Researchers are increasingly recognizing the usefulness of using joint interviews in research on illness experiences. However, there is limited discussion of joint interviews as a data collection method and of the factors that influence the choice to conduct individual or joint interviews. Although there are several advantages and disadvantages of both methods, the reasons that underpin the choice to use joint interviews are often not discussed in detail in the literature. Drawing from a narrative-based study on the experiences of living with motor neuron disease, we present joint interviews as a method sensitive both to the shared experience of illness and to the multiple perspectives around illness. Using interview excerpts, we discuss how through the use of joint interviews researchers can explore the intersubjective and heteroglossic nature of illness experiences. We argue that using joint interviews can offer valuable information about how couples coconstruct meaning and share experiences.

The aim of this action research study was to embed the theoretical tenets of the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and its structures in a way that was appropriate to, and would be used by, all staff within an integrated health and social care setting. The action research involved 10 phases of reflection and action, with data analysis occurring between the cycles. The findings showed the importance of taking time to embed theory before implementing model structures in order to prevent those structures, and particularly the paperwork, becoming superficial. In addition, the importance of using theoretical structures (models) flexibly and adapting them to particular services was identified. A more generally applicable finding was that occupational therapists can and should demonstrate their theory through their practice and that this can be done by using a model to illustrate their clinical and, more specifically, their conditional clinical reasoning (Mattingly and Fleming 1994). In addition, the demonstration of clinical reasoning proved vital in making the client-centred and occupational beliefs of the model overt. It was concluded that implementing theory and using occupation-based literature (Williams and Bannigan 2008) in this way can take a long time but is worthwhile because it provides a sound and strong base for the profession's identity.

I When developing new models of supervision, it is important to balance preparation with experiential learning in order to promote professional and personal growth in students and supervisors.What the study has added The proposed model and reported experiences of students and academic staff should assist educational establishments in planning and implementing peer-assisted learning within role-emerging placements.

Aims: Evidence-based practice is an approach to clinical decision making which combines the best available evidence with individual patient care. Debate as to what makes good evidence and how this should be applied in practice as well as ambiguity about the meaning of evidence-based practice and concern regarding its confl ict with other models of occupational therapy, have created uncertainty for occupational therapists attempting to become ‘evidence-based’. The aim of this study was to explore the meanings attributed to evidence-based practice by occupational therapists and to propose a defi nition and framework of evidence-based practice that refl ects participants’ perceptions. Method: A mixed methodology qualitative design incorporating focus groups, in-depth interviews and observation was used to explore perceptions of evidence-based practice by occupational therapists at one setting in England. Findings: The fi ndings indicate that evidence-based practice is typically associated with use of research but that this is only partially relevant to occupational therapy and the treatment of individuals. A defi nition of and framework for evidence-based occupational therapy which refl ects these fi ndings is presented. Conclusion: Acknowledgement of a range of evidence, from research fi ndings to clients’ selfreports, corresponds with participants’ conception of clinical reasoning as a complex process that takes multiple factors into account. This, together with participants’ client-centred approach and emphasis on the human experience of health encounters, forms the basis of a reconfi guration of evidence-based occupational therapy.

Introduction: Older people are the main users of adult social care services in Great Britain. Evidence suggests that occupational therapists employed by local authorities are providing interventions that promote and maintain older people's independence, and decrease dependency on other services. However, such evidence is disparate in nature and lacks synthesis. Method: This literature review systematically selected, critically appraised, and thematically synthesized the post 2000 published and unpublished evidence on the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for older people in social care services. Findings: Identified themes established: the localized nature of social care services for older people; organizational and policy impacts on services, and factors influencing effectiveness and cost effectiveness. Although occupational therapists are increasingly involved in rehabilitation and reablement, there is a continuing focus on equipment and adaptations provision. A high level of service user satisfaction was identified, once timely occupational therapy services were received. Conclusion: Overall, occupational therapy in social care is perceived as effective in improving quality of life for older people and their carers, and cost effective in making savings for other social and healthcare services. However, the complex nature of social care services makes it difficult to disaggregate the effectiveness of occupational therapy from other services.