CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Pre-conference workshops | Ateliers précongrès
CarFit Live Training (in-person only- registration required)
Spend just 30 minutes to learn how to help individuals feel safe and comfortable behind
the wheel again by registering for the CarFit Live Lab Training session.
Who is this for?
Newly trained CarFit Technicians who have completed the online CarFit training or plan
to do before conference and want to broaden their virtual learning with an in-person
vehicle lab.
Trained CarFit Technicians, Coordinators or Instructors who want to refresh their skills
with an in-person vehicle lab.
Learning objectives: In small groups, review the CarFit checklist while at a vehicle and
have all of your CarFit questions answered in person!
Blanket Ceremony
Wednesday: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Room | Location: C1
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Debra Beach Ducharme
2024 CAOT Conference delegates are invited to participate in an in-person Blanket Exercise on
Wednesday May 1st from 10-12 pm (AST) at the Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St,
Halifax, NS.
A Blanket Exercise, developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and
educators, is an interactive and experiential teaching tool that explores the historic and
contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we
know as Turtle Island. During the exercise, participants step on blankets representing the land
and into the roles of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Participants will be guided by an
Indigenous facilitator that covers pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid
Le congrès de l'ACE 2024 : Hybride
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
The exercise concludes with a debrief in the form of a talking circle and allows for the
opportunity to process feelings, ask questions, share insights, and deepen understanding.
Offering the exercise to conference delegates aligns with the recommendations within the OT
Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples in Canada and represents one way in which
CAOT can continue to work to respond to the Calls to Action as outlined within the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada. The exercise can further allow OTs the opportunity
to engage and expand their learning and education about colonization and its historical and
current impacts on Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
*Please note that space is limited to 50 participants and will be on a first come, first served
basis. There will be no pre-registration or registration fees associated with the session.
Key words | Mots clés :
Engaging life promotion and suicide prevention tools: Confidence through
conversation
Wednesday: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Room | Location: 102
Pre-conference workshop: Non-specific | Advocacy /Leadership
Kimberly Bitz [email protected] Catherine White Cathy.whiteot@gmail.com Kim
Hewitt- McVicker [email protected]
Background/Introduction: Across practice areas, occupational therapists have long been
involved with clients who are considering suicide, who have attempted suicide, or who have
experienced loss by suicide. The COVID 19 pandemic increased the need for life promotion,
suicide intervention and suicide postvention in Canada. Currently, an estimated 4500 Canadians
die due to suicide annually , with as many as 135 people per death impacted, 10% of whom
experience life-changing grief2. While hard to track, thousands more live with chronic suicidal
ideation and despair. Practice problem/issue or innovation/success: Occupational therapy
provides a unique skill set by helping individuals and communities engage in meaningful
occupations that can facilitate a shift toward recovery, life and living, but occupational therapy
is not routinely embedded in the suicide prevention response continuum. The CAOT Practice
Network: Addressing Suicide in Occupational Therapy Practice has developed tools to support
occupational therapy professionals to better enact and showcase our value. Approach/
findings/reflection: This workshop will: Present recent research regarding suicide in Canada;
Demonstrate resources recently developed by the practice network; Review the recently
released CAOT position statement, “Occupational Therapy to Prevent and Support Recovery
from Suicide”; Engage participants in a real-time consultation exercise regarding practical
applications of the tools and resources. Learning objectives: Participants will: Increase
awareness of suicide and suicide prevention initiatives in Canada & Become familiar with
suicide prevention tools and resources from the practice network, and how they might be
applied in varied practice contexts. Practice implications: Through increased awareness of
innovations in addressing suicide in occupational therapy practice, participants will be
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
encouraged to use the tools and resources and take leadership roles as they return to diverse
practice settings.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Advocacy
Decolonizing engagement processes in colonized systems and structures
Wednesday: 1:00 PM-2:55 PM Room | Location: 103
Pre-conference workshop: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
Angie Phenix Kaarina Valavaara [email protected] Stephanie Nixon Gayle Restall
Rationale/Background: Occupational therapy formal and informal leaders are increasingly
seeking to engage with people from oppressed groups to increase the diversity of perspectives
in policy and program development. Authentic and respectful engagement responds to the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action promotes more equitable opportunities
for input and leadership by equity-deserving groups; however, without a critical examination of
current processes of engagement, oppression can be reproduced. Current systems of
engagement and collaboration with equity deserving/marginalized people, including Indigenous
Peoples, can result in more oppression due to inflexible processes and systems. Occupational
therapy leaders are challenged to take action to design and implement anti-oppressive
processes while embedded in colonial systems and structures that have taken-for-granted
processes and managerial controls that can conflict with Indigenous ways of knowing and
doing. How do leaders decolonize occupational therapy processes in order to meet the
vision/goals for equitable engagement? Learning Objectives: (1) Understand how power,
privilege, paternalism, and white supremacy are reproduced and maintained in occupational
therapy through colonial systems (2) Explore models, frameworks, and tools that occupational
therapy leaders can use to decolonize processes embedded within colonial institutions.
Instructional Methods: The presentation will include didactic learning, facilitated small group
discussions, and large group debriefs. Structure/Participant Engagement: The session will begin
with a panel presentation that will summarize key constraints of colonial systems including
power, privilege, paternalism, and white supremacy and how these constraints are reproduced
and maintained. The panel will also introduce frameworks and tools that can assist leaders in
developing authentic and respectful processes. In small groups, participants will be invited to
work through an engagement process to identify colonial processes and potential oppressive
practices and create a plan to mitigate these harms and develop more inclusive and equitable
processes. Practice Implications: Participants will feel empowered with practical strategies to
start decolonizing their own processes and systems, with the end goal of equity deserving
peoples having safer, more meaningful engagement in occupational therapy programs,
processes and outcomes that impact their daily lives.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Models
Building skills to address complex discharge planning
Wednesday: 1:00 PM-2:55 PM Room | Location: 106
Pre-conference workshop: Non-specific | Primary care/Primary healthcare
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Stacey Baboulas [email protected] Leigh Craney
Introduction: Effective discharge planning is vital to decrease the chances of our clients being
readmitted to hospital, sustaining a secondary injury, and facilitating ongoing recovery and
rehabilitation in the community. Practice problem: The discharge planning process can be
difficult, particularly if the client has sustained multi-trauma and catastrophic injuries, and
when multiple caregivers are involved in the decision-making process. Approach: In this two
hour session, case scenarios and examples will be shared to highlight how to navigate
challenges during complex discharge planning. Strategies on how to collaborate with the client,
caregivers, and other health care team members involved in the discharge planning process will
also be reviewed to highlight techniques to implement to ensure safe transition to the
community following in-patient care. Participants will be provided with an opportunity to work
in groups on case examples to consolidate their learning from the session, and to facilitate open
discussion and further learning experience. Learning Objectives: (1) Recognize the importance
of initiating discharge planning early in the process; (2) Recognize the importance of client,
caregiver and team collaboration; (3) Identify issues related to making an appropriate decision
regards post-discharge care; (4) Recognize the role of realistic community resources in
discharge planning; and (5) Recognize the impact financial resources have in discharge planning
(e.g. access to community treatment, medications, housing needs). Practice Implications:
Discharge planning is a consultative process between the client, caregivers, and team members,
which requires several components to ensure the safe transition from hospital to home. This
session will highlight the process of discharge planning, from start to finish, to facilitate a
smooth and safe transfer of our clients from hospital to home/community.
Key words | Mots clés : Private practice, Teaching/education
Rolling towards best practice with the Wheelchair Skills Program
Wednesday: 1:00 PM-5 PM Room | Location: 109
Pre-conference workshop: Non-specific | Technology
Paula Rushton (Dalhousie University, Halifax) prushton@dal.ca Lee Kirby (Dalhousie University)
[email protected] Cher Smith (Nova Scotia Health) cher.smith@nshealth.ca Tatiana Dib
(Université de Montréal) tatiana.d[email protected]
Background: Research evidence has been accumulating that demonstrates the safety and
superior effectiveness of a formal approach to the assessment and training of wheelchair skills
for wheelchair users and their caregivers. The Wheelchair Skills Program (WSP)
(www.wheelchairskillsprogram.ca) includes useful evaluation and training tools and can be
used with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with diverse diagnoses and functional
limitations. However, in a survey administered to occupational therapists living in Nova Scotia,
only 43.5% report typically providing wheelchair skills training to their clients and only a third
consider themselves adequately prepared to train (Kirby et al., 2020). It is thus important to
help occupational therapists translate this research evidence into clinical practice by offering
them the knowledge to use the evidence-based tools and resources available through the WSP.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Learning Objectives: On completion of this workshop, participants will be able to (1) describe
the elements of the WSP; (2) perform indoor (e.g., rolling forward), community (e.g., going up
an incline), and some advanced manual wheelchair skills (e.g. going down a curb in a wheelie
position); (3) safely spot people performing indoor, community and advanced manual
wheelchair skills; (4) assess people performing indoor, community and advanced manual
wheelchair skills; (5) train people learning indoor, community and advanced manual wheelchair
skills; and (6) describe how to implement the wheelchair skills assessment and training
procedures in their own settings. Instructional Methods: The workshop will provide participants
with an opportunity to experience a range of wheelchair skills including spotting techniques and
assessment methods but will focus on training (both the ‘tricks of the trade’ and motor-skills-
learning principles). Structure: This pre-conference workshop will begin with a welcome,
orientation to the day, and lecture, followed by hands-on, practical wheelchair skills training
moving from indoor to community to advanced wheelchair skills. Practice Implications:
Following this workshop, occupational therapists will be better equipped to optimize the safety
and maneuverability challenges that face wheelchair users and their caregivers.
Key words | Mots clés : Seating
Your role in making schools more welcoming for neurodivergent students
Wednesday: 1:00 PM-5 PM Room | Location: 107
Pre-conference workshop: Children and youth | Professional issues/Practice
Marie Grandisson (Université Laval, Québec) marie.g[email protected] Emilie Rajotte
(Université Laval) [email protected] Myriam Chrétien-Vincent (Université du
Québec à Trois-Rivières) myriam.chretien-vincent@uqtr.ca Mélanie Couture (Université de
Sherbrooke) [email protected] Nina Thomas (Université Laval)
Rationale: Schools are expected to provide learning environments in which a large diversity of
students can participate without always needing individualized accommodations. Yet, autistic
students and other neurodivergent students encounter barriers to participation in their
classrooms, but also during transitions, recess, and afterschool programs. Their well-being is
often compromised as schools are not sufficiently adapted to their strengths and needs.
Occupational therapists have a key role to play in supporting school teams to create more
inclusive school environments and occupations. Learning objectives: Participants will broaden
their perspective regarding their role in supporting school teams with the inclusion of
neurodivergent students. They will become familiar with how a school needs analysis can be
done upfront, how team and individual coaching can be used and, most importantly, how they
can support school teams focus on creating inclusive environments and occupations.
Instructional methods: The session will combine a variety of methods including interactive
presentation, individual reflections, and small group discussions. Findings from the research
project Towards Inclusive Schools will be integrated in a dynamic manner, focusing on the tools
developed with the findings. Structure/participant engagement: The session will start with an
interactive presentation using Wooclap (e.g. word clouds, votes) to present the main modalities
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
suggested and examples of how occupational therapists have applied them in schools.
Participants will be asked to reflect on which modalities they already use in their practice and
which they could use more. Small group discussions around case scenarios will then be done.
The presenter will then share some take-home messages and answer questions. Practice
implications: It is expected that participants will have a new perspective on how they can foster
the participation of neurodivergent students, more focused on creating inclusive occupations
and environments in partnership with all school stakeholders. They will also become familiar
with tools they can use to pursue their reflections on that matter.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, School health
What’s ‘anti-oppressive practice’? And how do I do it?
Wednesday: 3:05 PM-5 PM Room | Location: 103
Pre-conference workshop: Non-specific | Equity & Justice
Kaarina Valavaara (Dalhousie University, Halifax) ka[email protected] Kaitlin Sibbald
(Dalhousie University) [email protected] Tara Pride (Dalhousie University) [email protected]
Stephanie Bizzeth (NS Health) stephanie.b[email protected] Brenda Beagan (Dalhousie University)
Rationale: The 2021 ‘Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada’ include new
competencies focused on Culture, Equity & Justice. Competency C2 calls on therapists to
“Promote anti-oppressive behaviour and culturally safer, inclusive relationships.” In this
interactive workshop we ask, How exactly do we do that? Many therapists understand the need
to move in this direction, want to do so, and have every intention of doing so, but are less clear
on how to get started. Learning objectives: From this session participants will 1. develop a
clearer sense of what anti-oppressive practice is, and specific resources to draw on for
additional support; 2. generate concrete tools and strategies they can begin to use immediately
to move their practice toward anti-oppressive competency; 3. connect with colleagues willing
to engage with mutual support in moving toward this competency. Instructional methods:
Having provided clear explanations regarding oppression and anti-oppression, experienced
therapists and educators will share practical ideas large and small, things that can be done daily
and things to work at over time, to move toward more anti-oppressive practice. We will raise
ideas for practice changes at interpersonal, institutional and systems levels. Small groups will
generate further ideas situated in people’s own practice contexts, collectively challenging
barriers and identifying facilitators. Debriefing with the larger group will focus on strategy-
sharing and identifying short-term and longer-term goals. Participant engagement: After
introducing some ideas for change, and discussing guidelines for safer discussions, participants
will break into small groups to brainstorm practical initiatives in their local contexts. Facilitators
will encourage groups to stay solution-focused, rather than barrier-focused, ensuring all have
time to speak. Participants will also be invited to share email addresses with us so we can
facilitate the creation of local networks of therapists striving toward anti-oppressive practice.
Practice implications: Participants will be introduced to multiple ways others have begun to
initiate anti-oppressive practice, will generate individual plans for short-term and longer-term
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
strategies, will be provided with several practice resources for guidance, and will have the
opportunity to connect with others engaged in this work for mutual support.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
Bariatric care and safe patient handling
Wednesday: 3:05 PM-5 PM Room | Location: 104
Pre-conference workshop: Community/Population | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Christina Modeski Guldmann mississauga [email protected] Anand Pandya Guldmann, Patti
Mechan
Introduction: Occupational therapists are well versed in the need to utilize various pieces of
equipment to reduce injuries during lifting and transferring. The bariatric community requires
additional insight due to the stresses on caregivers’ bodies during other non-lifting care tasks.
