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The convergence and development of information and communication technology (ICT) have brought changes to occupational therapy practices, posing novel challenges for occupational therapists (OTs). This study aimed to investigate current practices of ICT use and factors affecting the clinical use of ICT among Korean OTs. An online survey was conducted among 158 domestic OTs working in hospitals. Participants reported that the therapeutic use of ICT positively affected client outcomes, ICT choice, and continued use. Participants highlighted the necessity to assess the ability of clients to use smart devices and ensure familiarity in the OT process. Of respondents, 31% reported the application of ICT-based interventions or recommendations in clinical practice. The use of ICT was predominantly associated with cognitive function, leisure activities, and information access and communication. A significant difference in barriers to ICT use was observed between familiar users and non-users. Familiar users reported a lack of knowledge and training as major barriers, whereas non-users reported expensive products or technology. Ease of use and usefulness were facilitators of ICT use among familiar users. Information and training opportunities are required to promote ICT use by OTs, and the usefulness of ICT must be realized via client-centered, customized approaches.

Background Digital learning is a rapidly advancing method for teaching and learning in professional health education. Although various digital learning designs have been tried in OT education, studies on digital learning designs are still limited. Methods We conducted a scoping study that aimed to identify the digital learning designs used in occupational therapy (OT) education and review the effectiveness, learner perceptions, clinical skills integrated, and technology-based learning strategies used to facilitate learning. Four databases were searched using subheadings and terms relating to digital learning, occupational therapy, and education. The included studies were mapped according to the types of digital learning design, subjects, key clinical skills, and outcomes. Results Twenty-two studies were included in this review, most of which were qualitative, observational, or mixed studies of the two designs. The digital learning designs identified in OT education were flipped, blended, hybrid, and distance learning, including e-learning and massive open online courses (MOOC). Among the components of clinical skills, professional reasoning and procedural knowledge were the most integrated into digital learning, and covered various OT subjects. Digital learning designs were reported to be equivalent to or more effective than the traditional face-to-face (F2F) class in learning outcomes of knowledge and skill acquisition, enhancing learning participation, reflection, and collaboration between learners. Various technologies have been used to promote synchronous or asynchronous active learning, providing learning strategies such as thinking, reflection, discussion, peer learning-group activity, and gamifying online learning. Conclusions In OT digital learning, appropriate learning subjects, the arrangement of clinical skill components that can be well integrated into digital learning, and the selection of appropriate technologies for effective learning are important. The results should be confirmed within an experimental study design.

Objectives:The purpose of the study was to investigate the influencing factors on awareness toward oral health education in elementary school teachers. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 250 elementary school teachers in Jeollado and Chungcheongdo from October 6 to November 28, 2014. The questionnaire consisted of the general characteristics of the subjects, oral health knowledge, oral health beliefs, and oral health education awareness measured by Likert 5 point scale. Cronbach alpha was 0.699 in the oral health knowledge and 0.957 in the oral health beliefs. Results: Those who were more interested in the oral health education had the awareness toward the necessity of oral health education. Those who had a longer career of education tended to have the strong beliefs in oral health education. Conclusions: The elementary school teachers are the most important persons in the lifelong oral health education facilitator to the students. It is very important to provide the continuing oral health education program development for the elementary school teachers.

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