https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128454 2026-06-19T08:17:18Z 2026-06-19T08:17:18Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128795 2024-11-13T11:19:48Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigating the therapeutic outcomes of an occupational therapy programme devised for adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis at Mater Dei Hospital, Out-patients Unit, Malta Abstract: Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease which poses significant psychosocial and physical challenges to individuals’ quality of life, often leading to diminished occupational performance and function. Aims: To evaluate the effects of participation in an occupational therapy (OT) arthritis management programme, for adults diagnosed with OA. To investigate the impact of OA on occupational performance and function. Method: A quantitative, prospective longitudinal cohort study approach was utilised. The AIMS2 was the main research tool, which was translated to Maltese. Both versions were available for the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics enabled comparison between the pre- and post-domain scores of the AIMS2. Occupational performance deficits were identified through the scores of the initial questionnaire. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. 18 participants completed the programme and the two questionnaires. Findings: Following intervention participants reported lower scores, suggesting a trend towards improved health in the AIMS2 subscale domains and the Five-Component Model. The changes in Hand and Finger Function (p = 0.03) and the Physical component (p = 0.04) were statistically significant. Improved health scores were noted in Affect, Symptom, Social Interaction, and Role domains, despite that these changes were not statistically significant. Pain, Hand and Finger Function and Mood were mostly affected by arthritis leading to occupational performance deficits secondary to difficulties with gross grasp, fine motor dexterity, outdoor mobility, and engagement in vigorous tasks and leisure activities. Discussion & Conclusion: Individuals with OA would potentially benefit from participation in an OT arthritis management programme to address occupational performance deficits related to their condition. Utilising a holistic multimodal intervention approach would mitigate the effects of arthritis and potentially improve their quality of life. Employing outcome measures such as the AIMS2 would identify specific problem areas to adapt and inform current OT treatment programmes. The research participants identified gross grasp and fine motor dexterity as key components that led to occupational deficits, thereby suggesting the importance of addressing these areas as part of OT intervention. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128794 2024-11-13T11:17:08Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of occupational therapists, physiotherapists and nurses on preventative strategies for patients considered as vulnerable to pressure ulcers Abstract: Introduction: Pressure ulcers are considered to be a major burden to individuals, affecting their physical, mental, and social wellbeing, their engagement in activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as hindering their progress in the therapeutic journey. This affects the individuals’ overall quality of life. For this reason, prevention of pressure ulcers is considered of paramount importance, with an interprofessional approach being promoted as best practice for prevention. However, to date, there is little research on this subject, and thus, the aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Occupational Therapists (OTs), Physiotherapists (PTs) and Nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention in a local rehabilitation service setting. Methods: This study used a quantitative approach to collect data, using an online anonymous questionnaire developed by the researcher, which was disseminated to the total population of OTs, PTs, and Nurses working in a rehabilitation hospital through intermediaries. These professionals were all invited to participate in order to gather data regarding their knowledge, attitudes and practices on pressure ulcer prevention and related issues. Results: A total of 32 professionals opted to participate in this research, consisting of 15 Nurses, 10 OTs, and 7 PTs, all working in a rehabilitation hospital. Results show that the majority of professionals agree that this issue should be taken care of through a multidisciplinary team effort, and that they professed to have overall good knowledge, with participants most often reporting they are “Very knowledgeable” or “Moderately knowledgeable” in different aspects of this subject. The majority of participants also reported to have overall positive attitudes towards the prevention of pressure ulcers and education on the subject. Reports on practices carried out seemed to vary, and there were certain practices that were not being carried out as often as they should be to ensure good prevention of pressure ulcers. Discussion: The professionals who opted to participate acknowledge the importance of pressure ulcer prevention as a multidisciplinary concern, even though some practices were reported to not be routinely addressed, especially areas of re-assessment for skin deterioration, pressure relief requirements and the usage of pressure mapping tools, which was reported to be rarely used if at all. The majority of participants feel that more research should be done on this subject to keep up with new updates and to ensure the application of evidence-based practice. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128793 2024-11-13T11:12:35Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Perceptions of parents and children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder on the effects of gymnastics on occupational performance Abstract: Physical exercise is vastly researched with regards to the effects on whether symptoms of ADHD in children can be mitigated. However, when researched on specific sports, literature is lacking on Gymnastics and insufficient when researching perceptions of both parents and the children in question. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of children with ADHD and their parents on the effects of gymnastics on their occupational performance. A total of 8 participants; 4 children and their parents have been interviewed. The participants were asked two different sets of questions in two semi structured interviews in order to answer the research questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results recognise that parents and children share similar perceptions pertaining to beneficial outcomes of the effects to gymnastics on their children’ s overall wellbeing and occupational performance namely relating to self-regulation, routine and social occupations. The outcome of this study facilitates and encourages the use of gymnastics in adjunction to standard therapeutic practices and medication. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128714 2024-11-13T08:51:45Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Exploring participation in occupations of clients who sustained a stroke one-year after discharge from inpatient care in Malta Abstract: Background. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability. It affects the survivors, as well as their families in social, economic, and emotional aspects. Following discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation facility, difficulties, such as the necessity of using adapted equipment, dependence on others in daily occupations, and changes in social roles may persist. Purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of occupational engagement among stroke survivors one year after being discharged from inpatient rehabilitation. It also sought to assess functional abilities, challenges, and rehabilitation outcomes, pertaining to everyday occupations, including personal and instrumental activities of daily living. Method. This study adopted a qualitative approach. The data was collected through conducting semi-structured interviews with five individuals who had sustained a stroke, a year after being discharged from inpatient care. The participants were recruited by the intermediary, through the method of purposeful sampling. The data was then analysed using the thematic analysis technique described by Braun and Clarke (2006). Results. Through thematic analysis, three overarching themes emerged from the interviews, ‘Adaptation and Coping Strategies’, ‘Changes in Daily Life and Routines’, and ‘Aspects of Adjustment’. The results underscored the impact of the stroke on the survivors’ independence in everyday occupations, which could be improved with the use of adaptive equipment. The impact of stroke also inflicted major disruptions to the daily routines and autonomy of the participants, with many resorting to the comfort of their homes. Accepting limitations, resilience, determination, and strong support networks were essential aspects in adaptation. Implications. This research explores the experiences of stroke survivors, highlighting their daily difficulties and well-being. It emphasises how crucial adaptive equipment and support networks, including occupational therapy, are in helping them adjust and recover. These revelations provide occupational therapists with a better understanding of the effects of stroke, a year post discharge. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z