Innovation: Caregivers are not always aware of the various equipment options for this
community, leading to manual lifting, holding, or transferring of bariatric patients. Approach:
Our team at the conference have 50+ years of experience in safe patient handling and are also
backed by a team of global clinical specialists in our field. Having listened to the needs of 1000s
of our partners in safe patient handling, we have developed care and training guidelines to
mitigate risk and caregiver injuries in this community. Learning Objectives: The participants will
join in a hands-on workshop to address current practices, learn additional techniques,
equipment options to offer various ways to utilize equipment to decrease injuries. We welcome
all participants to attend armed with questions regarding any roadblocks they encounter in
their daily routines. Practice Implications: Utilizing various techniques learned during the pre-
conference workshop will provide a safer lifting environment and create more Time to Care.
Key words | Mots clés : Obesity, Teaching/education
Le yoga: la clé vers l'équilibre de vie
Wednesday: 3:05 PM-5 PM Room | Location: 108
Atelier précongrès: Les adultes | La santé et le bien-être
Natasha Dumont-Carey Boucherville [email protected]
Contexte : Le yoga est une pratique de plus en plus populaire et reconnue pour ses bienfaits sur
la santé globale. Au-delà des postures physiques, le yoga est un art de vivre en conscience. En
ergothérapie, nous accompagnons les individus à mieux vivre dans leur quotidien en fonction
de leur capacité physique, cognitive, émotionnelle et spirituelle. Ainsi, l’intégration du yoga
offre une nouvelle perspective : une participation consciente aux activités quotidiennes. De
plus, le yoga incite à prendre soin de soi pour être mieux disposé à aider les autres. Il s’agit d’un
aspect crucial pour les ergothérapeutes qui sont susceptibles au stress et à l'épuisement
professionnel (Gupta et al. 2012). Dans ce contexte, le yoga est une modalité corps-esprit tout
indiquée pour enrichir tant la vie personnelle que professionnelle. Objectifs d’apprentissage :
Les participants seront en mesure d’expliquer les liens entre l’ergothérapie et le yoga. Ils seront
en mesure d’utiliser des techniques inspirées du yoga dans leur quotidien et avec leur clientèle.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Méthodes d’instruction : Théorie, apprentissage par expérientiel, discussion en sous-groupe.
Activité pour les participants : Cette conférence présentera les principes fondamentaux du yoga
et les liens avec l’ergothérapie. Les participants vont expérimenter des techniques de bases
(posture, respiration, méditation) afin de ressentir les bienfaits dans leur corps et esprit. Suivi
d’un échange afin d’explorer les pistes d’applications concrètes pour leurs clientèles
respectives. Nous compléterons par une mise en commun des apprentissages afin de mettre en
évidence les clés à intégrer à son quotidien. Finalement, une période de question sera offerte.
Implications cliniques : L’ergothérapeute sera en mesure d'identifier les applications cliniques
avec sa clientèle ainsi que de recommander des modalités inspirées du yoga. Les participants
partiront avec des techniques d'ancrage, une routine pour assouplir le corps et des techniques
de respiration consciente pour calmer le système nerveux ainsi que de revitaliser l'esprit.
L'ergothérapeute aura des outils pour prendre soin de soi, sans culpabilité, afin de mieux
prendre soin des autres !
Key words | Mots clés : Santé mentale, Spiritualité
Conference program | Programme du congrès
Opening Ceremonies & Keynote Address | Cérémonies d’ouverture et Conférenciere
d’honneur
Wednesday: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Room | Location: C1
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Phillip Wendt, Hélène Sabourin & Keynote Speaker: Lisa Boivin
Help us kick off this year’s Conference at the opening ceremonies on the evening of Wednesday, May
1st with a welcome from an Indigenous Elder, followed by our Featured Speaker, Lisa Boivin giving her
keynote address: Arranging Pretty: Piecing together meaningful clinical/research relationships.
Lisa uses image-based storytelling to respond to the dearth of Indigenous content in rehabilitation
science research. While there is literature revealing clinical barriers caused by colonialism,
intergenerational trauma, and a lack of cultural safety, it is incomplete because it does not offer
strength-based narratives that authentically reflect the identity of Indigenous people. Using collages and
paintings that she has created, Lisa will confront some of the colonial problems that arise in
rehabilitation science and offer Indigenous teachings to resolve them.
Lisa is a member of the Deninu Kųę
́
First Nation in Denendeh (Northwest Territories). She is an award-
winning author and illustrator of We Dream Medicine Dreams and I Will See you Again. Lisa is a
University of Toronto Provost’s Post-Doctoral Fellow at KITE (Knowledge, Innovation, Talent,
Everywhere) Research Institute at Toronto Rehab. Lisa uses participatory image-based workshops to
educate healthcare providers and researchers about the colonial barriers Indigenous patients navigate
in the current healthcare system. She strives to humanize clinical medicine as she situates her art in the
Indigenous continuum of passing knowledge through images.
Exhibit hall grand opening | Grande ouverture du salon professionnel
Wednesday: 8:30 PM-9:30 PM Room | Location: Exhibit Hall
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Check out our exhibitors who will be showcasing their latest innovations, products and services.
CAOT Town Hall | Séance de discussion ouverte de l'ACE
Thursday: 8:00 AM-8:55 AM Room | Location: C1
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Phillip Wendt, Hélène Sabourin
Join CAOT’s President, Board of Directors, and the national staff for an informal town hall meeting. This
get-together will provide members with a brief update about the association’s latest projects and
activities, followed by the opportunity to discuss emerging issues and ask your own questions.
Taking a step back to see the mosaic
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 102
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Professional issues/Practice
Katie Lewis (McMaster Children's Hospital/ McMaster University, Hamilton) lewis[email protected]
Elizabeth Townsend (Dalhousie University) townsea@dal.ca
Introduction- We present occupational therapy (OT) as a mosaic of diverse practices seeking a collective
identity. Taking a step back reveals a mosaic of past experiences using diverse approaches. Objectives-
We present historical research to address four research questions: What were key driving and
constraining forces for the profession between 1960 and 1985, referred to as the ‘Rehabilitation Era’?
How powerful was the Medical Model in shaping OT growth and visibility over those years? How did
occupational therapists navigate relationships with medicine, management, social organizations, and
funders? How did gendered forces in medicine and OT drive or limit growth during this era? Methods-
Oral history interviews were conducted with occupational therapists who practiced between 1960 and
1985, and then qualitatively analyzed with reference to archival research and theories of gender and
professionalization. Thematic analysis is framed by lived experiences at the beginning and end of an
occupational therapy career. Findings- The 1960-1985 period is marked by OT efforts to transform
immediate contexts and raise professional standards. Taking a step back, one can see a broad, lesser-
known mosaic and collective identity under various titles in diverse social, medical, management, and
funding contexts. Conclusion- Collaborative practice is very important moving forward with ongoing
questions, notably: Could OTs display a stronger, clearer mosaic and collective identity working within
AND outside medical funding? Would the broad mosaic become clearer with advanced masters and
doctoral education specific to occupational therapy? How might occupational therapists attract
collaborators who see our mosaic?
Key words | Mots clés : Evaluation, Theory
Closing gaps: Bringing pediatric assistive technology to First Nation communities
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 103
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Advocacy /Leadership
Carrie Mandryk (Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg) cman[email protected] Ambrose Cox
(Rehabilitation Centre for Children) [email protected]
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Background: Many children with complex needs and disabilities live in rural/remote First Nation
communities. Occupational and physical therapists have been traveling to these communities for
services for almost a decade. However, children and their families are still required to travel to a city
center for specialized services, including for equipment such as mobility devices. Practice problem issue:
Traveling for appointments can be stressful and disruptive for children and their families. Many First
Nation communities are only accessible by winter road or small plane. This means that travelling back
and forth to attend appointments is not always easy, causing families to be away from home for
extended periods of time. Approach: Assistive technology clinics have been carried out in ten First
Nation communities over the past two years. This involved bringing demonstration equipment including
wheelchairs, bikes, and walkers to assess for new equipment as well as bringing tools and supplies to
adjust and maintain existing equipment. Environmental conditions are important factors to consider
when prescribing equipment, and traveling to these communities allowed our team to learn these
factors first-hand. Feedback was very positive from families and community teams. Client’s and their
caregivers appreciated being seen in their home communities. Learning objectives: This presentation
will provide participants with 1) an example of how to run a specialized clinic in a First Nation
rural/remote community 2) a discussion on why relationship building is important for remote/rural
travel. Practice implications: To provide clinicians with information on how to conduct a specialized
clinic in First Nation rural/remote communities.
Key words | Mots clés : Assistive devices, Community care
Strengthening occupational therapists’ capacity to practice in primary care
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 104
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Nicole Bobbette (Queen's University, Kingston) Nico[email protected]a Catherine Donnelley
(Queen's University) catherine.donnelly@queensu.ca Lori Letts Andrew Freeman Hélène Sabourin (CAOT)
Josée Séguin (CAOT) Carri Hand Leanne Leclair Kaarina Valavaara Cara Brown Pam Wener Shannon
Jones
Introduction: There is increasing emphasis on primary care team-based models in Canada.1
Occupational therapists collaborate as members of primary care teams.1 To ensure the profession is
prepared to work in primary care settings, adequate training is critical. Currently no comprehensive
training materials exist to support occupational therapists to practice in primary care teams. Objectives:
To develop online modules to enhance the capacity of occupational therapy learners and practitioners
to practice in primary care teams across the country. Approach: The first of two modules used a
consensus methodology with representatives from physiotherapy, social work, speech and language,
audiology, and dietitians to identify foundational knowledge on primary care. A pan-Canadian team,
supported by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and a community advisory
group, developed the second module that aligns with CAOT’s “Vision for Occupational Therapy: A Path
Forward”.2 An evaluation framework was also developed, and modules will be piloted in two Canadian
occupational therapy programs. Results: Through a collaborative, interprofessional process we created
two evidence-based online modules. The first, an introduction to primary care, addresses the values and
principles of collaborative primary care, and models of team-based primary care. The second focuses on
how to integrate and work in primary care teams using the occupational therapist’s unique lens
including assessments, interventions and a focus on equity and access. Practice implications:
Occupational therapy learners and practitioners will have access to evidence-based online education
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
modules through the CAOT and entry-level university programs, increasing occupational therapy
capacity for working in primary care teams.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice
Ethical relationships between humans, occupations, and the earth
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 106
OS Paper presentation: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
Niki Kiepek (Dalhousie University, Halifax) niki.kiepek@dal.ca
Introduction: When occupational therapists promote occupations, we tend to assume that participation
in occupation is inherently good. Adopting person-centred approaches may deter consideration of
broader ethical questions associated with socially valued occupations. For instance, occupational
therapists support return to work – what if that ‘work’ involves industries that contribute to
environmental degradation? Do we care? This presentation opens discussions about ethical
relationships between humans, occupations, and the earth. Where conceptualisations of occupational
justice tend to centre on individuals and collectives, this presentation shifts focus to include interspecies
justice. Objective: This presentation explores occupation in relation to the earth, examining the
potential to expand occupational justice beyond anthropocentric viewpoints. Approach: I drew on the
theoretical methodology of transgressive decolonial hermeneutics, with a commitment to reconciliation
and decolonization. Findings: Indigenous ontologies, such as those of ethical relationality, may open us
to new ways of understanding occupational justice. Participating in ecologically unsustainable
occupations impacts all people and more-than-humans. Devastating effects of environmental harms
disproportionately impacts some more than others, exacerbating inequities. An emerging question in
occupational therapy is the extent to which we become complicit in injustices when we render invisible
collective responsibilities and fail to attend to the impacts of occupation on the land and interspecies
relations. Conclusions: A commitment to occupational justice includes honouring interdependence of
species, engaging in occupations in ways that are sustainable, refraining from occupations that have
destructive or detrimental impact, on the earth and more-than-humans, and considering future
generations.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Occupational justice
Rôles des ergothérapeutes auprès des personnes écoanxieuses : Perceptions
d’ergothérapeutes
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Non spécifique | La santé mentale
Marie-Josée Drolet (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) marie-josee.drolet@uqtr.ca
Sabrina Demers (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) sabrina.demers@uqtr.ca Claudie Hurtubise
(Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) claudie.hurtub[email protected] Maude Falardeau (Université du
Québec à Trois-Rivières) maude.fa[email protected]
Introduction : La crise climatique est une source d’éco-anxiété pour plusieurs individus. Celle-ci
correspond à une forme d’anxiété ressentie par une personne devant les bouleversements causés par la
crise climatique et l'anticipation de ses conséquences sur les écosystèmes et les êtres vivants. Elle peut
être paralysante pour un individu (éco-paralysie) et occasionner des privations occupationnelles. Les
ergothérapeutes pourraient avoir un rôle à jouer pour soutenir les personnes éco-anxieuses, mais
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
aucune étude n’a été menée pour documenter ces rôles. Objectif: L’étude avait pour objectif d’explorer
les rôles envisagés ou adoptés par des ergothérapeutes du Québec pour soutenir les personnes éco-
anxieuses. Méthodes: Un devis qualitatif inductif d’inspiration phénoménologique a été utilisé. Des
entretiens individuels ont été menés avec des ergothérapeutes. Les verbatims des entretiens ont été
transcris et analysés par deux coanalystes. Résultats: Onze ergothérapeutes femmes, âgée de 24-34 ans,
de diverses régions du Québec ont participé à l’étude. Elles avaient entre 6 mois et 10 ans d’expérience.
Toutes estiment que les ergothérapeutes peuvent soutenir les personnes éco-anxieuses. Pour ce faire,
leurs rôles sont appelés à s’opérationnaliser dans divers contextes, soit lors: 1) d’activités de
prévention/promotion; 2) d’interventions individuelles/de groupe ; 3) d’activités d’enseignement; 4)
d’activités de recherche; et 5) d’engagements communautaires. L’approche occupationnelle, holistique
et centrée sur le client utilisée en ergothérapie est perçue comme un atout pour ce faire. Conclusion:
Cette étude trace les pourtours d’une pratique ergothérapique innovante en santé mentale, laquelle est
appelée à se développer rapidement compte tenu que les individus écoanxieux sont de plus en plus
nombreux.
