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Objective: Students from regional and remote backgrounds are more likely to stay and work in regional and remote locations. Health students transition and retention at university impacts the retainment of a competent rural health workforce. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of allied health students as they reflected upon their first six weeks at university and identified strategies which enhanced these experiences. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Surveys were administered to students who then completed a reflection exercise. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient and chi‐squares. Setting: An Australian regional university. Participants: First year occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology students. Main outcome measures: Factors influencing the first 6 weeks at university. Results: One hundred and forty‐three students participated. Homesickness was the major challenge in transitioning to university life. Subthemes identified were adjusting to being away from home, adjusting to university culture and the mature‐aged student. Specific issues included a lack of familiarity with university campuses and services, being unprepared for the workload and confusion while learning new skills. Conclusion: Orientation week activities assist students transition into university and age‐appropriate and family‐friendly activities should be considered for mature‐age students. All students were found to benefit from support to address economic pressures and skill development focusing on coping with university workload. The development of regional university policy including these strategies is likely to enhance student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Academic faculty are active contributors to the evidence base of the profession. Little is known about the research productivity of Australian occupational therapy academics. Methods A bibliographic analysis of Australian occupational therapy faculty websites and corresponding Scopus citation database profiles was conducted. A description of current research productivity benchmarks and relationships with holding a doctorate, academic appointment level and institutional characteristics were explored. Results The median H-index of Clinical and Associate Lecturers was 0, 1 for Lecturers, 4 for Senior Lecturers, 7.5 for Associate Professors and 13 for Professors. The number of publications and number of citing documents follows a Pareto tendency, where 20% of researchers are responsible for around 80% of the research track record of Australian occupational therapy academics. Conclusion The findings provide a benchmark for Australian occupational therapy faculty research track records and associations with appointment levels. This benchmark differs across countries and disciplines. The results raise considerations for enhancing the overall research track record of occupational therapy academics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This paper explores the body of knowledge around Indigenous health research and aims to outline what roles are appropriate for non-Indigenous researchers within Indigenous health research in Australia. Methods. Aliterature review was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus in May2015. The search terms were 'non-Indigenous researchers' AND 'Indigenous health research' and other combinations of these terms. Additional documents were sourced by hand using the reference lists of key articles. Results. Seven thematic categories were identified: (1) Closing the Gap: implications for research; (2) history of Indigenous research; (3) developing Indigenous research using a capacity-building approach; (4) the cultural interface between Western paradigms and Indigenous knowledge; (5) ethical Indigenous research; (6) culturally safe Indigenous research; and (7) positive roles for non-Indigenous researchers in Indigenous research. Conclusion. It is important that non-Indigenous researchers become more aware of culturally appropriate ways in which to undertake Indigenous research and to ensure that the research undertaken is safe, ethical and useful for participants. Fostering partnerships between non-Indigenous academic organisations and researchers and Indigenous health researchers is an important development that can promote and enhance the emerging field of Indigenous inquiry. Actively contributing to capacity building with Indigenous researchers and research initiatives is a key role that non-Indigenous researchers and academic institutions can have in improving Indigenous health. Self-determination through health research capacity building and evidence-based advocacy may provide the most useful outcomes for Indigenous people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On May 23, 1908, Frau Treppens, the proprietress of a Gasthaus near the agricultural estate Klein Ziethen contacted the governing council of Steglitz regarding an urgent concern about water damage. Steglitz was five kilometers south of Berlin's southern boundary; Klein Ziethen was twelve kilometers southeast of Steglitz. Writing on the advice of attorney Georg Hillman, Frau Treppens urgently inquired what the council was going to do about the water on her property, which had already caused “enormous damage.” Like many other property owners near Klein Ziethen, she had been battling water in her basement; for some this had been going on for two years. Frau Treppens inquired what steps Steglitz was taking against Rixdorf, another rapidly growing suburb, located on Berlin's southeast perimeter sixteen kilometers from Klein Ziethen. Why was Frau Treppens turning to the officials of Steglitz, and why did she and her attorney assume that Steglitz and Rixdorf bore responsibility for her water-soaked cellar? [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct focus groups to operationalise the construct of quality of life (QOL) for people living with lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Bangladesh to develop culturally valid items for a Bangladeshi LF QOL tool. Methods: Ten focus groups were conducted with a stratified purposeful sample ( n = 60) of LF patients (3 focus groups, n = 17), doctors (1 focus group, n = 5), nurses (1 focus group, n = 6) and other hospital staff (1 focus group, n = 5), community leaders (2 focus groups, n = 14), community volunteer health workers (1 focus group, n = 5) and Bangladeshi LF researchers and planners (1 focus group, n = 8). Focus group methodology was informed by local culture in consultation with cultural mentors and local advisors, often going against standard focus group procedures. Data were