Professional Perspectives on Children's Health Assets: A Delphi Study.

This study aims to describe a local community expert's perspective on the identification of and access to children's health assets and to gather proposals to promote children's health and well-being within their community. The health asset approach is essential for health promotion, and there is evidence of its benefits to individuals' or communities' health when this approach is observed. Children's health assets are gaining increasing interest, but the literature that captures the perception of professionals working with children is scarce. Qualitative research designed with Delphi methodology was carried out with the participation of 25 professionals working in a neighbourhood with children and families. The participants stated that this neighbourhood was a good environment for the healthy and happy growth of children but pointed out that there were inequities. They emphasised the importance of economic and physical security and feeling loved. The absolute best aspects of the neighbourhood according to these experts were its support networks, mutual help, educational and health services, and green spaces, and the most deficient aspects were the possibility of a hopeful future and emotional support within the family unit. Poverty and/or the scarcity of economic resources were identified as the main barriers to accessing health assets. Special difficulties in access to health for migrant and Roma children were also identified. The panel of experts made concrete action proposals. It was recommended to support resources and services that already exist in their community. The experts prioritised work with families, education, working in conjunction with vulnerable groups, community participation, and networking.

Is the Combination of Robot-Assisted Therapy and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Useful for Upper Limb Motor Recovery? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Stroke is the third leading cause of disability in the world, and effective rehabilitation is needed to improve lost functionality post-stroke. In this regard, robot-assisted therapy (RAT) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are promising rehabilitative approaches that have been shown to be effective in motor recovery. In the past decade, they have been combined to study whether their combination produces adjuvant and greater effects on stroke recovery. The aim of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of the combined use of RATs and tDCS in the motor recovery of the upper extremities after stroke. After reviewing 227 studies, we included nine randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in this study. We analysed the methodological quality of all nine RCTs in the meta-analysis. The analysed outcomes were deficit severity, hand dexterity, spasticity, and activity. The addition of tDCS to RAT produced a negligible additional benefit on the effects of upper limb function (SMD -0.09, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.12), hand dexterity (SMD 0.12, 95% CI -0.22 to 0.46), spasticity (SMD 0.04, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.32), and activity (SMD 0.66, 95% CI -1.82 to 3.14). There is no evidence of an additional effect when adding tDCS to RAT for upper limb recovery after stroke. Combining tDCS with RAT does not improve upper limb motor function, spasticity, and/or hand dexterity. Future research should focus on the use of RAT protocols in which the patient is given an active role, focusing on the intensity and dosage, and determining how certain variables influence the success of RAT.

Gender Composition in Occupational Therapy Journals' Editorial Boards.

This paper analyses the Editorial Board (EB) distribution of Occupational Therapy journals from a gender perspective. The "Occupational Therapy" field in the Scimago Journal and Country Rank (SJR) and the "Occupational Therapy" term in the title search of the Journal Citation Report (JCR) were used to find the Occupational Therapy-specific journals. The following indicators were calculated: Editorial Board Member (EBM) gender distribution by journal, publisher, subject speciality, country, and journal quartile. Thirty-seven journals were located, including 667 individuals, 206 males (31%) and 461 females (69%). Referring to the EB positions, most members (557) were EB members, 70 were listed as Associate Editors, and 20 as Editorial Leaders. The results show that the proportion of women in the EB's of Occupational Therapy journals represents a majority. Regarding the distribution by gender of the EBMs, six journals had a female proportion below the cut-off point revealed in this study (69%). Four did not reach parity, with female representation below 50%. Additionally, the balance among the EBMs is significantly underrepresented compared to the percentage of female Occupational Therapy practitioners.

Lessons Learned: Occupational Therapy in Nursing Homes during the First Wave of COVID-19 in Spain.

This research aims to explore the perception that occupational therapists working in elderly care facilities have about the measures implemented against the COVID-19 pandemic in their resources, and the impact that these measures have had on occupational therapy in these facilities. An interpretive paradigm was selected, using a qualitative approach and a phenomenological design. Sixteen occupational therapists working in elderly care facilities in two Spanish regions were included. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. A discourse analysis of the narrative information was carried out using open, axial, and selective coding processes and the constant comparison method. Four themes were extracted from the analysis results: The initial chaos in senior centers; The blurring of occupational therapists' roles; The emergence of technology; and organizational and therapeutic proposals for future pandemics. The pandemic had a significant impact on the care and therapeutic processes in elderly care facilities. Occupational therapists had to stop performing their functions to dedicate themselves to other support, auxiliary or communication tasks between the center and the families. Similarly, it is worth noting the emergence of low-cost technology to facilitate communication and to carry out some therapeutic interventions.