Key words | Mots clés : Santé mentale
Canadian care providers' perspectives on long COVID rehabilitation provisions
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Community/Population | Chronic conditions
Isabel Heldmann (University of Toronto, Toronto) isabel.[email protected]toronto.ca Kate van de Ven
(University of Toronto) kate.duq[email protected].ca Jaylyn Leighton Leighton (St. John’s Rehab
Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute) Sander L. Hitzig (St. John’s Rehab Research Program,
Sunnybrook Research Institute) Logan Reis (St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research
Institute) Abirami Vijayakumar (St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute)
Marina B. Wasilewski (St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute) Robert
Simpson (St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute)
Background/Introduction: Long COVID (LC) is an emerging condition that affects up to 35% of COVID-19
patients (Maxwell et al., 2020). People with LC (PWLC) often experience poor mental health and
psychosocial outcomes (e.g., loss of social connection and leisure activities), exaggerated by persistent,
debilitating physical and cognitive symptoms that significantly impact their ability to participate in
activities of daily living (Malik et al., 2021). Health and social care providers (HSCPs) are well positioned
across the continuum of LC care provisions (acute, hospital, in/out-patient, and community-based) to
provide rehabilitative (rehab) support for PWLC and their caregivers. Yet, very little research has been
done to gather the perspectives of HSCPs who have direct experience working with PWLC in a rehab
context. Objectives: Thus, the objective of this presentation is to share HSCP perspectives on better
integrating LC rehab across the continuum of health and social care services. Approach: Our team
conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with N=34 HSCPs across Canada (November 2022-
January 2023). Results: Our findings highlight HSCP concerns (i.e., the novelty of LC, managing the
episodic nature, and adapting ‘traditional’ rehab practices) and areas of improvement (i.e., attending to
the psychosocial impacts, utilizing inter-professional collaboration, increased LC-specific education and
resources, and streamlining care integration pathways) in the context of Canadian LC rehab provisions.
Practice implications: The implications of this research will contribute to on-going efforts to develop LC-
specific rehab care models, resources, and pathways to aid HSCPs in delivering effective care to PWLC.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessional, COVID
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Co-developing a collaborative platform promoting social participation in older adults
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 109
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Health and well-being
Valérie Poulin (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) valerie.poulin@uqtr.ca Véronique
Provencher (Université de Sherbrooke) Hélène Carbonneau (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)
Mélanie Levasseur (Université de Sherbrooke) Nathalie Bier (Université de Montréal) Marie-Michèle Lord
(Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Ginette Aubin (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Lyson
Marcoux (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Marie Beaulieu (Université de Sherbrooke) André
Guérard (Association québécoise des centres communautaires pour aînés)
Introduction: Occupational therapists can build partnerships with community organizations to support
the implementation of community development initiatives that promote older adults’ social
participation. Objectives: To describe the participatory process leading to the development of a
collaborative online platform that maps various social participation initiatives with older adults in
Quebec. Methods: This action-research project, guided by a steering committee composed of
community partners and three older adults, included several data collection methods: 1) a series of
individual interviews (n=20 community organizations in 2020; n=18 in 2021), 2) seven focus groups with
managers and coordinators from senior centers (2021-2022), 3) four codesign workshops (n=21
participants) to determine the objectives and the functionalities of the collaborative platform; and 4) an
environmental scan to identify community-based social participation initiatives for older adults in the
province of Quebec (2022-2023). Results: Findings from the interviews and the focus groups provided an
in-depth understanding of the challenges, the solutions and the needs of community organizations to
support older adults’ social participation in collaboration with other partners during and beyond a
pandemic. The process of co-development led to an initial version of the platform which includes 1) an
inventory of social participation initiatives covering ten themes (e.g., intergenerational initiatives,
volunteering); 2) practical tools; 3) a directory of resource persons interested in sharing their expertise;
and 4) a collaborative space for exchanges. Conclusions: This platform will promote collaborations with
community organizations to find, share, and support the implementation of community-based initiatives
that address a continuum of social participation needs.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Community development
Belonging: Experiences of faculty and occupational therapy students
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Community/Population | Fieldwork/Education
Jennifer Shim (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) jgshim@student.ubc.ca Ruth Jen (University of
British Columbia) [email protected]bc.ca Katie Lee Bunting (University of British Columbia)
katie.leebunting@ubc.ca Elly Park (University of British Columbia) elly.park@ubc.ca Laura Bulk
(University of British Columbia) la[email protected]
Introduction: Across academic programs, including occupational therapy (OT), sense of belonging is
critical as it impacts students’ well-being (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Gopalan & Brady, 2019) and their
sense of commitment to the program and the profession (Pedler et al., 2022). Yet, there is a gap in the
literature exploring sense of belonging in OT programs, especially in a setting where a single cohort is
distributed across multiple geographic contexts. Objectives: (1) To explore, through student and faculty
perspectives, how belonging is developed in a distributed OT program across three geographic sites, and
(2) to understand the impact of personal and environmental factors that affect students’ and faculty’s
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
sense of belonging. Methods: Through a constructivist approach and informed by phenomenological
methodology, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with 10-12 students and faculty from the OT
program. Data from verbatim transcripts will be reflexively thematically analyzed through the lens of the
Modified Belonging in Academia Model (mBAM) (Bulk et al., 2023) and the Transactional Perspectives
on Occupations (TPO) (Cutchin & Dickie, 2013) to explore the experiences and factors that influence
belongingness. Results: Findings may align with the mBAM and TPO, where the relational transactions
between the individual, occupations, and the academic environment shape experiences of students’ and
faculty’s belongingness. We postulate that factors such as the equitable allocation of resources or
interdependent relationships among community members may affect perceptions of belonging.
Conclusion: Findings will be used to recommend approaches that may improve faculty and student
experiences of belonging in distributed OT programs.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development, Teaching/education
Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance with Individuals with First-Episode
Psychosis
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Mental health
Jane Davis (University of Toronto, Toronto) ja.da[email protected] Jessie Wilson (Potential Pediatrics)
Priya Subramanian (London Health Sciences Centre) Helene Polatajko (University of Toronto) Angela
Mandich (Western University)
Background. First-episode psychosis is often diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood, with
cognitive impairments present up to a decade before its onset (Bora et al., 2017; Bowie et al., 2012). As
such, psychosis is perceived as a “disruptor” of youth (WHO, 2013), occurring at a critical period of
knowledge and skill development. In addition, the positive and negative symptoms of psychosis and
psychological, social, and cognitive challenges adversely impact daily participation and global
functioning. Practice Problem. To support individuals with first-episode psychosis to achieve their
performance, engagement, and participation goals, Bowie et al. (2012, 2020) and Lysaker et al. (2020)
argue that an intervention must include four key features: (a) client-identified valued activities; (b)
client-chosen goals; (c) collaborative intervention planning; (d) and metacognitive training or strategy
use. Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP; Polatajko & Mandich, 2004), a
therapist-led, client-centred, performance-oriented, metacognitive problem-solving approach, contains
these features and may support individuals experiencing psychosis to improve occupational
performance, engagement, and participation. Learning Objectives. From this presentation, occupational
therapy practitioners will understand key considerations when using CO-OP, both in in-person and
virtual contexts, with youth living with first-episode psychosis. Reflections. As first-episode psychosis
may lead to significant disruptions in an individual’s occupational repertoire, goal setting must explore
past, current, and future hoped-for repertoires. Procedural aspects, such as session frequency and
duration, must be considered across the intervention. Practice Implications. CO-OP may be a useful
intervention for individuals with first-episode psychosis with modification made to the original
intervention protocol.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Mental health
Experiences of parents with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A phenomenological study
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 4
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Poster presentation: Adult | Health and well-being
Gary Grimaldi ggri[email protected]u Gioia Ciani Hofstra University Gioia.j.ci[email protected]
Introduction: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease
that has debilitating and catastrophic impact on persons with ALS (pALS). Research shows that ALS is a
disease that affects not only the pALS, but the entire family, including minor children (Calvo et al., 2015;
Sommers-Spijkerman et al., 2022; Testoni et al., 2023). Parenting of minor children can be a challenging
role, especially for pALS who experience many barriers to fulfilling this role (Lim et al., 2021). The impact
of this disease on the roles and occupations of parenting in pALS remains largely unexplored. Objective :
The objective of this study is to further explore the changes to the parenting role and parenting
occupations and their associated meanings in pALS utilizing a phenomenological approach. Methods:
This phenomenological study consisted of semi-structured interviews with 4 parents with ALS. Interview
data was analyzed utilizing a phenomenological reduction method where common themes were
developed, to illuminate the lived experiences of these participants. Findings: Two major themes were
identified regarding ALS-related changes 1) decreased parenting role competence and 2) dissatisfaction
with parenting occupational performance and engagement. Additionally, physical interactions, hugging,
kissing, and touching were noted as a great loss. Conclusion: Parents with a diagnosis of ALS experience
changes and challenges to their parenting role and associated parenting occupations. These changes
have a profound effect on the person and thereby, their families. Occupational therapy practitioners are
poised to play a major role in facilitating role competence and satisfaction in engagement in parenting
occupations. Future research should examine occupational therapy interventions to support parents
with ALS.
Key words | Mots clés : ALS, Community care
Custom splinting of humeral shaft fractures for optimal fracture alignment
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Adult | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Heather Tizzard (The Moncton Hospital, Moncton) hjt[email protected] Dylan Waugh (The Moncton
Hospital) Dylan.Waugh2@Horizonnb.ca Morgan McHatten (Horizon Health Network)
Morgan.McHatten@Horizonnb.ca
Background: Since 1977, functional bracing has been the gold standard for treating humeral shaft
fractures (HSF). Occupational therapists use commercially available functional bracing for fracture
alignment stability without rigid immobilization of surrounding joints. We developed a novel method of
fabricating a custom functional brace for HSFs that provides more precise alignment of the fracture than
commercial options. Objectives: 1) Outline the clinical indication for the novel custom splint and 2)
demonstrate fabrication of a custom HSF splint and the follow-up protocol. Methods: We completed a
literature review and conducted a survey of experts (n=6) to determine current practice. We completed
a series of case studies examining the degree of fracture alignment immediately post injury with the
alignment post custom splinting by an occupational therapist (n=6). Alignment was assessed
radiographically in a standardized manner. Results: A custom functional brace provides optimal fracture
alignment. Case studies demonstrating improved humeral alignment radiographically with the use of
custom fabricated splints will be presented along with a video demonstration of the fabrication process.
Practice implications: Conservative treatment of HSFs using custom splinting results in better fracture
alignment and translates to less burden on the health care system. Anecdotally, clients report decreased
pain and improved comfort in the early stages of healing.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Key words | Mots clés : Hand therapy, Orthotics
The use of artificial intelligence for healthcare access and equity
Thursday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Adult | Equity & Justice
Rebecca Gewurtz (McMaster University, Oakville) gewurtz@mcmaster.ca Abigail Pigott (McMaster
University) pigotta@mcmaster.ca Charlotte Ebsary (McMaster University) charlotte.ebsary@camh.ca
Introduction: It is important to better understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technology
systems (STS) can be leveraged to address the significant health inequities and barriers to access
experienced by disadvantaged populations, and the implications for occupational therapists working to
promote occupational engagement. Objectives: The purpose of this paper presentation is to review the
scope and nature of the literature on use of AI applications in healthcare, and its potential to advance
health equity for disadvantaged groups. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed
literature to explore existing applications and evidence associated with using different forms of AI for
health equity among disadvantaged groups. We developed a search strategy in consultation with a
research librarian across four multidisciplinary databases. Findings: The findings highlight that this is an
emerging area of inquiry, with promising yet relatively few existing applications. We will share the
history of AI technology use in healthcare, the range of healthcare contexts it is currently being used and
studied, the potential (and realized) benefits of AI use to promote health equity, and the potential risks.
We will consider the existing and potential impacts on occupational performance and engagement, and
the potential use of AI technology in occupational therapy services. Conclusion: AI can be used to break
down barriers to health and occupational engagement among disadvantaged populations. Drawing on
the findings from the literature, we will explore the potential use of AI implementation by Canadian
occupational therapists.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
New OTA Competencies
Thursday: 9:40 AM-10:20 AM Room | Location: 102
Conversations that matter: Non-specific | General/Professional issues/Practice
Alison Douglas, Heather Gillespie, Debra Cooper
When the Competencies for Occupational Therapists were published in 2021, there was a need to revisit
the Profile of Practice for OTAs (2018). CAOT held focus groups with results showing that a new
document was needed to align with the OT Competencies, especially Culture, Equity and Justice. An
introduction to the document will be followed by discussion of possible applications.
Focus of discussion: “How do you see this document impacting the OT and OTA collaboration?
Mutual Sharing, Reflection and Focus
Thursday: 9:40 AM-10:20 AM Room | Location: 103
Conversations that matter: Non-specific | General/Professional issues/Practice
Kim Hewitt-McVicker hewit[email protected], Anna Braunizer abraunizer@cbihealth.ca (Addressing
Suicide in OT Practice)
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
The Addressing Suicide in OT Practice Network will share recent project work and create space for
stories and experiences in practice from those in attendance to be shared. Through listening and
feedback invitation the network seeks to build goals for the upcoming year that serve the occupational
therapy community.
Optimizing OT-OTA collaboration: Strengthening partnerships for better outcomes
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 102
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Professional issues/Practice
Teresa Avvampato (Queens University I Durham College, Oshawa) teresa.avvampato@durhamcollege.ca
Debra Cooper (Spinal Cord Injury Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Campus)
debra.cooper@uhn.ca Shone Joos (University of Toronto) [email protected]a Karen Koseck (Centennial
College) KKoseck@centennialcollege.ca
background: At the 2023 Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists conference and the 2023
Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists conference, occupational therapists (OTs) demonstrated
significant interest in better understanding the role of occupational therapy assistants (OTAs).
Specifically, OTs report interest in learning effective strategies for collaborating with OTAs to optimize
client experiences, safety, and overall outcomes. learning objectives: Participants will leave the session
with accurate knowledge of the OT and OTA roles in Canada. Participants will actively engage with and
access a variety of resources aimed at enhancing their professional decision-making abilities to make
informed, best practice decisions that support optimal collaborative practice and optimal occupational
therapy outcomes. Upon completion of the session, OTs and OTAs will leave the session better equipped
to collaborate in their professional contexts. instructional methods: Through practical exercises and case
studies, attendees will practice applying these resources to critically evaluate and make evidence-based
decisions, promoting optimal collaborative practice. structure/participant engagement: A brief overview
of newly available resources will be presented. Following this, participants will actively engage in hands-
on exercises, applying their new knowledge to real-world practice scenarios. practice problem: The
shortage of OTs on a national scale has led employers to hire more OTAs. OTs across Canada have
identified a need for additional knowledge, skills, and training to gain a better understanding of the OTA
role and to maximize their effectiveness within the OT-OTA team. practice implications: Effective OT-
OTA collaboration can enhance access to care, increase treatment frequency, boost client satisfaction,
and improve the overall outcomes of occupational therapy services.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Interprofessional
Do online descriptions of occupational therapy services reflect neurodiversity-affirming
practice?