collected through note taking, audio taping, transcripts, observational notes and a reflection diary. Open coding of transcript data was completed until data saturation was achieved. Results: Forty-three constructs were identified through the focus groups that had not previously been identified in the literature, including constructs relating to environmental supports and barriers, activities, participation and psychological impacts. There were marked differences between the impacts reported by different groups, highlighting the need for a comprehensive purposive sample. In particular, contributions from participants who would not traditionally be viewed as 'experts' were vital. Conclusions: The use of focus groups strongly contributed to the operationalisation of the concept of QOL in Bangladesh for people living with LF. Use of literature review or expert opinion alone would have missed vital constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim There is a paucity of research examining the issues faced by New Zealand new graduate occupational therapists entering practice, including understanding graduates' abilities to translate knowledge and skills gained in their professional training, into the clinical setting. This study sought to explore the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly graduated occupational therapists in New Zealand. Methods A mixed methods approach was used including: (i) online survey completed by 458 New Zealand registered occupational therapists, and (ii) five focus groups, in four cities, with occupational therapists, educators and managers. Survey and focus group questions explored new graduates' preparedness for practice based on the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand competencies for registration. Results New graduates were perceived to be strong in the competencies of 'communication' and 'continuing professional development', and weaker in the areas of 'implementation of occupational therapy' and 'management of environment and resources'. Perceptions of graduates' preparedness in relation to 'culturally safe practice', 'safe, ethical and legal practice' and 'management of self and people' were mixed. Conclusion The profession has not raised any serious concerns about new graduates' preparedness for practice; however, there were some identified weaknesses. Currently, there is no clear evidence that increasing undergraduate training time would address these weaknesses and some indication that postgraduate focus may be preferable. Furthermore, the findings highlight the inconsistency in previous studies regarding perceptions of graduate preparedness. Further research regarding new graduates preparedness for practice, from multiple perspectives and taking into consideration length and stage of education, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The development of competent future allied health professionals through academic programmes, professional support and practical education is continually evolving. The aim of this study was to explore the feelings of newly graduated occupational therapists in Australia and Aotearoa/ New Zealand regarding their education and work preparedness. Methods Newly graduated occupational therapists from Australia ( n = 178) and Aotearoa/ New Zealand ( n = 53) who had completed their occupational therapy studies in 2007 were recruited. Participants completed an online survey which explored their preparedness for work; based on professional competencies. Results Most newly graduated occupational therapists felt somewhat prepared for practice. However, only 17.1% of Australian new graduates, and even fewer (8.5%) of Aotearoa/ New Zealand new graduates felt very well prepared. Participants felt more prepared for the competencies required for 'managing inwards' (including interpersonal skills) and less prepared for those required for 'managing outwards' (including evidence-based practice). Conclusions This study provides the first international comparison into the feelings of competence and preparedness for practice of new graduates of occupational therapy from Australia and Aotearoa/ New Zealand. Given the importance of competencies, such as evidence-based practice to the progress of the profession, there is a need to further explore methods to increase feelings of preparedness in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative perceptions of homelessness contribute to deficit models of practice, false notions of homogeneity, and marginalization. Wellbeing is a state of satisfaction with material, social, and human aspects of life and can be measured both objectively and subjectively. The study explored the meaning and experience of wellbeing in the everyday lives of 20 homeless participants through fieldwork and interviews. This study revealed that health contributed little to their overall perception of wellbeing. Keeping safe, being positive and feeling good, connecting with others, and the ability to participate in “normal” life were the key contributors of subjective wellbeing. The authors demonstrate that social exclusion experienced in homelessness has a negative effect on subjective wellbeing. Services that provide opportunities to experience social inclusion and develop community and cultural connections will improve the wellbeing of homeless persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, 40 million people live with the chronic effects of lymphatic filariasis (LF), making it the second leading cause of disability in the world. Despite this, there is limited research into the experiences of people living with the disease. This review summarises the research on the experiences of people living with LF disability. The review highlights the widespread social stigma and oppressive psychological issues that face most people living with LF-related disability. Physical manifestations of LF make daily activities and participation in community life difficult. The findings confirm the need for the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) to support morbidity management activities that address the complex biopsychosocial issues that people living with LF-related disability face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, 40 million people live with the chronic effects of lymphatic filariasis (LF), making it the second leading cause of disability in the world. Despite this, there is limited research into the experiences of people living with the disease. This review summarises the research on the experiences of people living with LF disability. The review highlights the widespread social stigma and oppressive psychological issues that face most people living with LF-related disability. Physical