Exploring Play Interactions of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Pets.

The purpose of this secondary qualitative analysis was to explore the play interactions of children with autism (n = 10) and their pets in the home environment. Researchers coded 115 minutes of video of children playing with their pets at home and transcripts from eight caregiver interviews. Thematic analysis revealed six codes which represented three themes, including children with ASD play with pets in a variety of ways, playing with pets supports child development, and playing with pets yields benefits for children with ASD. Findings suggest playing with pets may be beneficial for developing responsibility and social skills of children with ASD, particularly in how they interact with animals. Future research should examine perspectives of families who do not own or who have relinquished pets and perspectives of adults with ASD to better understand positive and negative aspects of pet play.

Evidence-based practice models and frameworks in the healthcare setting: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this scoping review was to identify and review current evidence-based practice (EBP) models and frameworks. Specifically, how EBP models and frameworks used in healthcare settings align with the original model of (1) asking the question, (2) acquiring the best evidence, (3) appraising the evidence, (4) applying the findings to clinical practice and (5) evaluating the outcomes of change, along with patient values and preferences and clinical skills. DESIGN: A Scoping review. INCLUDED SOURCES AND ARTICLES: Published articles were identified through searches within electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus) from January 1990 to April 2022. The English language EBP models and frameworks included in the review all included the five main steps of EBP. Excluded were models and frameworks focused on one domain or strategy (eg, frameworks focused on applying findings). RESULTS: Of the 20 097 articles found by our search, 19 models and frameworks met our inclusion criteria. The results showed a diverse collection of models and frameworks. Many models and frameworks were well developed and widely used, with supporting validation and updates. Some models and frameworks provided many tools and contextual instruction, while others provided only general process instruction. The models and frameworks reviewed demonstrated that the user must possess EBP expertise and knowledge for the step of assessing evidence. The models and frameworks varied greatly in the level of instruction to assess the evidence. Only seven models and frameworks integrated patient values and preferences into their processes. CONCLUSION: Many EBP models and frameworks currently exist that provide diverse instructions on the best way to use EBP. However, the inclusion of patient values and preferences needs to be better integrated into EBP models and frameworks. Also, the issues of EBP expertise and knowledge to assess evidence must be considered when choosing a model or framework.

Exploring Effects of Sensory Garments on Participation of Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pretest-Posttest Repeated Measure Design.

Objective: Autistic children experience sensory challenges that interfere with participation and increase parent stress. Sensory-based interventions are used to address children's behaviors affected by sensory processing difficulties, but research is limited regarding use of sensory garments to support participation of autistic children. This study explored sensory garment effects on participation, parental competence, and perceived stress of autistic children and their parents. Method: Twenty-one children were recruited and 17 males with ASD and atypical sensory processing patterns completed the 14-week study. The Canadian Occupational Performance (COPM) and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) were used to set and monitor participation goals. After a baseline period, children wore sensory garment(s) for 8 weeks. The COPM, GAS, Parent Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), and Parent Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) were administered four times (prebaseline, before and after the intervention, and three weeks postintervention). Results: There were moderate to large significant differences in both COPM and GAS scores after the intervention and from the beginning to the end of the study indicating sensory garments may improve participation of autistic children. There were no significant differences in PSI or PSOC at any timepoint. Two children rejected the garments. Conclusions: Parent- or child-selected sensory garments may improve participation in individually meaningful activities for children who can tolerate wearing them. Children's improvement in participation did not improve parent stress or competence, possibly due to the passive nature of the intervention. More research is needed explore the influence of heterogeneous sensory patterns on response to intervention.

Effects of Sensory Garments on Sleep of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the use of sensory garments for improving sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder. METHOD: Using a single-subject ABAB reversal design, the researchers evaluated the effectiveness of a sensory garment on sleep duration, sleep latency, and parental stress related to a child's sleep. Four children aged 4-10 participated. We measured sleep duration and sleep latency using the Garmin watches and parent-report sleep logs, parent stress using the Parenting Stress Index Short Form, and sleep behaviors using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Results/Discussion. Data showed variable effects on sleep duration and latency across children. The oldest child with the hyposensitive sensory patterns experienced the greatest sleep improvements. All parents experienced stress from daily life, and some reported increased stress due to study participation. Future research is recommended to further investigate the effectiveness of sensory garments on sleep for children with ASD. Therapists are encouraged to evaluate children's development and sensory preferences prior to recommending sensory garments for sleep.

