Australian University Students' Experience of Animal-Assisted Education: An Exploratory Study.

University students experience poorer mental health outcomes when compared to the general population. Poor mental health has been associated with reduced wellbeing and low academic performance, resulting in higher rates of withdrawal. Animal-assisted education is an intervention found to result in a reduction in anxiety and an increased learning engagement among primary and secondary students.

Exploring the goals and outcomes of adults with severe acquired brain injury participating in an extended inpatient brain injury rehabilitation unit in Australia.

Purpose: To explore the rehabilitation goals and evaluate goal attainment outcomes of people with severe acquired brain injury (ABI), and investigate the relationship between goal engagement and goal attainment.

Materials And Methods: Mixed-methods cohort study with twenty-nine adults with severe ABI in Australia. Demographic data, goal statements and pre-post program Goal Attainment Scale scores as well as Goal Engagement Scale scores were collected.

Associations between participation and personal factors in community-dwelling adults post-stroke.

Purpose: To examine associations between post-stroke participation and personal factors, including demographic characteristics, self- and threat appraisals, and personality variables.

Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study with purpose-designed survey was completed online or via mail. The survey was comprised of demographic and health-related questions and multiple questionnaires, including the Stroke Impact Scale Version 3.

Personal factors, participation, and satisfaction post-stroke: A qualitative exploration.

Background: Decreased participation and life satisfaction are common post-stroke. Exploratory studies have indicated associations between these outcomes and personal factors. Information remains limited and experiences of people with stroke are not well-represented or understood.

Single-Case-Design Study of Finger-to-Axilla Compression Bandaging for Edema of the Hemiplegic Upper Limb.

Objective: This single-case study investigated the effectiveness of compression bandaging from the finger to the axilla in reducing poststroke edema in the upper limb.

Method: Repeated circumferential measurements were recorded at five points along the participants' hand and forearm. Analysis of the data included the generation of graphs, celeration lines, and visual analysis.

Exploring the meaning of community for older Australians.

Background/aim: As the population ages, older adults are being encouraged through policy to remain living in their home and community. Occupational therapists are in a position to support individuals to engage in meaningful occupations, acknowledging the influence of personal and environmental factors on community participation. The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning and experience of community for older Australian adults.

Development of an Activity Card Sort for Australian adults aged 18-64 years.

Background/aim: The Activity Card Sort (ACS) is an interview-based, client-centred tool that measures the activity engagement of older adults aged 65 years and above. The tool consists of photos which clients are asked to sort into categories to reflect their previous and current level of engagement. The activities that older adults engage in may differ to that of younger adults and there is a need to explore the development of an ACS Australia for adults aged 18-64 years.

The impact of STRENGTH on the expected and actual transition to home experience.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences and expectations of people with stroke, during their transition from hospital to home, after participating in a novel inpatient outreach program, entitled STRENGTH.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews, which were undertaken at discharge and 4-6 weeks post discharge. Thematic analysis was used to code the interview transcripts.

Single-case design evaluation of compression therapy for edema of the stroke-affected hand.

OBJECTIVE. To explore the efficacy of low- and high-stretch compression bandaging for edema management in the stroke-affected upper limb. METHOD.

A driving cessation program to identify and improve transport and lifestyle issues of older retired and retiring drivers.

Background: This study explored the transport and lifestyle issues of older retired and retiring drivers participating in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative (UQDRIVE), a group program to promote adjustment to driving cessation for retired and retiring older drivers.

Methods: A mixed method research design explored the impact of UQDRIVE on the transport and lifestyle issues of 55 participants who were of mean age 77.9 years and predominantly female (n = 40).

Participant feedback and satisfaction with the UQDRIVE groups for driving cessation.

Background: Driving cessation can lead to negative consequences, such as depression and reduced social activities.

Purpose: The University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative (UQDRIVE) intensive support program is a six-week program to assist older people with driving cessation.

Methods: Fifty-five participants completed a survey of satisfaction with the program, including identification of the aspects of the program that were useful and they had applied in real life.