Research Articles (Occupational Therapy)

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The occupation of self-employment in South African informal microenterprises
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2024-04) Monareng, Luther Lebogang; Casteleijin, Daleen; Franzsen, Denise
INTRODUCTION : Self-employment, in which individuals work for themselves in a small business or microenterprise to earn an income or generate a salary, has been encouraged to facilitate employment opportunities in South Africa. However, participation in self-employment within the community served by professionals such as occupational therapists is limited by many factors, including effective government initiatives, such as implementing the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) policies. To enable individuals and community participation in this type of work for those with occupational dysfunction, mainly persons with disabilities, professionals such as occupational therapists need to understand the structural, contextual and occupational outcomes related to self-employment. Based on the Framework for Occupational Justice, this study explored the occupation of self-employment in microenterprises in the low-resourced urban community of Alexandra Township. METHOD : A quantitative descriptive non-experimental design study was used to identify informal microenterprises in the community using a transect walk and community mapping. Structured interviews were conducted to complete a questionnaire with key informants (service providers and business owners) who provided perceptions on factors that impacted the occupational outcomes of microenterprises. RESULTS : Structural and contextual factors from the participants' experience resulted in unjust occupational outcomes, which indicates that occupational rights, particularly participation, choice and balance, were negatively affected by the lack of opportunities, such as jobs. Occupational marginalisation and imbalance were reported since many businesses lacked adequate and appropriate space for trade. Some business owners, however, reported just occupational outcomes related to the occupational right for meaningful occupation in providing a service to the community and financial income to support themselves and their families. CONCLUSION : Occupational therapists need to play various active roles in raising the consciousness of unjust occupational outcomes and support for just occupational outcomes that are achieved in engagement in self-employment in informal microenterprises. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : Occupational therapists should take note of the factors and occupational outcomes of being self-employed identified in this study and consider the roles they could play in expediting success in this occupation for clients. Occupational therapists could assume: • A collaborative role, such as referring and working with various key role players or sectors in the interest of sourcing and providing opportunities for skills development for those entering self-employment, particularly in entrepreneurial training. This may include working with the government (e.g., Department of Labour and Small Enterprise Development Agency), private sector (e.g., yes4youth), other professions (social workers and industrial psychologists) and organisations for persons with disabilities (e.g., Disabled People South Africa). • A researcher role by conducting further research in this field, e.g., the development of an evidence-based framework on self-employment for occupational therapists. More research is still needed on, e.g., domains such as performance patterns, performance skills and client factors related to self-employment for persons with disabilities. • An educator's role by incorporating and teaching content on self-employment as an occupation when training occupational therapy students. • A clinical role, where they could assist with adaptations to the skills, tasks or environment to facilitate engagement in self-employment. Essential aspects to consider by the occupational therapist together with their clients during the collaborative occupational therapy process include, but are not limited to, o The client's motivation, dedication and whether self-employment is the client's primary choice. o The client's potential to be self-employed and their level of resilience in dealing with factors affecting self-employment in the informal labour sector.
Occupational therapy practice in psychiatric day hospitals : a scoping review
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2024-11) Masango, July; Casteleijin, Daleen; Adams, Fasloen; Van der Merwe, Tania Rauch
INTRODUCTION : The aim of this scoping review was to explore whether clear guidelines for the practice of occupational therapists in psychiatric day hospitals exist, both locally and globally. METHODOLOGY : Searches were conducted in January 2024; 38 articles were screened and 22 were identified for data extraction. Articles were imported onto Covidence software. Data charting was done, and data were exported into a Microsoft Excel sheet, where content analysis was performed based on the review's objectives. Synthesis of the results was done through discussion and reported according to the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews guidelines. RESULTS : Thirty-eight articles were included but only 22 were relevant. Group therapy, individualised therapy, vocational and community workshops were identified as common modes of intervention in psychiatric day hospitals. Occupation-based activities are integral to intervention. However, there was no explicit definition regarding the role of occupational therapy and practice guidelines for psychiatric day hospitals. CONCLUSION : The general scope of occupational therapy remains the same for overnight hospitals, day hospitals and community-based centres. It is mainly occupation-centred, function-orientated, and patient-centred. However, there remains ambiguity on specific practice principles and guidelines that clearly define the role of occupational therapists in day hospitals. There is a need for occupational therapy practice guidelines specific for psychiatric day hospitals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : • The study provides valuable insights into the current knowledge and availability regarding the role and scope of practice for occupational therapy in the rapidly expanding psychiatric day hospital setting, emphasising areas for further development. • Tangible evidence was identified on therapeutic principles, practice approaches, program content, and guidance for resource allocation in psychiatric day hospitals, which can be translated into practical guidelines. • Ultimately, the results inform occupational therapy service delivery, solidify the profession's role in psychiatric care, and contribute towards National Health Insurance (NHI) policy development.