Analysis of Fear Post COVID in First-Year Students after the Incorporation to the Classroom: Descriptive Study in University Students of Health Sciences.

BACKGROUND: After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, social restriction measures were implemented, among them, the adaptation of university teaching to online modality until the end of the 2019-2020 school year in order to stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the Spanish universities opted for face-to-face teaching. To that end, different special measures and adaptations were implemented in higher education facilities, aimed at minimizing the risk of infection and ensuring safe face-to-face learning. The objective was to explore and describe the level of fear of first-year students after the start of in-person classes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The sample was 185 first-year students who were evaluated on the first day of class. For that purpose, an ad-hoc questionnaire was administered to collect demographic information and to find the level of fear and concern. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to assess the severity of the participants' fear of the pandemic situation. RESULTS: The results indicate that participating university population does not report fear of the virus, but they describe various psychosomatic characteristics, such as increased pulse rate and heart palpitations (p = 0.008) and insomnia (p = 0.05) when they think about infection with coronavirus. Nevertheless, when data are disaggregated by gender, we observe differences specifically in women (83.2%), such as fear (p = 0.006) and sweaty hands when they think of the virus (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Incoming university freshmen do not express concern or fear of potential infection with COVID-19, but they are concerned about family transmission after beginning face-to-face classes.

Changes in Resilience in Students of Occupational Therapy After Their First Exposure to Practice Placement Education.

Introduction: Resilience is a multidimensional and dynamic construct associated with positive growth and the capacity to transform stressful and negative factors into opportunities of personal development and self-improvement when faced with difficult experiences. The resilience process of each individual integrates multiple analysis levels, which range from genetic-environmental interactions to a complex process of adaptation between the individual and his/her family, friends, co-workers, society, and culture. Objective: To determine whether resilience improves in students of occupational therapy when exposed for the first time to practice placement education. Methodology: Quasi-experimental, prospective, observational, multi-center study with a sample composed of students from the Degree of Occupational Therapy of the public universities of Málaga (UMA) and Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) (Spain). Two weeks prior to the beginning of the practice education period, the participants completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic data and the area of their internships. They were also given the Spanish version of the Connor-Davidson's resilience scale (CD-RISC). All these instruments were also completed 1 week after the end of the clinical practice. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the variables that make up resilience and the different internship areas. On the other hand, there was a significant improvement of global resilience after the clinical practice period, in both women (13.85 points; p < 0.001) and men (7.72 points; p < 0.035), when the internship area was not considered. Conclusions: The results show that resilient students are more optimistic and work to improve a situation beyond doing simply what is expected of them, knowing how to control their feelings. This is beneficial for students in practice education, since, during these, they face difficult situations that require a resilient pattern, which helps reduce stress and the burnout syndrome.

Analysis of Occupational Balance and Its Relation to Problematic Internet Use in University Occupational Therapy Students.

(1) Objective: to explore and describe the relationship between the occupational balance of university students taking a Degree in Occupational Therapy and the problematic use of the Internet and how these, in turn, favour or not the appearance of phubbing behaviour which involves "a behaviour that happens when an individual looks at his mobile phone during a conversation with other individuals, escaping from interpersonal communication". (2) Methods: this is a quantitative descriptive study of an observational and cross-sectional nature, not experimental. The Spanish version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-E), the Internet Addiction Test and the Phubbing Scale were used for data collection. 192 university students taking the Degree in Occupational Therapy of the University of Castilla-La Mancha participated (168 women and 24 men). (3) Results: the average score obtained in the OBQ-E was 38.7, indicating a moderate occupational balance; and (4) Conclusions: occupational therapy students from the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Castilla-La Mancha have a moderate occupational balance. Furthermore, this is negatively related to both problematic Internet use and phubbing, so a higher occupational balance indicates less Internet addiction and less phubbing.

