Biomedical subjects

Glenys Carlson

Publications and source records attributed to Glenys Carlson.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Using a matrix in life transition research.

Life transitions can be planned or can occur unexpectedly. They can cause a major change to a person's life patterns and well-being. Older adulthood is a time for many life transitions as a result of changes in life roles and health status. In this exploratory study, the authors investigate the transition involved in driving cessation for older people. In analyzing and organizing the data, they develop a matrix that incorporated descriptive and temporal factors associated with the transition. This matrix is useful in organizing and communicating the findings as a whole and could be used in describing individual experiences. It might be of use for the organization of qualitative data about other life transitions such as illness, retirement, and the development and adoption of new behaviors.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2003

Psychosocial themes in durable employment transitions.

Loss of work capacity through illness or injury may result in loss of employment. The transition to durable employment with those reduced capacities poses many challenges. This paper is based on phenomenological research into the experiences of 13 people who had a disabling injury or chronic illness. These participants lost their capacity for their former employment. After a period of time, extending up to 14 years, the participants successfully changed employment in the open labor market, and retained their current employment for 13 weeks or longer. Data from in excess of 30 hours of in-depth semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group were transcribed and analyzed inductively. Analysis was aided by immersion in the data, reflections on entries in a researcher's log, and a computer program for analyzing textual data. Eleven psychosocial themes emerged. These themes were: pain, intense emotions, determination, financial concerns, role models, concealment, assistance, control, self-concept, satisfaction with employment, and personal change. Each theme is presented with representative text from participants and implications for work rehabilitation professionals. Further research to identify the extent of transferability of the findings is recommended.

Career Mobility↗

PubMed2002

Practical strategies for working with indigenous people living in Queensland, Australia.

Internationally, occupational therapists have recognized the need to provide culturally appropriate services for indigenous people. This study explored experiences, perspectives and practical strategies of occupational therapists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in rural and remote areas of Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight occupational therapists who had at least 12 months' experience providing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health, rehabilitation or education services. Key themes identified in the data focused on strategies for facilitating effective communication with individuals and families, and collaborating with other service providers. The role of Aboriginal Liaison Officers or Indigenous Health Workers was emphasized by participating therapists. Participants identified resources that they perceived as useful in their practice, such as cross-cultural training and access to indigenous health workers. Other resources suggested for further development included information about learning styles of indigenous people and information about cultural variations between specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The small number of participants limits generalizability of the findings. However, therapists can decide on the relevance of strategies to their own workplaces. Suggestions for further research focused on improving occupational therapy services for indigenous people in Australia. These include an investigation of therapy goals with indigenous people, and interviews with indigenous Australians and indigenous health workers about their experiences and perceptions of occupational therapy.

Culture↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Oral health for people with intellectual disability and high support needs: positive outcomes.

This qualitative study, based on phenomenological approaches, explored and documented four situations in which positive oral health outcomes occurred for people with mental retardation and moderate to high support needs. Strategies and environmental factors that contributed to these oral health outcomes were identified through 10 semistructured interviews conducted with 'key-players' supporting the oral health of the people with disabilities. Participants included dental professionals, direct support workers, and other professionals who cared for their four people with disabilities. Common strategies expressed in the interviews included "giving it a go"; maintaining consistency; facilitating positive experiences; taking as much time as needed; respecting and encouraging choice making; timeliness and frequency of dental appointments; communication between support workers, dental professionals and the person with mental retardation; problem solving; assisting the person with disability to learn skills; and desensitisation. Contributing factors in the physical, social, and organizational environment also were identified.

Adult↗