The hand therapist's role in the prevention and management of upper extemity injuries in the modern mass production industrial setting.

Background: This case study presents the role of an onsite hand therapist (Certified Hand Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist) in an industrial setting and the services that can be provided in this comprehensive care model. Onsite hand therapists can impact on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) first aid programs and can provide state of the art treatment for the injured worker in both a direct and indirect capacity.

Purpose: The purpose of this case study article is to review the many potential services the hand therapist can offer to facilitate the return-to-work of injured employees and provide employers with a proactive case management and state-of-the-art ergonomic prevention, improving profit margins and facilitating safe work environments.

Orthopaedic Nurses' Perceptions of Preoperative Education for Total Knee Replacement.

Background: Limited descriptions of preoperative education programs for total knee replacement (TKR) surgery are provided in the literature, and the most effective program design is currently unknown.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe orthopaedic nurses' perceptions of preoperative education prior to TKR surgery.

Methods: Ten participants completed phone interviews and transcripts were analyzed qualitatively for themes among participants.

Preoperative Education for Total Knee Replacement: A National Survey of Orthopaedic Nurses.

Background: Preoperative education aids in reducing the incidence of poor outcomes after total knee replacement (TKR) and increasing patient readiness for discharge home but is not well described in the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to describe the current design of preoperative education for TKR across the United States.

Methods: A large, national sample of orthopaedic nurses completed an online survey to describe preoperative education at their facilities.

Identifying Homogeneous Outcome Groups in Adult Rehabilitation Using Cluster Analysis.

Importance: Adults receiving occupational therapy in inpatient rehabilitation are a heterogeneous population with differing needs, outcomes, and rehabilitation processes. Outcome studies based on what works for all clients may obscure the needs of population subgroups who benefit unequally from rehabilitation services.

Objective: To identify subgroups on the basis of client satisfaction and progress in functional self-care among a diverse rehabilitation population and to understand subgroup differences in occupational therapy and rehabilitation processes and client discharge status.

Factors Influencing Discharge Readiness After Total Knee Replacement.

Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery has been found to achieve positive outcomes for many patients such as reduced pain and increased function. However, some patients experience suboptimal outcomes including falls, readmission to hospital, and reduced functional performance. Preparation for discharge after TKR surgery is often defined related to pain control, walking, knee function, and ability to climb stairs.

Assessing the Validity of a Continuum-of-care Survey: A Rasch Measurement Approach.

Satisfied patients are more likely to be compliant, have better outcomes, and are more likely to return to the same provider or institution for future care. The Satisfaction with a Continuum of Care survey (SCC) was designed to improve patient care using measures of patient satisfaction and facilitate a cultural shift from a "silos-of-care" to a "continuum-of-care" mentality by fostering inter-departmental communication as patients moved between environments of care at a Midwestern rehabilitation hospital. This study provides a Rasch measurement framework for investigating issues related to survey reliability and validity.

Client-chosen goals in occupational therapy: strategy and instrument pilot.

ABSTRACT Client-centered practice and outcomes research are missions of occupational therapy. Although strategies for client goal-setting have advanced the field, the process has limitations. This study tested a self-report strategy using brief, easy to score measures.

Comprehensive Family Services and customer satisfaction outcomes.

Comprehensive Family Services (CFS) is a strengths-based and partnership-oriented approach to casework implemented through multiple initiatives. This study examines the relationship between the practice of CFS and satisfaction of clients, foster parents, and community partners. CFS indicators are paired with statewide customer satisfaction survey results.

The Occupational Therapy Practice Checklist for adult physical rehabilitation.

Objective: Although the practice of occupational therapy is described in textbooks, research, and professional standards, a tool for outcomes research is needed.

Method: The Occupational Therapy Practice Checklist (OTPC), based on the Model of Occupational Performance (Pedretti, 1996), includes domains of adjunctive, enabling, purposeful, and occupational performance. Practices are also identified by phase of therapy (early, middle, late).