referrals) should be adapted to the holistic needs of youth and their goals within the rehabilitation context.Rehabilitation professionals can be provided with training to build workforce capacity in mental health screening and have access to guidance when addressing situations related to mental health or referring to external services.

Caregiver strategies supporting community participation among children and youth with or at risk for disabilities: a mixed-methods study.

Introduction: The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to examine the role of caregiver strategies to support community participation among children and youth with disabilities and those at risk, from the caregiver perspective. For the quantitative phase, we tested the hypothesized positive effect of participation-focused caregiver strategies on the relationship(s) between participation-related constructs and community participation attendance and involvement. For the qualitative phase, we solicited caregiver perspectives to explain the quantitative findings. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design (QUAN > qual) was used. For the quantitative phase, we conducted secondary analyses of data collected during a second follow-up phase of a longitudinal cohort study, including 260 families of children and youth (mean age: 13.5 years) with disabilities and those at risk [i.e., 120 families of children and youth with craniofacial microsomia (CFM); 140 families of children and youth with other types of childhood-onset disabilities]. Data were collected through the Participation and Environment Measure-Children and Youth, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and the Child Behavior Checklist and analyzed using structural equation modeling. For the qualitative phase, we conducted semi-structured interviews with eight caregivers of children and youth with disabilities and those at risk (i.e., three caregivers of children and youth with CFM; five caregivers of children and youth with other childhood-onset disabilities). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively content-analyzed. Results: Our model reached acceptable to close model fit [CFI = 0.952; RMSEA = 0.068 (90% CI = 0.054-0.082); SRMR = 0.055; TLI = 0.936], revealing no significant effect of the number of participation-focused caregiver strategies on the relationships between participation-related constructs (e.g., activity competence, environment/context) and community participation in terms of attendance and involvement. The qualitative findings revealed three main categories for how caregivers explained these quantitative results: (1) caregiver workload and supports needed for implementing strategies; (2) caregivers careful strategy quality appraisal; and (3) community setting characteristics hindering successful strategy implementation. Discussion: The findings suggest that the insignificant effect of the number of caregiver strategies may be explained by the intensified need for caregiver effort and support to develop and implement quality strategies that are responsive to community setting characteristics.

How can we reach long-lasting inclusive participation for all? A vision for the future.

In 2022, an international conference was held focusing on 'participation'. We shared current evidence, identified knowledge gaps and worked together to understand what new knowledge and community and practice changes were needed. This brief communication is a summary of the conference delegates' discussions. We present the key assumptions we make about participation and propose what is needed to create change for societies, communities, families and individuals. While we have some robust evidence to support participation approaches, more is needed, and it is everyone's responsibility to build an inclusive society where participation for all is the reality.

Participation Patterns of Israeli Children with and without Autism, and the Impact of Environment.

AIMS: Participation is vital to children's quality of life, yet it is often limited for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An improved understanding of the factors that may support or hinder their participation is important. This study aims to explore the participation patterns of children with and without ASD in the home, school, and community settings, as well as to explore the impact of environmental factors on the participation of children with ASD. METHODS: 78 parents of children aged 6-12, attending mainstream educational settings (30 with ASD; 48 without ASD) completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth and a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: Children with ASD were rated significantly lower than children without ASD in participation, and their parents expressed a greater desire to change their participation while reporting lower overall environmental support. Among the ASD group, significant differences in participation were found across the three settings, with the highest participation scores at home. Environmental factors that support or limit children's participation were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of environmental factors in children's participation. It is essential to evaluate different environmental settings; identifying the supportive and limiting environmental factors will enhance interventions for children with ASD.

Reliability and Validity of the Youth and Young-Adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM): An Initial Evaluation.

AIM: To examine psychometric properties and aspects of utility of the Youth and young-adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM). METHODS: Young people with and without physical disabilities (n = 113) aged 12 to 31 (x¯ = 23; SD = 4.3) completed an online survey containing the Y-PEM and QQ-10 questionnaire. To examine construct validity, differences in participation levels and environmental barriers/facilitators were examined between those with (n = 56) and without disabilities (n = 57) via t-test. Internal consistency was computed using Cronbach's alpha. To examine test-retest reliability, a sub-sample of 70 participants completed the Y-PEM a second time, 2-4 weeks apart. The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. RESULTS: Descriptively, participants with disabilities had lower levels of frequency and involvement across all four settings: home, school/educational, community, workplace. Internal consistency were 0.71 and above (up to 0.82) across all scales with the exception of home (0.52) and workplace frequency (0.61). Test-retest reliability were 0.70 and above (up to 0.85) across all settings except for environmental supports at school (0.66) and workplace frequency (0.43). Y-PEM was perceived as a valuable tool with relatively low burden. CONCLUSIONS: Initial psychometric properties are promising. Findings support Y-PEM's use as a feasible self-reported questionnaire for individuals aged 12-30 years old.