Occupational therapists' perceptions of a school-to-work transition programme for learners at a special educational needs school
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2024-08) Msimango, Henry; Phalatse, Nthabiseng; Germishuys, Rienie Marie; Jamieson, Megan; Avenant, Kay-Lee; Rameetse, Thabang; henry.msimango@up.ac.za
INTRODUCTION : South Africa has a high unemployment rate and few post-school employment opportunities for learners with disabilities. School-to-work transition programmes in special educational needs schools prepare learners with disabilities for work in the open labour market, optimizing post-school employment opportunities. Occupational therapists are the main key role players in facilitating school-to-work transition programme in many contexts of education. AIM: This study explores the perceptions of occupational therapists of a school-to-work transition programme at the school for learners with special needs. METHODS : This study was a descriptive qualitative study. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists involved in delivering the programme at the school. To ensure ethical compliance, we obtained clearance from the UP-Research Ethics Committee. The collected data underwent reflective thematic analysis for interpretation. FINDINGS : Three prominent themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) The Significance of the Programme: Participants highlighted the importance and benefits of the program. (2) Facilitators affecting school-to-work transition programme: Various factors that positively influenced the smooth transition from school to the workforce were identified and discussed. (3) Barriers to school-to-work transition programme: Participants also pointed out obstacles and challenges that hindered the successful transition from school to the workforce. CONCLUSION : The school-to-work transition programme was influenced by personal, environmental, and occupational barriers and facilitators. The findings highlighted that the benefits of the programme should be viewed in a broader context, as learners mature and develop self-confidence. The value of the programme thus extends beyond employment opportunities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : The research findings inform barriers that need to be focused on in order to have a successful and effective school-to-work transition programme. There are facilitators that show the perceived effectiveness of the school-to-work transition programme that could assist in motivating for more assistance from stakeholders of the school.
Clinical utility of MODAPTS during work assessment : perceptions of South African occupational therapists
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2024-04) Buys, Tania Lee; Harmse, Suzanne; Slawson, Caitlin Christina; Rapolai, Boitumelo Thamirah; Rapotu, Kwena Dorah; Furniss, Sian Gabrielle; Jordaan, Karma; tania.buys@up.ac.za
INTRODUCTION : Clinical utility is an important attribute in selecting an assessment tool. The study aimed to determine the perceptions of South African occupational therapists of the clinical utility of Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards (MODAPTS) work samples when assessing a client’s work ability. The research objectives were to determine whether MODAPTS is perceived to be credible, practical, useful, and easy to use. METHODOLOGY : A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used. Non-probability sampling with elements of voluntary response- and snowball sampling was used to recruit respondents. An electronic questionnaire was developed using Qualtrics, which was distributed electronically via the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, WhatsApp and Telegram. RESULTS : Data were based on 52 completed questionnaires, analysed through descriptive statistics. MODAPTS was perceived as practical, useful, credible, and asy to use in practice. Main barriers to the use of MODAPTS included the timeliness of developing work samples, lack of MODAPTS training, and having other more useful and reliable assessment tools. Experienced occupational therapists used MODAPTS more often than inexperienced occupational therapists. CONCLUSION : Clinical utility of work samples developed using MODAPTS has been confirmed. This supports the use of work samples developed using MODAPTS as part of work assessments as a cost-effective, practical tool. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : • Development of contextually relevant work samples. • Use of MODAPTS work samples as an outcome measure during intervention. • Application during rehabilitation goal setting. • Cost effective application of MODAPTS work samples in a variety of settings.