A Qualitative Investigation of Swimming Experiences of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Families.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the swimming experience from the perspective of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. METHODS: We interviewed 12 diverse families using a semi-structured interview with follow-up probing questions related to their swimming experiences. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by researchers. RESULTS: Themes included family water activities, safety, characteristics of ASD, instructional methods, swim skills, swimming preferences, barriers/challenges, and benefits of swimming. Findings indicate positive experiences and skill acquisition were prevalent when instructional methods matched a child's unique needs. Parents revealed they were more confident in safety as their children's swimming competence improved. Individualized instructional methods and unique characteristics of ASD may influence perceived safety.

Use of Virtual Reality to Distract From Pain and Anxiety.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of a virtual reality intervention on pain and anxiety in patients undergoing a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedure. SAMPLE & SETTING: 97 adults in an outpatient cancer center in the midwestern United States. METHODS & VARIABLES: In this quasiexperimental study, participants were assigned to either the experimental group (use of virtual reality goggles) or the control group (standard treatment). Vital signs, pain, and anxiety were measured before and after the procedure. T tests and chi-square tests were used to compare the two groups based on demographic data, pain, anxiety, and total amount of medication used during the procedure. RESULTS: Participants who wore virtual reality goggles during a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedure did not experience a statistically significant decrease in pain and anxiety. However, the experimental and control groups showed a decrease in pain and anxiety levels from pre- to postprocedure. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Virtual reality goggles may be a feasible, noninvasive alternative to traditional pharmacologic treatment. The cost of any intervention would need to be considered. Virtual reality should be researched and adapted to benefit patients in appropriate settings.

Preliminary Investigation of Workplace-Provided Compressed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Pediatric Medical Social Workers.

Mindfulness practices, including mindfulness meditation, show promise for decreasing stress among health care providers. This exploratory study investigates the feasibility of a two-day compressed mindfulness-based stress reduction (cMBSR) course provided in the hospital workplace with pediatric health care social workers. The standard course of Jon Kabat-Zinn's MBSR requires a participant commitment to eight weeks of instruction consisting of one 2.5-hour-per-week class, a single day retreat, and 45 minutes of practice for six of seven days each week. Commitments to family, work, caregiving, education, and so on, as well as limitations such as distance, may prevent health care providers from participating in a standard MBSR course. Using t tests, researchers measured the effect of cMBSR on (a) positive and negative experiences in pediatric social work, (b) perceived stress, (c) mindfulness, and (d) caring self-efficacy (as a component of patient- and family-centered care). Results included significant differences between the pre- and post-intervention outcome variables on the Professional Quality of Life Secondary Traumatic Stress subscale, the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale, and the Caring Efficacy Scale. Findings found adequate evidence for the feasibility of cMBSR design and for a need of a more rigorous study of the effects of the cMBSR intervention.

Relationships between adolescent body mass index, physical activity, and sensory-processing patterns: Relations entre l'indice de masse corporelle, l'activité physique et les schèmes d'intégration sensorielle des adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Trends show a significant decline with adolescent physical activity (PA). Knowledge regarding how sensory-processing patterns and body mass index (BMI) relate to adolescents' PA participation is scarce. PURPOSE: This study investigated if relationships exist between adolescent BMI, sensory processing, and PA participation. METHOD: This correlational study collected data from 141 adolescents who completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and the Physical Activity Questionnaire-Adolescent. Their BMIs were calculated using self-reported age, height, and weight. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-tailed Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. FINDINGS: Adolescents with different sensory-processing patterns reported participation in both similar and distinct PAs. Participation in PA and BMI shared no significant correlation. Sensory sensitivity and BMI total ( rs = -.171, p = .044) and BMI percentile ( rs = -.191, p = .024) demonstrated significant correlations. Analysis revealed a correlation between sensory seeking patterns and PA ( rs = .224, p = .008) as well as correlations among sensory quadrants and participation in specific PAs. IMPLICATIONS: Occupational therapists should consider an adolescent's sensory preferences when recommending PA interventions.

Social Work Research in Practice: Lessons Learned.

Using data and research to drive and evaluate clinical decision-making continues to slowly gain prominence across social work settings. This article shares insights and recommendations from a novice social work investigator to encourage other social workers to consider the value of researching while in practice. Practitioners new to research need encouragement and support. This article provides ideas for easing the first steps towards research to avoid potentially discouraging pitfalls.

A qualitative study of blood and marrow transplant patient experiences participating in art making and music listening.