Participation of Children With Autism During COVID-19: The Role of Maternal Participation.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about participation during adverse times. OBJECTIVES: This study described participation of children with autism aged 6 to 13 during COVID-19 pandemic and examined the extent to which child factors, mother's own participation, and environmental barriers/supports explain child participation in home and community. METHOD: A total of 130 mothers completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth, the Health Promoting Activities Scale, functional issues checklist, and sociodemographic questionnaire. RESULTS: Children's participation frequency and involvement were significantly higher at home than in the community. In both settings, mothers desired change in 71% of activities. Multiple regression models indicated that child's age and mother's participation frequency significantly explained child's home involvement (R2 = 21%), where mother's participation (frequency) had a unique contribution (ΔR2 = 10.4%) at home but not in the community. CONCLUSION: Findings imply the importance of maternal participation to child's participation at home and suggest redirecting attention for enhancing family participation as a whole.

Is the Y-PEM useful for me? Perspectives of youth with visual impairment.

PURPOSE: To explore how youth with visual impairments perceive the usefulness of the Y-PEM (Youth and Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure) in capturing their participation and how information generated contributes to their understanding of participation experiences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was employed among 11 youth with visual impairment (3 females, 8 males) aged 17-24 (x¯ = 21, SD = 2.6) involving two remote sessions one week apart. First, the Y-PEM and QQ-10 questionnaire were administered to evaluate Y-PEM's utility (value and burden), analyzed descriptively. Then, youth reflected on their Y-PEM results via an individual semi-structured Stimulated Recall Interview (SRI), analyzed thematically. RESULTS: A mean value-score of 77% (SD = 10.4) and burden-score of 19% (SD = 5.6) on the QQ-10 indicated the Y-PEM was perceived as valuable with relatively low burden. Three themes emerged from the interviews. Insights on participation revealed increased awareness of participation patterns and environmental factors. This led to a reflection on personal attributes about levels of comfort and familiarity, efforts required to participate, and personal preferences influencing participation experiences. Finally, approaches to participation elucidated strategies used in decision-making processes about pursuing participation. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest the Y-PEM is useful in capturing and promoting reflection of youth's participation patterns and environmental supports/barriers.

The Y-PEM PEM (Youth and Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure) appears to provide a meaningful way for youth with visual impairments to understand their participation patterns and experiencesDiscussing youth's results of the Y-PEM with them can lead to new insights and reflections about their participation preferences, environmental barriers and supports, and other influential personal and external factors on their participationUsing the Y-PEM as a tool to facilitate this reflection and discussion about youth's participation can guide therapy interventions focused on participation through eliciting meaningful client-centered goals as well as strategies to address environmental barriers.

Environment-based approaches to improve participation of young people with physical disabilities during COVID-19.

AIM: To examine the effects of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) activity performance and satisfaction, and (2) motor, cognitive, and affective body functions. METHOD: An interrupted time-series design with multiple baselines across 21 young people (13 females, eight males) aged 16 to 25 years (median = 21 years 5 months) with physical disabilities was employed. The young people engaged in an 8-week self-chosen leisure activity (e.g. football, piano, photography) at their home or community. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) assessed activity performance and satisfaction weekly. Mental health problems, including affective and cognitive outcomes, were assessed weekly using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition. Motor functions (e.g. trunk control, reaching, strength) were assessed biweekly. Linear mixed-effects models were used. RESULTS: The intervention had large effects on activity performance (0.78) and satisfaction (0.88) with clinically significant change in COPM scores (2.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 2.0-3.2] and 3.2 points [95% CI: 2.4-3.9] respectively). Young people without mental health problems at baseline benefited more from the intervention (p = 0.028). Improvements in at least one domain of body function occurred in 10 young people especially for motor outcomes. INTERPRETATION: Results demonstrate the effectiveness of PREP during adverse times and suggest benefits going beyond participation, involving outcomes at the body-function level.

Promoting Participation-Focused Practices in Inclusive Educational Settings: Stakeholders' Perspectives Following a Knowledge Translation Initiative.

