OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Buchanan, Helen"

Browsing by Author "Buchanan, Helen"

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Open Access
A case study on the experiences of persons with disabilities of the disability grant processes occurring at SASSA Springbok in the Northern Cape
(2021) Bock, Stacey Louisa; Sonday, Amshuda; Buchanan, Helen
Introduction: Persons with disabilities (PWDs) living in rural areas are known to have a higher risk of living in poverty as they have the lowest levels of employment. To assist persons with disabilities to overcome these challenges, the South African government has developed interventions such as social assistance programmes which aim to prevent poverty and assure the basic minimum standard of living. Over the past five years minimal research has been published which focused on the disability grant in the South African context. More specifically, no research has been conducted in the Northern Cape, home to a high proportion of persons with disabilities. Of the research conducted in other parts of South Africa, no studies have sought to understand the experiences of persons with disabilities while engaging in the disability grant process. The research question for this study was, “How are PWDs experiencing the disability grant processes occurring at the SASSA Springbok branch in the NC?” This study therefore aimed to describe the experiences of disabled persons with the disability grant processes as they occurred at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Springbok, Northern Cape. Method: A single instrumental case study research design was utilised. Five participants were purposively sampled. Data were collected through document review of pertinent SASSA documents, non-participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed inductively, taking a thematic approach. Findings: The theme that emerged was Respecting differences is part of humanity. The main findings reveal that engaging with persons with disabilities as humans and not disregarding their humanity because of their disability are imperative to how they experience the disability grant process. Two categories, For us, human dignity matters, and the Impact of context on occupational rights, encapsulate two specific areas that relate to the theme. Conclusion: The experience of the disability grant process in this case study was influenced by stakeholder engagement with participants, mandatory protocols implemented due to the novel coronavirus, and the administrative aspects of the process. Recommendations for an improved overall experience of the disability grant process include streamlining the disability grant application process, the implementation of consistent Batho Pele principles by all stakeholders, suitably accommodating the disability grant application process for all types of disabilities, as well as maintaining the logistical structures put in place (albeit unintentionally) from the year 2020.
Open Access
Changing demographic trends among South African occupational therapists: 2002 to 2018
(2020-03-20) Ned, Lieketseng; Tiwari, Ritika; Buchanan, Helen; Van Niekerk, Lana; Sherry, Kate; Chikte, Usuf
Abstract Background South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease, coupled with health system challenges and other factors, predicts a high burden of disability within the population. Human Resources for Health policy and planning need to take account of this challenge. Occupational therapists are part of the health rehabilitation team, and their supply and status in the workforce need to be better understood. Methods The study was a retrospective record-based review of the Health Professions Council of South Africa database from 2002 to 2018. The data obtained from the Health Professions Council of South Africa was analysed for the following variables: geographical location, population groups, age, practice type and sex. Data was entered on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0). Results In 2018, there were 5180 occupational therapists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa with a ratio of 0.9 occupational therapists per 10 000 population. There has been an average annual increase of 7.1% over the time period of 2002–2018. The majority of occupational therapists are located in the more densely populated and urbanised provinces, namely Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Most of the registered occupational therapists are under the age of 40 years (67.7%). The majority (66%) are classified as white followed by those classified as black and coloured. Females make up 95% of the registered occupational therapists. Nationally, 74.8% of occupational therapists are deployed in the private sector catering for 16% of the population while approximately 25.2% are employed in the public sector catering for 84% of the population. Conclusions Under-resourcing and disparities in the profile and distribution of occupational therapy human resources remain an abiding concern which negatively impacts on rehabilitation service provision and equitable health and rehabilitation outcomes.
Open Access
Changing mindsets through lived experience : an exploratory study of a partnership in occupational therapy education
(2005) Linegar, Margaret; Buchanan, Helen
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-165).
Open Access
Community Service Occupational Therapists: thriving or just surviving?
(2016-12) Van Stormbroek, Kirsty; Buchanan, Helen
Introduction: Community Service was introduced to improve access to health care for all South Africans, yet little is known about the experiences of Community Service occupational therapists. This article describes the characteristics and general experiences of Community Service occupational therapists. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken. Data were collected with an online questionnaire to all occupational therapists completing Community Service in 2013 (n=240). Data were analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21.0, and responses to open ended questions were post-coded. Results: A 44.3% (n=104) response rate was achieved. Almost half the participants (44.7%) were located rurally with 51.5% working at primary level at least some of the time. Referrals were frequently received for wheelchair related services (61.2%), interventions related to child development (49.5%), disability grant assessments (36.9%) and treatment of adults with neurological conditions (39.8%). While some therapists felt challenged (54.2%) and frustrated (58.3%), many (75.0%) reported satisfaction from interacting with clients. Although the majority perceived the profession to be poorly recognised (63.5%), most were proud to be occupational therapists (66.7%). Conclusion: Community Service occupational therapists are playing an important role in improving access to services but Community Service needs to be situated within a broader plan to extend and strengthen services in-line with government policy.