manifestations of LF make daily activities and participation in community life difficult. The findings confirm the need for the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) to support morbidity management activities that address the complex biopsychosocial issues that people living with LF-related disability face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Australian policy on homelessness identifies participation in structured activities as the first step towards social inclusion and increasing the likelihood of permanently leaving a homeless lifestyle. Art interventions increase interpersonal function and social participation and provide a means of expression and transformation with people who are homeless. Aim: This study explores the value of an art programme provided by a non-government agency for homeless adults. Method: Qualitative methods including participant observation and purposive interviews were analysed inductively and thematically to gain an understanding of the participants' experience of art and its value. Interviews with stakeholders provided additional information and triangulation of the data. Results: The study demonstrates that art occupations provide a starting point for participation in community and a positive experience that encourages the construction of new identities, routines and roles. Furthermore, art provides an alternative from the problems associated with homelessness, mental health and substance abuse and allows for public recognition and social inclusion. Conclusions: Health professionals should work towards the social inclusion of homeless people through providing occupational opportunities for participation in safe settings as a first step to community engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to explore in depth the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the perspective of people with the condition in northern regional Australia. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed. Data was obtained from eight participants from a health service for chronic illness using semi-structured interviews to capture participants' diverse experiences. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed using a computer software programme. Data was coded and analyzed thematically. Results: Participant narratives illustrated the severe functional impairments and subsequent psychosocial consequences of this disease. In relation to the participants' experience of COPD, six major themes were identified. These were: emotional wellbeing, physical experience, knowledge and understanding, social relationships, external factors, and experience of intervention in relation to their COPD. Conclusions: This study provides a depth of insight into the day to day experience of people with COPD in a northern Australian location. Findings highlight the importance of the effect that climate, anxiety, and patient education have on participation in daily life and indicate a need for further research into these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to explore in depth the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the perspective of people with the condition in northern regional Australia. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed. Data was obtained from eight participants from a health service for chronic illness using semi-structured interviews to capture participants' diverse experiences. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed using a computer software programme. Data was coded and analyzed thematically. Results: Participant narratives illustrated the severe functional impairments and subsequent psychosocial consequences of this disease. In relation to the participants' experience of COPD, six major themes were identified. These were: emotional wellbeing, physical experience, knowledge and understanding, social relationships, external factors, and experience of intervention in relation to their COPD. Conclusions: This study provides a depth of insight into the day to day experience of people with COPD in a northern Australian location. Findings highlight the importance of the effect that climate, anxiety, and patient education have on participation in daily life and indicate a need for further research into these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a study exploring the longer term functional impact of a traumatic hand injury on people residing in a regional metropolitan Australian location. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional retrospective survey was sent to adult patients who received treatment for a traumatic hand injury from the occupational therapy clinic at a regional Australian hospital, 1-4 years post injury (n = 498). The Upper Extremity Functional Index was included in the survey. Findings: Over 90% of respondents reported having ongoing residual difficulties. Participants indicated that the most affected areas were work and leisure. Almost half the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the exercises 'hurt too much to do' (46%) and that they 'did not have enough time' to do exercises (34.5%). Conclusion: This study emphasised notable longer term impact of a traumatic hand injury on people residing in a metropolitan Australian location; especially in the areas of work and leisure. Findings indicate the need for some change in the delivery of rehabilitation programs in an Australian regional metropolitan context. Holistic consideration of factors which may influence outcomes will improve rehabilitation programs and in turn, overall quality of life for individuals who sustain a traumatic hand injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a study exploring the longer term functional impact of a traumatic hand injury on people residing in a regional metropolitan Australian location. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional retrospective survey was sent to adult patients who received treatment for a traumatic hand injury from the occupational therapy clinic at a regional Australian hospital, 1-4 years post injury (n = 498). The Upper Extremity Functional Index was included in the survey. Findings: Over 90% of respondents reported having ongoing residual difficulties. Participants indicated that the most affected areas were work and leisure. Almost half the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the exercises 'hurt too much to do' (46%) and that they 'did not have enough time' to do exercises (34.5%). Conclusion: This study emphasised notable longer term impact of a traumatic hand injury on people residing in a metropolitan Australian location; especially in the areas of work and leisure. Findings indicate the need for some change in the delivery of rehabilitation programs in an Australian regional metropolitan context. Holistic consideration of factors which may influence outcomes will improve rehabilitation programs and in turn, overall quality of life for individuals who sustain a traumatic hand injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational therapists need to be able to work competently with all clients, including First Australians. Currently, there are no national standards for occupational therapists working with First Australian clients. This article presents current issues in practice and education with First Australians and makes recommendations for the future. A survey of 41 occupational therapists working with, or interested in First Australian health issues was conducted at a workshop held at the Australian National Occupational Therapy Conference in 2008. Results of the workshop group discussions were also collated. Several themes emerged from both survey data and discussions. A substantial proportion of participants rated their confidence and competence to work with First Australians as low to moderate. Higher levels of perceived confidence and competence were associated with current experience in the field. Discussions centred around six major themes: building relationships, service provision and design, education and training of occupational therapists, increasing First Australian representation within occupational therapy, professional issues and political issues. These themes were further collapsed into areas of action, which could be taken by individuals, managers, researchers and professional bodies to improve practice with First Australians. Occupational therapists will benefit from coordinated efforts, on individual and systemic levels, to work more effectively, and in partnership with, First Australians. Such developments should include guidelines for practice, education and research; professional development and networking opportunities; and improved collaboration, especially with First Australian partners, on a national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments announced its goals to improve Indigenous life expectancy, health, education and employment: 'Closing the Gap' (). Internationally, occupational therapists seek to promote social justice and human rights through occupation. Despite this effort, Australian occupational therapists have largely remained silent in response to the national agenda of closing the gap in Indigenous health. This article identifies the challenges of research and practice at the 'cultural interface', the juncture where Western knowledge meets the Indigenous knowledge of our clients. The article draws on the first author's research experience with Indigenous peoples. Through a process of reflection on the challenges highlighted by research at the cultural interface, this article identifies a range of professional processes used to negotiate differing and conflicting perspectives. By comparing the research context with occupational therapy practice, the author identifies some of the actions and supports that can be used by occupational therapists to provide culturally appropriate and negotiated interventions with Indigenous people. Although a number of individual occupational therapists work with Indigenous communities and individuals to improve the services offered, it is suggested that the occupational therapy profession needs to work together towards closing the gap. The development of special interest groups, professional networks and a National Position Statement on Indigenous Health would provide the background to developing guidelines for practice with Indigenous clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic review of the occupational therapy literature 1990-2008 was undertaken with the aim to assess the quality of evidence that supports the role of occupational therapy with homeless people. Forty articles were initially identified and critically appraised, including 16 research studies. Seven quantitative articles were included in this review and demonstrated the effectiveness of occupational therapy in providing interventions that increase employment and education prospects, money management, coping skills, and leisure activities. The literature suggests that occupational therapy has an appropriate role with people experiencing homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to critically review published research in order to evaluate the evidence surrounding the provision of video or DVD technology to promote patient compliance with home exercise or health programmes. Method. A literature search of the MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases was undertaken. Critical appraisal of selected studies was undertaken using a previously validated tool. Inclusion criteria were: research related to DVD or videotape technology to improve compliance; published in peer-reviewed journals and full-text English language articles. Compliance was the main outcome measure. Results. Eleven eligible studies were reviewed. All but one, which used a before–after design, were randomised controlled trials. Study quality tended medium to high in the critical appraisal scoring system, but an overall low quality on the Jadad score for randomisation; with only one study from 11 scoring well on both these measures. Research into the use of video or DVD showed mainly positive effects on compliance; however, methodological issues limit clinical applicability. Conclusions. Future well-designed randomised controlled trials with adequate sample sizes and reliable outcome measures will provide clearer evidence into the effectiveness of this technology in improving home exercise or health programme compliance, particularly for rural and remote populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The objective of this article is to review published studies to describe issues and quality of evidence surrounding assistive technology (AT) use by the baby boomer generation. As the baby boomer generation are ageing, they represent a new era for aged health care. In terms of helping this generation maintain independence, it is expected that there will be an increased demand for AT. Method. A systematic literature search of Medline, CINAHL and Cochrane was undertaken. Selected studies were critically appraised using a previously validated tool. Inclusion criteria were: research related to AT use by a population which includes baby boomers; published in peer-reviewed journals and full-text English language articles. Studies were based in acute rehabilitation units in the USA and Australia. Frequency of use and patient satisfaction surveys were the main outcome