IMPORTANCE: Available participation-focused interventions (e.g., the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation intervention [PREP]), are not well integrated into practice, indicating a knowledge-to-practice gap. OBJECTIVE: To explore the perspectives of school-based (SB) occupational therapists and occupational therapy managers following knowledge translation (KT) programs for facilitating participation-based practices in inclusive education. DESIGN: This was an implementation qualitative study. After taking part in KT programs for implementing PREP, which were tailored to the needs and contexts of each stakeholder group, occupational therapists participated in focus groups, and occupational therapy managers responded to open-ended survey questions. A content analysis was done separately for each group, then integrated and organized according to the Participation-focused KT (P-KT) framework. SETTING: Inclusive educational setting. PARTICIPANTS: Seven occupational therapists working in inclusive schools and 39 occupational therapy managers. RESULTS: We identified 10 themes addressing the micro, meso, and macro levels of the P-KT framework across the two groups. Five themes, common to all participants, addressed micro (e.g., setting participation-focused goals) and meso (e.g., school-PREP fit) levels. Macro-level themes were addressed by managers only (e.g., anchoring PREP to existing policy of the Israeli Ministry of Education). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Targeting different stakeholders at the micro and meso levels of the educational system can initiate a shift in practice toward a focus on participation. KT intersectoral initiatives at the macro level (e.g., targeting community services and local policies), and engaging other stakeholders (e.g., students, families, and educators), are required to ensure the sustainability of participation-based practices. What This Article Adds: The authors present two knowledge translation programs that target both occupational therapists and managers in the educational system. The programs promote a shift in school-based occupational therapy services toward a focus on participation and environment.

How cognitive and behavioural body-functions of children with ADHD are linked to their participation and environmental supports?

BACKGROUND: Children with chronic conditions face participation restrictions and exclusions. AIMS: To investigate how cognitive and behavioural body-functions are associated with 1) participation patterns and 2) environmental factors among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The study included 83 children with ADHD. Cognitive and behavioural body-functions were assessed with Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised Long-Version. The participation patterns of children were assessed with Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY). Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between cognitive and behavioural body-functions and (1) participation patterns at home, school and community settings, and (2) environmental supports and barriers. OUTCOME AND RESULTS: In home setting, inattention and ADHD index which determine ADHD children from typically developing peers, were the strongest factors, explaining 24.9 % of variance in activities that mothers wanted to change. In school setting, presence/level of oppositional behaviours had the strongest effect on environmental barriers, with variation of 29.8 %. In community setting, the strongest factor explaining environmental helpfulness was anxious/shy behaviours (16.1 %). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: When seeking to improve participation of children with ADHD both the cognitive and behavioural demands of chosen activities should be modified while creating environments that supports these challenges.

School participation among young people with craniofacial microsomia and other childhood-onset disabilities.

AIM: To examine how school environment, physical functioning problems, and behavioral problems explain levels of school participation (i.e. attendance and involvement) among young people with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and other childhood-onset disabilities, and whether participation-focused caregiver strategies play a role in these relationships. METHOD: We conducted secondary analyses of a subset of data (n = 260 families: 120 with CFM and 140 with other childhood-onset disabilities) from the second follow-up phase of a longitudinal cohort study. We applied structural equation modeling with data collected from the Participation and Environment Measure - Children and Youth version, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory physical functioning scale. RESULTS: Model fit was acceptable to close (comparative fit index = 0.973; root mean square error of approximation = 0.055; standardized root mean squared residual = 0.043; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.958). School environmental support had a positive effect on young people's participation attendance and involvement, and physical functioning problems had a negative effect on participation involvement. The number of disclosed caregiver strategies had a significant positive effect on the relationship between school environmental support and school participation attendance. INTERPRETATION: Findings confirm the effect of school environmental support and physical functioning problems on school participation and highlight the role of participation-focused caregiver strategies to intensify the positive effect of school environmental support on school participation attendance.

Mental health problems among transition-aged youth with physical disabilities: an initial evaluation.