Appropriateness of the standard manual wheelchair for occupational performance by wheelchair users in the Thulamela Municipality of the Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2024-08) Lister, Helga Elke; Nethathe, Khumbelo; Naidoo, Deshini; Govender, Pragashnie
BACKGROUND : Wheelchairs are an essential assistive device that assists with the facilitation of engagement in occupation especially those that require mobility. Anecdotally, there have been identified gaps in implementation of areas of wheelchair service delivery which included the referral, assessments, prescription, user and provider training, follow up and maintenance. Therefore, there was a need to investigate the appropriateness of the standard manual wheelchair for occupational performance in Thulamela Municipality Vhembe District, Limpopo. METHODS : An observational cross-sectional descriptive design using simple random sampling was used to select n=60 wheelchair users who were issued with standard manual wheelchairs between 2014 and 2018. The Wheelchair Outcome Measure was used to investigate the participants' level of satisfaction in engagement in ADL and IADL and the suitability of the wheelchair in terms of the user’s comfort and satisfaction with positioning and prevention of skin breakdown. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. RESULTS : The wheelchair users viewed activity participation in the home as important and were generally satisfied with their standard manual wheelchairs while performing occupational activities at home and outside the home. A total of (n=46; 78%) of the participants felt comfortable in their wheelchair. CONCLUSIONS : Wheelchair prescription should take into consideration the occupational choices of the user. Further qualitative studies to explore the factors that determined the participants' choices for their activity participation goals should be undertaken.
Identifying the gap in assessing activities of daily living in resource-constrained rural settings : an integrative review of existing frameworks and instruments
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2024-12) McAdam, Jennifer Claire; Casteleijn, Daleen; Franzsen, Denise
INTRODUCTION : The non-availability of indoor piped water and electricity results in alternate forms of personal care and domestic tasks in resource-constrained rural settings. This article examines the applicability of existing measures for the contextual assessment of basic and instrumental Activities of Daily Living (bADLs and iADLs) in these settings. METHOD : An integrative review guided by the approach of Lübbe et al. (2020) was conducted. Structured database searches of CINAHL, Scopus and Sabinet identified published articles which were subjected to eligibility criteria. Microsoft Excel was used to synthesize data RESULTS : The search strategy yielded 591 articles that met the inclusion criteria, from which 187 ADL instruments were identified. Three instruments suited to resource-constrained rural settings were identified. CONCLUSION : Occupational therapists should consider that existing ADL frameworks and instruments appear silent on the impact of limited access to household amenities in resource-constrained settings. This constitutes epistemic injustice as many rural households globally do not have potable water or adequate household energy supply. Global South occupational therapy curricula must include contextually relevant ADL frameworks and development of contextually relevant instruments should be prioritised. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : The findings suggest that existing ADL instruments have limitations when utilised in the Global South, particularly in resource-constrained rural settings. As such, occupational therapists practicing in such settings need to interpret instrument scores with caution and apply contextual clinical reasoning in the best interests of service users. Furthermore, training institutions in the Global South must ensure that the limitations of existing ADL frameworks, models and instruments are made overt within curricula and that research efforts are directed towards the development of contextually relevant ADL instruments.
