Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy

Purpose There is a need to identify the diversity and gaps in the educational and practice systems to better understand how to improve paediatric occupational therapy education and ongoing mentorship worldwide. This quantitative research aims to examine paediatric occupational therapy education from academics and clinicians through two separate surveys. Design/methodology/approach An educational survey was sent to the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)-approved programs in 78 countries to quantify educational and training hours provided in the paediatric field. An additional clinician survey was sent to occupational therapists to learn about their perspective on paediatric practice and continuing education. Findings The educational survey results from 56 WFOT programs in 32 countries indicated that the total percentage of academic curriculum specific to paediatric content was on average five percent. A four-year bachelor ( n = 32) was the most prevalent entry level to the profession. Most of programs also indicated that more than 50% of occupational therapists in their respective countries work in paediatrics. The clinician survey ( n = 141) had responses from 32 countries, with the majority working full time in paediatrics ( n = 103, 72.5%). These results are consistent with the 2021 WFOT Education Survey. Originality/value From the clinician survey, paediatric feeding (70% of respondents) was the most requested area of continuing education, followed by transitions and positioning for play for children birth to three (18% of respondents). This will help guide future efforts for providing education and mentorship. As a result of both surveys, it was confirmed that more than half of occupational therapists are practicing in paediatrics across the globe. In response, academic curriculums should reflect the current practice trend; however, paediatric-specific education is relatively low.

Kate Barlow

Liliya Todorova

Petya Mincheva

Arti Gandi

Marinela Rata

Said Nafai

Kathryn LeMonda

Allyson Bates

Findings and implications from a global survey on paediatric education in occupational therapy academic programmes and paediatric practice in occupational therapy

全球职业治疗学术课程中儿科教育及职业治疗儿科实践调查的发现与启示

Purpose This study aims to investigate the (re)construction of body image and identity among Brazilian individuals using orthopedic prostheses from a phenomenological perspective. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study involved 16 lower-limb orthopedic prosthesis users, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Findings Thematic analysis, grounded in phenomenology, identified two superordinate themes: 1) Representativeness of the orthopedic prosthesis, and 2) Considerations regarding prosthesis use. These themes were further divided into subordinate themes: the first into “The prosthesis as part of me,” “What the prosthesis provides me,” and “It means everything to me”; the second into “Feelings about prosthesis use,” “Difficulties in daily life,” and “The gaze of others.” Originality/value According to orthopedic prosthesis users, their experiences and narratives reveal that prostheses play a key role in reconstructing body image and shaping identity. Initially, many participants viewed the prosthesis as merely a replacement for the lost limb, but over time, especially with prolonged use, it became more deeply integrated into their sense of self, fostering a stronger emotional connection. Prostheses were found to offer both functional and emotional benefits, enhancing users’ independence, self-esteem and sense of normalcy. However, despite these positive aspects, participants reported ongoing challenges, including difficulties in adapting to the device and limitations in functional mobility. Additionally, the study revealed that, despite societal progress, individuals with amputations continue to experience judgment and stigma, often reflected in the gaze of others.

Mariana Ribeiro Volpini Lana

Joana Pimenta Maia

Juliana Pontes Ribeiro

Current insights into lower limb prostheses: Brazilian users’ perceptions on the (Re)construction of body image and identity

下肢假肢的最新见解：巴西用户对（重）建身体形象和身份的看法

Publication Information	Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.，Publishing cycle: ，Journal Type: journal，Open Access Journals: No
Basic data	Year of publication: 2017，Proportion of original research papers: 0.00%，Self Citation Rate:N.A.， Gold OA Rate: 0.00%
Average review cycle	网友分享经验：24 Weeks

Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy

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Findings and implications from a global survey on paediatric education in occupational therapy academic programmes and paediatric practice in occupational therapy

Current insights into lower limb prostheses: Brazilian users’ perceptions on the (Re)construction of body image and identity

Letter to the editor

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the editor

Findings and implications from a global survey on paediatric education in occupational therapy academic programmes and paediatric practice in occupational therapy

Letter to the editor

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the editor

Letter to the Editor

ISSN	0791-8437, 2398-8819
h-index	7