Aim: Decreased participation and complex transitions into adulthood among youth with disabilities may impede their well-being. To advance knowledge on the co-occurrence of mental health problems and physical disability, this brief report describes the frequency of mental health problems, measured by the Behavior Assessment System of Children (BASC-3), among transition-aged youth (14-25 years) with physical disabilities and examines the association between mental health problems and sex, age, and number of functional issues. Methods: Thirty-three participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the BASC-3. Frequency of BASC-3 scales falling within 3 categories: "within norms", "at risk", and "clinically significant" were described. Crosstabs and Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between BASC-3 scales and sex, age (< and ≥ 20), and number of functional issues (< and ≥ 6). Results: Overall, "somatization", "self-esteem", "depression" and "sense of inadequacy" were the most common subscales being at risk. Participants with a higher number of functional issues (≥6) were more likely to fall within "at risk" or "clinically significant" categories across 20 (out of 22) BASC-3 scales, and female participants tended to fall more within "at risk" or "clinically significant" categories for 8 of BASC-3 scales. Younger participants (<20) were ranked in the "at risk" or "clinically significant" categories for 7 scales. Conclusions: Findings lend further support for the occurrence of mental health problems emerging in youth with physical disabilities and highlight initial trends especially across functional levels. Further investigation of such co-occurrences and the factors that affect their development is needed.

Organization of rehabilitation services for youth with physical disabilities and mental health problems: A scoping review.

Introduction: Youth with childhood-onset physical disabilities receiving rehabilitation services often present with many complex needs. Emerging evidence confirms co-occurrence of mental health problems in this population is common, and mental health is often overlooked during rehabilitation for chronic physical conditions. For example, symptoms of depression and anxiety are frequently present in adolescents with physical disability such as spina bifida or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and access to mental health services is often limited. Addressing mental health concerns for this age group is particularly critical as it encompasses a challenging transition to adulthood. Objectives: Building upon findings from a recent scoping review on the co-occurrence of physical disabilities and mental health problems, this paper synthesizes scientific literature related to the organization and delivery of services for youth with co-occurring childhood-onset physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida) and mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety). Methods: A scoping review protocol stemming from Arksey & O'Malley's framework and updated guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute was developed. Four databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase) were searched. The search was limited to French or English peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2021. Articles included were primary papers addressing: 1) youth aged 15 to 24 with a childhood-onset physical disability, 2) mental health problems, and 3) healthcare service organization or delivery. They were screened by two reviewers and discussed with a third to establish consensus on the inclusion criteria and resolve disagreements. Results: Sixteen articles were retained from the 1,010 screened. Many (9/16) were from the United States. Two models were found: the Biopsychosocial, Collaborative, Agency-Based Service Integration Approach (including psychiatry in a pediatric rehabilitation hospital) and the Client Network Consultation (an interagency collaboration in mental health care for children with complex healthcare needs). Twelve key principles for service organization and delivery were identified and categorized into: collaboration and coordination, training and support, and delivery of care. Conclusion: Identified principles can guide improved service delivery for this population. Highlighted research gaps include the need for developing models of collaborative healthcare delivery and subsequently evaluating their effectiveness.

Improving Participation among Youth with Disabilities within Their Unique Socio-Cultural Context during COVID-19 Pandemic: Initial Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Participation in meaningful activities is important for quality of life among youth with disabilities; yet participation is often restricted during adverse times. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention among ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israeli youth with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A 20-week single-subject research design with multiple baselines measuring participation goals/activities was employed with two youths (15 and 19 years old) combining quantitative and qualitative descriptive data. Changes in participation levels were measured biweekly using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure; COPM; participation patterns were measured using the Participation and Environment Measure-Children and Youth; PEM-CY pre- and post-intervention; parents' satisfaction was measured using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, CSQ-8. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention. RESULTS: Both participants significantly improved participation in all selected goals and participation patterns, and were highly satisfied with the intervention. The interviews revealed additional information on personal and environmental barriers, factors supporting intervention, and intervention effects. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that an environment-centered and family-centered approach can potentially improve the participation of youths with disabilities within their unique socio-cultural context, during adverse times. Flexibility, creativity, and collaboration with others also contributed to intervention success.

Practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention combined with a context-focused intervention for children with cerebral palsy: a protocol of a feasibility randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to investigate relevant, acceptable and feasible approaches that promote participation in leisure-time physical activity for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial comparing a peer-group intervention focused on improving physical literacy (Sports Stars) with the combination of Sports Stars and a context-focused intervention (Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation, PREP) for ambulant children with CP in Brazil. METHODS: In this feasibility trial, 18 ambulant children (aged 6-12 years) with CP will be randomised into two groups (nine per group): (1) Sports Stars and (2) Sports Stars plus PREP. The Sports Stars group will receive 8 weekly group sessions, focusing on developing the physical, social, cognitive and psychological skills required to participate in popular Brazilian sports. The combined Sports Stars and PREP group will receive Sports Stars in addition to eight individual PREP sessions focused on overcoming environmental barriers to participation. The primary outcome will include feasibility measures: willingness to participate in an RCT, eligibility and recruitment rates, maintenance of evaluator blinding, acceptability of screening procedures and random allocation, feasibility of evaluating outcomes, contamination between the groups, intervention adherence, treatment satisfaction, understanding of the intervention and implementation resources. Additional instruments will be applied to obtain data related to leisure-time physical activity participation goals, overall participation (home, school and community), physical literacy, level of physical activity and family empowerment. Outcomes will be assessed before, after and 12 weeks after intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This feasibility trial has been approved by ethical Federal University of Minas Gerais' Ethics Review Committee (CAAE: 33238520.5.0000.5149). All potential subjects will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and be presented at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: RBR-4m3b4b6, U1111-1256-4998.

Development and content validity of the youth and young-adult participation and environment measure (Y-PEM).

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate the content of a self-reported measure of participation and environment, named Youth, Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM), capturing participation at home, school, community, and the workplace among individuals with physical disabilities aged 12-30. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-phase sequential design based on elements of COnsensus for Standard Measurements INstrument was employed. Five consecutive rounds of cognitive interviews with 24 participants aged 12-33 years (X̅ = 20.9; n = 19 with a physical disability) and consultation with experts (n = 15) were conducted for item development and validation. Relevancy and clarity of items in each setting were assessed using the 10-cm Visual Analogue Scales (VASs). RESULTS: Participants recommended adding activities specific to this age group (i.e., dating, caregiving, preparing meals, employment). On a 4-point Likert scale, work-related items were perceived important by experts (X̅ = 3.4) and young adults (X̅ = 3.1) with average clarity of 8.8 and relevancy of 8.4 out of 10, on the VASs. Similarly, the average clarity of items across settings (home, school, community) ranged from 6.9 to 8.7 and relevancy from 7.4 to 8.1. No modifications were required in environmental items. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that Y-PEM is clear, relevant, comprehensive, and can be completed by individuals aged 12-30 with physical disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Y-PEM can provide a standardized and systematic method to assess the first-hand subjective experience of youth and young adults with disabilities aged 12-30 in their participation at home, school, community, and the workplace.The Y-PEM can provide information regarding participation in activities that prepare youth or young adults for the job market as well as their perspective on the environmental barriers or supports that they may face in their employment.Clinicians can use the Y-PEM to identify environmental barriers and facilitators that impact participation across different settings and address them to further promote participation in meaningful and age-related activities.

Supporting rehabilitation stakeholders in making service delivery decisions: a rapid review of multi-criteria decision analysis methods.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to synthesize knowledge about multi-criteria decision analysis methods for supporting rehabilitation service design and delivery decisions, including: (1) describing the use of these methods within rehabilitation, (2) identifying decision types that can be supported by these methods, (3) describing client and family involvement, and (4) identifying implementation considerations. METHODS: We conducted a rapid review in collaboration with a knowledge partner, searching four databases for peer-reviewed articles reporting primary research. We extracted relevant data from included studies and synthesized it descriptively and with conventional content analysis. RESULTS: We identified 717 records, of which 54 met inclusion criteria. Multi-criteria decision analysis methods were primarily used to understand the strength of clients' and clinicians' preferences (n = 44), and five focused on supporting decision making. Shared decision making with stakeholders was evident in only two studies. Clients and families were mostly engaged in data collection and sometimes in selecting the relevant criteria. Good practices for supporting external validity were inconsistently reported. Implementation considerations included managing cognitive complexity and offering authentic choices. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-criteria decision analysis methods are promising for better understanding client and family preferences and priorities across rehabilitation professions, contexts, and caseloads. Further work is required to use these methods in shared decision making, for which increased use of qualitative methods and stakeholder engagement is recommended. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMulti-criteria decision analysis methods are promising for evidence-based, shared decision making for rehabilitation.However, most studies to date have focused on estimating stakeholder preferences, not supporting shared decision making.Cognitive complexity and modelling authentic and realistic decision choices are major barriers to implementation.Stakeholder-engagement and qualitative methods are recommended to address these barriers.

Mental health problems among adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset physical disabilities: A scoping review.