Barriers and facilitators of return to work for loss of income claimants : healthcare workers’ perspectives
(AOSIS, 2025-06) Modise, Gofaone Lady; Uys, Catharina Jacoba Elizabeth; Du Plooy, Eileen; u20704322@tuks.co.za
BACKGROUND : Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a global and public health concern affecting a third of the world’s population mainly in low- to middle-income countries, particularly affecting young people. Returning to work (RTW) following an RTA is essential for better health and financial outcomes. The motor vehicle accident (MVA) Fund Botswana assists loss-of-income (LOI) claimants with medical assistance, compensates for loss, advocates and facilitates RTW. OBJECTIVES : The study aims to identify barriers to and facilitators of RTW for LOI claimants as experienced by health care workers (HCWs). METHOD : A qualitative explorative design included six healthcare workers who had worked with the MVA Fund on RTW for at least 5 years through purposive sampling. Data collection was done using a focus group discussion. Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti, with data interpretation guided by the ecological case management model. RESULTS : The main themes were healthcare systems, legislation and insurance systems, personal and workplace systems, which were further classified into eight subthemes relating to barriers and facilitators. Barriers included ineffective case management and how claimants perceived work. Facilitators included clear insurance RTW guidelines and workplace support and education level. CONCLUSION : Successful RTW can be achieved through multidisciplinary collaboration of HCWs. While legal and healthcare systems play vital roles in RTW, personal factors and workplace systems cannot be ignored. CONTRIBUTIONS : Understanding the barriers to and facilitators of RTW will assist in implementing RTW interventions to improve patient outcomes, health, livelihoods, quality of life and guide RTW operations to ensure a coordinated process in the insurance industry in Africa.
Namibian healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare
(MDPI, 2025-05) Lister, Helga Elke; Mostert, Karien; Ramkilawon, Gopika Devi; Oelschig, Cathrine; Ntiyane, Olwethu; Richardt, Erika; Da Silva Rocha, Deonelia Paulo; Sheerin, Savannah; Phaahla, Tshepang; Ashipala, Daniel; Pretorius, Louise; Munangatire, Takaedza; Maric, Filip
Among the many actions required to avert further intensification of today’s social, ecological and health crises is also the improvement of healthcare’s environmental sustainability, including in countries particularly vulnerable to such crises. The present study aimed to identify Namibian healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practices, along with barriers and educational needs, as a foundation for context-relevant interventions. The study used a non-experimental, descriptive quantitative research design with an existing validated cross-sectional questionnaire as its data collection tool. Both purposive and snowball sampling were used to select healthcare professionals (n = 71) to participate in the quantitative online questionnaire. R (version 4.2.1) software was used to analyse the data from the completed questionnaires. The results showed that the Namibian healthcare professionals participating in this study have basic knowledge of and positive attitudes toward environmental sustainability in healthcare. However, various barriers to implementing strategies towards environmental sustainability exist that currently prevent the implementation of relevant practices. These should be overcome by the Namibian health system by providing the necessary frameworks, policies, measures and resources to drive improvements in environmental sustainability. Additionally, future and current healthcare professionals must receive training across all professional education levels to enable implementation in practice and effective advocacy and planetary health promotion.
Brief psychiatric rating scale – expanded version : construct validity using Rasch model analysis
(AOSIS, 2025-05) Alford, Ashleigh J.; Casteleijn, Daleen; Robertson, Lesley J.
BACKGROUND : The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale – Expanded version (BPRS-E) is a 24-item clinician-administered scale whereby severity of psychopathology is rated using seven scoring categories for each item. Although useful in research and clinical settings, the construct validity has not been tested in South Africa. AIM : Examine the construct validity of the BPRS-E using Rasch model analysis. SETTING : Community psychiatric clinics in the Sedibeng District of Gauteng province, South Africa. METHODS : A retrospective record review was conducted of adult psychiatric patients in whom the BPRS-E was used in routine clinical assessment by trained psychiatric nurses and doctors. Clinical records with completed BPRS-Es were purposively sampled from three community psychiatric clinics in the Sedibeng District. Data were entered into RUMM2030® software, and construct validity was analysed using the Rasch model, a probabilistic model that assesses item fit, response category functioning, and unidimensionality. RESULTS : Clinical records of 192 patients (93 males and 99 females; aged between 18 and 79 years) were reviewed. Total BPRS-E scores ranged from 24 to 93, with a score of 39 or less in 52% of records (n = 100). Rasch analysis revealed good item fit and unidimensionality for the 24 BPRS-E items but disorganised threshold curves and inconsistent differential item functioning for the severity scoring categories. CONCLUSION : This study supports the construct validity of the BPRS-E items when used clinically in a South African community psychiatric setting. However, severity scoring using the BPRS-E scoring categories in this setting requires further investigation. CONTRIBUTION : This study provides evidence that the BPRS-E is valid in a community psychiatric setting in South Africa.