Open Access
Comparison of an interactive with a didactic educational intervention for improving the evidence-based practice knowledge of occupational therapists in the public health sector in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial
(2014-06-10) Buchanan, Helen; Siegfried, Nandi; Jelsma, Jennifer; Lombard, Carl
Background: Despite efforts to identify effective interventions to implement evidence-based practice (EBP), uncertainty remains. Few existing studies involve occupational therapists or resource-constrained contexts. This study aimed to determine whether an interactive educational intervention (IE) was more effective than a didactic educational intervention (DE) in improving EBP knowledge, attitudes and behaviour at 12 weeks. Methods: A matched pairs design, randomised controlled trial was conducted in the Western Cape of South Africa. Occupational therapists employed by the Department of Health were randomised using matched-pair stratification by type (clinician or manager) and knowledge score. Allocation to an IE or a DE was by coin-tossing. A self-report questionnaire (measuring objective knowledge and subjective attitudes) and audit checklist (measuring objective behaviour) were completed at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was EBP knowledge at 12 weeks while secondary outcomes were attitudes and behaviour at 12 weeks. Data collection occurred at participants’ places of employment. Audit raters were blinded, but participants and the provider could not be blinded. Results: Twenty-one of 28 pairs reported outcomes, but due to incomplete data for two participants, 19 pairs were included in the analysis. There was a median increase of 1.0 points (95% CI = -4.0, 1.0) in the IE for the primary outcome (knowledge) compared with the DE, but this difference was not significant (P = 0.098). There were no significant differences on any of the attitude subscale scores. The median 12-week audit score was 8.6 points higher in the IE (95% CI = -7.7, 27.0) but this was not significant (P = 0.196). Within-group analyses showed significant increases in knowledge in both groups (IE: T = 4.0, P <0.001; DE: T = 12.0, P = 0.002) but no significant differences in attitudes or behaviour. Conclusions: The results suggest that the interventions had similar outcomes at 12 weeks and that the interactive component had little additional effect.
Open Access
Comparison of an interactive with a didactic educational intervention for improving the evidence-based practice knowledge of occupational therapists in the public health sector in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial
(2014-06-10) Buchanan, Helen; Siegfried, Nandi; Jelsma, Jennifer; Lombard, Carl
Abstract Background Despite efforts to identify effective interventions to implement evidence-based practice (EBP), uncertainty remains. Few existing studies involve occupational therapists or resource-constrained contexts. This study aimed to determine whether an interactive educational intervention (IE) was more effective than a didactic educational intervention (DE) in improving EBP knowledge, attitudes and behaviour at 12 weeks. Methods A matched pairs design, randomised controlled trial was conducted in the Western Cape of South Africa. Occupational therapists employed by the Department of Health were randomised using matched-pair stratification by type (clinician or manager) and knowledge score. Allocation to an IE or a DE was by coin-tossing. A self-report questionnaire (measuring objective knowledge and subjective attitudes) and audit checklist (measuring objective behaviour) were completed at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was EBP knowledge at 12 weeks while secondary outcomes were attitudes and behaviour at 12 weeks. Data collection occurred at participants’ places of employment. Audit raters were blinded, but participants and the provider could not be blinded. Results Twenty-one of 28 pairs reported outcomes, but due to incomplete data for two participants, 19 pairs were included in the analysis. There was a median increase of 1.0 points (95% CI = -4.0, 1.0) in the IE for the primary outcome (knowledge) compared with the DE, but this difference was not significant (P = 0.098). There were no significant differences on any of the attitude subscale scores. The median 12-week audit score was 8.6 points higher in the IE (95% CI = -7.7, 27.0) but this was not significant (P = 0.196). Within-group analyses showed significant increases in knowledge in both groups (IE: T = 4.0, P <0.001; DE: T = 12.0, P = 0.002) but no significant differences in attitudes or behaviour. Conclusions The results suggest that the interventions had similar outcomes at 12 weeks and that the interactive component had little additional effect. Trial registration Pan African Controlled Trials Register PACTR201201000346141 , registered 31 January 2012. Clinical Trials NCT01512823 , registered 1 February 2012. South African National Clinical Trial Register DOH2710093067 , registered 27 October 2009. The first participants were randomly assigned on 16 July 2008.