measures. Results. A total of 11 eligible studies were reviewed. All were cross-sectional. Many studies indicated a significant rate of AT non-use; use rates ranged from 35% to 86.5%. Numerous factors influencing use were proposed. Study quality was upper-mid range. Conclusions. Baby boomers will place more demand on AT in the future. There is a need for high-quality research to verify current findings and highlight AT issues specific to this generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined occupational therapists’ attitudes to Cultural Safety for Maori clients. The main research tool was a semi-structured qualitative research interview. A cross-case analysis method was used to determine the major recurring themes. Thirteen participants with varied occupational therapy training backgrounds were interviewed. Current Cultural Safety education is designed to challenge health professionals’ attitudes towards those culturally different from themselves. Results suggest that maturity and personal experiences had significant bearing on these attitudes. Implications for occupational therapy include implementing a policy that stipulates compulsory Cultural Safety education as part of professional development. Findings may have relevance for other countries where significant ethnic differentials in health service success exist, such as Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To define lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their relationship to general practitioner (GP) visits and ethnicity among men in the New Zealand (NZ) population-based Wellington Region Community Prostate Study. In 2001–2002 NZ European, Maori and Pacific Island participants were selected from the Wellington region of NZ. Demographic questions, the International Prostate Symptom Score and yearly GP attendance questions were completed by 862 subjects with no history of prostate cancer. There were no significant differences in LUTS among the ethnic groups ( P = 0.80) but symptom scores were positively correlated with age only for NZ Europeans ( P < 0.001, r = 0.179). Overall, NZ populations have a lower prevalence of LUTS than is evident for ethnic groups in other countries. Pacific Islanders attended the GP more often than both NZ Europeans and Maori. Ethnic differences in age-related urinary symptoms and visits to the GP are important for informing culturally appropriate clinical practice and prostate health promotion with minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most prostate cancers are characterized by a significant rise in the production of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is used widely in screening for prostate cancer. Within New Zealand, PSA is measured on automated immunoassay analysers, including models by Abbott Laboratories (Architect i2000) and Roche Diagnostics (Elecsys 2010). These assays produce similar, but not identical, results. Objective: To compare the measurement of PSA between the Elecsys 2010 and the Architect i2000 assay. Methods: We measured PSA concentrations in each of 194 serum samples using both the Roche Elecsys 2010 and the Abbott Architect i2000 and compared the results using various statistical methods. Results: PSA concentrations measured on the Architect i2000 system were less than those on the Elecsys 2010 system, by an average of 11%. Conclusion: Because the results from the two assays are different, reference intervals appropriate to the method of PSA measurement should be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Seated activities are attributed to increased sedentary behaviour (SB) and adverse health effects, but little is currently known about university students' SB, particularly study‐related SB. This study describes the sociodemographic variations of domain‐specific SB in regional Australian university students and the contribution of study‐related SB to total SB. Methods: Self‐reported daily SBs from a cross‐sectional survey of 451 students were used. Domain‐specific and total SB were described within sub‐groups, and differences examined using independent t‐tests. Multinomial regression was used to examine the association of tertiles of duration in study‐related SB with total and other domain‐specific SBs. Results: Study participants were a median age of 21 (19–25 years), mostly female (76%) and represented different years of study. On average, students spent 882 ± 292 min/day in total SB, with most SB occurring in the study, screen time and 'other activity' domains. No sociodemographic variations were found in total SB, but significantly higher study‐related SB were reported by students studying full time (p <.001) and who moved from their family home to study (p <.022). Study‐related SB contributed 36% of total SB, with students most sedentary during study having the highest total SB. Conclusions: This study suggests university students have high levels of SB, primarily in the domains of study, screen time and other activities. SB reduction strategies in universities and targeting screen time, across various sociodemographic groups (e.g., gender, university enrolment status, and living arrangements), may be important in reducing SB in university students. So What?: University students are highly sedentary and should be included in SB programs especially students studying full time and those who moved from their family home in the study domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on the articles about state-building and bureaucracy on different states in Germany. Debate on the nature of the modern German politics; Discussion of the political culture upon which the post-Napoleonic reconstruction of the country rested; Emphasis of historians on the absence of liberal principles.