Current practices influencing school-to-work transition for learners with mild intellectual disability : a scoping review
(Education Association of South Africa, 2025-05) Dzhugudzha, N.T.; Uys, Catharina Jacoba Elizabeth; Ramano, Enos Morankoana
Transitions are significant turning points in young people’s lives as they enter adulthood. However, for learners with an intellectual disability (ID), this transition comes with effort. To identify and clarify current practices that influence school-to-work transition for learners with mild ID, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were followed in conducting this scoping review. A 5-step process was followed: the research question was identified; related studies were identified through an electronic grey literature search and databases; studies were selected; the data were charted; and lastly the findings were organised, summarised and reported on. Thirty-one (n = 31) articles published between 2009 and 2021 were included in this review. The current practices associated with school-to-work transition were learnerships or internships, vocational training, transition planning, collaboration effort, independent living skills training, family involvement, self-determination, social skills training, career counselling, and employers’ involvement. School-to-work transition for learners with mild ID is a complex, multifaceted process. These practices are necessary to support effective transition across life stages.
Mapping the evidence on the assessment of fitness to work at heights : a scoping review
(BMJ Publishing, 2025-03) Swart, Lyndsey; Buys, Tania Lee; Claassen, Nicolaas
OBJECTIVES : Falls from heights are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. Ensuring worker fitness is crucial, yet many countries lack formal guidelines for fitness for work (FFW) assessments, posing safety and legal risks. This scoping review sought to identify and map the existing evidence on the assessment of fitness to work at heights. DESIGN : Scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. DATA SOURCES : Searches were conducted in March 2024 across ProQuest Central, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Grey literature was sourced from the websites of organisations including the International Labour Organisation, Safe Work Australia, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Health and Safety Executive (UK), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USA), WHO, Centre for Construction Research and Training (USA), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (UK), South African Society of Occupational Medicine, South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing and Institute for Work at Height (South Africa), in addition to general Google searches. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES : Our inclusion criteria encompassed both peer-reviewed and grey literature that addressed either ‘fitness for work at heights’, ‘fitness for work in high-risk settings requiring work at heights’ or human risk factors associated with working at heights. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS : A data extraction framework and guidance sheet were developed, piloted and refined through team discussions. An iterative review process was followed, with one author extracting and coding data while two authors conducted quality checks. Deductive qualitative content analysis was applied to the extracted data. RESULTS : 68 articles met the inclusion criteria, but only 7 directly addressed fitness to work at heights, with the rest focusing on fitness to work in high-risk settings requiring work at heights or human risk factors associated with work at heights. This highlights a lack of peer-reviewed research specific to the topic. Key challenges included FFW assessments failing to reflect job demands, inconsistent application of FFW evaluations, lack of standardisation and inadequate stakeholder collaboration. Legal tensions between employer safety obligations and worker rights were also noted. Critical human risk factors—such as physical and mental limitations, adverse states, human error and rule violations—significantly affected worker safety, though evidence of their specific impact in this context remained limited. Findings on the economic implications of FFW assessments were also inconclusive. CONCLUSION : Assessing FFW at heights is vital for worker safety, yet key challenges persist. This review highlights gaps in evidence on human risk factors and assessment methods. Findings emphasise the need for practice-based research, standardised fitness criteria and interdisciplinary protocols for preplacement assessment and ongoing monitoring.