Open Access
The costing of an occupational therapy service at the secondary level of healthcare in the metropole of the Western Cape
(2003) Whelan, Janet; Buchanan, Helen
In the context of reduced resoursces available for healthcare delivery, costing of services has become an important focus. As occupational therapy services do not fit neatly into the medical model of healthcare, funding of such services is at risk when costs are rationalised. This study aimed to determine the costs of the Somerset Hospital occupational therapy service and thereby assist other occupational therapists to undertake similar studies to inform health service managers of the funding requirements of such services and promote the expansion of occupational therapy services.
Open Access
Determinants of positive functional outcomes at 16 weeks after flexor tendon repair at a teritiary hospital in South Africa. A descriptive, analytical study
(2019) Menegaldo, Amy; Buchanan, Helen
Title: Determinants of positive functional outcomes at 16 weeks after flexor tendon repair at a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape of South Africa: A descriptive, analytical study. Introduction: Flexor tendon injuries account for a substantial number of hand injuries presenting to health care facilities, yet rehabilitation following flexor tendon repair remains a challenge. There is limited research pertaining to flexor tendon rehabilitation in middle economic income countries like South Africa. Objectives: The aim was to identify determinants of positive functional outcomes sixteen weeks after flexor tendon repair at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. The objectives were: 1) to describe the functional outcomes at four, eight, twelve and sixteen weeks post flexor tendon repair using total active motion (TAM), muscle strength and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, 2) to ascertain the demographic profile for patients presenting to the hospital with a flexor tendon injury, 3) to describe the rate of recovery between the four assessment intervals, and 4) to cross-culturally translate the DASH questionnaire into isiXhosa. Method: Ethical approval was obtained through the University of Cape Town’s Human Research Ethics Committee. A quantitative, descriptive, analytical design was used. The DASH was translated as per the guidelines for cross-cultural translation by the Institute for Work and Health. All patients presenting to the target institution with a flexor tendon injury between February and August 2017 formed the sample. Twenty-two participants were recruited. Participants were assessed at four, eight, twelve and sixteen weeks post operatively using TAM, muscle strength and the DASH questionnaire. Demographic and treatment factors for each participant were compared to 16-week DASH scores using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA tests. The rate of recovery was analysed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient, Friedman’s ANOVA and Wilcoxon Matched Pairs for TAM, DASH score and muscle strength respectively. Results: Time to repair was the only factor to have statistical significance at 16-weeks post operatively (H(df=9)=15.3; p=0.05). Rate of recovery when compared to DASH (F(df=3)=12.98; p=0.005) and muscle strength (Z=3.076; p=0.002) scores showed statistical significance, though TAM did not (rs(df=2)=0.06; p=0.78). The epidemiological profile was similar to those documented elsewhere in South Africa and globally. Conclusion: The outcomes achieved in the present study were poorer than those described in the vast body of literature in the field, but similar to those described in a similar cohort elsewhere in the country. The demographic profile was similar to those previously documented in South Africa and across the globe, but with different environmental and institutional barriers. Rate of recovery appears greatest between four and eight weeks, as well as between weeks twelve and sixteen. Time to repair showed that it is not harmful to delay primary flexor tendon repair up to six days post injury. Recommendations for future policy, education, practice and research were made.
Open Access
Editorial: How is Quality Addressed Within Practice-Based Learning?
(2018-12) Buchanan, Helen
In 2011, the World Health Organization (2011) proposed a three-pillar radical plan of educational reforms addressing the quality, quantity, and relevance of health professionals to address global health challenges and improve health outcomes. Seven years on, it seems pertinent to consider how educators are addressing the three pillars outlined in this bold plan in the context of practice-based learning. The increasing pressure on higher educational institutions to produce graduates who are adequately equipped for the workforce (Cooper, Orrell, and Bowden 2010) validates the critical contribution of practice-based learning in preparing health professionals for the future. Practice-based learning provides an ideal forum for educating health professionals who are not only “technically competent and efficient” but are also “able to work in teams, to adapt to a changing practice environment and to initiate change where needed” (World Health Organization 2011: 7). But, how is quality addressed within practice-based learning?
