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BACKGROUND Digital health technology (DHT) is a promising way of supporting healthcare providers (HCPs) and family caregivers (FCs) as they care for patients with cognitive impairment (CI). OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to portray the use of DHT to assist HCPs and FCs in caring for patients with CI who live in the community or a facility. METHODS A scoping review of peer-reviewed scientific articles available in Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cinahl with Full Text, and grey literature available in preprint servers, theses depositories, and various national and international dementia organizations’ websites. The search yielded 975 results and the final number of studies included was 7. RESULTS The interventions included in the retrieved manuscripts were 2 interactive calendar reminder systems to support ADL and medication management; 2 apps on tablet to simulate the presence of family before therapy interventions; 1 social robot used in therapeutic sessions to include elements of musicotherapy, reminiscence, cognitive games, and relaxation; 1 commercially available computer system that provides access to various recreational leisure activities; and an online self-management support system that helps FCs deal with behaviour changes of a relative with dementia. Only one manuscript reported on the use of a behavioural change theory, namely a comprehensive process model of engagement coupled with cognitive stimulation therapy. CONCLUSIONS Literature on the topic is scarce, recent, and heterogeneous. There is a clear need for a theoretical framework to conceptualize and govern the use of behaviour change models that incorporate technology for patients with CI.

Emerging technologies are critical to support older adults to live independently and safely at home. This manuscript describes the collaborative approach used to build the “University of Manitoba Technology for Assisted Living Project” (TALP), a research and assessment facility dedicated to independent and safe living for older adults.

Public policy impacts on the occupational life spectrum of individuals and communities are ubiquitous. This paper explores the nexus between policy science and occupational science. Public policy is defined and the relevance to occupational life and occupational salience is explored. Two occupational science meta-value propositions are put forward to support interdisciplinary dialogue within policy science that can be used to respond to societal transformations and the development of public policy. Economic downturns and globalization are two scenarios used to provide examples of the intersections of occupational science and policy science. These scenarios are used to expand on the value and potential of occupational science to inform public policy through the application of policy levers. This paper opens the door for occupational scientists and public policy scientists to begin to engage in dialogue on the benefits of interdisciplinary approaches that can support the holistic consideration of knowledge ...

Clinical education or fieldwork requires a collaborative relationship and coordinated effort between the university and the clinic. Although the literature notes the increased recognition and responsilDility given to clinicians as a teaching resource, minimal attention has been given to describing the clinical educator's perspective or in preparing clinicians for the role of educator. The purpose of this study was to explore the support and educational needs of Saskatchewan occupational therapists as they related to providing clinical education. Focus group interviews were conducted with 70% participation of the practicing registered occupational therapists in Saskatchewan. Emerging themes related to the participants (needs and responsibilities of the student, the clinical educator, the facility and the university), the process (positive and negative elements of communication, placement coordination and student evaluation), and the environment (clinical education models, length and number of placements). Recommendations were made for enhancing the clinical education experience in Saskatchewan.

This article discusses spirituality as an integral component of the occupational performance model. Spirituality is defined as the experience of meaning in everyday life activities. Some of the difficulties commonly encountered in operationalizing the concept of spirituality are discussed. Strategies built on minimizing or eliminating some of the difficulties are reviewed. The recommendations for practising therapists encompass suggestions for assessment, goal setting, and practice.

Transformative Learning in an educational theory that posits that individuals learn and grow when their meaning perspectives (frames of reference for interpreting an experience based on knowledge, feelings, values and beliefs) are reformulated following a critical event. This theory has become quite influential in the exploration of adaptation to chronic illness. This study explored whether the change that occurs following stroke follows a process similar to transformative learning.Grounded Theory approach was used to explore changes in meaning perspective among 12 people who were members of stroke support organisations, had a stroke at least 1 year prior to the study and described themselves as viewing life positively following stroke. Constant comparison analysis of interviews with these individuals was used to explore their experience following stroke.Meaning perspective transformation occurred with four factors contributing to transformation: triggers, support, knowledge and choices to action. A substantive grounded theory of the process of meaning perspective transformation following stroke is presented, which illustrates the interaction of these contributing factors in initiating and facilitating the transformation process.Transformative learning can offer insight into how people who have experienced stroke learn, rebuild competence and re-engage in valued activities.