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 106
Paper Presentation: Community | Professional issues/Practice
Kajaani Shanmugarajah (University of Toronto, Toronto) kajaani.shanmug[email protected]a Muzi
Li (University of Toronto) muz[email protected]a Christie Welch (University of Toronto)
christie.welch@utoronto.ca
Rationale: Services for autistic individuals have traditionally focused on one’s deficits rather than their
strengths. However, in recent years, there has been an emergence of neurodiversity-affirming practice
(NAP) in clinical care. In the current literature, there is a lack of knowledge about the extent to which
occupational therapists (OTs) have adopted NAP practices for autistic clients in private practice settings.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Objectives: In this study, we aim to examine: (1) the types of services that OTs claim to be providing in
private practice settings in a specific urban geographical region for autistic individuals; and (2) the roots
and impacts of language used by OTs when describing their services in these settings. Methods: Data
were generated by a systematic scraping of 69 websites that advertise occupational therapy services for
autistic individuals. We will conduct a discourse analysis as described by Crowe (2005) to examine the
language used by these sites. Results: Our analysis will elucidate the ways in which the language on
these sites may (or may not) map onto NAP approaches. Conclusion: By examining the extent to which
NAP approaches are reflected in website content for private practice OT settings, we can highlight gaps
between explicit intentions stated by OTs and implicit attitudes reflected in their language and practice.
These findings can promote critical reflexivity on intention-practice gaps within the OT community,
which will support clinicians in moving towards offering more enabling environments for the autistic
community.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy,Occupational science
An ethics of care framework for moral reasoning in rehabilitation
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Equity & Justice
Monique Lanoix (St Paul University, Ottawa) megan@uottawa.ca Catrine Demers (University of Alberta)
[email protected] Mary Egan (University of Ottawa) megan@uottawa.ca
Introduction: Ethics of care is a feminist philosophical perspective that considers relationships and
context. Because of these emphases, it may be particularly useful for moral reasoning in rehabilitation.
However, ethics of care was developed by multiple theorists and there is no integrated framework for
application in healthcare. Objectives: To develop and illustrate a framework of application of ethics of
care in rehabilitation. Approach: First, we reviewed the major works of the most influential writers in
ethics of care and coded for essential concepts. Second, we organized the codes into categories and
then developed the relationships between the categories. Finally, we contrasted action based on this
framework with action based on three other ethical guidelines recommended for use in rehabilitation:
the Jewish Rehabilitation Institute algorithm, Hunt and Ells’ roadmap, and Drolet and Hudon’s four-part
ethical tool. Findings: The framework contains five dynamically interrelated categories: 1) attention; 2)
skills and dispositions; 3) relationship; 4) responsibility; and 5) responsiveness. ‘Skills and dispositions’ is
foundational in that all other categories must operate through it. In contrast to the other guidelines, our
framework assumes that care providers are responsible for considering patients’ unique needs in the
service of a satisfying life. These needs include, but do not stop at, biomedical needs. Second, it
recognizes the limits of providers’ ability to respond to needs within contexts of inadequate resources
and systems. Third, it appreciates that non-biomedical needs are acceptable bases for decision-making.
Practice implications: Our framework adds an important corrective to existing decisional guidelines for
rehabilitation.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
Videoconference self-management interventions to actively engage clients: A scoping review
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Adult | Chronic conditions
Tanya Packer (Dalhousie University, Halifax) tanya.pa[email protected] Yu-Ting Chen (National Cheng Kung
University) [email protected]ku.edu.tw Michelle Lehman (Dalhousie University) info@thinkself-management.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Toni Van Denend (University of Illinois Chicago) tvande[email protected] Jacqueline Kish (Shirley Ryan
AbilityLab) Yue Wu (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) Katherine Preissner (University of Illinois
Chicago) kpreiss@uic.edu Mathew Plow (Case Western Reserve University) map[email protected]
Background: Videoconferencing in chronic disease management has dramatically increased post COVID-
19 adding to expectations that occupational therapists will deliver programs virtually. Purpose: To
identify features, barriers, and facilitators of synchronous videoconference interventions that actively
engage clients to manage their conditions. Methods: Scoping review methodology was employed.
MEDLINE, CINAHL, and six other databases were searched. Included studies reported on structured,
one-on-one, synchronous videoconferencing interventions that actively engaged adults to manage their
chronic conditions at home. Studies reporting assessment or routine care were excluded. Extracted text
was analyzed using thematic analysis and two published taxonomies: the Taxonomy of Everyday Self-
management Strategies (TEDSS) to code program content and the Behaviour Change Taxonomy (BCTv1)
to code behaviour change techniques. Results: The 33 included articles reported on 25 programs. Over
50% of programs included content on medication/symptom management, adopting healthy lifestyles
and collaborative problem solving and action planning. Less emphasis was placed on engaging in
meaningful activity, finding resources and maintaining productive social relationships. Three BCTs
dominated: feedback and monitoring; goals and planning; and shaping knowledge. Distinct differences
in content and BCTs were evident based on whether program objectives were to improve physical
activity/function or mental health. Home-based videoconferencing interventions were seen as feasible
and acceptable to clients. Conclusion: Limited content in over half the TEDSS domains highlights the
continued medicalization and siloed nature of existing programs, neglecting evidence that engagement
in meaningful activities, social relationships, and management of resources and support improve both
physical and mental health. Occupational therapists delivering self-management interventions have
capacity to pioneer new directions.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Technology
Connecting the dots: Community and connection in distributed learning
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Adult | Fieldwork/Education
Taylor Lang (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) tlang24@student.ubc.ca Jodie Leong (University
of British Columbia) jleon[email protected]c.ca Katie Lee Bunting (University of British Columbia)
katie.leebunting@ubc.ca Laura Bulk (University of British Columbia) laura.bulk@ubc.ca Elly Park
(University of British Columbia) [email protected]
Introduction. Distributed learning separates individuals of the same graduating class into cohorts, where
students learn in-person with their cohort and connect virtually with the larger class. In traditional
classrooms, liminal spaces afford opportunities for connection through social presence and authenticity
(Carvalho et al., 2018). How liminal space is affected by technology, physical proximity, and student or
instructor roles, across distributed cohorts is less understood. Objectives. This study explores how
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students and instructors within three distributed cohorts
experience liminality, community and connection. Methods. Semi-structured interviews will be
conducted with students and instructors of distributed cohorts within the same MOT graduate program.
Reflexive thematic analysis will be used to interpret data. Results. We anticipate cohort community and
connection to fluctuate in response to the quantity and quality of interactions. Liminal spaces, as
mediated by technology, may afford opportunities for authentic interactions outside of typical student
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
or instructor roles by facilitating community and experiences of connection (Beeson et al., 2019).
Although technology may facilitate virtual connection across distributed cohorts, it may not foster
emotionally authentic connections in the same way as physical spaces (MacLeod et al., 2019).
Conclusion. Community and connection have been associated with increased student well-being,
academic performance, and satisfaction in post-secondary education (MacLeod et al., 2019). This study
offers insight into how technology, liminal space, and student/instructor roles affect experiences of
community and connection within and across distributed cohorts. In addition to strengthening the
development of distributed occupational therapy programs, findings may also benefit occupational
therapists when designing distributed programs.
Key words | Mots clés : Teaching/education, Technology
Occupation of peer support within an integrated youth services initiative
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Mental health
Kaylie Schols-Flett (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) [email protected]bc.ca Bridgette Ferrara
(University of British Columbia) Madelyn Whyte (Foundry) mwhyte@foundrybc.ca Cassia Warren
(Foundry) cwarren@foundrybc.ca Matt Wenger (Foundry) mwenger@foundrybc.ca Skye Barbic
(University of British Columbia) [email protected]
Rationale: Youth peer support (YPS) refers to a specific type of support provided to youth experiencing
mental health and substance use (MHSU) challenges by peers who have lived experience with MHSU
concerns and the healthcare system. Despite the known benefits of YPS (Shalaby & Agyapong, 2020),
there is a lack of understanding about the impact of YPS as an occupation. Objectives: (1) To understand
the impact being a YPS worker has on personal well-being and/or personal recovery, and (2) to use an
occupational science lens to understand the meaning and experience of being a YPS worker to provide
insight into the barriers of being in this role in an integrated youth services context. Methods: Using
convenience sampling and semi-structured interviews over Zoom, we interviewed 17 YPS workers, aged
19-36 years, from September- October 2023. We analysed the data using inductive thematic analysis.
Findings: Preliminary findings suggest that the occupation of YPS can foster resiliency, connection,
purpose and meaning, skill development, and boundaries. YPS workers reported that their occupation
gives them important transferable skills, such as active listening and meaningful connections to support
future professional development. Practice Implications: Findings from this study will contribute to
educating on the value of YPS workers as an occupation and the importance this role has in finding
meaning and purpose for those with living or lived experience. Transferring YPS evidence to policy
requires ongoing evidence that prioritizes YPS workers’ voices, thereby providing a deeper
understanding of the mechanisms through which YPS programs are effective for both youth and the
workers themselves.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Program evaluation
Autism healthcare during transitions in rural communities: A qualitative study
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Community/Population | Health and well-being
Tara Naimpally (Dalhousie University, Halifax) tr46[email protected], Parisa Ghanouni (Dalhousie University)
parisa.ghanou[email protected]
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: This abstract outlines an ongoing research project examining healthcare experiences of
individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in rural communities during their transition to
adulthood. Research has found various factors impacting outcomes during transitions in relation to
healthcare services (Anderson et al., 2018; Ghanouni & Seaker, 2022). This study focuses on
accessibility, service quality, and transportation issues. Objectives: The primary objective of this research
is to understand the challenges associated with accessing healthcare services in rural areas for
individuals with ASD during the transition to adulthood. We aim to develop a deeper understanding by
investigating the quality of service, the impact of transportation issues, and the barriers faced by these
individuals. Methods: Data was gathered from interviews, surveys, and document analysis to explore the
experiences of individuals with ASD during their transition to adulthood. Our research employs
qualitative analysis of collected data. Thematic analysis helps develop key theses concerning healthcare
access. Findings: We expect to uncover challenges with transportation, access to services and the quality
of healthcare provided to individuals with ASD in rural areas. These findings will highlight the
importance of addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring access to quality care. Conclusion:
Practitioners must be well-informed about the challenges associated with accessing healthcare services
for individuals with ASD in rural areas. Understanding the social determinants of health and the
obstacles faced by those residing in rural communities is essential. The results of this study will support
informed decision-making and creation of strategies to improve access and quality of healthcare
services for individuals with ASD during their transition to adulthood.
Key words | Mots clés : Autism, Community care
Geriatric activation team: Occupational therapists in the emergency department
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Heather VanderMeer (Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg) hvandermeer@nhh.ca Joanne Jury
(Northumberland Hills Hospital) jjury@nhh.ca
Background/Introduction: Healthcare across the Canadian landscape is being challenged by the growing
population of people over the age of 65. Working towards decreasing hospital length of stay, alternate
level of care (ALC) rates and avoidable hospital admissions, the organization implemented an
Occupational therapist (OT) led interprofessional Geriatric Activation Team (GAT) in the Emergency
Department (ED). Practice Innovation: Working collaboratively with the Geriatric Emergency
Management (GEM) nurse, the GAT team targets individuals over 65 who present to the ED and meet a
set of criteria related to geriatric syndromes. Within this team, the OT provides early comprehensive
assessments and identifies, and problem solves barriers to create safe discharge plans. Findings: Early
intervention in the ED has seen a significant decrease in admission rates for this targeted population as
well as an overall decrease in length of stay and ALC days. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration
has increased internally and externally with community partners and support organizations. Learning
Objectives: This session will demonstrate the value of early intervention by OTs in the ED. It will outline
the importance of team collaboration and comprehensive assessments that determine safe and
appropriate discharge plans for geriatric clients. Practice implication: OTs are essential team members in
the ED and play a significant role in preventing avoidable admissions by providing early intervention,
comprehensive and holistic assessment, and discharge planning.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Key words | Mots clés : Assessments, Interprofessional
Canadian Stroke Best Practices: Are we meeting the mark?
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Adult | Acute conditions
Sambidha Ghimire (Queen's University, Kingston) Ana Petrovic (Queen's University) Richard Kellowan
(Kingston Health Sciences Centre) Richard.Kellowan@Kingstonhsc.ca
Introduction: Canadian Stroke Best Practices (SBPs) are evidence-based guidelines that guide
occupational therapist (OT) interventions for stroke recovery. A regional acute stroke centre created an
audit tool for OT interventions to examine practice patterns and enhance patient care. Innovation: Two
student OTs completed the audit over eight weeks. First, OT interventions for stroke recovery were
identified through an integrative analysis of SBPs, regional stroke centre OT assessment forms (5), and
literature review of stroke OT roles (n=14). Second, a peer-reviewed, 87-item chart audit tool was
developed for clinical utility, confidentiality, and clinical reflection. Third, data analysis evaluated OT
interventions for consistency (frequent, mostly, rarely, never) and patient care patterns. Clinical factors
limited blinding and bias controls; however, interventions remained consistent to avoid influencing
outcomes. Inclusion criteria identified 30 charts that were audited over an eight-day period. Findings:
Audit evaluated consistency of interventions across eleven SBP domains: chart review, behaviour,
cognition, communication, musculoskeletal, psychosocial, visual perception, functional tasks, patient
education, fatigue, and sensory perception. Six patient care patterns emerged. 1) SBPs are specific but
not prescriptive. 2) Clinical factors limit SBPs. 3) Patient trajectories influence SPBs. 4) Who assesses
function? 5) Are we missing the mark for repatriation patients? 6) Supporting end-of-life care for
palliative patients. Each pattern was discussed with a critical reflexivity lens under pandemic practice
conditions. Practice Implications: Audit identified OT practice gaps, leading to program changes to
enhance access to OT services. Learning Objectives: Attendees will acquire strategies to streamline OT
protocols and enlist interdisciplinary collaboration to further support QBPs in acute care.
