Reflection on feasibility and usability of interactive online international exchange program for occupational therapy students.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected international exchange programs due to travel restrictions. There are few reports of online international exchange programs in medical area and no report of interactive activities among students together for several months. To the best of our knowledge, we needed to seek the feasible approach to conduct online exchange program. We experienced online collaboration works to promote internationalization in occupational therapy (OT) undergraduate education. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and usability of an interactive online international exchange program, and discuss its challenges and advantages. The three-month program was newly developed, and aimed at cultivating an international perspective, understanding OT, and learning basic research skills. Students' interests and the development of their motivation were considered in the program consisting of synchronous and asynchronous lectures, a collaboration research project, group work, and report assignments. Through the program, students were satisfied with the program contents and had the precious experience to develop international relationships. The online exchange program provided students with the opportunity to experience and learn OT education internationally at an economical cost, and to achieve program goal during the regular semester. In this program, students not only acquired knowledge in their professional field, but also cultivated their international communication skills in English from small group activities and social activities. Considering various communication methods was an important aspect in the virtual environment leading to a successful program. In medical education, an online program can be an effective and practical measure for international exchange. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44217-023-00031-4.

History of assistive devices and home modification services under long-term care insurance system in Japan across 20 years: A narrative review.

In this aging society, support services for older adults through the social welfare system have been introduced in many countries; in Japan, the long-term care insurance (LTCI) system was introduced in 2000. This review examined research of the past 20 years to investigate the history of assistive devices and home modification services and discussed future directions for health professionals through a narrative review. We selected 86 Japanese papers and six English papers: a total of 92 papers were analyzed by three researchers. This review revealed that assistive devices and home modification services contributed to helping users and decreased caregiver burden. Many studies have shown the importance of appropriate and sufficient cooperation among professionals. However, some issues related to LTCI were identified such as the regulation of subsidies and little flexibility considering local area conditions. The effectiveness and issues of assistive devices and home modification services were shown, and adjustments were suggested for the system and professional education according to the changes in a social situation. In addition, systematic research seems to be a small number; hence, studies with reliable research methods and analyses are needed to show the effectiveness of services and examine intervention by professionals.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Lifestyle in Thai Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Method Study.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to global reports of hazards to mental health. However, reports regarding lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking. Using a convergent mixed methods design, we conducted individual interviews with twelve occupational therapy students and interpreted the results by content analysis. We completed a survey of Thai Sensory Patterns Assessment (TSPA) concerning perspectives from occupational therapy students (n = 99). They identified two major themes: (i) adaptive responses were consistent with areas of occupation during the COVID-19 pandemic; (ii) multidimensional challenges were related to sensory patterns of purposeful and meaningful activities. The participants reported both positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives. It had both positive and negative effects on the lifestyle of students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The positive effect was that most students learned better ways to protect and care for themselves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapy students were most concerned about their online learning activities, economic problems, isolation from society, and lifestyle. The negative effects of this include stress, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, boredom, and exhaustion for occupational therapy students. As an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapy students adapted to new lifestyles and experienced mental health issues related to their studies, families, friends, economics, social climate, and future job opportunities. Educators may use the findings of this study to prevent negative impacts on mental health and promote academic achievement in the future, as well as general well-being, efficacy, and empowerment of students in the new normal post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

Factors influencing implementation of assistive technology services for older adults from the perspectives of Thai occupational therapists: a mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: Occupational therapists are crucial in providing assistive technology (AT) services for older adults. However, evidence has shown limited provision of such services in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the implementation of AT services for older adults from the perspectives of Thai occupational therapists. METHODS: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was guided by the measurement instrument for determinants of innovations and literature review. This study was conducted in two phases: quantitative and qualitative. During the quantitative phase, an adapted version of the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations was administered to 96 occupational therapists (OTs). A subsample of 5 OTs completed a semi-structured interview during the qualitative phase to explain the findings in the quantitative one. RESULTS: Factors were categorized into three sections: personal, organizational and socio-political context levels. At the personal level, integrating knowledge and experience could contribute to awareness and professional competency. Client satisfaction influenced OTs to utilize AT, based on a client centred manner. With coordinator and performance feedback within the organization, OTs indicated that consultants supported them in their decision-making. In contrast, availability of AT for older adults is determined by time and resources. Moreover, at the socio-political context level, legislation and regulations may permit or prohibit accessibility of assistive devices. CONCLUSION: In order to address current challenges, education or training programmes are needed to increase the awareness and competence of OTs. In addition, collaboration with other professionals in community settings is necessary to improve access to AT services.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAT service for older adults is limited by the availability of time and resources. To handle with these challenges, occupational therapists could advocate for village health volunteers to be a part of the AT services for older adults in the community to increase AT accessibility for older adults.Additional education or training programs should be developed to build competencies and increase occupational therapists' awareness of providing AT services to older adults, as well as to strengthen their roles in AT services.Future research and health policies should focus on access to sufficient funding, and resources for occupational therapists relative to their role in implementing AT services.