Wheelchair basketball (WCBB) often includes reverse integration (RI), defined as the inclusion of athletes without impairment in a sport traditionally aimed at athletes with an impairment. This study explored how RI in WCBB was understood by internal stakeholders. Data were gathered from athletes, coaches, and administrators at an Australian club competition and at a Canadian elite training center. Analysis of semistructured interviews with 29 participants led to the identification of eight themes. Collectively, the findings showed that RI was embedded within WCBB, RI was considered to be a way to advance the growth and improve the quality of WCBB as well as a way to increase awareness of WCBB and disability. There were some concerns that RI may not be equitable, as WCBB is a "disability sport." Stakeholders' perspectives on RI could provide useful information for sport policymakers, managers, administrators, sports organizations, and athletes interested in further developing WCBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity has been documented as both beneficial and detrimental for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The varied experience highlights challenges associated with physical activity and MS, requiring a greater understanding of the experiences of exercise for individuals with MS. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore how physical activity played a role in the life of a Paralympic Gold medallist. Carol was diagnosed with MS and went onto achieve the highest accolade in Paralympic sport. Methods: Narrative inquiry, within a single-case design, explored how physical activity played a role in Carol’s life. The narrative was analysed through the lens of a salutogenic framework, which explores how individuals create health despite adverse circumstances. Findings: Carol’s physical activity pathway explores life before and after her diagnosis, motivations to return to exercise and pathway to Paralympic Gold. Carol’s experiences highlight how physical activity played a role during various stages of her life. Exercise had a significant role in Carol’s life prior to diagnosis, it assisted in the management of MS and she cycled the elite level, winning a Paralympic Gold medal in para-cycling. Implications for Rehabilitation: Physical activity has been reported as beneficial for multiple sclerosis management; however, there can be a fine line between the benefits and an overload that can harm. An elite athlete with multiple sclerosis maintained and sustained physical activity to the highest level in elite sport, incorporating a positive health outlook throughout different stages of her life. The case highlights how commitment and self-awareness of capabilities and limits may be useful self-management tools in increasing physical activity for individuals living with multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined the effect of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) within environments of differing temperature and humidity on several physiological and perceptual responses while performing six activities of daily living (i.e. putting on shirt/shoes/trousers, vacuuming, hanging towels, and walking on a treadmill). Sixteen healthy participants completed the activities of varying difficulty within four experimental conditions: with and without NIV; and in temperate (22 °C, 40% relative humidity) and hot-humid environments (32 °C, 70% relative humidity). Comparisons of physiological responses between conditions were examined via repeated measures ANOVAs. Overall, NIV resulted in similar physiological and perceptual responses within all environmental conditions for healthy participants. Further, NIV use increased heart rate during the most strenuous task (29.5 ± 12.7 vs. 22.8 ± 12.0 bpm, p = 0.008) indicating NIV use may stress cardiovascular functioning during moderate-high intensity activities. Tropical conditions did not alter physiological or perceptual responses during everyday tasks with NIV use by healthy adults. Future investigations examining the independent and combined impacts of task intensity, extreme environments and NIV use will clarify the benefits of NIV for healthy and clinical populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perspectives on disability originating from non-Western cultures are beginning to appear in disability literature, however discussions may become lost in rhetoric unless grounded in experiences of people with disabilities themselves. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of physical disability in Timor Leste with the assistance of a group of Timorese participants with disabilities who were employed in the disability sector. These participants recounted experiences of disability from their own lives together with their observations of people with disabilities living in remote parts of Timor Leste who often lived with stigma or deprivation. The participants thus described their own lived experiences against a backdrop of a non-Western culture. A picture emerged of a stigmatising culture where acceptance of disability is uncommon yet where significant attempts are being made to change attitudes to disability within the culture of Timor Leste. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: In Tanzania, birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal death. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence successful neonatal resuscitation to inform clinical practice and reduce the incidence of very early neonatal death (death within 24 h of delivery).Methods: This was a qualitative narrative inquiry study utilizing the 32 consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Audio-recorded, semistructured, individual interviews with midwives were conducted. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes.Results: Thematic analysis of the midwives' responses revealed three factors that influence successful resuscitation: 1. Hands-on training ("HOT") with clinical support during live emergency neonatal resuscitation events, which decreases fear and enables the transfer of clinical skills; 2. Unequivocal commitment to the Golden Minute® and the mindset of the midwife; and. 3. Strategies that reduce barriers. Immediately after birth, live resuscitation can commence at the mother's bedside, with actively guided clinical instruction. Confidence and mastery of resuscitation competencies are reinforced as the physiological changes in neonates are immediately visible with bag and mask ventilation. The proclivity to perform suction initially delays ventilation, and suction is rarely clinically indicated. Keeping skilled midwives in labor wards is important and impacts clinical practice. The midwives interviewed articulated a mindset of unequivocal commitment to the baby for one Golden Minute®. Heavy workload, frequent staff rotation and lack of clean working equipment were other barriers identified that are worthy of future research.Conclusions: Training in resuscitation skills in a simulated environment alone is not enough to change clinical practice. Active guidance of "HOT" real-life emergency resuscitation events builds confidence, as the visible signs of successful resuscitation impact the midwife's beliefs and behaviors. Furthermore, a focused commitment by midwives working together to reduce birth asphyxia-related deaths builds hope and collective self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Quality of life plays a major role in prostate cancer research in relation to outcomes of treatment. Most studies conducted on patients with prostate cancer have used standardised psychometric instruments to evaluate the impact of treatment; few