Key words | Mots clés : Acute care, Stroke
The Geography of Inequity: Evaluating Transportation Equity in the GTA
Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Community/Population | Equity & Justice
Shabnam Medhizadah (Western University, London) smedhiza@uwo.ca Suzanne Huot (University of
British Columbia) shuot[email protected]bc.ca Debbie Laliberte Rudman (Western University)
[email protected] Liliana Alvarez (Western University) lalvare[email protected]
Introduction: Occupational therapists affirm the right of all people to safe, equitable, timely, accessible,
and affordable community mobility. Recent evidence points to the existing Canadian transportation
infrastructure as limiting the occupational participation of equity deserving groups. However, the
specific ways in which such infrastructure perpetuates this marginalization remain largely unexplored.
Objectives: To evaluate the transportation equity needs of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Methods:
We used the Transportation Justice Threshold Framework (TJTF), a quantitative tool that enables the
evaluation of set parameters affecting transportation equity in a geographical region, to conduct a
secondary data analysis of existing public data. Analysis included: the selection of demographic,
socioeconomic, and transportation variables and sourcing of public data; development of a TJTF
threshold index; and calculation of the composite index score for each region. Findings: GTA local
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
municipalities with high immigrant populations exhibited the greatest equity needs, compared to other
areas of the GTA. Contributing factors underlying the need for equity changes differed by region. Among
the evaluated regions, Markham demonstrated the highest need for equity support while King City
displayed comparatively lower need. Conclusion: The difference in equity needs and contributing factors
underscores the importance of adopting a localized approach to tackling transportation inequities.
Occupational therapists have a responsibility to contribute to tailored solutions that consider unique
socio-demographic and transportation usage characteristics. Further, while the TJTF represents a
valuable initial step, a critical analysis of the tool further revealed problematic assumptions and biases
that occupational therapists can learn from.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
Identifying research priorities for occupational therapy for musculoskeletal conditions and
arthritis in Canada : A James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership
Thursday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 103
CAOT Sponsored Session
Eilleen Davidson, Annette McKinnon, Mary Forhan, Josée Séguin, Emma Guyonnet and Catherine
Backman
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are one of the main causes of disability worldwide and affect
approximately 27.8% of Canadians (Musculoskeletal health, 2022; Kopec et al., 2019). Musculoskeletal
conditions can lead to various impairments that affect people’s mobility, well-being, and ability to
participate in meaningful daily activities (Roll, 2017). Despite these effects, there are still significant
knowledge gaps across the continuum of care, specifically, little research has been conducted on
occupational therapy for MSK conditions and arthritis in Canada. As such, there is an increasing need to
undertake research that is driven by patient engagement (Canada's Strategy for Patient-Oriented
Research, 2012). One method that engages patients is the James Lind Alliance (JLA). The JLA is a not-for-
profit initiative that brings patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers together to identify and
prioritize the evidence uncertainties that are most important to these groups to eventually guide the
future research agenda (The James Lind Alliance Guidebook, 2021). Using this approach, the
Occupational Therapy for MSK Conditions & Arthritis Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) was conducted to
identify the occupational therapy research priorities in Canada for people living with MSK conditions and
arthritis from the shared perspectives of occupational therapy professionals, people living with MSK
conditions and arthritis, their caregivers and other health care providers.
Reasoning through Uncertainty: Encouraging Creative Innovation in Education and Practice
Thursday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 104
Extended discussion: Non-specific | Fieldwork/Education
Jane Davis (University of Toronto, Toronto) ja.davis@utoronto.ca Anita Carol Zaricor (University of Texas
Medical Branch) aczaric[email protected]DU Patricia Laverdure (Old Dominion University) PLaverdu@odu.edu
Angela Benfield (UT Health Science Center San Antonio) [email protected] Jessica Kitchens
(Department of Defense Education Activity) jkitchens4[email protected] Sara Israel (University of Central
Arkansas) sisrael1@uca.edu Daniel Cezar da Cruz (Leeds Beckett University) D.M.Cezar-Da-
[email protected]k Katherine Stewart (Boston University) kates[email protected] Janet Craik
(University of Toronto)
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: Everyday, occupational therapists encounter uncertainty—“the dynamic, subjective
perception of not knowing what to think, feel, or do” (Lee et al., 2021, p. 1195). Uncertainty involves
both what one does not know and that one does not know (Han et al., 2011). Having awareness of not
knowing often leads to mental discomfort. Increasingly, the ability to manage uncertainty has been
discussed as a competency in occupational therapy (Galvaan et al., 2021) and health professions
education (Mylopoulos et al., 2016). One main source of uncertainty is complexity, which occurs in
situations where information is multilayered and difficult to interpret. Due to the idiosyncrasies of
people’s needs and desires, occupational therapy practitioners often encounter complex occupational
challenges that require novel and innovative solutions. Thus, occupational therapy educators must
explicitly discuss uncertainty—and its associated discomfort—with students, as well as teach them how
to think through uncertainty in future practice. Objective: This extended discussion will provide an
opportunity for reflection of personal experiences of uncertainty and dialogue about strategies to
support practitioners, educators, and students to practice, teach, and learn through uncertainty (e.g.,
Moffett et al., 2021). Session Description: To begin, participants will be asked to record their definitions
of uncertainty and reflect on their experiences of it in practice, teaching, and learning. Then, a brief
presentation of how uncertainty is positioned in the literature will lead into small group discussions of
the difficulties experienced due to uncertainty. Each group will discuss strategies that occupational
therapy practitioners, educators, and students can use to position uncertainty as an advantage in their
work and sharing key strategies to the full group. Practice Implications: Uncertainty can lead
practitioners, educators, and students to hesitate in presenting diverse ideas to and making decisions.
Thus, it is essential to teach students to navigate uncertainty by learning how to apply diverse strategies
to support discovery of information, curiosity of learning, and creativity in identifying practice
possibilities. Conclusion: Due to the common occurrence of uncertainty in occupational therapy
practice, educators must explicitly discuss uncertainty and teach students how to abductively reason
through complex, uncertain situations using learned strategies.
Key words | Mots clés : Clinical reasoning, Teaching/education
Remodeler sa vie : Science, partages et réflexions
jeudi: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 109
Séances de longue durée: Non spécifique | La santé et le bien-être
Marie-Hélène Lévesque (Université de Sherbrooke et Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, et CIUSSS
de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke) Marie-Helene.Levesque@USherbrooke.ca Mélanie Levasseur (Université de
Sherbrooke et Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, et CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS)
Melanie.Levasseu[email protected]a Julie Masse (Université de Montréal) j.masse@umontreal.ca
Caroline Chartrand (Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale)
caroline.chartrand.c[email protected]c.ca Marie-Lee Desgagnés marieleedesgagnes@axophysio.com
Émilie Lagueux (Université de Sherbrooke et Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de
Sherbrooke) Emilie.Lagueux@USherbrooke.ca Patricia Belchior (Université McGill et Centre de recherche
de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM)) patricia.belchior@mcgill.ca Jacinthe
Beauregard Millaire (Clinique universitaire de réadaptation de l’Estrie – CURE) Jacinthe.Beauregard-
Millaire@USherbrooke.ca
Introduction. Tout au long de la vie, plusieurs transitions (ex. maladies chroniques, retraite) sont
susceptibles d’affecter la santé et le bien-être et de nécessiter des ajustements sur le plan
occupationnel. Développé en Californie et récemment adapté au contexte franco-canadien, le
programme Remodeler sa vie® (Clark et al., 2021) est une intervention d’ergothérapie préventive
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
novatrice et efficace visant le développement de modes de vie sains et porteur de sens. Malgré de
récentes études ayant appuyé son efficacité, sa faisabilité et sa pertinence sociale, l’utilisation du
programme en clinique est toutefois limitée. Objectifs. Cette présentation vise à dresser un bilan des
avancées scientifiques liées à l’implantation du programme Remodeler sa vie en contexte franco-
canadien et à discuter, au regard d’exemples authentiques, des leviers et des obstacles à son intégration
à la pratique. Description de la séance. Une présentation magistrale couvrira d’abord les grandes lignes
du programme et les résultats des travaux de recherche sur sa version franco-canadienne, incluant une
recension systématique des effets, une étude de faisabilité, de préimplantation, d’évaluation réaliste
ainsi que diverses études pilotes menées respectivement auprès de personnes aînées, de femmes
atteintes de fibromyalgie et de jeunes n’étant ni en emploi, ni aux études, ni en formation. Cette
présentation sera suivie d’une activité de type conférence de presse où les participants seront invités à
formuler, en sous-groupes, un questionnement ou un point de controverse concernant une éventuelle
implantation en milieu clinique. Un panel de cinq intervenantes (chercheuse, étudiante, gestionnaire,
cliniciennes) ayant une connaissance approfondie et diversifiée du programme répondront aux
questions et animeront les échanges en favorisant les débats d’idées. Implications pour la pratique. En
s’appropriant les résultats d’études franco-canadiennes sur le programme Remodeler sa vie® et en
discutant, de façon collective et conviviale, des leviers et des obstacles à son implantation, les
ergothérapeutes seront mieux outillés pour construire des arguments ayant des assises empiriques
solides et préparer une implantation réussie du programme selon leur contexte de pratique.
Conclusions. Grâce à un alliage de science, de partages et de réflexions sur le programme Remodeler sa
vie®, cette présentation fournira aux ergothérapeutes une option de pratique préventive, stratégique et
scientifiquement fondée pour favoriser le bien-être et la santé de leur clientèle.
Key words | Mots clés : Pratique fondée sur les faits scientifiques, Science de l’occupation
Resisting colonialism in occupational therapy: Building respectful, reciprocal relationships
Thursday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: C1
Extended discussion: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
Kaarina Valavaara (Dalhousie University, Halifax) kaarina.vala[email protected] Brenda Beagan (Dalhousie
University) brenda.beagan@dal.ca Niki Kiepek (Dalhousie University) niki.kiepek@dal.ca Heidi Lauckner
(Dalhousie University) heidi.l[email protected]
Introduction: Indigenous occupational therapists in Canada persistently recommend that occupational
therapy curricula better incorporate content related to ongoing colonial contexts of practice, Indigenous
worldviews and perspectives on occupation, and culturally safer practice (Clyne, 2023; Pride et al., 2023;
Valavaara & Phenix, 2019). In response to national competencies requiring occupational therapists to
promote equity in practice – including addressing ongoing effects of colonization – the Dalhousie School
of Occupational Therapy is developing a course on Resisting Colonialism in Occupational Therapy.
Objectives: This extended discussion uses one school’s experiences of collaboration to engage
occupational therapists, students, and educators in discussions about building respectful, reciprocal
relationships with Indigenous Peoples to shape (and transform) the education of entry-level
occupational therapists. Session Description: Initially, facilitators will share processes and lessons
learned through community collaboration with Indigenous communities and professionals. We will
highlight collective learning regarding appropriate and effective partnering between Indigenous Peoples
(within and outside academia) and university-level health professional programs. In small groups,
attendees will be invited to share experiences and/or goals of collaborating with members of relevant
communities to inform course content, pedagogy, and evaluation of learning pertinent to decolonial
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
approaches to education and practice. Attendees will share successes and challenges. We will reconvene
for a facilitated full group discussion that synthesizes ideas discussed in small groups. Practice
implications: Alongside other health professionals, occupational therapists are expected to understand
impacts of colonization, as expressed in the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. It is vital that
curriculum development be rooted in reciprocity and respectful relations with local communities.
Attendees will collectively generate ideas on how to authentically engage with Indigenous partners to
advance Indigenous ways of knowing in entry level occupational therapy curricula, which aligns with
longer-term visions of decolonizing occupational therapy practices. Conclusion: Occupational therapy
students and occupational therapists need to be provided opportunities to engage in critical reflexivity
to resist colonialism, while learning from Indigenous Peoples in Canada and globally to improve future
practice. It is important to create spaces for collective dialogue to share our efforts to practice, learn,
and teach in ways that challenge colonializing ways of doing and being.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Teaching/education
Innovations in Team-Based Care
Thursday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Community/Population | Advocacy/Leadership
Chenny Xia chenny@gotcare.ca, Carol MacDonald (Innovative Team Based Care Practice Network)
Join us in the launch of the 'Innovative Team-Based Care Practice Network'. This pivotal session focuses
on best practices and key leverage points in advanced interdisciplinary and integrated team-based care
models. These insights will be enriched by real case studies and stories from across the country, such as
upskilling programs to support delegated care and technology streamlining initiatives. A must-attend for
insights into the future of collaborative healthcare.
A qualitative study of attrition and retention: Implications for OTs
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 102
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Professional issues/Practice
Susanne Mak (McGill University, Montreal) susanne.m[email protected] Aliki Thomas (McGill University)
aliki.thomas@mcgill.ca Saleem Razack (University of British Columbia) saleem.raz[email protected] Kelly
Root (Dalhousie University) [email protected] Matthew Hunt (McGill University)
matthew.hunt1@mcgill.ca
Introduction: Health human resources are scarce worldwide. In occupational therapy (OT), physical
therapy (PT) and speech-language pathology (S-LP), attrition issues amplify this situation and add to the
fragility of health systems. Objectives: To investigate the phenomena of attrition and retention with OTs,
PTs and S-LPs who stayed in, or left their profession. Only findings pertinent for OTs will be presented.
Methods: This was an interpretive description study informed by cultural-historical activity theory. We
used purposeful sampling (maximum variation approach) to recruit OTs, PTs, and S-LPs from Quebec.
Individual interviews were conducted in English or French. Inductive and deductive approaches, and
constant comparative techniques were used for data analysis. Findings: 51 participants were
interviewed (32 OT, 11 PT, 8 S-LP). Six themes were developed: 1) alignment of work characteristics with
practitioners’ values; 2) aspects of work that practitioners’ appreciate; 3) factors of daily work that
weigh on a practitioner; 4) factors that contribute to practitioners’ capacity to manage work; 5)
relationships with different stakeholders that shape daily work; and 6) perceptions of the profession.