Fathers in the Care of Children with Disabilities: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: to explore the perception and experience of fathers of children with disabilities in caring for their children; to know their role and how these tasks impact their daily life, health and physical, mental and/or emotional well-being. METHODOLOGY: qualitative approach study with phenomenological design. The sample consisted of seven young fathers of underage children with various diagnoses. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews; the discourse analysis was carried out through open and axial coding processes. Three themes emerged from the results of the analysis: (1) shared responsibilities, (2) somewhat difficult to fit in, and (3) either you join or you split. RESULTS: Fathers must readjust their work schedule, reduce their working hours, or give up their job altogether to take care of their children, as well as give up their social life. They lack time to enjoy their leisure time, to spend time with their partner, to take care of themselves. This involvement in caregiving generates an important occupational imbalance that has repercussions above all on their mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The sharing of caregiving tasks also impacts significantly on parents' lives, it also takes away time and opportunities, and sometimes health and quality of life.

Construyendo y entendiendo la ocupación en contextos privados de libertad: experiencias de familias con hijos en situación de discapacidad en campamentos de refugiados / Construindo e compreendendo a ocupação em contextos privados de liberdade: experiências de famílias com crianças em situação de deficiência em campos de refugiados / Building and understanding occupation in contexts deprived of freedom: experiences of families with children in a situation of disability in refugee camps

Resumen Introducción Desde la Terapia Ocupacional se ha prestado una especial atención a la descripción y el análisis de las ocupaciones que tienen lugar en contextos de mayor vulnerabilidad y precariedad social en los que el desempeño y la participación ocupacional en condiciones de salud, bienestar y sentido personal pueden verse comprometidos de forma significativa. Objetivo Describir y explicar la ocupación desde un enfoque cultural en familias con hijos en situación de discapacidad que residen en un contexto privado de libertad como son los campamentos de refugiados saharauis. Método Estudio descriptivo transversal, de naturaleza etnográfica, realizado en los campamentos de refugiados saharauis de Tindouf (Argelia). Resultados En los campamentos, el tiempo invertido en el desarrollo de las actividades de la vida diaria dista mucho de occidente, partiendo de que el propio concepto 'tiempo' presenta un significado muy distinto. Los quehaceres diarios de los saharauis están marcados por tres "tiempos": (1) la luz del sol, (2) el rezo y (3) la hora del té, siendo las dos últimas las ocupaciones más significativas de la población refugiada. El significado de la cultura parecía ser una parte integral de la práctica profesional, así como las circunstancias vitales con las que convivían las familias con miembros en situación de discapacidad. Conclusión La Terapia Ocupacional debe verse interpelada a ofrecer oportunidades de vida cotidiana más digna para todas las personas, apoyando y protegiendo los derechos de participación ocupacional de todos los sujetos, especialmente de aquellos que experimentan situaciones de mayor vulnerabilidad.

Abstract Introduction From Occupational Therapy, special attention has been paid to the description and analysis of the occupations that take place in contexts of greater vulnerability and social precariousness in which occupational performance and participation in conditions of health, well-being, and personal sense can be significantly compromised. Objective To describe and explain the occupation from a cultural approach in families with children with disabilities living in a context deprived of freedom such as the Sahrawi refugee camps. Method Cross-sectional descriptive study, of an ethnographic nature, carried out in the Saharan refugee camps of Tindouf (Algeria). Results In the camps, the time invested in the development of daily life activities is far from the West, since the very concept of 'time' has a very different meaning. The daily chores of the Saharawis are marked by three "times": (1) sunlight, (2) prayer, and (3) tea time, the last two being the most significant occupations of the refugee population. The meaning of culture seemed to be an integral part of professional practice, as well as the life circumstances with which families with disabled members lived. Conclusion Occupational Therapy must be challenged to offer opportunities for a more dignified daily life for all people, supporting and protecting the rights of occupational participation of all subjects, especially those who experience situations of greater vulnerability.