Development and validation of a knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire for healthcare professionals on environmental sustainability in healthcare in Southern Africa
(F1000 Research Ltd, 2024-10) Lister, Helga Elke; Mostert, Karien; Botha, Tanita; Field, Emma; Knock, Danté; Mubi, Natasha; Odendaal, Stefani; Rohde, Megan; Maric, Filip
BACKGROUND: The triple planetary crisis of climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss is increasingly driving poor health outcomes worldwide. Healthcare systems and services are often not environmentally sustainable and compound the problem, while healthcare professionals are also recognised as key leaders in advancing sustainable healthcare. To adopt this leadership position, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare must be established. This article reports the development and validation of a new instrument for this purpose that corresponds to the specificities of the Southern African context. METHODS: Questionnaire development followed a seven-stage process. Information was obtained from a 2021 study titled ‘South African Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: A Mixed Methods Study’ to develop the instrument. Information was also sourced from the literature regarding environmental sustainability and healthcare to generate the first questionnaire with 29 items. The following stages included two rounds of expert input, separated by a pilot study with the target population to receive feedback regarding the instrument’s structure, relevance, and length. Content validity was determined through statistical analysis. RESULTS: Feedback was received from nine experts in stage two and 13 pilot study participants in stage four and incorporated to improve the questionnaire. In stage six, the questionnaire was rated by seven experts. The content validity index of the questionnaire was calculated at two different stages, after which the indices were compared. Following a final edit, the questionnaire has 24 questionnaire items. The closing analysis calculated the scale content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave) of 0,922; this indicates that the final questionnaire has excellent content validity. CONCLUSION: A questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding environmental sustainability in Southern Africa has been developed and validated. This questionnaire can now be used for further studies in Southern Africa.
Outcomes of a creative ability-based intervention : advancing independence in learners with severe intellectual disability
(Wiley, 2025-01) Van Wyngaard, Annamarie Elisabet; Uys, Catharina Jacoba Elizabeth
BACKGROUND : When supporting learners with severe intellectual disabilities, teaching methods needs to be adapted. Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA) aims to enhance participation and facilitate adaptive responses through targeted intervention principles. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the impact of an intervention programme for learners with severe intellectual disability based on the VdTMoCA to improve independence in an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), namely doing a laundry activity. METHOD : A multiple case study with a literal replication design, including six subjects with severe intellectual disability, was used. The intervention consisted of a 1-week baseline assessment and four intervention sessions. To identify changes, levels of prompting and the time taken to initiate each step were measured. RESULTS : This study showed that a meticulously designed intervention programme based on the VdTMoCA principles rendered positive outcomes. Activity analysis and adaptation of the steps in a laundry activity, according to the principles of therapeutic relationship, presentation and structuring, contributed to this success.
The ergonomics regulations : the role of the health professions
(MettaMedia, 2024-03-01) Kocks, Daniel; Swart, Lyndsey; Tafaune, Geoffrey; Lapere, J.; Vlok, G.; daniel.kocks@up.ac.za
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with customising workplace conditions and job demands to fit the capabilities, limitations, and needs of the workforce. It is a multidisciplinary field, synthesising principles from diverse areas such as human factors engineering, industrial engineering, physiology, psychology, industrial design, biomechanics, kinesiology, occupational safety, and occupational health. The Ergonomics Regulations compel employers to undertake ergonomic risk assessments, implement control measures, provide training, and conduct medical surveillance to protect employees from ergonomic-related disorders. The Regulations mandate that ergonomic risk assessments be performed by a ‘competent person’, yet stop short of defining explicit criteria for competence. This has led to some confusion regarding the involvement of health professionals in ergonomic risk assessment and raises the question, ‘Do health professionals comply with the legal definition of competence for this task?’ This paper uses a systems ergonomics approach to highlight the diverse and complex risk factors that human workers bring to the workplace. The authors argue that qualified health professionals are best positioned to identify and manage high-risk motor, sensory, psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioural human factors, and are therefore indispensable in the ergonomic risk assessment process.