Open Access
The efficacy of an adapted Roland-Morris disability questionnaire in measuring functional status of Patients with low back pain
(2001) Buchanan, Helen; Coetzer, Thea
The purpose of this study was to determine whether an adapted Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (ARMDQ) could be used to determine functional status in subjects with chronic mechanical low back pain, and thereby assist the surgeon in deciding on the appropriateness of spinal fusion surgery for individual patients. The study aimed to detem1ine whether the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) improved its ability to measure function and different aspects of function through the addition of a 26-item scale (AddS). The study design was retrospective and descriptive. A convenience sample of 42 subjects who consulted one Orthopaedic surgeon working in a private practice in the South Peninsula Municipal area of Cape Town, South Africa, was drawn. All subjects were diagnosed with chronic mechanical low back pain and no other known pathology. Subjects consulted the surgeon between August 2000 and July 200 I. All subjects had completed the adapted RMDQ (ARMDQ). A series of analyses were performed in which the items in the AddS scale were compared with those of the RMDQ to assess the degree to which they enhanced the performance of the RMDQ. Although there was a high correlation between the two scales (R=. 72; P<.00), Cronbach's alpha showed the reliability of the RMDQ to be higher than the AddS and the ARMDQ. This finding was supported in a number of subsequent analyses. There was a low correlation between the rating for surgery and total RMDQ scores (r=.40; P<.01). Despite deficiencies in the RMDQ, it is recommended as the basis for comparison in future studies within a variety of South African contexts.
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Embracing Cultural Diversity: Meaningful Engagement for Older Adults With Advanced Dementia in a Residential Care Setting
(2018) Du Toit, Sanetta H J; Buchanan, Helen
Providing person-centered care (PCC) that focuses on meaningful engagement in residential care settings for older adults with moderate to advanced dementia is an internationally recognized challenge. In this study, we aimed to identify best-practice scenarios for supporting older adults with moderate to advanced dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who lived in care facilities. A mixed-methods study with a concurrent triangulation strategy was adopted. Data collection occurred with care partners by means of a preworkshop questionnaire, an appreciative-inquiry workshop, and an adapted Delphi technique. The findings indicate that care partners valued the care facilities’ residents’ needs for doing, being, and belonging. Collaborative data generation reflected the setting-specific PCC practices. Leadership team members agreed that enabling inclusion and celebrating cultural diversity were important but that cultural humility needed to be promoted.
Open Access
Evidence-based practice in the occupational therapy profession in South Africa and the Western Cape
(2011) Buchanan, Helen; Jelsma, Jennifer
Research from upper-income countries has revealed the difficulties occupational therapists experience in implementing evidence-based practice (EBP). This thesis investigated the state of EBP in occupational therapy in South Africa and evaluated the effectiveness of two EBP educational interventions. The research consisted of three linked studies: a national cross-sectional survey of 436 registered occupational therapists; the development of a questionnaire and audit checklist to evaluate EBP knowledge, attitudes and behaviour; and a randomised controlled trial that tested whether an interactive educational intervention (IE) was more effective than a didactic one (DE) for improving EBP knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in occupational therapists.
Open Access
An exploration of work environment adaptive mechanisms used by women living with HIV/AIDS in Gaborone-Botswana
(2017) Malonza, Patrice; Buchanan, Helen; Ramugondo, Elelwani
BACKGROUND: Cycling has become increasingly popular as a recreational and competitive sport, and the positive health benefits of cycling are well known. However, there are negative health effects associated with cycling. Exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) and fatigue are common in cycling populations, and require a period of recovery so as not to progress into more serious chronic injury and overtraining, and allow for improved performance through adaptation. There are many recovery methods currently available to facilitate this recovery process. However, there is little information regarding the use of these modalities, and further, the understanding of these modalities. An understanding of the specific use of recovery modalities in cycling is necessary to guide further research, and to promote safe and efficient use of recovery strategies. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the use of recovery interventions in road and mountain bike (MTB) cyclists in South Africa. The specific objectives of this study were: (a) to determine the pattern of use of recovery modalities by endurance cyclists, specifically which modalities are being used, the frequency of use of each modality, and the use of each modality during training and races; (b) to determine the factors that influence road and MTB endurance cyclists' choices of recovery modalities and the rationale for use of specific recovery modalities; (c) to explore associations between the use of recovery modalities by road and MTB endurance cyclists and socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), monthly income, level of education; and training and competition history. METHODS: This study had a descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design. Healthy adult cyclists who had been cycling for at least six months of the previous two years were included in the study. Participants who failed to provide informed consent or did not complete mandatory sections of the questionnaire were excluded. Participants were recruited by social media