Resumo Introdução Do ponto de vista da Terapia Ocupacional, foi dada atenção especial à descrição e análise das ocupações que ocorrem em contextos de maior vulnerabilidade e precariedade social nos quais o desempenho ocupacional e a participação em condições de saúde, bem-estar e senso pessoal podem ser significativamente comprometidos. Objetivo Descrever e explicar a ocupação a partir de uma abordagem cultural em famílias com crianças deficientes que vivem em um contexto privado de liberdade, como os campos de refugiados saharauis. Método: Estudo descritivo transversal, de natureza etnográfica, realizado nos campos de refugiados saarianos de Tindouf (Argélia). Resultados Nos campos, o tempo gasto no desenvolvimento das atividades da vida diária está longe do Ocidente, uma vez que o próprio conceito de "tempo" tem um significado muito diferente. As tarefas diárias dos saharauis são marcadas por três "tempos": (1) luz solar, (2) oração, e (3) hora do chá, sendo as duas últimas as ocupações mais significativas da população refugiada. O significado da cultura parecia ser parte integrante da prática profissional, assim como as circunstâncias de vida com as quais as famílias com membros deficientes viviam. Conclusão : A terapia ocupacional deve ser desafiada a oferecer oportunidades para uma vida diária mais digna para todas as pessoas, apoiando e protegendo os direitos de participação ocupacional de todos os sujeitos, especialmente aqueles que vivenciam situações de maior vulnerabilidade.

Eating Experiences of People with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Disability causes changes in the eating process, which is central to the definition of each individual's social and psychological spaces. METHODS: This is a qualitative study based on grounded theory. Interviews were carried out in clinical hospital settings and headquarters of several disability organisations. The study included 27 individuals, aged between 18-75 years. All participants had a disability that caused a functional deficiency in the occupational aspects of the eating process. RESULTS: The respondents' narratives were analysed through observations made in different contexts, allowing us to describe and understand the significance attributed by the participants to their reality and experiences. Three key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) waning bodies (assumption of a diminished corporality); (2) redefinition of food-related social spaces; and (3) perceived burdensomeness, shame, and loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: Assisted feeding tends to prioritise the nutritional component of food ingestion. However, cultural, social, and contextual factors have a critical impact on an individual's well-being and quality of life. This study stresses the importance of re-addressing intervention models affecting differently-abled people and incorporating approaches that take into account the contextual aspects of occupational therapy.

Ser mujer en prisión: privación ocupacional en la vida diaria de mujeres internas en un centro penitenciario en España / To be a woman in prison: occupational deprivation in the daily life of women inmates in a penitentiary in Spain

Las mujeres privadas de libertad presentan una serie de necesidades que actualmente no se cubren dentro de prisión. Esta investigación cualitativa se centra en explorar cómo se produce el proceso de privación ocupacional dentro de un centro penitenciario, en concreto, cómo afecta dicha privación en el desempeño ocupacional de estas mujeres. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, enmarcado dentro del paradigma fenomenológico. Para recoger los datos se realizaron ocho entrevistas semiestructuradas a mujeres internas en el Centro Penitenciario de Cuenca sobre sus experiencias tanto dentro como fuera de prisión, que posteriormente se transcribieron textualmente y se analizaron. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la pérdida del desempeño del rol de madre dentro de prisión provoca efectos negativos en su salud, mientras que la falta de ocupaciones y la rutina impuesta desde el centro penitenciario disminuye su autonomía. Asimismo, manifiestan una gran preocupación por su futuro respecto a la posterior reinserción en su comunidad. Por ello, es necesario incluir una mayor oferta de actividades significativas en los centros penitenciarios con el fin de mejorar la rehabilitación y reeducación dentro de los mismos, y así favorecer una mejor reinserción social y laboral de estas mujeres en su comunidad.

Women in prison have a number of needs that are not currently met within prison. This qualitative research focuses on exploring how the process of occupational deprivation manifests within the prison system, specifically how such deprivation affects the occupational performance of these women. It is a qualitative study, framed within the phenomenological paradigm. To collect the data, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with female inmates at the Cuenca Penitentiary Centre related to their experiences both inside and outside prison, which were subsequently transcribed and analysed. The resulting interviews demonstrated that the loss of the role of mother inside prison causes negative effects on health, while the lack of occupations and the routine imposed from the penitentiary center diminished autonomy. They also expressed great concern about their future with regard to subsequent reintegration into their community. It is therefore necessary to include a broader range of meaningful activities in prisons in order to address rehabilitation and re-education, and thus encourage better social and occupational reintegration of these women into their relevant communities following release.