Evaluating client functioning in a harm reduction program in South Africa : insights from a tool derived from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
(Frontiers Media, 2024-12) Janse van Rensburg, Michelle Nedine Schorn; Casteleijn, Daleen; Scheibe, Andrew
South Africa faces the detrimental effects of problematic substance use. The Community Oriented Substance Use Program (COSUP) is a research-based, community-situated harm-reduction program. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used as the framework to develop a unique tool to determine the functioning of COSUP clients. The study was a quantitative descriptive, cross-sectional design, with data collected from COSUP sites during January 2023 using the COSUP Client Functioning Tool. Twenty-three Likert-scale structured closed questions about clients’ perceptions of their functioning and context were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended questions about COSUP services were thematically analyzed. Most COSUP clients are working-age African males, and many are unemployed. Clients seem to be coping well physically but need more mental health support. Pressing concerns for COSUP clients are feeling stressed and anxious, an inability to handle stress, poor use of free time, not getting support from others, and not having enough money to meet daily needs. Lack of energy and boredom are significant concerns, along with feelings of rejection and loneliness. Facilitating opportunities for sustaining livelihoods requires focus. Even so, there are those who have a sense of hope due to the positive impact of the program. Basing the COSUP Client Functioning Tool on the ICF framework provided a useful picture of the functioning of people who use/d drugs in their contexts. The COSUP Tool is helpful to guide interventions that are responsive to clients’ needs.
Life skills programmes for university-based wellness support services for students in health sciences professions : a scoping review
(BioMed Central, 2024-12) Lesunyane, Annah; Ramano, Enos M.; Van Niekerk, Karin; Boshoff, Kobie; Dizon, Janine; u04226801@tuks.co.za
BACKGROUND: Student wellness is a major concern during the educational programme of health professionals, as mental distress impacts negatively on students’ academic performance and success. Available literature indicates that improving student wellness has the potential to increase academic performance and success for students. Medical schools implement various forms of support to lessen student distress and enhance wellness. Mental health challenges amongst university students in health sciences professions continue to be on the rise despite support services offered by medical schools. METHODS: A scoping review methodology was used and a detailed search of seven databases including MEDLINE, Ovid Emcare, Embase, Scopus, PsychINFO, and ERIC was performed. The steps of the Preferred Reporting Items extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and guidelines suggested by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework for scoping reviews were followed. Studies that described or investigated life skills programmes with students in health professions, including medicine and nursing fields, were included. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English and did not describe university-based support programmes with students in health sciences professions. RESULTS: After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria 66 articles were included and explored in detail. The identified life skills were grouped into three categories, namely cognitive skills, emotional skills as well as interpersonal and social skills. CONCLUSION: Life skills are necessary to enhance lifelong learning for university students in health sciences professions. These skills encompass the development of a range of competencies including personal, intellectual, social, and emotional skills. Incorporating these life skills as part of holistic student wellness programmes may be an important consideration in guiding wellness support services implemented at universities.
Personalized adaptive learning in higher education : a scoping review of key characteristics and impact on academic performance and engagement
(Elsevier, 2024-11) Du Plooy, Eileen; Casteleijn, Daleen; Franzsen, Denise; Daleen.Casteleijn@up.ac.za
INTRODUCTION: Higher education institutions face persistent challenges of student retention and academic progress. Personalized adaptive learning has the potential to address these issues as it leverages educational technology to tailor learning pathways according to individual student needs. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the key characteristics of personalized adaptive learning in higher education and its impact on academic performance and engagement. METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology was followed. Key international databases were searched to retrieve articles. The titles and abstracts of selected studies were imported into Covidence. Peer-reviewed journal articles, theses, and dissertations focusing on undergraduate students engaged in personalized adaptive learning, published between 2012 and 2024 were included. Data was extracted and charted in Covidence. Results were summarised through a narrative synthesis and visually presented in a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. RESULTS: This review included 69 eligible studies. The findings reveal insights into the multifaceted nature of personalized adaptive learning, which include platforms, implementation strategies, perceived strengths and limitations by instructors and students. Pre-knowledge quizzes were reported as the most common indicator for activating adaptive content delivery, and McGrawHill’s Connect LearnSmart and Moodle were the most utilized adaptive platforms. Improved academic performance was reported by 41 of the studies (n = 41, 59 %), and 25 studies (n = 25, 36 %) indicated increased student engagement. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential of personalized adaptive learning to positively impact academic performance, student engagement and learning, despite technological limitations. Further research is encouraged to address technological challenges, build on strengths and refine implementation and application of personalized adaptive learning in higher education.
