Technology supporting written productivity in children with learning disabilities: a critical review.

BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists working with school-aged children are often in the position of recommending technology to enhance written productivity. The outcome of using technology on the writing of children with learning disabilities has not been reviewed critically, and this knowledge is necessary for evidence-based practice. PURPOSE: To review evidence regarding the use of technology to support written productivity in children with learning disabilities. METHODS: A systematic search of seven databases, plus a manual search, retrieved 864 papers published between 1985 and March 2012. Twenty-seven papers (28 studies) met inclusion criteria. FINDINGS: The evidence is of a moderately low level and results are inconclusive; however, trends suggest a positive influence of some technology on children's performance and behaviour. Methodological limitations exist in most studies and the description of specific technology intervention is often combined with teaching instructions. IMPLICATIONS: The available research is encouraging, but high-quality investigations with newer technologies are needed.

"Support for everyone": Experiences of occupational therapists delivering a new model of school-based service.

BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists working in school health have recognized the need to move away from a one-to-one direct service delivery model towards a more collaborative, classroom-based approach. Partnering for Change (P4C) is an innovative service delivery model that may enhance school-based collaborative care. PURPOSE: To capture the experiences of occupational therapists implementing P4C and to elicit their perspectives about how this model differs from the direct service approach. METHODS: Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with seven therapists who had delivered P4C in 10 Ontario schools. Thematic analysis was utilized with themes verified through member checking. FINDINGS: Five themes (a year of growth, becoming a community, the key ingredients of P4C, a balancing act, and providing services that make an impact) reflected therapists'personal and professional growth, aspects of the model they believed were key, challenges they encountered, and the impact they felt they had made. IMPLICATIONS: Partnering for Change has the potential to transform school-based occupational therapy and overcome existing barriers to collaboration. This model also may better address the needs of children with motor coordination difficulties.

Partnering for change: an innovative school-based occupational therapy service delivery model for children with developmental coordination disorder.

BACKGROUND: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common, chronic health condition that is poorly recognized and understood in school settings. Without appropriate support, children with DCD are at increased risk of depression, decreased fitness, and obesity. Evidence shows that occupational therapy intervention needs to shift from remediation of impairment to chronic disease management. PURPOSE: This paper describes Partnering for Change (P4C), an innovative, empirically derived school health service delivery model for children with DCD. KEY ISSUES: The model emphasizes the partnership of the occupational therapist with educators and parents to change the life and daily environment of a child. The P4C partnership focuses on capacity building through collaboration and coaching in context. The model uses a tiered approach which includes whole class instruction, dynamic performance analysis, and monitoring response to intervention. IMPLICATIONS: P4C is a model that responds to the needs of this population, addresses issues identified in research, and provides a continuum of services designed to build capacity.

Supporting occupational therapists implementing a capacity-building model in schools: Appuyer les ergothérapeutes mettant en œuvre un modèle de renforcement des capacités dans les écoles.

BACKGROUND: Adopting a new model of clinical practice is complex. Professional development programs based on best-practice principles may facilitate this process. PURPOSE: This paper describes the development and evaluation of a multifaceted professional development program designed to support school-based occupational therapists to deliver a capacity-building model of service. METHOD: Twenty-two therapists participated in the program; completed pre-post evaluations of knowledge, skills, and beliefs; evaluated specific components of the training program; and participated in focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using a directed content analysis. FINDINGS: Therapists' perceptions of their knowledge and skills showed statistically significant change. Both training and mentorship were highly valued; however, having opportunities to build peer networks was considered essential. IMPLICATIONS: Multifaceted professional development programs designed using best-practice principles are an important mechanism for facilitating practice change. Including a process for peer support is advised.