Situación ocupacional y recursos sociales de las mujeres mayores en situación de dependencia atendidas por un servicio de ayuda a domicilio en el ámbito rural / Situação ocupacional e recursos sociais das mulheres idosas em situação de dependência assistidas por um serviço de apoio domiciliar nas zonas rurais / Occupational situation and social resources of older women in a situation of dependency assisted by a home help service in rural areas

Resumen Introducción La situación ocupacional de las mujeres mayores puede generar la necesidad de cuidados específicos. Objetivo El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la situación ocupacional y los recursos sociales de las mujeres mayores dependientes atendidas por un Servicio de Ayuda a Domicilio en el ámbito rural. Metodología Se utilizó un diseño cualitativo transversal y exploratorio. Se realizó un muestreo por propósito. A través de entrevistas en profundidad se obtuvieron las narrativas de 10 mujeres mayores en situación de dependencia. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas para su posterior transcripción y análisis. Se realizó un análisis del discurso de la información narrativa mediante los procesos de codificación abierta, axial y selectiva y el método de comparación constante. Se utilizó el software de análisis cualitativo Atlas.ti. Resultados A partir de las narrativas de las participantes emergieron cuatro temas: 1) las limitaciones para la realización de las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria y los apoyos informales; 2) las restricciones en la participación social, ocio y tiempo libre; 3) las dificultades derivadas de los problemas de salud y, 4) el peso de los valores y creencias en su vida cotidiana. Conclusion Las mujeres mayores en el ámbito rural tienen limitaciones a la hora de realizar algunas actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria, especialmente aquellas que guardan una más estrecha relación con la movilidad, y las actividades de participación social y de ocio. Se pone de manifiesto la necesidad de poner en marcha políticas públicas de atención a las personas en sus domicilios y espacios comunitarios.

Resumo Introdução A situação ocupacional das mulheres idosas pode gerar a necessidade de cuidados específicos. Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a situação ocupacional e os recursos sociais das mulheres idosas dependentes atendidas por um serviço de apoio domiciliar nas zonas rurais. Metodologia Foi utilizado um desenho qualitativo transversal e exploratório. Uma amostragem de conveniência foi realizada. Foram utilizadas entrevistas em profundidade para obter as narrativas de 10 mulheres idosas dependentes. As entrevistas foram gravadas para posterior transcrição e análise. A análise discursiva das informações narrativas foi realizada por meio de processos de codificação aberta, axial e seletiva e pelo método de comparação constante. Foi utilizado o software de análise qualitativa Atlas.ti. Resultados Quatro temas emergiram das narrativas dos participantes: 1) limitações para a realização de atividades instrumentais da vida diária e apoios informais; 2) restrições à participação social, lazer e tempo livre; 3) dificuldades decorrentes de problemas de saúde e 4) o peso dos valores e crenças no seu cotidiano. Conclusão As mulheres idosas nas zonas rurais têm limitações quando se trata de realizar algumas atividades instrumentais da vida cotidiana, especialmente as que estão mais estreitamente relacionadas com a mobilidade, a participação social e as atividades de lazer. Destaca-se a necessidade de implementar políticas públicas para cuidar das pessoas em suas casas e espaços comunitários.

Abstract Introduction The occupational situation of older women may generate the need for specific care. Objective The aim of this work is to analyse the occupational situation and social resources of dependent elderly women assisted by a Home Help Service in rural areas. Methodology A cross-sectional and exploratory qualitative design was used. A purposive sampling was carried out. In-depth interviews were used to obtain the narratives of 10 dependent older women. The interviews were recorded for later transcription and analysis. A discourse analysis of the narrative information was carried out using open, axial and selective coding processes and the constant comparison method. The qualitative analysis software Atlas.ti was used. Results Four themes emerged from the narratives of the participants: 1) limitations for the performance of instrumental activities of daily life and informal supports; 2) restrictions on social participation, leisure and free time; 3) difficulties arising from health problems and 4) the weight of values and beliefs in their daily lives. Conclusion Older women in rural areas have limitations when carrying out some instrumental activities of daily life, especially those more closely related to mobility, and social participation and leisure activities. The need to implement public policies to care for people in their homes and community spaces is highlighted.