PURPOSE: To explore patient experiences of engaging in art making or music listening while receiving treatment in a blood and marrow transplant clinic. METHOD: Researchers recruited 25 individuals receiving blood and marrow transplant (BMT) treatment, 12 men and 13 women aged 22 to 74, from a Midwestern outpatient BMT clinic. Participants engaged in a painting activity or listened to music on an iPad using an internet music application for one hour. Researchers interviewed participants after the one-hour activity to gain insight into participants' perceptions of the art making or music listening experience. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently coded by members of the research team. Researchers met on several occasions to analyse codes and agree on emerging themes. RESULTS: Nine themes emerged from the data including, Engaging in Activity, Art and Music in Daily Life, Expression, Engaging with Equipment, Novelty, BMT Process, Activity Process, Social Support, and Living Situation. Participants enjoyed art making and music listening and found the activities beneficial during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Participants benefited from art making and music listening because these activities increased the variety of options available during treatment, allowed for self-expression, and could be done alone or with caregivers.

Effects of Making Art and Listening to Music on Symptoms Related to Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To understand the benefits of making art and listening to music and whether those activities may be beneficial for reducing symptoms associated with blood and marrow transplantation. 
. DESIGN: A randomized, three-group, pre-/post-pilot design.
. SETTING: Outpatient Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic at the University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City.
. SAMPLE: 39 adults aged from 22-74 years receiving blood and marrow transplantations.
. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Therapy-related symptoms, state anxiety, and physiologic distress.
. FINDINGS: Of the 39 participants, 14 were randomized to the control group, 14 to the art group, and 11 to the diversional music group. No significant differences in age, gender, ethnicity, or diagnosis existed between groups. No statistical differences were found between groups on all measures following the intervention. 
. CONCLUSIONS: Although the results of the current study did not indicate significant differences, healthcare professionals may still consider creative therapies as a viable option for patients within hospital or outpatient clinics because they do not require specialty training or costly resources, and they may be an enjoyable activity to occupy time for patients and caregivers.
. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Art making and music listening are safe and desirable for patients undergoing blood and marrow transplantation in an outpatient clinic. Nurses might consider partnering with therapists to offer these creative therapies as diversion during treatment.

Mindfulness-based interventions with social workers and the potential for enhanced patient-centered care: A systematic review of the literature.

The use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) is well documented in the mental health, medical, and education literature. There is minimal research on the use of mindfulness with social workers. As demonstrated in other professional and helping fields, mindfulness may enhance clinical skills, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction among social workers. In the health care field mindfulness appears integral to patient and family relationships and personal resilience. The evolving and expanding role of hospital social workers may lead to increased work stress and greater demands from both the medical system and patients and families. Research with medical providers, such as physicians and nurses, suggests mindfulness may help in reducing stress, enhancing relationships, and fostering the self-reflection required to provide patient-centered care. We systematically reviewed the existing literature to begin understanding both mindfulness qualities and practices and the effectiveness of MBIs among social workers as well as the relationship of mindfulness to patient-centered care.

Families with children with medical complexity and self-management of care: a systematic review of the literature.

This review analyzes the quantitative literature on children with medical complexity (CMC). Using the Pediatric Self-Management Model, evidence is summarized into facilitators and barriers to self-management. Current quantitative research focuses on the caregiver burden in families with CMC. A model for social work with families with CMC was introduced in response to these findings. A re-envisioned model allows the child with medical complexity to be seen as whole rather than focusing on typically deficit-based areas of medical specialty or service provision.

Impact of a contextual intervention on child participation and parent competence among children with autism spectrum disorders: a pretest-posttest repeated-measures design.

OBJECTIVE. We tested an occupational therapy contextual intervention for improving participation in children with autism spectrum disorders and for developing parental competence. METHOD. Using a repeated-measures pretest-posttest design, we evaluated the effectiveness of a contextually relevant reflective guidance occupational therapy intervention involving three components: authentic activity settings, family's daily routines, and the child's sensory processing patterns (Sensory Profile). We used these components to coach 20 parents in strategies to support their child's participation. Intervention sessions involved reflective discussion with parents to support them in identifying strategies to meet their goals and make joint plans for the coming week. We measured child participation (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Goal Attainment Scaling) and parent competence (Parenting Sense of Competence, Parenting Stress Index). RESULTS. Results indicated that parents felt more competent and children significantly increased participation in everyday life, suggesting that this approach is an effective occupational therapy intervention.