Alignment with personal values leads to greater meaning in work. Factors within and beyond the work
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
environment (e.g., relationships with managers and colleagues, systemic barriers to practice) shaped
participants’ practice, such as their professional autonomy. Recurrent negative experiences led some to
leave their profession. Conclusions: Findings underscore a critical need to address the multi-level,
systemic factors contributing to attrition and retention which are essential to ensuring the availability of
OTs for present and future rehabilitation needs.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessional, Teaching/education
Conducting relational and respectful research: A community-driven priority setting project
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 106
OS Paper presentation: Community/Population | Equity & Justice
Holly Reid (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) [email protected] Suzanne Huot (University of
British Columbia) shuot[email protected]bc.ca
Introduction: Occupation-focused research has often been designed, conducted and mobilized with
minimal, if any, input from the communities of interest. This is problematic in the ways that research
oftentimes takes place without the respectful relationships, reciprocity and multi-directional learning
that is possible when a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach is used. A key
consideration when adopting CBPR is establishing research priorities that seek input from community
members at all stages of the process. This paper will present the findings from a 12-month priority
setting project in partnership with two Indigenous-led partner organizations that set the stage for a
doctoral study exploring the occupational experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous peoples. Objectives: 1)
Describe the strategies, methodologies and learnings developed from engaging in priority setting
activities to co-create a community-driven doctoral study, and 2) Provide recommendations for how to
include community members in the research development process through relationship-building.
Approach: Sharing circles and arts-informed activities were undertaken with 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous
peoples. Use of Indigenous theories and methodologies to set priorities honors Indigenous resurgence
through centering Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing at all stages of the research. Findings:
Key themes include 1) Establishing and nurturing research capacity and ongoing research relationships;
2) Beginning a co-learning journey of setting research priorities and expectations. Conclusion: This work
examines how to develop and undertake research that is self-determined by community. Further, it
informs recommendations for how studies can employ approaches that honor Indigenous ways of being,
knowing and doing, and builds capacity for community-driven research.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
The promise of equity-based directions in work transitions
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Adult | Work and return to work
Cisela Thoren (Focused Occupational Rehab, Dartmouth) cisela_thoren@yahoo.ca Lynn Shaw (Western
University) lesha[email protected] Karen Joudrey (Dalhousie University) [email protected]a
Introduction: Navigating work transitions is challenging. Individuals experiencing work transitions and
occupational therapists supporting them encounter structural, contextual, and system inequities
impeding access to equitable participation in occupation that ensure health for all. Practice problem:
Individuals (micro level) do not typically question or try to change societal structures or barriers. They
move around them using mechanisms to return to work or move on with their lives. OTs in their
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
practices (meso level) need to examine inequities in access to occupational participation and consider
the role of the OT in addressing this barrier. Structural barriers (macro level) resulting in inequity in
access to occupational participation in work disability policies are not questioned or challenged.
Approach: Share processes of applying equity informed critical reflections using a retrospective review
of lived experience of work transition narratives and two examples of therapist experiences in work
practice. Delegates will be invited to share thoughts for change in work practices. Learning Objectives:
To introduce micro-meso-macro level work transition inequities and how using equity-based
considerations can identify practical steps for OTs toward equitable work transitions and Decent Work
for all. Practice implications: The promise of equity reflections and action using the driver of
occupational participation is that OTs can partner with individuals and each other to advocate for
change at the macro level societal structures, policies and systems and inspire ways to dismantle
bottlenecks of structural inequities toward greater equity in work transitions. We call on OTs to question
societal and system barriers using the lens of equitable occupational participation as critical to health.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Occupational justice
Brain changes with CO-OP in children with autism and DCD
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Chronic conditions
Jill Zwicker (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) jill.z[email protected] Melika Kangarani-Farahani
(University of British Columbia) melika.kangaranifarah[email protected]om
Introduction: Up to 88% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face motor difficulties that
significantly impact their daily lives, likely due to co-occurring developmental coordination disorder
(DCD). Despite motor deficits being so common in children with ASD, motor-based interventions are
rarely the focus of therapy. Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is an effective
intervention for children with DCD to learn motor skills, but it is unknown if this therapy is effective for
children with autism. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate changes in white
matter microstructure and motor skills in children with ASD+DCD after CO-OP intervention. Methods:
This randomized waitlist-controlled trial included 26 children (8–12y) with ASD (without intellectual
disability) and co-occurring DCD. Diffusion tensor imaging data were collected before and after 10 weeks
of CO-OP intervention. Children in the treatment group began intervention after the first MRI scan and
the waitlist group started treatment three months later. Tract-based spatial statistics examined white
matter changes after intervention. Results: Data analysis is underway. We expect that children with
ASD+DCD will show greater maturation in white matter pathways in various brain regions, and that
these changes will be positively correlated with motor function. Conclusion: The anticipated
improvements in motor function and white matter pathways in children with ASD+DCD will underscore
the value of CO-OP interventions as a therapeutic approach with this clinical population. Results will
support advocacy efforts to include CO-OP as an evidence-based occupational therapy intervention for
children with autism.
Key words | Mots clés : Autism, Developmental coordination disorder
Understanding professionalism in the context of occupational therapy education
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Adult | Professional issues/Practice
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Jilaine Barton (University of Alberta, Calgary) jilaine@ualberta.ca Amy Janzen (University of Alberta)
ajanzen2@ualberta.ca Carolina Johnson (University of Alberta) cariaga[email protected] Lauren Painchaud
(University of Alberta) lpainch[email protected] Mary Roduta Roberts (University of Alberta)
mroberts@ualberta.ca
Introduction: The development and demonstration of professionalism is critical to being an occupational
therapy (OT) student, and to becoming a competent clinician. However, given the complex nature of
professionalism, and majority of literature residing in medical education, our understanding of
professionalism within OT is varied and without a strong consensus on what the concept entails. This
can lead to challenges in teaching and evaluating professionalism in educational settings, and may
hinder the effectiveness of client care. Objectives: To explore faculty and student perspectives on
professionalism. Methods: A generic qualitative approach (Kahlke, 2014) was used in this study. Twenty-
two semi-structured interviews were conducted with faculty (n=4), first (n= 10) and second (n= 8) year
students. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006).
Findings: Participants provided important insights into what professionalism in OT looks like, and how
education programs can better foster its development. Several themes highlighting different aspects of
professionalism emerged including, concrete attributes of professionalism, importance of
professionalism, the nature of professionalism and teaching professionalism. Suggested strategies for
promoting professionalism among students included dialogue between students and faculty on
navigating professional tensions, consistent modelling of professionalism by faculty, and restructuring
evaluations of professionalism (i.e., objective structured clinical examinations). A working definition of
professionalism was constructed based on the participants’ perspectives and emergent themes.
Conclusion: OT faculty and student perspectives on professionalism can be used to inform enhanced
practices of teaching and assessing professionalism in OT education, ultimately improving future clinical
interactions.
Key words | Mots clés : Fieldwork, Teaching/education
Experiences of accessing rehabilitation by people living with Long COVID
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Chronic conditions
Pam Hung (University of Alberta, Edmonton) pahung@ualberta.ca Katelyn Brehon (Rehabilitation
Research Centre, University of Alberta) Maxi Miciak (University of Alberta) Cary Brown (University of
Alberta) Douglas Gross (University of Alberta)
Introduction: Long COVID (LC) is a condition where symptoms linger for >12 weeks after acute COVID
infection, subsequently negatively impacting functional abilities. However, little is known about: (1) the
health concerns leading people with LC to seek help to address functional concerns, and (2) their
rehabilitation experiences. Objectives: We aimed to better understand the need for, access to, and
quality of LC rehabilitation services. Methods: We used Interpretive Description, a practice-oriented
qualitative approach, to understand experiences of LC rehabilitation across five settings: a
telerehabilitation telephone line; public physician-led LC clinics; a private physiotherapy clinic; and a
multi-disciplinary clinic for Workers’ Compensation claimants. We also recruited participants who had
little to no rehabilitation via social media. We conducted virtual, semi-structured interviews with 56
participants and performed reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants primarily identified as
female (60.7%) and were from urban centers (76.8%). Our sample ranged from 20-74 years of age with a
mean (SD) age of 49.3 years (13.0). Four themes were identified: 1) the burden of searching for guidance
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
to address functional challenges; 2) supportive relationships promote engagement in rehabilitation; 3)
conditions for safe participation in rehabilitation, and 4) looking forward: provision of appropriate
interventions at the right time. Conclusions: Rehabilitation experiences of individuals with LC were
mixed, but clinicians should listen to and validate peoples’ lived experiences of LC and be flexible with
how rehabilitation services are delivered (e.g., in-person vs. telerehabilitation). Our findings highlight
that rehabilitation should be accessible, multi-disciplinary, and person-centred.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, COVID
Access to interdisciplinary pediatric concussion services during the COVID-19 pandemic
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Child | Technology
Michaela Harper (University of Toronto, Toronto) micha[email protected]ronto.ca Roshan Ahmad
(University of Toronto) roshan.a[email protected] Andrea Hicklin (Holland Bloorview Kids
Rehabilitation Hospital) ahickling@hollandbloorview.ca Shannon Scratch (Holland Bloorview Kids
Rehabilitation Hospital) sscratch@hollandbloorview.ca Kylie Mallory (Holland Bloorview Kids
Rehabilitation Hospital) kmallory@hollandbloorview.ca
Introduction. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most pediatric concussion services transitioned to virtual
care (VC). Among these services was an interdisciplinary pediatric concussion specialty clinic in Ontario
that sees youth (≤18 years) with persisting symptoms after concussion (>4 weeks). In-person individual
and interdisciplinary team-based assessments were utilized prior to the pandemic which were easily
transitioned to VC. However, the impact of VC on these services, including access to occupational
therapy (OT), within this clinic has not been explored. Objectives. To explore changes in OT and
interdisciplinary services accessed pre-, during, and post-pandemic by youth and families within the
concussion clinic. Methods. Electronic health records (EHR) for clients seen in the concussion clinic from
2015 to 2023 will be reviewed (n=886). The following variables will be extracted and analyzed:
demographic data (setting of injury, age, gender, etc.), number of clinicians accessed, number of virtual
and in-person appointments, and number of families accessing a team-based assessment. Results. Thus
far, 461 EHR for clients seen pre-pandemic have been extracted and analyzed. An additional 425 EHR for
clients seen during and post-pandemic will be extracted and analyzed. During the pandemic, it is
expected that there will be a decrease in in-person services accessed and an increase in VC accessed
across all professions. Conclusion. This study will explore trends related to access to OT and
interdisciplinary services pre-, during, and post-pandemic at a pediatric concussion specialty clinic. These
trends are important to OT practice as it will help increase understanding of the role of VC in pediatric
concussion care.
Key words | Mots clés : Assessments, Interprofessional
Occupational therapy, harm reduction, and substance use: An environmental scan
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Adult | Health and well-being
Kimberly Bitz (Queen's University, Weyburn) kimberly.bitz@queensu.ca Niki Kiepek (Dalhousie University)
[email protected] Virginia Stoffel (University of Wisconsin-Wilwaukee) ginny.stoffel@gmail.com Marcia
Finlayson (Queen's University) marcia.finlayson@queensu.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: Canadians are increasingly using alcohol at high levels, and women, particularly, are
showing patterns of harmful alcohol use (Andreasson et al., 2021). Harm reduction is an approach to
assessment and intervention that effectively reduces consumption and alcohol-related harms (Marlatt &
Witkiewitz, 2002). However, a survey of practicing occupational therapists in the United States found
that alcohol assessment and interventions occur less than 5% of the time (Hasin et al., 2007). This raises
concerns that Canadian occupational therapists may also miss opportunities to address substance use.
Objectives: 1. Describe the current state of education and learning needs for occupational therapy
students and practicing occupational therapists related to harm reduction and alcohol use among
women. 2. Describe the perspectives and experiences of occupational therapists related to their clinical
use of harm-reduction strategies for alcohol use. Methods: We completed an environmental scan that
included an online search of occupational therapy practice and educational resources, an online survey
of Canadian university occupational therapy programs, and semi-structured interviews with 11 Canadian
occupational therapists. Findings: 6 of 14 occupational therapy programs responded, and all include
harm reduction in their curricula. However, occupational therapists encounter obstacles to
implementing harm reduction practices, including role confusion, resource and professional
development limitations, skill gaps, and stigma. Additionally, limited harm reduction resources and
professional development opportunities are available online for occupational therapists. Conclusion:
Harm reduction strategies are clearly valued responses to substance use. Resource development is
required to support occupational therapists to reduce missed opportunities, guide effective
intervention, and promote the role of occupational therapists.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Mental health
Modified constraint induced movement therapy for acute stroke patients
Thursday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Adult | Acute conditions
Mary Osei (Queen's University, Kingston) Richard Kellowan (Kingston Health Sciences Centre)
Background: The Canadian Stroke Best Practices recommend modified constraint induced movement
therapy (mCIMT) for acute stroke patients. However, there are no comprehensive guidelines on how to
practically implement mCIMT in acute care. Innovation: To address this gap, an occupational therapist
(OT) team created a 60-page clinical resource guide discussing the history, theory, in/exclusion criteria,
treatment protocols, implementation guidelines, and practical applications of mCIMT. Evidence-based
recommendations on restraint type, treatment tasks, mCIMT kit-building, and patient-family
engagement were compiled, focusing on occupational participation. This poster will summarize key
concepts for implementing mCIMT with acute stroke patients. Approach: A student OT authored the
guide over five weeks. Chapters were derived from evidence-based stroke resources, critical literature
review (n=26), and OT clinical websites (n=3). Guide incorporated adult learning principles and shared a
case report. Afterwards, a peer-reviewed, ten-item implementation survey was developed to seek
perspectives of the multidisciplinary stroke team on implementing a mCIMT program. Practice
Implications: 1) Neuroplasticity theory supports mCIMT over traditional or “forced overuse” treatments.
2) The “EXPLICIT mCIMT Protocol” (Nijland, 2013) was introduced and adapted for acute care with
patient candidacy factors ranging from intensive care to stroke unit. 3) Eight-step implementation
process described OT competencies, consent considerations, patient readiness, treatment principles,
and transfer packages appropriate for acute care. 4) Rationale for padded oven mitt (restraint), kit
items, bedside tasks, and OT assistant delegation are discussed. 5) Case report illustrated the patient
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
experience and OT clinical reflections. 6) Survey results in progress. Learning Objectives: Attendees will
gain practical knowledge on implementing mCIMT for acute stroke patients.
