Frames of Reference: Their Use in Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how paediatric occupational therapists provide intervention for children with cerebral palsy in the United Kingdom. A survey design was used with a sample of 120 paediatric occupational therapists. The results of this study were representational of practice among members of the National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists. It was found that 91.7% of occupational therapists in this study used an eclectic treatment approach. Treatment was usually provided on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual needs of the child, and family-centred functional therapy was valued. Postgraduate training in the areas of neurodevelopmental treatment and sensory integration is recommended in a continuing capacity if therapists choose to use these frames of reference to guide treatment for children with cerebral palsy.

Actual vs. best practices for young children with cerebral palsy: A survey of paediatric occupational therapists and physical therapists in Quebec, Canada

“…Generally, OT and PT participants focused primarily on basic body functions and activity, a finding which supports previous literature [15,16,[20][21][22]. Although there was some identification of practices related to participation such as play and school and social integration, it was still limited.…”

“…Interventions used by OTs working with children have been examined for a general paediatric population aged 0-5 years [19] and for young children with CP [20]. Berry and Ryan [20] examined the OT frames of reference (functional, neurodevelopmental, biomechanical, developmental, sensory integration) used by members of the National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists in the UK in managing children with CP.…”

“…Berry and Ryan [20] examined the OT frames of reference (functional, neurodevelopmental, biomechanical, developmental, sensory integration) used by members of the National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists in the UK in managing children with CP. A total of 120 (66.6% participation rate) OTs working with children with CP completed the survey.…”

Occupational Therapy with Children and Young People: A Perspective from the United Kingdom

“…Berry and Ryan's UK survey of 120 occupational therapists working with children and young people found that 91.7% of the respondents stated they used an eclectic approach (Berry & Ryan, 2002). Commonly used approaches included occupation-focused, ecological, child-and family-centered, sensory integration, sensory processing, and Bobath neuro-developmental treatment.…”

Occupational therapists prefer combining multiple intervention approaches for children with learning difficulties

“…Previous studies have therefore established that a variety of theoretical models, frames of reference and intervention approaches are used for children with LD (Berry & Ryan, 2002;Brown et al, 2005;Storch & Eskow, 1996). However, there is little literature describing how therapists are interpreting and implementing particular approaches.…”