and word of mouth. Participants were required to complete a purpose-developed online questionnaire that included demographic and medical, training and race history, and use of recovery sections. The questionnaire was validated by a panel of topic experts. RESULTS: The study sample included 95 participants. Participants were predominantly middle- to higher-income, tertiary educated males. Participants reported using an average of 9 ± 2 recovery modalities, with protein (86%), carbohydrate (82%), sleep (75%) and passive recovery (74%) being the most commonly used. Recovery modality use was prevalent after all kinds of races (road and MTB), whether single or multiple stage. Personal experience, followed by coaches and trainers, fellow cyclists, and healthcare providers were the strongest influencers of which recovery modalities cyclists used. Participants aged 40 years or older were more likely to use ice/cold therapy, compression garments, active recovery, and carbohydrates. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 was predictive of the use of compression garments, passive recovery, and protein. Monthly income of more than R50 000 was a predictor for the use of stretching. Pre-race cycling volume of four or more training sessions per week was predictive of the use of active recovery, protein and carbohydrate. There were no predictive demographic characteristics explaining the use of anti-inflammatory medication, contrast therapy, massage, sleep, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vitamins and minerals. Cycling history, pre-race cycling frequency and race experience were not predictive for the use of any of the listed recovery modalities. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that while there is widespread use of recovery modalities, the practice of use is inconsistent. In the case of modalities that are shown to be beneficial, correct protocols for use need to be disseminated to ensure safe and efficient practice going forward.
Open Access
Exploring evidence-based practice in Namibia - a co-operative inquiry
(2012) Burger, Helga; Buchanan, Helen; Van Niekerk, Lana
Since no scientifically obtained information existed on engagement in EBP by Namibian-based occupational therapists, the researcher set out to explore the usefulness and feasibility of evidence-based practice (EBP) for occupational therapists in Namibia. An action research, specifically co-operative inquiry was chosen as methodology. This enabled the researchers to simultaneously raise awareness of and disseminate information reading EBP and collect experience based data from co-researchers. Purposive sampling, in particular maximum variation sampling, promised a wide yield of data; this was collected from participants' experiences as they engaged in and reflected on retrieving evidence and participation in focus group meetings. A qualitative content analysis and coding of verbatim transcriptions of focus group meetings together with written reflections of participating occupational therapists (co-researchers) revealed three themes. Co-researchers reported mixed feelings about the possibilities of evidence-based practice; they observed shifts in their understanding and skills base of EBP; and they provided suggestions on how EBP could be implemented in Namibia. An interpretation of the findings of the study suggest, however, that intent to change and gain knowledge and skills do not necessarily lead to changed behaviour; social structures, including hegemonies related to lack of access to evidence, are shown to impact negatively on implementing EBP in Namibia. It is suggested that a group approach with agreed upon targets, incorporating monitoring of attitudes and intention to perform, broadening and deepening knowledge and skills, while addressing structural constraints and bad habits, could deliver positive results.
Open Access
Exploring the ways spirituality is incorporated in occupational therapy practice: a scoping review
(2023) Amanquarnor, Isaac; Buchanan, Helen; Ramafikeng Matumo
Background: Occupational therapy acknowledges spirituality as a vital element in healthcare and rehabilitation. The profession is, however, struggling to appropriately and adequately incorporate spirituality into practice. This scoping review aimed to synthesize and summarise the existing literature on how spirituality has been incorporated into occupational therapy practice in the last 14 years (2007-2022). The review further set out to identify and describe the barriers and facilitators to incorporating spirituality into occupational therapy practice. Methods: The methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, the updated version of this framework by Peters and colleagues and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were used to guide the conduct and reporting of this scoping review. A search strategy was developed iteratively with a subject librarian to identify literature published from 2007-2022 in the following electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost (CINAHL, Medline, Academic Search Premier, Health Science: Nursing and Academic Edition, Psych Info). The search results were independently screened by two individuals using the Rayyan web App. Data were extracted using a modified JBI data-charting tool, QDA Miner Lite and a quantitative data capture form created by the researcher. The extracted data were reported descriptively in tables and a summarised narrative account. Results: Of the 378 studies identified in the searches, eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Three subthemes emerged for the ways spirituality is incorporated into occupational therapy - i.e., assessment; interventions: spirituality as a means; and interventions: spirituality as an end goal. For factors acting as barriers and facilitators, the subthemes that emerged were educational factors, service user and therapist factors and organizational or practice domain factors. Conclusion: The incorporation of spirituality into occupational therapy in the last 14 years is centred around spiritual/religious practices. These practices are operationalised either as a means or as an end in therapy.