Descripción de los factores que determinan la elección de prácticas clínicas de los estudiantes en el grado en terapia ocupacional / Descrição dos fatores que determinam a escolha das práticas clínicas dos estudantes de graduação em terapia ocupacional / Description of the factors that determine the choice of clinical practices of unfergraduation occupattional therapy students

Resumen Introducción La realización de prácticas en los contextos reales de trabajo supone uno de los aspectos clave en la organización, desarrollo y evaluación de los programas universitarios, tales como el Grado en Terapia Ocupacional. Además, permiten adquirir habilidades personales y profesionales, favoreciendo la integración de la teoría con la práctica, así como la identidad profesional. Método Estudio descriptivo transversal. 164 estudiantes de 2º, 3º y 4º curso del Grado en Terapia Ocupacional de la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha fueron evaluados mediante un cuestionario online, tras el proceso de asignación de recursos. Se exploró la importancia que los estudiantes del Grado en Terapia Ocupacional atribuyen a su aprendizaje en recursos de prácticas y se identificaron los factores que determinan la elección de los dispositivos en los que realizarán su formación práctica. El reclutamiento de los estudiantes se llevó a cabo en el curso 2017-2018, siendo su participación voluntaria. Resultados Se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en función del curso académico (2º, 3º y 4º) entre las variables dependientes vinculadas con la valoración de las prácticas en el currículum académico: ayudan a solucionar problemas prácticos (p= 0,007) y enseñan habilidades interpersonales (p = 0,025). Más de la mitad de la muestra de estudiantes encuestados (51,2%) señaló la cercanía del centro de prácticas a su domicilio familiar como el factor más importante a la hora de seleccionar el dispositivo en el que realizará su formación práctica. Conclusiones Este trabajo contribuye a comprender el impacto de la toma de decisiones, así como a facilitar la mejora de dicho proceso por parte de los estudiantes, promoviendo experiencias en recursos de prácticas que resulten exitosas, así como un futuro desarrollo profesional satisfactorio.

Resumo Introdução A realização de ensino prático nos contextos reais de trabalho supõe um dos aspectos-chave na organização, desenvolvimento e avaliação dos programas universitários, como o Curso de Graduação em Terapia Ocupacional. Além disso, permite adquirir habilidades pessoais e profissionais, favorecendo a integração da teoria com a prática, assim como a identidade profissional. Método Estudo descritivo transversal. 164 alunos do 2º, 3º e 4º anos do Curso de Graduação em Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade de Castilla-La Mancha foram avaliados por meio de questionário on-line, após o processo de alocação de recursos. Foi explorada a importância que os alunos do curso de graduação em Terapia Ocupacional atribuem aos recursos de aprendizagem na prática e foram identificados os fatores que determinam a escolha dos dispositivos nos quais eles realizaram sua formação prática. O recrutamento dos alunos foi realizado no ano letivo 2017-2018, sendo sua participação voluntária. Resultados Foram obtidas diferenças estatisticamente significantes, dependendo do ano acadêmico (2º, 3º e 4º), entre as variáveis ​​dependentes vinculadas à avaliação de práticas no currículo acadêmico: ajudam a resolver problemas práticos (p = 0,007) e ensinam habilidades interpessoais (p = 0,025). Mais da metade da amostra de estudantes pesquisados ​​(51,2%) indicou a proximidade do centro de prática à casa da família como o fator mais importante na seleção do dispositivo no qual eles realizaram o estágio prático. Conclusão Este trabalho contribui para a compreensão do impacto da tomada de decisão, além de facilitar a melhoria do processo por parte dos alunos, promovendo experiências em recursos práticos bem-sucedidos, bem como o desenvolvimento profissional satisfatório futuro.