Key words | Mots clés : Acute care, Stroke
Vers des milieux de soins inclusifs envers les aînés LGBTQ+
jeudi: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 6
Présentations par affiches: Les adultes plus âgés | l'Équité et la justice
Marcelle Coulombe (Université de Montréal, Montréal) marcelle.coulombe@umontreal.ca Samuel
Turcotte (Université Laval) samuel.turcotte@fmed.ulaval.ca Louis-Pierre Auger (Université McGill) louis-
pierre.auger@umontreal.ca Denis Cormier-Piché (Fondation Émergence) denis.cormier-
piche@outlook.com Julie Masse (Université de Montréal) j.masse@umontreal.ca Julien Rougerie
(Fondation Émergence) julien.rougerie@fondationemergence.org Kami Sarimanukoglu (Université de
Montréal) kami.sarimanukoglu@umontreal.ca Nathalie Veillette (Université de Montréal)
nathalie.veillette@umontreal.ca Lara Willett (Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal)
Lara.Willett.ccsmtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca Johanne Filiatrault (Université de Montréal)
johanne.filia[email protected]
Introduction: En dépit de l’évolution des lois et des mœurs au sein de la société, bon nombre d’aînés
s’identifiant à la communauté LGBTQ+ considèrent que les milieux de soins sont encore stigmatisants et
peu inclusifs. C’est pourquoi ils sont réticents à utiliser les services de santé, ce qui peut avoir des effets
néfastes sur leur santé. Objectifs: Synthétiser l’état des connaissances sur les caractéristiques des
milieux de soins inclusifs pour les aînés LGBTQ+ et les stratégies contribuant à soutenir leur inclusion au
sein des milieux de soins. Méthodes: Un examen de la portée a été réalisé à l’aide d’une recherche par
mots clés dans cinq bases de données bibliographiques en fonction de critères définis par des experts
œuvrant auprès des aînés et dans le domaine de la diversité sexuelle. Résultats: Treize études ont été
retenues. Les résultats montrent le rôle important de l’environnement pour favoriser le sentiment
d’inclusion et de sécurité des aînés LGBTQ+ en contexte de soins. Les éléments saillants des études sont
la présence de personnel faisant preuve d’ouverture et utilisant un langage inclusif, d’opportunités de
développement des compétences en matière de diversité sexuelle et de politiques antidiscriminatoires
au sein de l’institution. Conclusion: Plusieurs facteurs environnementaux doivent être ciblés pour rendre
les milieux de soins plus inclusifs envers les aînés LGBTQ+ et ainsi optimiser la qualité des soins qui leur
sont dispensés. Ces facteurs peuvent également guider les ergothérapeutes soucieux d’atténuer les
iniquités de santé vécues par les populations LGBTQ+ par le biais d’interventions systémiques.
Key words | Mots clés : Pratique fondée sur les faits scientifiques, Justice occupationnelle
Mad, mentally ill and neurodivergent professionals: Occupational injustice in practice
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: 102
OS Paper presentation: Non-specific | Professional issues/Practice
Brenda Beagan (Dalhousie University, Halifax) brenda.beagan@dal.ca Meghan Gulliver (Dalhousie
University, Social Work) meghan.gulliver@dal.ca Tara Pride (Dalhousie University) tarap[email protected]
Kaitlin Sibbald (Dalhousie University) kaitlin.sibbald@dal.ca Brianna Yee (Dalhousie University)
br301527@dal.ca
Introduction: In addition to fields of practice, the professions are arenas of intellect, of the mind. They
lay claim to particular domains of knowledge and expertise, while privileging specific ways of thinking
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
and doing. This limits space within the professions for the strengths of those who identify as mad,
mentally ill and/or neurodivergent (MMIND). Differences of the mind (the MMIND) may appear
particularly threatening to the professions. Objectives: This paper explores the experiences of
professionals from occupational therapy, nursing, medicine, social work and academia who self-identify
as MMIND, analyzing their experiences through the lens of occupational injustice. Methods: Eleven
professionals from across Canada participated in in-depth qualitative interviews (in-person or
telephone), which were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: MMIND
professionals were compelled to engage in extensive invisible labour to navigate the politics of
disclosure. Disclosure risked undermining professional identity, as MMIND identity was constructed as
incompatible with professional capability. The constant threat to credibility is examined as a form of
epistemic injustice, specifically testimonial injustice. Conclusions: The disciplining of professionals
toward conformity with narrow and rigid conceptualizations of capability constitutes occupational
injustice for those who identify as MMIND, imposing on them unwanted occupational contortions, while
negatively shaping the meaning of everyday work occupations through risk of marginalization and loss
of professional credibility.
Key words | Mots clés : Occupational justice, Occupational science
Pursuing inclusive childcare: The invisible work mothers do
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: 106
OS Paper presentation: Children and youth | Equity & Justice
Colleen Diggins (IWK Health and Dalhousie University, Halifax) cdiggins@dal.ca Shanon Phelan
(Dalhousie University) shanon.phelan@dal.ca
Introduction: Mothers of children experiencing disability do invisible work to access inclusive early
learning and childcare. This extensive work is not paid or valued, but crucial for children to attend
inclusive early learning and childcare settings and to keep family life running. Objective: This research
aims to illuminate the invisible work mothers of pre-school aged children experiencing disability do in
pursuit of inclusive early learning and childcare. Methods: Using an occupational perspective (Njelesani
et al., 2012), drawing on theoretical constructs of invisible work and the ‘good mother’, this interpretive
secondary analysis explored the question: What kinds of invisible work do mothers of children who
experience disability do in pursuit of inclusive early learning and childcare? Semi-structured interviews
of 16 mothers pursuing inclusive early learning and childcare for their children experiencing disability
were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2022) method of thematic analysis. Findings: Data analysis
resulted in the development of five themes: 1/ the Navigator, 2/ the Quilter, 3/ the Fighter, 4/ the
Juggler, and 5/ the Keeper. Two key influences that shaped the mothers’ invisible work, and the
occupational roles demanded of them, were the ‘good mother’ ideology and systemic ableism.
Conclusion: The invisible work of mothers is a response to systemic inequities and ableism in early
learning and childcare settings for children experiencing disability and their families. Implications for
occupational scientists and healthcare and early childhood education professionals will be discussed as
well as policy-based recommendations to inform emerging inclusion frameworks for universal childcare.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational science
Becoming-land: Re-thinking nature based occupational therapy
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Equity & Justice
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Kaarina Valavaara (Dalhousie University, Halifax) kaarina.vala[email protected] Pier-Luc Turcotte
(University of Ottawa) pturcott@uottawa.ca
Introduction: In the Global North, occupational therapy models and theories have been embedded in
anthropocentric views that perceive the person and their occupations as distinct from their
environment. Responding to the ecological crisis, these views are reflected in efforts to “save the
planet” or to promote access to nature as a ‘therapeutic’ means for individual growth and restoration.
Objectives: The aim of this paper is to critically appraise dominant models and theories underlying the
development of nature-based initiatives in occupational therapy. Resisting anthropocentric views, we
propose an alternative process of ‘becoming-land’ as it applies to our discipline. Approach: Drawing on
Deleuze and Guattari’s theory of becoming and Coulthard’s theory of recognition, we articulate a
process of (un)becoming in the context of land occupation (becoming-land) and use these theoretical
lenses to examine ‘nature-based’ (occupational) therapies. Results: By co-opting and bio-medicalizing
Indigenous worldviews, ‘nature prescriptions’ and nature-based ‘therapies’ risk appropriating and
privatizing land access, thereby doing more harm than good. Becoming-land disrupts binary divisions of
person and environment by recognizing that humans ‘become-land’ throughout their existence and that
this existence as a whole is threatened by the ecological crisis. Rather than prescribing nature to meet
humans’ needs, ‘becoming-land’ means occupying land in ways that are respectful, reciprocal and that
promote collective healing. Conclusion: Current efforts to ‘de-colonize’ occupational therapy must
simultaneously challenge humans’ relationship to the land. Re-orienting power toward Indigenous
Peoples beyond mere ‘land acknowledgements’, occupational therapists are invited to challenge their
models and theories to ultimately support ‘land back’.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Theory
Developing and refining an occupational therapy rehabilitation reconditioning program
guideline.
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: 108
OS Paper presentation: Adult | Acute conditions
Ann Clendenning (Bond University, Gold Coast) ann.clendenning@student.bon.edu.au Susan Brandis
(Bond University) sbrandis@bond.edu.au Chloe Hanly (Gold Coast Health Service)
Chloe.Hanly@health.qld.gov.au
Introduction: Hospitalisation increases patient susceptibility to hospital associated deconditioning. The
number of patients deconditioned increased dramatically during the global pandemic, however
occupational therapy input to reconditioning programs is unclear. Deconditioning is linked to decreased
occupational performance, the ability to engage in meaningful occupations and increased occupational
disruption. Research examining occupational therapy program guideline development and routine care
for hospital associated deconditioning is limited. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to
develop and explore the feasibility of implementing an occupational therapy reconditioning program
guideline for hospital associated deconditioning. Methods: A qualitative feasibility study was conducted
at two tertiary health service hospitals using a two-step sequential method. Firstly, using the AGREE
reporting checklist, an occupational therapy reconditioning program guideline was developed through
clinical input and a systematic literature review. Secondly, qualitative data on feasibility factors
concerning implementation were collected from occupational therapist participants during two focus
groups. Data were analysed using a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.
Results: Ten participants collectively participated in two focus groups at tertiary health service centres in
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
(state deleted). This met our prior retention criteria for success. Focus group discussion was transcribed
verbatim to facilitate thematic data analysis, coding, and interpretation. Themes identified were assets,
patient related factors, workplace culture, communication, environmental factors, barriers, and ideas
for implementation. Conclusion: While the guideline was perceived as feasible, minor refinement is
recommended to follow the patient journey from acute care, rehabilitation, and community discharge.
A script to explain the occupational therapy role in reconditioning programs was also suggested.
Key words | Mots clés : Acute care, Evidence-based practice
Everyday moments of leisure: Occupations "in between"
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: C5- Video portion on Poster 6
OS Paper presentation: Community/Population | Health and well-being
Karen Gallant (Dalhousie University, Halifax) karen.gallant@dal.ca Heidi Lauckner (Dalhousie University)
heidi.lauckn[email protected] Stephanie Mason (Brock University) smason3@brocku.ca Brittany Bhatnagar
(Dalhousie University) b.bha[email protected] Ashlyn Stevens (Dalhousie University) ashlyn.stevens@dal.ca
Rien Alexander robyn.moran@uwaterloo.ca Nicole Leroy [email protected] Susan Hutchinson
Dalhousie University susan.hutchinson@dal.ca
Introduction: Fleeting experiences of leisure in the context of routine activities, such as pausing to watch
a sunset out the kitchen window, are common in the context of everyday lives. This presentation draws
attention to such experiences, introducing the concept of everyday moments of leisure (EML), defined
as subjectively-defined and noticed enjoyable, personally-resonant momentary experiences that occur
within ordinary places and activities. Rooted in phenomenological research, this presentation considers
the roles such moments play in peoples’ lives. Session objectives: (a) To introduce participants to the
concept of EML, including defining characteristics; (2) To encourage participants to consider EML and
the meaning such moments hold, in the context of their own lives; and (3) To provide space for
discussion about how EML and momentary occupations have the potential to impact well-being. Session
description: This presentation draws on a phenomenological study involving 20 participants who were
invited to engage in up to three interviews focusing on their perceptions and experiences of EML.
Findings of this study were shared though an art exhibit at a contemporary arts festival. The exhibit was
comprised of five full-scale everyday scenes, including a curtained window from the inside of a home,
and a kitchen island where a tea pot is warming. Each model was adorned with hand-written quotes
from research participants about the roles that EML play in their lives. Some of the models will be
displayed at this conference session, and attendees’ personal experiences of the exhibit will be used as a
foundation for introducing the concept of EML and exploring the relevance of this concept to
occupational science. Practice implications: Findings of this research suggest that people find value,
benefit, meaning, and enjoyment in EML, suggesting potentially overlooked opportunities for
understanding linkages between brief everyday moments and wellness. Conclusion: Although fleeting
and seemingly insignificant, we suggest that noticing short-duration leisure experiences may offer an
important avenue for experiencing leisure in the context of everyday lives.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Occupational science
Intraprofessional collaboration preparation in Ontario: An environmental scan
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Fieldwork/Education
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Teresa Avvampato (Queens University I Durham College, Oshawa) teresa.avvampato@durhamcollege.ca
Mark Hall (University of Alberta) Mark.Hall@ualberta.ca Dianna Fong-Lee (Conestoga College) Dfong-
[email protected].ca Marcia Finlayson (Queen's University) marcia.finla[email protected]
introduction: Due to a shortage of occupational therapists (OTs) in Canada, occupational therapist
assistants (OTAs) are increasingly relied upon to deliver occupational therapy. Effective OT-OTA
intraprofessional collaboration (IntraPC) is crucial to provide safe and efficient services. objectives: To
identify the current state of OT-OTA IntraPC preparation in Ontario using an environmental scan. to
support OT- OTA IntraPC preparation in Canada. methods: Using an explanatory sequential mixed
methods approach, a survey was conducted with Ontario educators from OT and OTA programs,
followed by focus groups with OT and OTA educators and recent OT and OTA graduates to explore
current needs and recommendations to support OT-OTA IntraPC preparation. Survey data were
analyzed using SPSS, and focus group data were analyzed thematically. findings: The environmental scan
revealed the importance of OT and OTA collaboration to deliver optimal and safe occupational therapy
services in Canada. The educator survey (n=45) identified a need to increase OT-OTA IntraPC
preparation with easy-to-use online resources. In addition to online resources, focus group participants
(n=29) recommended advocacy and real-world interactions over time. conclusion: Optimal preparation
for OT-OTA IntraPC supports occupational therapy delivery and requires deliberate effort, advocacy,
support, ready-made resources, and a scaffolded process, which includes real-world clinical contact.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessional, Teaching/education
A new patient-reported outcome measure to tailor self-management support
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Chronic conditions
Tanya Packer (Dalhousie University, Halifax) tanya.pa[email protected] George Kephart (Dalhousie University)
george.kephart@dal.ca Asa Audulv (Umea University, Sweden) asa.audulv@umu.se Ingrid Olsson (Umea
University, Sweden) ingrid.ol[email protected] Yu-Ting Chen (National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
Introduction: Managing everyday life with a neurological condition includes a wide range of self-
management strategies that interact and change over time. Though common strategies are known, time
since diagnosis, disease trajectory and aging create an ongoing and evolving need to tailor self-
management interventions. Using the seven domains of self-management articulated in the Taxonomy
of Everyday Self-management Strategies (TEDSS), a new patient reported outcome has been developed
to pinpoint client strengths and difficulties. Objectives: To describe the development of the PRISM-CC
and its application to occupational therapy practice. Methods: Based on the TEDSS framework and
following the phased COSMIN Study Design for Patient-Reported Outcomes, 231 potential items were
generated, then assessed for relevance and understanding using cognitive interviews (n=40 people with
chronic conditions). Data on the 100 retained items (n= 1,214 people) was subjected to confirmatory
factor analysis (CFA) and item response theory (IRT) models to inform final item selection, scaling, and
assessment of construct validity of the PRISM-CC. Results: The final PRISM-CC consists of thirty-six items
(4–8 items per domain). Domain scores indicate client difficulty by domain on a scale from “unable to
do” to “done very easily”. The data provided excellent fit to our hypothesized correlated factors CFA
model and corresponding multidimensional IRT graded response model. Testing of a-priori hypotheses
provided evidence of construct validity. Practice implications: As client-centred practitioners,
occupational therapists can now tailor their self-management support based on client self-reported
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
difficulties. Focused on daily strategies needed to live well, PRISM-CC is highly compatible with
occupational therapy practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Assessments, Evidence-based practice
Power-up mobility: Social participation and well-being of children
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Technology
Dena Stitz (Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg) dstitz@rccinc.ca Jacquie Ripat Elizabeth
Hammond Shea Hunt Minoo Dabiri Gabriella Masi Natalie Friesen
Introduction: Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) provide children with physical disabilities the opportunity
to enhance their mobility and explore their environment. While the mobility impact of PMDs is known,
less is understood about the value of PMD on social participation. Objectives: To understand the social
participation experiences of children who are first-time users of PMDs and are transitioning from
dependent to independent wheelchair use. Methods: We used a mixed-method longitudinal case-study
design, recruiting five children, their families, and their teachers. Interviews with children and families
were conducted before receiving their PMDs and at 3 and 6 months post-PMD receipt. Teacher
interviews were held 3-6 months post-PMD receipt. Two outcome measures, the Wheelchair Outcome
Measure for Young People and the Children’s Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices, were
administered. Qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis, and quantitative data was
subjected to non-parametric statistical analysis. Results: Analysis of one complete dataset highlighted
three time points: “reflecting on the past,” noting anticipated social and personal benefits and technical
concerns; “living the present,” where social and environmental aspects intersected with a realistic
understanding of PMD features; and “dreaming about the future,” where social and personal benefits
were embraced. Outcome measures showed increasing child satisfaction, competency, adaptability and
self-esteem over time. Data collection and analysis for four children continues. Conclusion: Social
participation was facilitated by adequate training and mastery of the PMD over time. PMDs appear to
play a pivotal role in fostering positive social participation for the participants throughout their journey.