Open Access
The extent to which community service occupational therapists are equipped to treat patients with hand injuries and conditions
(2015) Van Stormbroek, Kirsty; Buchanan, Helen
South Africa is one of the most violent nations in the world and has an extremely high incidence of road accidents and work place injuries. The precise effect of this on upper limb injury statistics is not known as the incidence and prevalence of these conditions has yet to be determined. Hand injuries are, however, common worldwide and, in South Africa, may be complex in nature. This places a demand on occupational therapy services to provide comprehensive upper limb rehabilitation, a responsibility that inevitably falls on novice occupational therapists at some point. Occupational therapists in South Africa are required to complete a year of compulsory Community Service after graduating before they are permitted to practice independently. These placements are often in rural, under-resourced areas and graduates are faced with multiple new roles while negotiating the transition into practice. No published research to date has described the general experience of Community Service occupational therapists in South Africa or the extent to which these therapists are equipped to treat patients with upper limb injuries and conditions. The study sought to determine the extent to which Community Service occupational therapists are equipped to treat patients with upper limb injuries and conditions.
Open Access
Fostering evidence-based practice in community-based rehabilitation: strategies for implementation
(2015-08) Buchanan, Helen; Lorenzo, Theresa; Law, Mary
Occupational therapists around the world are taking up the challenge to implement an evidence-based practice approach to the development of occupational therapy services. The emphasis in applying evidence-based practice within occupational therapy has been strongly biomedical in focus. In South Africa, many occupational therapists work in communities where their work is largely community-based rehabilitation. With no examples of how evidence-based practice can be applied in such settings, therapists have struggled with how it may be used to inform their practice. This paper explores the concepts of evidence-based practice and community-based rehabilitation, and illustrates how evidence-based practice can be applied within community-based rehabilitation. Examples are provided to show how evidence-based practice can realistically be applied in community-based rehabilitation programmes with the intention of empowering therapists to begin using evidence as a basis for their practice. It further explores how evidence-based practice can be used by occupational therapists to inform decision-making related to the development of community-based rehabilitation programmes and services.
Open Access
Hand health for all: do undergraduate occupational therapy hand curricula respond to the call?
(2018-12) Van Stormbroek, Kirsty; Buchanan, Helen
The call for higher education curricula to be responsive to the South African context is growing louder. Injuries to the hand are common in South Africa and intervention is often provided by novice occupational therapists who may work in complex practice contexts with limited supervision. Comprehensive hand health practice addresses both the biomedical and occupational dimensions of the human hand. Undergraduate education programmes should be responsive to this reality in preparing graduates adequately for hand practice. This article describes the content of hand curricula within occupational therapy undergraduate programmes in South Africa with the purpose of considering how they prepare graduates for the practice realities they may face during community service. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used with an online questionnaire aimed at determining the nature and extent of hand curricula presented in South African undergraduate occupational therapy programmes (n=8). Data were analysed using Stata 12. Time allocated to hand impairments varied considerably across universities. While assessment of biomedical performance components were taught by all universities, the occupational perspective was limited. The range and number of hand conditions and treatment modalities that were taught also varied. Findings are discussed against the contextual realities of practice in South Africa, primary health care policy, and national and international minimum standards for the education of occupational therapists. Core aspects of a hand curriculum are proposed as a means to enhance comprehensive hand health practice.
Open Access
Human Movement Studies for Occupational Therapists
(2020-01-30) Buchanan, Helen; Landman, Susan; Hannington, Michelle
Human movement studies serves as the cornerstone to understand movement and movement abnormalities in human beings and the way in which the body responds to the environment. This module builds on the information from Anatomy, Physics and Human occupation. It covers content from Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Ergonomics relevant to occupational therapy practice. Lecture materials cover the basic concepts and applied tasks are designed to develop understanding in applying these concepts in practice.
Open Access
Human Rights and Workman's Compensation: The experiences of two injured workers.
(2010) Landman, Susan; Buchanan, Helen
This article will highlight examples where human rights were abused and promoted through the description of the experiences of injured workers of the Compensation Process in South Africa. A collective case study design was used and data was collected through semistructured interviews. The article reports on the findings of a with-in case analysis of two participants. Three themes associated with human rights emerged. These relate to dealing with the consequences of losing a job and not being able to care for self and family, feeling isolated in the compensation process and not being acknowledged. Recommendations are made in relation to practice and education.

Browsing by Author "Buchanan, Helen"

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