Abstract Introduction Carrying out internships within a real work context is one of the key aspects for the organisation, development and evaluation of university programmes such as the Degree in Occupational Therapy. In addition, it allows acquiring personal and professional skills, favouring this way the integration between theory and practice as well as the sense of a professional identity. Method This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. 164 students of 2nd, 3rd and 4th year of the Degree in Occupational Therapy of the University of Castilla-La Mancha were assessed by an online questionnaire after the process of allocation of resources. We explored the importance that students of the Occupational Therapy Degree attribute to their learning in practice resources and identified the factors that determine the choice of devices in which they will carry out their practical training. The selection of students was made during the 2017-2018 academic year and all of them participated voluntarily. Results Statistically significant differences were obtained depending on the academic year (2nd, 3rd and 4th) among the dependent variables linked to the assessment of the internship in the academic curriculum: it helps to solve practical problems (p = 0.007) and teach interpersonal skills (p = 0.025). More than half of the sample of students surveyed (51.2%) pointed out the proximity of the internship centre to their family home as the most important factor when selecting the device in which place where they would carry out their practical training. Conclusions This work helps to understand the impact of decision making as well as to facilitate the improvement of this process for students, promoting experiences in practical resources that are successful as well as a satisfactory future professional development.

Burnout Syndrome in Occupational Therapists in Spain: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential levels of burnout syndrome in occupational therapists in Spain, as well as the risk factors involved in its prevalence. The data were obtained through an online survey. The tool utilised for this purpose was the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey (MBI-GS) that takes into consideration the following dimensions: emotional fatigue, depersonalisation and reduction of personal satisfaction. A sociodemographic questionnaire was also utilised. The sample of the study included 758 occupational therapists, 90.8% of whom were women and 9.2% of whom were men. For identifying the variables associated to the presence of burnout, the prevalence was compared through the chi-squared test, and the odds ratios by age were calculated through the binary logistic regression model. We found that 69.4% of the occupational therapists presented burnout syndrome and especially emotional fatigue (63.5%). Likewise, relevant and significant differences in the prevalence of burnout syndrome were observed depending on the age, marital status, number of children, work field and type of workday. We can conclude that burnout syndrome poses a clear risk for the health of occupational therapists that could have direct consequences on the work environment, affecting the way the interventions are performed with patients. This study could help to raise awareness on this reality and the factors implied. We suggest the implementation of measures (individual, labour and political) both for the prevention of burnout in occupational therapists as well as for reducing the levels of those who suffer from it.

Mothers Who Take Care of Children with Disabilities in Rural Areas of a Spanish Region.

The purpose of this research is to describe how the mothers of children with disabilities in rural areas of Extremadura perceive care tasks and the subjective impact that these tasks have on their daily life and health, as well as the subjective assessment that these mothers make of the benefits and services of the Spanish welfare policy. An interpretative paradigm was selected, using a qualitative approach and a phenomenological design. Twelve mothers were included. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. A discourse analysis of the narrative information was performed using open, axial, and selective coding processes and the constant comparative method. Three topics have been extracted from the findings of the analysis: (1) extensive care responsibilities, (2) impacts upon well-being and daily life, and (3) resources that "barely" help. The care tasks performed by mothers of children with disabilities in rural areas have an enormous impact on their daily life and health. This involvement in caregiving generates a significant occupational imbalance which has an impact on their mental health, and which causes economic and social problems.

Dependency and Care: Perspectives from the Point of View of Professionals Assessing Situations of Dependency in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how the assessors of dependency have perceived the process of implementation of the Dependency Act in Spain. METHODS: A qualitative method was used to analyse interview data (discourse analysis). Purposive sampling was applied. Sixteen occupational therapists were included, who served as dependency assessors in Extremadura, a region of southern Spain. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews between February and March 2019, focused on the characteristic of the Dependency Act. A discourse analysis of the narrative information was performed using processes of open, axial, and selective coding, as well as the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Three topics were identified: (1) Benefits of implementation, connected with the consideration as subjects of rights and the increase in resources. (2) Difficulties linked to the bureaucratization of the process, the lack of sensitivity of the scale of assessment, and the unequal access to benefits and services. (3) The impact of the 2012 budget cuts on financing and on dependent people and their families. CONCLUSIONS: The Dependency Act has established itself as a political tool that has generated important social and economic benefits. However, significant difficulties have emerged, which should be addressed to ensure better care for dependent persons.

Improving Self-Perceived Emotional Intelligence in Occupational Therapy Students Through Practical Training.