Aim: This scoping review aims to better understand the extent and nature of research activity on the topic of mental health problems in young people with childhood-onset physical disabilities. Specifically, we document what has been investigated in terms of the occurrence and experience of mental health problems among young people with childhood-onset physical disabilities, and their access to mental health services. Methods: We searched four databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase) for articles published between 2007 and 2019. Studies were included if they addressed: (1) young people between the ages of 13 and 24 with a childhood-onset physical disability, and (2) mental health assessment, treatment, or service access and use. Results: We identified 33 peer-reviewed studies that focused mainly on young people with cerebral palsy, juvenile arthritis, and spina bifida. The most common mental health problems investigated were depression and mood related difficulties (73%), anxiety (39%), and social/behavioural issues (33%) and the most common age range was 13 to 17. Ten studies explored access, use, and experiences of mental health services; stigma; caregiver mental health; and value for comprehensive care, using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Conclusions: Findings suggest the importance of developing integrated models of service delivery to identify and address the mental health needs of this population, and consensus on best practices for assessment and reporting rates of subclinical symptoms and psychiatric conditions.

Capturing and Operationalizing Participation in Pediatric Re/Habilitation Research Using Artificial Intelligence: A Scoping Review.

Background: There is increased interest in using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide participation-focused pediatric re/habilitation. Existing reviews on the use of AI in participation-focused pediatric re/habilitation focus on interventions and do not screen articles based on their definition of participation. AI-based assessments may help reduce provider burden and can support operationalization of the construct under investigation. To extend knowledge of the landscape on AI use in participation-focused pediatric re/habilitation, a scoping review on AI-based participation-focused assessments is needed. Objective: To understand how the construct of participation is captured and operationalized in pediatric re/habilitation using AI. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of literature published in Pubmed, PsycInfo, ERIC, CINAHL, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, ACL Anthology, AAAI Digital Library, and Google Scholar. Documents were screened by 2-3 independent researchers following a systematic procedure and using the following inclusion criteria: (1) focuses on capturing participation using AI; (2) includes data on children and/or youth with a congenital or acquired disability; and (3) published in English. Data from included studies were extracted [e.g., demographics, type(s) of AI used], summarized, and sorted into categories of participation-related constructs. Results: Twenty one out of 3,406 documents were included. Included assessment approaches mainly captured participation through annotated observations (n = 20; 95%), were administered in person (n = 17; 81%), and applied machine learning (n = 20; 95%) and computer vision (n = 13; 62%). None integrated the child or youth perspective and only one included the caregiver perspective. All assessment approaches captured behavioral involvement, and none captured emotional or cognitive involvement or attendance. Additionally, 24% (n = 5) of the assessment approaches captured participation-related constructs like activity competencies and 57% (n = 12) captured aspects not included in contemporary frameworks of participation. Conclusions: Main gaps for future research include lack of: (1) research reporting on common demographic factors and including samples representing the population of children and youth with a congenital or acquired disability; (2) AI-based participation assessment approaches integrating the child or youth perspective; (3) remotely administered AI-based assessment approaches capturing both child or youth attendance and involvement; and (4) AI-based assessment approaches aligning with contemporary definitions of participation.

The impact of parent involvement on improving participation of children born preterm: The story in the baseline.

Background: Preterm birth continues to be a major public health challenge that has long term consequences on participation into adulthood. However, little is known about effective interventions to improve the participation of children born preterm. Methods: This study gathered initial evidence on the usefulness of a goal-focused, environmental-based approach (Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP)) in improving the participation of children born preterm, and living in Ireland. Three school-age boys (6-7 years old) with a history of preterm birth participated in the 12-week PREP intervention. A 36-week single-subject AB design was employed and replicated across 3 different participation goals within each child and across 3 children. Activity performance was measured repeatedly, through parental involvement, using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), providing 9 individual outcome trajectories. Visual inspection and mixed-effects segmented regression were used. Results: Goals were selected from various participation domains and settings. Throughout the baseline phase, once goals were set, significant improvements in activity performance were observed for all participants (t = 14.06, p < 0.001). Further clinically significant improvements (2.58 on the COPM) for all 9 participation goals were seen in overall performance during the intervention phase. These changes remained at follow-up. Conclusions: Findings support family-centered practice and draw attention to the power of goal setting in improving participation within this context. Challenges with single-subject design with this population were also highlighted. Results demonstrate the potential impact of parent involvement when using an environmental-based approach to improve the participation of this underserved population.