The meaning of participation and the conditions and strategies influencing participation are complex. Many of the categories identified for participation can be understood only through subjective experience and cannot be captured by professionals' observation of the performance of activities. These results emphasize the importance of considering clients' unique experiences of participation when designing individually tailored rehabilitation programmes intended to enhance participation.
Introduction: Restraints and changes in social activities might contribute to loneliness and health decline for older adults. To reduce loneliness and support activities, social internet-based interventions are indicated to be effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a social internet-based intervention for older adults who are vulnerable to loneliness. Method: An explorative, randomised, crossover study with an AB/BA sequence was completed. The intervention was conducted over a period of three months. Thirty participants were included (24 women and six men, 61-89 years old) and allocated to two groups. Data were collected at three time points. The primary outcome was the UCLA loneliness scale, and the secondary outcomes were satisfaction with social contacts and social interaction skills. Statistical analyses were conducted with the paired t-test, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Loneliness was significantly decreased in both groups post intervention, and satisfaction with social contacts online significantly increased in one group. Significant treatment effects were detected for all outcomes. Conclusion: The results of the social internet-based intervention programme are promising, but further evaluations are needed.
Client-centred occupational therapy interventions can support seniors' participation in SIBAs and their self-reliance when performing these activities.
Perceived participation and problems in participation are determinants of life satisfaction in people with SCI. The results emphasize the importance to focus on severe problems with participation in order to optimize life satisfaction during the rehabilitation after SCI.
The digital transformation of society and the increased need for digital competence implies extensive changes in peoples' everyday lives and occupations. Heretofore, the discussion in the field of occupational therapy about the consequences of digitalisation has been vague. The aim of this discussion paper is to outline some reflections and to offer some arguments on how to meet the changes following digitalisation and its impact on occupational therapy. The discussion focuses on three issues: the new conditions for participation in a digital society and the role of occupational therapy and occupational therapists in the evolving digital society as well as what occupational therapists need to be pro-active and to embrace the ongoing changes in a digital society. In conclusion, occupational therapy needs to advance its position and become pro-active to cross the threshold and to embrace the possibilities that digitalisation holds for peoples' everyday lives to support occupational justice and health.
The aim of this study was to identify and describe the characteristics of the difficulties using everyday technology in persons with an aquired brain injury (ABI), and their experiences of how these difficulties influenced their life. Thirteen persons with an ABI were interviewed about their difficulties in using everyday technology and were observed in their use of technology. Data were analysed qualitatively with a constant comparative method. The results showed that the persons' experiences formed two categories: “A variety of combinations of difficulties in the use of everyday technology” and “Restrictions in life”. The difficulties identified were related not only to everyday technology itself but also to the interaction between the technology, the task, the person, and the environment. These difficulties influenced their experiences of restrictions in occupational performance, personal identification, and participation in society. The results emphasize that occupational therapists who design interventions for people with an ABI need to accommodate both the technology and other interacting aspects in order to overcome difficulties in using everyday technology.
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