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Biomedical subjects

B J O'Shea

Publications and source records attributed to B J O'Shea.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Using audioteleconferencing to link occupational therapy graduate students in the United States and Canada.

Lack of access to graduate education in the United States and Canada is a frustration for many occupational therapists who wish to further their careers. One way to overcome lack of access is to use technology to bridge the distances. The occupational therapy schools at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, have collaborated for several years to provide graduate occupational therapy courses via audioteleconferencing. A general overview of the progress made in the project, as well as its design and unique features, is discussed. The major recommendation is that more occupational therapy schools could use distance education to collaborate when resources are few and needs are great. Such efforts benefit both faculty members and students.

Canada↗
PubMed1992

Large field studies of hospital based services: lessons from occupational therapy.

A study with a quasi-experimental design was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of hospital-based occupational therapy services in Nova Scotia. Seven hospitals with occupational therapy services were matched with seven hospitals without occupational therapy services. Within the two hospital groups, subjects were matched on the basis of diagnosis and disability. Outcome measures included measures of functional performance in activities of daily living, and community living skills. This paper discusses some of the strengths and weaknesses of conducting large field studies of hospital based services. It is based on our experience with an occupational therapy outcome evaluation. Some of the strengths include well developed and implemented hospital admission and discharge practices, personal contact with key hospital staff, support of the hospital occupational therapy directors and the Nova Scotia Department of Health, and professional support through national guidelines on the client-centered practice of occupational therapy. Study weaknesses can be categorized into three major areas including evaluation issues, hospital issues, and professional issues. Our experience can contribute to the scientific literature on outcome studies on occupational therapy and to the conduct of large field studies of hospital based services in general.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1988

Upper limb amputees: a clinic profile.

A clinic population of upper limb amputees was located to document their management and functional restoration. Of the 38 people contacted, 26 agreed to participate. Data were collected by questionnaires, and by physical and prosthetic examination. Prostheses were worn by 81% all or part of the day, 77% using active terminal devices. A change in occupation was noted by nine, and one was unemployed. Comfort and cosmesis were satisfactory. Prostheses were reported least useful for leisure activities. Long-term attention to fit and maintenance, updated training, and recent information might result in improved prosthetic function and satisfaction for upper limb amputees.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Myoelectric training for preschool children.

Sixteen normal preschool children were taught to control myoelectric signals with conventional trainers used by adult amputees and specially adapted, myoelectrically controlled toys. The children were divided into four groups, according to whether they were first taught to control trainers or toys and whether 1-site or 2-site control systems were used. Most (15) of the children performed better with the toys than with the trainers (p less than 0.0005); the different control systems and different training sequences did not produce statistically significant differences in the scores.

Arm↗