This opinion piece introduces, defines and considers the application of Twitter within occupational therapy research and education. It defines the social networking tool and then examines its potential for use in occupational therapy education, by students and within research. The opinion piece raises critical issues that the profession must address in relation to the responsible use of Twitter but strongly advocates it as a form of social media that needs to be better understood and utilised by educators, researchers and practitioners within occupational therapy.
Introduction Central and local government are facing difficult decisions in funding allocation and in maintaining traditional methods and standards of service provision (Scottish Government 2010). Greater fiscal prudence in the health and social care sector, combined with increasing need, presents challenges for occupational therapy in delivering cost-effectiveness whilst also demonstrating its impact and meeting patient needs. To achieve service delivery and /or to advocate change, occupational therapy services must substantiate the rationale for practice and underpin clinical interventions in a theoretical framework. The integration of the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance (CMOP) in a service redesign is an example of this (Boniface et al 2008). Wilding and Whiteford (2008) indicated that insufficient representation and promotion of the profession can have serious implications and argued that the need to become more visible is self-evident, especially to recipients of occupational therapy services and funding bodies. Despite the documented need for theory to underpin practice (Mitcham 2003), growing financial concerns resulting in radical changes in practice environments, and demand for new skill sets (Baptiste 2005), there is limited evidence outlining the use of theory to support occupational therapy in acute physical settings in the United Kingdom (UK). Literature review Occupational therapy in acute care In Scotland, acute hospital care is typically diverse, but can include consultation with specialist clinicians, emergency treatment following accidents and
Introduction There is little discussion in the United Kingdom occupational therapy literature surrounding the topic of older people and alcohol, despite the growing prevalence of alcohol-related health problems in older adults resulting from an ageing population and changing patterns of consumption. Occupational therapists in physical health care settings are likely to work with older people whose drinking pattern may not be alcohol dependent, but may put their physical or psychological health at risk. Method A survey methodology was employed using open and closed questions, recruiting occupational therapists (band 5 to 9) (n = 122) working with older people (65+ years) in physical health care settings across all, except one, National Health Service Regional Health Boards in Scotland. Results Responses highlight gaps in occupational therapists’ knowledge around alternative ‘safe limits’ of alcohol intake for older people. Belief in professional role was evident, but the perception was that this was not supported by undergraduate education. Occupation focused theory and assessment were not prioritized when considering alcohol in the older adult. Conclusion This study has highlighted a need to develop pre- and post-qualification education for occupational therapists, to enhance understanding of theory, assessment and knowledge of alcohol with older adults in physical health care settings.
Societal costs associated with alcohol drinking in Scotland have been estimated at £3.56 billion per annum (Scottish Government 2010). According to Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (2007), 90% of the adult population drink alcohol and it is unsurprising, therefore, that Scotland has witnessed significant increases in alcohol-related ill health and death in recent decades (ISD Scotland 2009). The need to respond to the toll that alcohol exerts on both the individual and society has been prioritised by health professionals and politicians alike. Against a background of government-driven alcohol policy changes, and the concurrent overlapping of professional responsibilities within the National Health Service (NHS), this study contributes to the description of the occupational therapist's role in this important area of practice. It describes the knowledge, views and perceptions of soon-to-graduate Scottish occupational therapy students. Literature review A brief literature review was performed using the following search terms: students; alcohol; professional role; knowledge; attitudes; alcohol and occupational therapy. The inclusion criteria were English language, published
Introduction: Scotland has witnessed a large rise in all types of alcohol-related illnesses, and in alcohol-related deaths. Despite this escalating problem, previous research in Scotland has demonstrated that gaps exist in the knowledge base of graduate occupational therapists. This study therefore aimed to document the content of alcohol in Scottish occupational therapy curricula. Method: This study was conducted during 2010–11. A questionnaire was sent to the programme leader of all the Scottish Higher Education Institutes offering a BSc (Hons) degree in occupational therapy, and to the only Further Education College in Scotland offering a Higher National Certificate in occupational therapy. The response rate was 100%. Findings: There is a lack of cohesive approach to alcohol misuse education within the occupational therapy curricula delivered in Scotland. Key proposals of the Scottish Government targeting alcohol misuse are inadequately addressed. Conclusion: The topic of alcohol and alcohol misuse is taught to varying degrees within the curricula offered in Scotland and further emphasis needs to be placed on understanding alcohol misuse and associated potential interventions, irrespective of practice context.
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