Bridging the Gap between Clinical Service and Academic Education of Hand-Splinting Practice: Perspectives and Experiences of Thai Occupational Therapists.

A gap in knowledge about current splinting practice exists between the educational program and clinical service. To bridge this gap, we investigated the perspectives and experiences of Thai occupational therapists regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use. A mixed-method study was designed. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. In the first quantitative phase, a survey questionnaire was mailed to occupational therapists. The questions were regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use at seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangkok and outskirt areas. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were completed to explore expert occupational therapists' perspectives on practice in the same hospital settings. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that most conditions receiving splints were nerve injuries, orthopedics, and stroke, which represented the service frequency of splint types: functional resting (100%), cock-up (93.3%), and thumb spica splints (80%). Bone and joint deformity prevention ranked first with muscle contracture prevention being ranked second, and the third-ranked was maintaining range of motion. Three themes emerged from the interviews: starting with the patient condition; effective function and value; knowledge and experiential skills. Perspectives and experiences of occupational therapists in splinting practice contribute to education based on the reality of practice. Integrated numerical and textual data of professional skills and knowledge in actual splinting practice can be reflected through splints and orthoses program revisions to meet future learning outcomes.

Effectiveness of elongation band exercise on the upper limb strength and range of motion among older adults.

An elongation band (EB) is used to improve the physical strength of older adults. However, the evidence of its effect on the upper limb is a deficiency. This study investigated the effectiveness of EB exercises on upper limb function in the elderly. Participants were divided into two groups: EB (n=16) and control (n=14). The EB group performed exercises in a sitting position using an EB while the control group performed active stretching exercises without bands. The exercise regimen consisted of four shoulder joint movements. Each group performed the exercise for 20 min per day, 5 days per week over a period of 2 months. Measurements included upper limb muscle strength, shoulder joint range of motion, and grip strength. Measurements were performed at baseline, and 1 and 2 months after the intervention. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences between the groups. The EB group demonstrated significant increases in muscle strength (upper trapezius, deltoid, middle trapezius muscle), shoulder joint range of motion (right shoulder flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, left shoulder joint extension), and grip strength. In conclusion, EB exercises increased upper limb muscle strength, shoulder joint range of motion, and grip strength in older adults.

The use of elastic band exercise as a physical therapy intervention for improving shoulder function in older adults: a scoping review.

Many older adults experience a decline in shoulder function due to aging. This decline leads to limitations in daily activities and a lower quality of life. The incorporation of physical therapy interventions through elastic band exercises has demonstrated improved overall physical faculties among older adults. However, there is limited literature regarding the effect of these interventions on shoulder function in older adults. This scoping review summarized the current literature regarding elastic band exercises targeting shoulder function in older adults. A systematic literature search was performed using the Scopus and PubMed databases. An additional manual search was conducted using the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database). Articles were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2017-2021. After assessing eligibility, five randomized controlled trials articles were included in the analysis. We discovered that two types of elastic interventions were applied to older adults: namely, the TheraBand and tube bands. We observed heterogeneity in participant characteristics among the studies (healthy older adults, older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and older adults with sarcopenic obesity). The duration of the exercise intervention ranged from 3 to 36 sessions. Only one study measured shoulder function as the primary outcome. Our findings suggest that elastic band exercises have been applied to older adults in various conditions and tended to be effective; however, evidence on this topic is insufficient.