studies have taken an in-depth qualitative approach. There has been little consideration of the ways in which the prostate cancer experience impacts on daily life. The aim of this research was to understand the experience of prostate cancer survivors in relation to physical function and its impact on quality of life. Method: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted using seven participants who ranged in age from 44 to 80 years. Participants had received varying prostate cancer treatments and were between 3 months and over 7 years post-diagnosis. Results: Three main themes emerged: loss of masculinity, loss of control over daily activities, and age-specific perspectives. Changes to physical function included impotence, incontinence, fatigue and lymphoedema. Losses were multifaceted, leading to changes in self-perception, reduced participation in daily activities and a decreased quality of life. Conclusion: The impact of prostate cancer and its treatment led to decreased quality of life and desire to live. Identified changes in physical function and psychological wellbeing in prostate cancer patients highlighted the significance of younger men with prostate cancer, and their experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims Pain is known to be a subjective experience yet the majority of pain related research does not address the lived experience of the condition. Difficult to diagnose, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is often poorly managed. The aim of this paper was to identify and synthesise the currently available literature on experiences of living with chronic pain in order to understand where and how CRPS research may be best situated in the future. Methods A narrative review was performed and ProQuest, EBSCO, Informit, Scopus/Science Direct and Web of Science, Medline, CINHAL and Google Scholar were searched in order to identify the literature from 1998 until 2015. 301 papers were identified of which 197 described the lived experience of chronic pain conditions. 12 papers were examined closely to determine the experience of living with CRPS or a similar chronic pain condition that does not have a definite pain origin such as cancer or endometriosis. Results Known understandings of pain were identified and a model was developed depicting the lived experience of chronic pain starting with loss of the former healthy, pain free self and culminating in acceptance of the condition. Major themes identified were disbelief/invisibility of pain, loss, coping with a non-compliant/constant painful body, self-management and alleviating pain/treatment. The review also found that there is no peer-reviewed published literature on the lived experience of CRPS. Conclusions Little is known about the lived experience of CRPS. There appears to be a clear indication that research needs to be conducted into CRPS from a lived experience perspective in order to provide information to patients, the general public, health practitioners and policy makers of previously unknown characteristics of this condition which may improve health outcomes for this patient cohort. It has been identified that patients and their families should be active participants in education of health practitioners and in providing information to inform the development of National Pain Strategies currently being devised throughout the world. Implications Research into the lived experience of chronic pain conditions, and CRPS in particular, can help to provide information to enhance understanding enabling national pain strategies and future treatment guidelines strategies to be devised appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This research explored the experience of receiving medical and rehabilitation intervention for rural and remote residents in North Queensland, Australia who had experienced a traumatic hand injury. This study contributes to larger project that seeks to propose a model of service delivery to rural and remote residents who have sustained a traumatic injury. Methods: Utilising an interpretive phenomenological research design, data was gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Fifteen participants were recruited into this study and questions were designed to explore the experience of receiving medical and rehabilitation intervention following a traumatic hand injury for residents in rural and remote areas of North Queensland. Results: The major themes that emerged were experience of medical intervention, experience of rehabilitation, travel, and technology. Participants felt that medical practitioners had a lack of local knowledge and were concerned that delays in medical intervention resulted in ongoing impairment. They reported following the exercise program they were given, often modifying it to fit with their daily routine. Metropolitan therapists appeared to have limited understanding of issues relevant to rural and remote lifestyles. There was, quite often, no occupational therapist or physiotherapist at their local facility due to staff turnover, and, when available, they had limited experience in hand injuries. The distance and cost of travel to appointments were of significant concern. The use of telehealth or telerehabilitation received a mixed response. Conclusion: Findings highlight the concerns regarding the provision of healthcare to rural and remote residents following a traumatic hand injury. These results provide the basis for recommendations surrounding the development of programs and service delivery models to address diverse needs in rural and remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare chronic pain disorder, must become experts in their own self-management. Listening to the voice of the patient is often advocated in the pain literature. However, the patient's option is rarely asked for or considered by clinicians, even when they live with a condition that health professionals have rarely heard of. Purpose: To explore what people living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) think health professionals should know about their condition to provide appropriate care. Design: A heuristic, hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted asking people about their experiences living with CRPS. This paper reports on the findings of an additional question asked of all participants. Participants: Seventeen people living with complex regional pain syndrome were interviewed. Findings: Overwhelmingly, participants felt that health professionals do not know enough about CRPS, or chronic pain and believe their health outcomes are affected by this lack of knowledge. Sub-themes identified were don't touch unless I say it is okay; be patient with the