A listening skill educational intervention for pediatric rehabilitation clinicians: A mixed-methods pilot study.

Objective: To prepare for an RCT by examining the effects of an educational intervention on the listening skills of pediatric rehabilitation clinicians, piloting study procedures, and investigating participants' learning experiences.

Methods: Six experienced clinicians received the intervention, consisting of video simulations and solution-focused coaching regarding personal listening goals. Self- and observer-rated measures of listening skill were completed and qualitative information was gathered in interviews and a member checking session.

Developing authentic clinical simulations for effective listening and communication in pediatric rehabilitation service delivery.

Purpose: To describe the creation and validation of six simulations concerned with effective listening and interpersonal communication in pediatric rehabilitation.

Methods And Findings: The simulations involved clinicians from various disciplines, were based on clinical scenarios related to client issues, and reflected core aspects of listening/communication. Each simulation had a key learning objective, thus focusing clinicians on specific listening skills.

ICF-based functional components and contextual factors as correlates of perceived quality of life for youth with chronic conditions.

Purpose: To explore International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based functional components and contextual factors associated with perceived quality of life (QOL) for youth with chronic conditions from the perspective of youth and parents.

Method: Baseline data were obtained from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived QOL for youth with chronic conditions. 439 youth aged 11-17 (and one of their parents) completed a questionnaire.

The Child and Adolescent Scale of Environment (CASE): Further validation with youth who have chronic conditions.

Objective: To further validate the Child and Adolescent Scale of Environment (CASE).

Methods: Baseline data (n = 430) were analyzed from a longitudinal study on quality of life for youth with chronic conditions ages 11-17 in Ontario, Canada. Internal consistency and structure, and convergent and discriminant validity were examined via Cronbach's alpha (α), exploratory factor analyses, correlation analyses and ANOVA.

The youth report version of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP): assessment of psychometric properties and comparison with parent report.

Objective: The Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) parent report is a brief and valid measure for use with children and youth with chronic conditions/disabilities that has been shown to have good coverage at the chapter level of the 'Activities and Participation' component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The purpose of this research was to assess the psychometric properties of a CASP youth self-report version, to further validate the parent report, and to compare parent and youth reports of youths' activity and participation.

Methods: Baseline data from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in quality of life for youth with chronic conditions/disabilities were used.

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of Both a Global and a Domain-Specific Perceived Quality of Life Measure When Used with Youth Who Have Chronic Conditions.

The purpose of this paper was to assess the psychometric properties of the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS) and the Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS) when used with youth who have chronic conditions. Baseline data from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived quality of life (PQOL) for youth with chronic conditions were used. SLSS and BMSLSS data were collected on over 400 youth aged 11-17 using youth self-report and parent proxy-report versions.

Traditional versus computerized presentation and response methods on a structured AAC assessment tool.

This pilot investigation compared participants' performance using traditional versus computerized presentation and response methods on a subtest of the Test of Aided-Symbol Performance™ (TASP). Participants were between 6 years and 21 years of age and were using some form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Investigators used a within-subject crossover design, with participants randomly assigned to the administration condition they experienced first.

Applying the ICF framework to study changes in quality-of-life for youth with chronic conditions.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to describe how the ICF framework was applied as the foundation for a longitudinal study of changes in quality-of-life (QoL) for youth with chronic conditions.

Method: This article will describe the study's aims, methods, measures and data analysis techniques. It will point out how the ICF framework was used--and expanded upon--to provide a model for studying the impact of factors on changes in QoL for youth with chronic conditions.

The ICF model of functioning and disability: incorporating quality of life and human development.

Objective: Since its 2001 publication, a number of issues have been raised about the ICF. The World Health Organization anticipated the ICF would undergo a continuous process of revision. This paper adds to this process.

Quality of life in survivors of childhood cancer: a systematic review of the literature (2001-2008).

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to provide a comprehensive, contemporary systematic review of studies that have examined the quality of life (QOL) of survivors of childhood cancer in order to extend upon the findings of earlier reviews.

Materials And Methods: A review was conducted that used the databases MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Articles were included that were published in English between 2001 and 2008 and used quantitative measures and statistical tests to compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) or QOL of childhood cancer survivors with population norms or matched comparison groups.

The ICF-CY and Goal Attainment Scaling: benefits of their combined use for pediatric practice.

Purpose: There is much heterogeneity and disconnect in the approaches used by service providers to conduct needs assessments, set goals and evaluate outcomes for clients receiving pediatric rehabilitation services. The purpose of this article is to describe how the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Child and Youth (ICF-CY) can be used in combination with Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), an individualised measure of change, to connect the various phases of the therapeutic process to provide consistent clinical care that is family-centred, collaborative, well directed and accountable.

Method: A brief description of both the ICF-CY and GAS as they pertain to pediatric rehabilitation is provided as background.

Employing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to enhance services for children and youth with chronic physical health conditions and disabilities.

Purpose: In 2001, the World Health Organization published the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF is just beginning to be used in a variety of clinical and research settings in Canada and worldwide. The purpose of the present article is to describe the initial use of the ICF at an Ontario children's rehabilitation centre, and to consider further uses both within and outside the centre for enhancing services for children and youth with chronic physical health conditions and disabilities, as well as for their families.

