Findings highlight the importance of considering the individual experience of diabetes self-management occupations and the need to develop habits and routines to support management of diabetes. Further research is needed to expand our understanding of how daily routines and habits can affect health in persons with diabetes.
A small qualitative research study was chosen as a time efficient way to allow students to participate in and complete a research project during a 16-week long semester course. In the first year of the research contribution course, student researchers asked participants with diabetes to complete time use diaries as a part of their initial data collection. The time use diaries were found to be an ineffective way to collect data on self-management of diabetes and were not useful as a basis for subsequent interviews with the participants. A review of the literature suggested reasons for this lack of effectiveness; in particular, participants tend not to record frequently done daily activities. Further review of the literature pointed toward the use of participant-generated photography as an alternative. Subsequent participants were asked to take photographs of their daily self-management of their diabetes for initial data collection. These photographs provided a strong basis for subsequent interviews with the participants. A comparison of the data collected and the emergent themes from the two different methods of initial data collection demonstrated the improved ability to answer the original research question when using participant-generated photography as a basis for participant interviews. The student researchers found the use of participant-generated photographs to elicit interviews with participants in the context of a research contribution course to be effective and enjoyable.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia often leads to behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Sensory processing abnormalities may be associated with BPSD. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships among sensory processing, behavior, and environmental features within the homes of people with MCI or dementia. This project used mixed methods to assess participants’ sensory processing, care partner perspectives on behaviors, and in situ observations of the home environment. Nine participants with cognitive impairment (MCI n = 8, early dementia = 1) and their care partners were included. Seven participants with cognitive impairment were reported to have abnormal sensory processing. Findings suggest that unique environmental adaptations, tailored to personal and sensory preferences for each participant, were associated with a decreased level of behavioral disruption during the observation periods. Implementing sensory-based approaches to maximize environment adaptation may be beneficial in reducing disruptive behaviors for adults with cognitive impairment.
Date Presented 3/31/2017
The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine morning routines of adults with chronic disabilities. The study revealed that morning routines show similarities regardless of disability. Those with disabilities may need more time and objects, and they experience the need to change routines over time.
Primary Author and Speaker: MaryEllen Thompson
Background: Nearly 90% of adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias experience behavioral symptoms (e.g., agitation, depression, anxiety, apathy). Current pharmacological treatment options lack high efficacy and pose dangerous side effects. Innovative approaches are needed to enhance care for these symptoms. This study aimed to assess feasibility of Harmony at HOME (Help Online Modifying the Environment), a telehealth occupational therapy intervention for community-dwelling adults with Alzheimer's disease exhibiting behavioral symptoms (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04555616). Method: Using a single-blind, three-arm, randomized controlled trial design, participants were enrolled into one of the following arms: 1) individualized intervention (I) with tailored training regarding sensory stimulation to facilitate adaptive behavior and functional performance; 2) standardized intervention (S) curriculum for care partner training; and a 3) control arm (C) receiving standard of care. Both intervention arms received sensory stimulation tool kits to facilitate behavioral regulation. All participants completed 6 telehealth visits, one per week, with an occupational therapist. The primary outcome of feasibility was measured by attendance to weekly visits, and secondary outcomes included change in patient performance in functional activity assessed via the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and change in neuropsychiatric symptoms assessed via the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire.
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