patient/ it is important to develop a relationship; educate yourself and educate the patient; choose your words carefully and refer to others as needed. An additional theme, it is very hard to describe CRPS was also identified. Conclusions: Including patients as a member of the healthcare team is recommended to help people take control and self-manage their pain. For true patient centered care to be achieved, health professionals must accept and respect patients' descriptions of pain and their pain experience. This may require additional health professional education at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels in pain and communication to increase their bedside manner and therapeutic communication to deliver care in partnership with the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This feasibility study sought to determine if compliance and understanding of a home exercise program following a traumatic hand injury is improved when patients are provided with a DVD and a brochure when compared to using brochures only. Method: Patients who presented with a traumatic hand injury and commenced on a hand therapy protocol were randomly assigned into two groups. The control group received brochures while the experimental group were provided with exercise instructions on DVD as well as brochures. Compliance was measured through the use of exercise diaries, clinic attendance, a checklist to measure correctness and understanding of exercises and a follow-up survey. Results: No significant improvement was found in the mean exercise compliance score ( p = 0.344) between the intervention and control groups. From the survey results almost half of all participants reported that pain interfered in their ability to perform their home exercises and a third acknowledged that time limited their ability to perform their exercises. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the multidimensional nature of compliance. The provision of DVD technology, while not shown to cause a statistically significant change in overall compliance, did help improve understanding of exercises; as such DVDs could be utilised as part of a program that facilitates the patient--therapist relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

History of childhood trauma as a risk factor for alcohol misuse in early adulthood is very well documented. Given the associations between childhood trauma and alcohol misuse, more work is needed to understand the factors that influence this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood trauma, minimization of such events and alcohol misuse in a French college student sample. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit students from several colleges located in Western France. The data set included 1180 records with complete responses. This study employed a cross-sectional online survey. Data collection instruments included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short-Form (CTQ-SF) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The strength of the association between CTQ score and AUDIT total score was increased by minimization score (β = 0.122, p =.07). This result suggests that under-reporting childhood trauma experiences tends to increase the impact of such events on alcohol misuse. These findings suggest that a tendency to minimize threatening childhood events may specifically be related to increased risk of greater alcohol misuse among college students. Therefore, it may be important for clinician to assess minimization of early events in students with a history of childhood trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the cultural suitability of the WHOQOL-BREF Bangladesh for a rural village population in Bangladesh. Methods: Participants ( n = 35) were purposefully stratified for age, gender, education level and location from the Nilphamari district in northern rural Bangladesh. Cognitive interviews were conducted via an emergent probing method to identify issues with language and constructs within the tool. Data were collected through note taking and recordings of interviews. A coding framework was used to identify key issues with questions, which were analysed using SPSS version 19 and Chi-square analysis using a Fisher’s exact test to determine statistically significant variances within the sample. Results: Twenty-two of the 26 questions in the tool were found to be problematic. The majority of problems with questions related to wording and conceptual difficulties. The majority of participants found the tool to be overly formal. Issues with translation appeared to affect the interpretation of a number of questions, and some concepts in the tool were found to be irrelevant in a village setting. There were statistically significant differences between those of different educational backgrounds and between genders. Conclusions: The study found that the WHOQOL-BREF Bangladesh as it currently stands is not culturally or linguistically suitable for use within a rural northern Bangladeshi population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphatic filariasis (LF)-related disability affects 40 million people globally, making LF the leading cause of physical disability in the world. Despite this, there is limited research into how the impacts of LF-related disability are best measured. This article identifies the tools currently being used to measure LF-related disability and reviews their applicability against the known impacts of LF. The findings from the review show that the generic disability tools currently used by LF programs fail to measure the majority of known impacts of LF-related disability. The findings from the review support the development of an LF-specific disability measurement tool and raise doubt about the suitability of generic disability tools to assess disability related to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphatic filariasis (LF)-related disability affects 40 million people globally, making LF the leading cause of physical disability in the world. Despite this, there is limited research into how the impacts of LF-related disability are best measured. This article identifies the tools currently being used to measure LF-related disability and reviews their applicability against the known impacts of LF. The findings from the review show that the generic disability tools currently used by LF programs fail to measure the majority of known impacts of LF-related disability. The findings from the review support the development of an LF-specific disability measurement tool and raise doubt about the suitability of generic disability tools to assess disability related to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]