Repository logo
 

Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/25

Browse

Author: search.filters.author.Carin-Levy, GailSubject: search.filters.subject.Older People

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Nature-based interventions for older adults: a systematic review of intervention types and methods, health effects and pathways
    (Oxford University Press, 2025-04-10) Tong, Ki; Thompson, Catharine Ward; Carin-Levy, Gail; Liddle, Jennifer; Morton, Sarah; Mead, Gillian E
    Background Nature-based interventions (NBIs) may support older adults’ health and well-being, but it remains unclear which interventions are most effective, for whom and in which contexts. The existing Wilkie and Davinson framework explains the pathways between NBIs and health outcomes but underemphasises the effects of environmental qualities. Therefore, the study aims to critically examine existing NBIs and their associated health outcomes, with a focus on identifying the environmental qualities and pathways that are either facilitating or impeding. Methods The review sought 16 databases for any nature-based interventions aimed at enhancing health outcomes where participants are older adults aged ≥65. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool assessed risk of bias. Narrative synthesis was used for result presentation. Results Of 6143 articles retrieved, 84 studies were included. Participants were primarily community dwelling without specific conditions. Most studies were quantitative experiments. Interventions were predominantly multicomponent, with restoring psychological capacities as the most common pathway. Spiritual, behavioural and socioecological changes were identified. Some health mechanisms were specific to outdoor interventions, but indoor interventions showed comparable outcomes. Conclusions The study predominantly included community-dwelling participants without specific health conditions, potentially limiting the generalisability of findings to older adults with multimorbidity or those in alternative living environments. Multicomponent interventions challenged direct associations between pathways and outcomes. Results extend existing frameworks by identifying spiritual, behavioural and socioecological benefits. Limited detailing of environmental qualities warrants further research to associate them with specific health outcomes. Registration The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024496114).
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    How do occupational therapists understand and respond to delirium in acute stroke? A grounded theory exploration
    (SAGE, 2018-08-01) Carin-Levy, Gail; Nicol, Kath; McVittie, Chris; Van Wijck, F.; Mead, G.
    Purpose and aims: Delirium is a serious complication following a stroke, often leading to severe adverse effects (Carin-Levy et al. 2012). Identifying delirium following a stroke can be challenging due to the complexity of cognitive screening in this population (Lees et al. 2013). This study explored how occupational therapists (OTs) understand delirium and what actions are taken when working with a patient exhibiting delirium symptoms. Design: Abbreviated grounded theory. Methods: Two online focus groups utilising case vignettes conducted with occupational therapists working in acute stroke units across Scotland. Analytical steps consistent with grounded theory methodology led to the emergence of themes. Results: Five participants were recruited. None of the participants received delirium training, and none confidently discussed delirium symptoms, frequently referring to the term ‘confusion’. Participants suggested using generic cognitive assessments rather than delirium-specific tools. Despite this, the key principles of the initial management of delirium were discussed confidently and participants demonstrated the values of person centredness, effective team work and a real care for the welfare of the persons with whom they are working. Conclusion: Occupational therapists can struggle to identify delirium in acute stroke; however, the key principles of delirium management were confidently discussed and an ethos of person centredness was demonstrated. Occupational therapists are experts in cognitive assessment of stroke patients (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 2010), therefore, training in delirium identification should be targeted at this professional group in order to be able to comply with best practice guidelines on delirium management (Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2014).