Background: In the field of healthcare, higher skills in emotional intelligence (EI) have been proven to have a positive impact on healthcare professionals in general and occupational therapists in particular and also on teamwork and patient care. The purpose of this research was to determine whether performing practical work included in the undergraduate Occupational Therapy program improves students' self-perceived EI, and whether there are any differences in the latter depending on the area in which this practical training is performed. Methods: It was conducted a multicenter, quasi-experimental, pre-post study with Occupational Therapy undergraduate students in the 2016-2017 academic year. A total of 184 students met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 (5.40%) declined to participate; therefore, the participation rate was 94.60% and the initial sample comprised 174 students. Mean age was 21.34 years (SD = 2.54) and 84.50% (n = 147) were women. Students' self-perceived EI was measured with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24). This measure was completed in the two weeks prior to the start of the practical training period and one week after the end of it. McNemar-Bowker and McNemar tests were used to analyze the differences in self-perceived EI between these two points in time. Results: After the practical training, an improvement in self-perceived EI was observed in women (Emotional Attention, Emotional Clarity, and Emotional Regulation dimensions). Regarding areas of practical training, results showed an improvement in EI in women who had received practical training in the areas of Physical Rehabilitation, Mental Health and Geriatrics and Gerontology. Conclusions: The findings contribute to a better understanding of the relation between practical training and an improvement in self-perceived EI. This insight can help make changes in the teaching methodology to enhance the emotional skills needed for a better professional performance.

Identidad profesional en Terapia Ocupacional: una revisión bibliográfica desde España / Professional identity in Occupational Therapy: a bibliographical review from Spain / Identidade profissional na Terapia Profissional: uma revisão bibliográfica desde Espanha

Contexto: La identidad profesional en Terapia Ocupacional (TO) ha atravesado por diversos procesos de construcción y reconstrucción a lo largo de su historia. En el camino, se han registrado una serie de discusiones al respecto y aún el debate se encuentra abierto. Objetivo: Identificar el estado actual de las discusiones sobre la identidad profesional en la TO, a nivel internacional y en España. Metodología: se realiza una revisión bibliográfica narrativa en diferentes bases de datos y otras fuentes de publicación de la profesión. Resultados y análisis: Tras la obtención del material bibliográfico (24 artículos), se agruparon los documentos por temas, identificándose las siguientes categorías: (a) contribuciones de la identidad profesional a la disciplina (10 artículos); (b) conceptualizaciones de la identidad profesional en TO (11 artículos); (c) identidad profesional en España (4 artículos). Conclusiones: se pone de manifiesto la importancia de fomentar la adquisición y construcción de una identidad profesional durante el periodo de formación universitaria. Se hace necesaria la realización de investigaciones que permitan comprender mejor cómo se construye la identidad profesional en diferentes contextos y la influencia de la formación universitaria en este proceso.

Context: Professional identity in Occupational Therapy (OT) has undergone various construction and reconstruction processes throughout its history. Along the way, there have been a number of discussions on the subject and the debate is still open. Objective: To identify the current state of discussions on professional identity in OT, at an international and Spanish level. Methodology: a narrative revision is done in different databases and other publication sources of the profession. Results and analysis: After obtaining the bibliographic material, the documents were grouped by topic, identifying the following categories: (a) contributions of the professional identity to the discipline; (b) conceptualizations of professional identity in OT; (c) professional identity in Spain. Conclusions: the importance of promoting the acquisition and construction of a professional identity during the period of university education is highlighted. It is necessary to carry out research to better understand how professional identity is constructed in different contexts and the influence of university education in this process.

Contexto: A identidade profissional em Terapia Ocupacional (TO) passou por vários processos de construção e reconstrução ao longo de sua história. Ao longo do caminho, houve várias discussões sobre o assunto e o debate ainda está aberto. Objetivo: Identificar o estado atual das discussões sobre identidade profissional em OT, no nível internacional e espanhol. Metodologia: uma revisão narrativa é feita em diferentes bancos de dados e outras fontes de publicação da profissão. Resultados e análise: após a obtenção do material bibliográfico, os documentos foram agrupados por tópico, identificando as seguintes categorias: (a) contribuições da identidade profissional para a disciplina; (b) conceituais de identidade profissional em TO; (c) identidade profissional na Espanha. Conclusões: a importância de promover a aquisição e construção de uma identidade profissional durante o período de ensino universitário é destacada. É necessário realizar pesquisas para entender melhor como a identidade profissional é construída em diferentes contextos e a influência da educação universitária neste processo.