Exploring strategies promoting interprofessional collaborative practice in spinal cord injury rehabilitation at a private South African hospital group
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2024-06) McLaggan, Kirstin; Lister, Helga Elke; Filies, Gérard C.
BACKGROUND: Implementing an interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) in hospitals improves health outcomes, enhances patient safety and reduces length of stay by optimising resource utilisation. Although this approach was desired at a private hospital group in South Africa (SA), the specific strategies for clinical guidelines and capacity management pertaining to spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and the implementation of IPCP were unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore strategies for implementing clinical guidelines and capacity management for SCI rehabilitation to promote IPCP in a private hospital group in SA. METHOD: This exploratory descriptive qualitative study included participants who were selected through purposive sampling. The participants comprised 11 staff from various disciplines and management of the private hospital group, one local and one international expert in IPCP. Three online focus groups (n=13) were conducted, involving three to five participants. The transcriptions were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework. RESULTS:. Interprofessional communication and tools as well as capacity development were three emergent themes from the data. Strategies pertaining to communication methods, digitisation, visual displays, patient care information, educational information and education of healthcare workers were suggested to promote IPCP. CONCLUSION: These findings from the emergent themes could assist in implementing and integrating an IPCP approach into the rehabilitation service. Further research assessing the efficacy of implementing the IPCP strategies and digital platform would be beneficial.
IsiZulu-speaking caregivers' perceptions of child language stimulation
(AOSIS, 2024-07-25) John, Desiree C.; Uys, Catharina Jacoba Elizabeth; Pascoe, Michelle
BACKGROUND : South African children from low-income households are at higher risk of cognitive-linguistic difficulties because of multiple risk factors. Early language stimulation minimises the effects of risk factors and prepares children for literacy and learning. Understanding caregivers’ perceptions of language stimulation is important because perceptions shape practices, which determine child language outcomes. OBJECTIVES : This study explored the existing perceptions of language stimulation among 15 isiZulu-speaking caregivers from KwaDabeka township. METHOD : A qualitative, descriptive research design was adopted and the caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The NVivo software programme supported the inductive, thematic analysis of the data. RESULTS : Although the caregivers held positive perceptions of language stimulation, their perceptions of benefit focussed on meeting children’s basic physiological needs with less reference to the long-term benefits for literacy, employment and social integration. Providing language models, watching television, singing songs, and reading books were perceived to be examples of language-stimulating activities and techniques. The caregivers expressed a need to improve their knowledge of language stimulation and queried how they could be supported to achieve this outcome. CONCLUSION : This group of caregivers needed support to increase their awareness of the longterm benefits of language stimulation and their knowledge and use of evidence-based activities, stimuli and facilitation techniques. CONTRIBUTION : Caregivers’ existing perceptions could serve as a barrier to the effective language stimulation of children from low-income households in South Africa.
SASOM news
(South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM), 2023-12) Nogueira, Claudina; Kocks, Daan; Frost, Claudia; Andrews, Blanche; Hariparsad, Sujatha; Ntatamala, Itumeleng
Following the success and good attendance at the Annual Congress in 2022, which was held in a fully digital format in four sessions across four months, the 2023 Annual Congress of the South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM) was held in the same format. The theme was Occupational health practice in 2023: shining a light on the shadows of medicine, and comprised four sessions on the last Friday of the months of June, July, August, and September 2023. Each session was CPD-accredited for four CEUnits by the South African Medical Association (SAMA).

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