Mainstream Technology as an Occupational Therapy Tool: Technophobe or Technogeek?

Abstract

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A Mixed Methods Study of the Re-Animation Approach Within a Forensic Mental Health Setting

“…The findings support the evidence base for creative activity interventions and additionally highlight the power of modern technology to create culturally appropriate and accessible opportunities (Verdonck & Ryan, 2008) to experience the therapeutic qualities of creative activity. Further research studying occupations located in modern day arts and crafts is required to fully reveal implications for practice.…”

“…The acquisition of technical skills was highly valued by all participants, reflecting Gooch and Living's (2004) suggestion that within forensic mental health settings, computer dexterity can build self-esteem and confidence because of the high value placed on technological mastery in contemporary society. Verdonck and Ryan (2008) also highlight the importance of the provision of everyday and culturally appropriate occupations, such as mainstream technology, to preserve the meaningfulness of therapeutic activities. This resonates within the findings of this research; the incorporation of technology within the Re-Animation Approach has made the therapeutic qualities of traditional creative activities both accessible and culturally appropriate for a sample of male service users in a forensic mental health unit, presenting the influence of modern day arts and crafts (Chard, 2007) on occupational engagement.…”

Internet Based Activities (IBAs): Seniors' Experiences of the Conditions Required for the Performance of and the Influence of these Conditions on their Own Participation in Society

“…Nowadays people can perform many kinds of productive, leisure, and self-care activities via the Internet (Verdonck & Ryan, 2008). These Internet based activities (IBAs) can be combined and intergrated with those performed without the Internet (Haythornthwaite, 2001) (e.g., contacting one's friends from real life by e-mail), which is described by White et al (2002) as a way to enrich a person's opportunities to perform and experience meaningful daily occupations.…”

Occupational therapy students’ use of social media for professional practice

“…OT students at UKZN use social media for both general and professional purposes. As noted in the literature, [17][18][19][20] WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram were the most commonly used social media sites in this study. WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Pinterest were all commonly used by the students for professional purposes.…”