Communication access in the library for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication.

Libraries for All is a community-based program that aims to enhance communication access to the library for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), by providing resources and instruction. The goals are to (a) provide communication boards, (b) complete facilitator training, and (c) promote the program. To accomplish these goals, four communication boards were created and provided to all public libraries in London, Ontario.

The development of expertise in paediatric rehabilitation therapists: the roles of motivation, openness to experience, and types of caseload experience.

Background/aim: A transdisciplinary approach was taken to study the nature of variables associated with the development of expertise in 71 paediatric rehabilitation therapists (i.e. physical, occupational, speech, behavioural, and recreational therapists).

A framework of operating models for interdisciplinary research programs in clinical service organizations.

A framework of operating models for interdisciplinary research programs in clinical service organizations is presented, consisting of a "clinician-researcher" skill development model, a program evaluation model, a researcher-led knowledge generation model, and a knowledge conduit model. Together, these models comprise a tailored, collaborative approach to enhancing research-informed practice in community-based clinical service organizations. The models place different degrees of emphasis on the development of research-related skills in practitioners, the generation of knowledge tailored to clinical practice, and knowledge sharing.

The development of expertise in pediatric rehabilitation therapists: changes in approach, self-knowledge, and use of enabling and customizing strategies.

Purpose: To examine the clinical decision making of novice, intermediate, and expert pediatric rehabilitation therapists from various disciplines.

Methods: Two qualitative studies were conducted. Thirteen therapists took part in a study using the critical incident interview technique and 11 therapists took part in a study using the 'think aloud' technique.

Measuring children's participation in recreation and leisure activities: construct validation of the CAPE and PAC.

There is a need for psychometrically sound measures of children's participation in recreation and leisure activities, for both clinical and research purposes. This paper provides information about the construct validity of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) and its companion measure, Preferences for Activities of Children (PAC). These measures are appropriate for children and youth with and without disabilities between the ages of 6 and 21 years.

An evaluation of the "Youth en Route" program.

Youth En Route (YER) is a transition program for youth and young adults with multiple disabilities. It offers a multifaceted approach that includes self-discovery, skill development, and community experience. Underlying the service delivery model is a philosophy of self-determination.

School-based occupational therapy for children with fine motor difficulties: evaluating functional outcomes and fidelity of services.

Consultative occupational therapy services are becoming widely used in the school environment. However, few studies have evaluated the utility of and the process by which these services are delivered. This study examined whether the written communication and fine motor skills of 23 children with fine motor difficulties improved after receiving school-based occupational therapy from a program whose mandate was to deliver services according to a consultation model of service delivery.

Bringing the Life Needs Model to life: implementing a service delivery model for pediatric rehabilitation.

This article describes the use and utility of the Life Needs Model of Pediatric Service Delivery at a regional children's rehabilitation center. The model is a transdisciplinary, evidence-based model that guides pediatric service delivery to meet the long-range goals of community participation and quality of life for children and youth with disabilities. The article describes the use of the model as a tool to assist with the development of organizational culture, strategic and operational planning, the development of therapists' expertise, and the development of community partnerships.

Social support processes and the adaptation of individuals with chronic disabilities.

In a qualitative study examining turning points in life, 15 adults with chronic disabilities (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or attention deficit disorder) provided information about the nature and meaning of their social support experiences. The study revealed three types of psychological support linked to self-perceptions and enabling beliefs: (a) emotional support (valuing and acceptance leading to perceptions of "being believed in" and a sense of self-esteem), (b) instrumental support (guidance and provision of strategies leading to self-efficacy), and (c) cognitive support (affirmation, confirmation, and new perspectives leading to coherence in self-concept and worldview). The findings have important implications for service delivery with respect to understanding client needs for different kinds of support, especially at periods of transition, and for providing optimal experiences and creating supportive environments.

Service integration and co-ordination: a framework of approaches for the delivery of co-ordinated care to children with disabilities and their families.

This article clarifies the nature of 'service integration' and 'service co-ordination' and discusses how these aspects relate to the fundamental goal of providing co-ordinated care for children with disabilities and their families. Based on a review of the service delivery literatures in the fields of health, social services and rehabilitation, a framework is presented that outlines the scope of the co-ordination-related functions and activities encompassed in three common types of approaches to the delivery of co-ordinated care. These are a system/sector-based service integration approach, an agency-based service integration approach and a client/family-based service co-ordination approach.

A qualitative investigation of changes in the belief systems of families of children with autism or Down syndrome.

Background: There have been few reports of the world views, values and priorities of families of children with autism or Down syndrome, despite the fact that family belief systems are considered to be among the most important factors affecting the adaptation and resilience of families.

Methods: Transcripts from three focus groups involving 19 key informants (15 parents of children with autism or Down syndrome, and 4 service providers) were analysed using qualitative methods.

Results: The themes indicated that raising a child with a disability can be a life-changing experience that spurs families to examine their belief systems.