Key words | Mots clés : Assistive devices, Seating
How do young people facilitate their participation in meaningful occupations?
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Adult | Health and well-being
Saeideh Shahin (McGill University, Montreal) saeideh.shahinvarnousfaderany@mail.mcgill.ca Nikol
Baladzhanova (McGill University) nikol.baladzhan[email protected].ca Ornella Andrianantenaina (McGill
University) ornella.andrianantena[email protected]l.ca Lauriane Germain (McGill University)
lauriane.germain@mail.mcgill.ca Lyndsay Schneidman (McGill University)
lyndsay.schneid[email protected] Dana Anaby (McGill University) dana.anaby@mcgill.ca
Introduction: Knowledge on strategies used by young people to promote their participation in
meaningful occupations is scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to identify and explore similarities and
differences in participation strategies reported by young people with and without physical disabilities.
Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 106 participants aged 12-30 (x
̄
=22.7) with (n=52) and
without (n=54) physical disabilities matched by age and sex completed the Youth, young-adult
Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM). Participants reported up to three strategies they used
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
to support their participation in four environments: at home, in the school/educational setting, the
community, and the workplace. Inductive content analysis was performed. Results: Overall, 1235
strategies were analyzed, and eleven categories were identified. Seven categories focused on the
environment (e.g., cultivating an optimal physical environment, making use of available resources). Both
groups implemented time-management strategies, built on intrinsic factors (e.g., making choices,
staying motivated), and utilized social supports to facilitate their participation across all settings. In the
educational setting, benefiting from an accommodative institutional environment (e.g., requesting
accommodations, seeking resources) was a strategy category unique to young people with disabilities.
This group also reported more strategies related to advocacy, analyzing a situation, and benefiting from
an accommodating physical and social environment. Conclusion: While some similar strategy categories
were observed, young people with disabilities implemented a wider variety of actions to facilitate their
occupational participation. Findings can assist both youth and occupational therapists as they co-
develop an intervention plan to enhance participation and inclusion across different contexts.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Occupational science
Long covid factors associated with decrease in employment status
Thursday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Adult | Work and return to work
Marie-An Hoang (McGill University, Montreal) marie-an.hoang@mail.mcgill.ca Farah Jaber (Université
de Sherbrooke) farah.jaber@usherbrooke.ca Debbie Feldman (Université de Montréal)
debbie.feldman@umontreal.ca Sara Saunders (McGill University) sara.sau[email protected] Barbara
Mazer (McGill University) barbara.mazer@mcgill.ca
Introduction: Long covid symptoms are known to have an impact on function, however, their effect on
employment and the associated demographic and clinical factors are not well understood. Objectives:
(1) To compare changes in employment between those with long covid and those who recovered from
their covid-19 infection; and (2) To identify demographic factors, clinical factors, and type of occupations
associated with decreased employment status in those with long covid. Methods: We conducted an
electronic survey (≥12 weeks post infection) with adult residents in Laval, Quebec, who tested positive
for covid-19 between March 2020 and January 2022, regarding long covid symptoms and its functional
impact. This analysis focuses on employment status: pre-covid, prior to infection, and current, and was
recorded as full-time, part-time, not working due to illness, or not working for other reasons. Change in
employment status was categorized as no decrease or decreased. Results: Among 2764 respondents,
15.6% with long covid (versus 5.4% who recovered) experienced a decrease in employment (p<0.001).
Clinical factors associated with a decrease in employment include having been hospitalized for covid-19,
having >1 comorbid condition, >12 months since infection, moderate to severe decline in physical and
psychological symptoms, and decline in global health. Sociodemographic factors and occupational skill
level were not associated with a change in employment. Conclusions: Persons with long covid are more
likely to experience a decrease in employment. Research is needed to determine whether rehabilitation
for people with long covid could improve employment levels.
Key words | Mots clés : COVID, return-to-work
Future Strategies from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
Thursday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 103
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
WFOT Sponsored Session: Not applicable | Advocacy /Leadership
Paulette Guitard
The World Federation of Occupational Therapists promotes occupational therapy as an art and science
internationally. It works with national and regional occupational associations as well as other
international partners to effect change and advocate for occupational therapy. This presentation will
provide an overview of WFOTs current key projects, latest global human resources data and highlights
from the latest WFOT Council Meeting in February 2024. There will also be opportunity for discussion
related to occupational therapy education, practice and research globally.
Canadian simulation guideline development in OT academic and fieldwork education
Thursday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 104
Extended discussion: Not applicable | Fieldwork/Education
Diane MacKenzie (Dalhousie University, Halifax) diane.mackenzie@dal.ca Marie-Eve Bolduc (McGill
University) marie-eve.bolduc@mcgill.ca Kaitlin Sibbald (Dalhousie University) kaitlin.sibbald@dal.ca
Mary Roduta Roberts (University of Alberta) mrobe[email protected] Rose Martini (University of Ottawa)
rose.martini@uottawa.ca Nancy Forget (McGill University) nancy.forget@mcgill.ca Jacinthe Savard
(University of Ottawa) jsavard@uottawa.ca Barbara Shankland (McGill University)
barbara.shankland@mail.mcgill.ca Chantal Morin (Université de Sherbrooke)
chantal.morin@usherbrooke.ca Lisa McCorquodale (Western University) lmccorq@uwo.ca Anne Hunt
anne.hunt@utoronto.ca Jonathan Harris jonathan.harris@dal.ca Shone Joos s.joo[email protected] and
Helene Tremblay helene.h.tremblay@usherbrooke.ca
Introduction: Simulated patient encounters are employed to develop and assess occupational therapy
students’ clinical skills. Simulation allows students to apply their assessment, communication,
professional reasoning, collaboration, and practical skills. Because of these features, simulations are
increasingly being used to help prepare students for the complexities of practice. Many occupational
therapy (OT) programs across Canada use simulation. Healthcare best practices simulation guidelines
are available (e.g., INACSL), but do not address specific OT competencies. Specifically for OT programs,
guidelines have been developed in other countries (e.g., Occupational Therapy Council of Australia,
2020), but no guidelines exist for Canadian OT programs and their particular contexts. In May 2023, a
national ACOTUP adhoc group was formed to develop Canadian simulation guidelines for OT education.
This research project aims to synthesize and adapt current evidence for the use of simulation to the
Canadian OT context. Objectives: Participants in this session will i) learn about the state of the evidence
for the use of simulation that will inform and guide the development of simulation guidelines for
Canadian occupational therapy; ii) brainstorm about the contextual factors that are specific to OT in
Canada; iii) discuss the potential of simulation for developing competencies in OT (COTC, 2021); iv)
generate ideas about the type of information that should be included in the future guidelines. Session
Description: This extended session will use a collaborative learning approach where presenters will first
provide an overview of the latest evidence on simulation together with the key scoping review findings.
Small group facilitated discussions will focus on generating collective knowledge about simulation in the
Canadian context to inform simulation guideline development. Practice Implications: Participants will
understand the different ways simulations are currently used in health care professions, including
occupational therapy education, in different parts of the world. In addition, participants will co-
construct their understanding of the challenges and opportunities for potential simulation use in
education, fieldwork, and post-licensure practice in Canada. Conclusions: This session will serve to share
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
evidence as well as co-create knowledge to inform the development of the Canadian OT simulation
guidelines for competency development in academic and fieldwork education.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Teaching/education
Climate Change & Sustainable Occupations
Thursday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Not applicable
Ben Mortenson, Janet Craik, Jeff Boniface, Nicola Schaan (Professional Practice)
Discussion on the topic of climate change, planetary health and sustainable occupations
Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Canadians- OT in 2034
Thursday: 1:00 PM-3:40 PM Room | Location: 109
Professional Issue Forum: |
Skye Barbic The University of British Columbia, Stephanie Bizzeth (Office of Addictions and Mental
Health) Stephanie.Bizzeth@dal.ca, Michelle Ferguson Chair of CAOT Mental Health & Substance Use
Practice Network mferguson[email protected], Fizza Jafry (McGill University) Fizz[email protected], Kim
Hewitt-McVicker Master University hewittkm@mcmaster.ca, Niki Kiepek Dalhousie University, Carrie
Anne Marshall Director of the Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab, Western University
Mental health is a component of all aspects of lived experience and of holistic occupational therapy. This
year, we have brought together a five-person panel of Canadian occupational therapists committed to
the promotion of mental health practice and research in diverse practice areas to discuss where the
profession needs to be ten years from now and explore potential tools to help us get there. This year's
PIF builds on a well-established foundation of the occupational therapist's role in supporting individual
mental health to envisioning systems level transformations. Panelists and attendees will take time to
explore our history, examine the mental health curricula and professional development opportunities,
discuss the importance of fully engaging the occupational therapy scope within the current healthcare
system and leadership roles, and explore responsibilities of individual occupational therapists and
provincial and national organizations to work towards a unified identity.
Teaching self-regulation through a sensory enhanced and trauma sensitive approach
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 102
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Alex Thompson (Power for All Charity, Abbotsford) po[email protected]om
Introduction: Shanker stated that” the ability to self-regulate—to strategically modulate one’s emotional
reactions or states to be more effective at coping and engaging with the environment is a critical aspect
of human development” (Shanker & Barker, 2016). While many individuals can develop self-regulatory
skills on their own, either by trial and error or by observing others (Bandura, 1999), many others have
significant difficulties in developing these skills. Innovation: By examining principles of universal design,
Polyvagal theory, the Neurosequential network, and sensory-enhanced movement, practitioners can
facilitate clients' learning of self-regulation skills (CAST, 2022; Porges, n.d.; Perry & Winfrey, 2021;
Stroller, 2019). Approach: This successful approach to teaching self-regulation seeks to provide sufficient
alternatives to support learners’ meaningful occupational participation in all kinds of contexts. A range
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
of learning activities and discussions will be used to support participants in learning and experiencing
evidence-based techniques to teach self-regulation. Learning objectives: 1. Understand and apply
relevant principles of Universal Design for Learning, Polyvagal theory, the Neurosequential network,
Interoception, and sensory-enhanced movement to the development of self-regulation skills. 2. Utilize a
variety of evidence-based techniques for teaching self-regulation to children and adolescents.
Conclusion: This experiential workshop will expand occupational therapy professionals’ knowledge of
theories and techniques related to school health, well-being, and sensory integration that can have a
positive impact on teaching self-regulation to children and adolescents.
Key words | Mots clés : School health, Sensory integration
The challenge of collective occupations in a context of exclusion
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 106
OS Paper presentation: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
Suzanne Huot (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) suzanne.huot@ubc.ca Anne-Cécile Delaisse
(University of British Columbia) [email protected]r
Introduction: Increasing federal policy emphasis on Francophone immigration over the past two decades
has led to rapidly diversifying Francophone minority communities (FMCs) across the country where
discourses of ‘successful integration’ are prioritized. Newcomers are expected to engage in occupations
contributing to economic productivity and social participation in FMCs. Objectives: To critically explore
how increasing demographic diversity within FMCs is influencing community cohesion. We specifically
examined processes of inclusion and exclusion within Francophone spaces to understand the dynamics
shaping community members’ engagement in collective occupations. Methods: Critical ethnography in a
metropolitan area adopting 4 methods: Critical discourse analysis of 88 documents produced by national
governmental and non-governmental stakeholders pertaining to Francophone immigration and FMCs.
Key informant interviews with representatives from two national stakeholders and 11
provincial/community organizations. In-depth interviews and occupational mapping with 24 community
members (12 born in Canada, 12 born abroad). Findings: Analysis identified three key dimensions
shaping collective occupations and community cohesion: a) forms of socio-spatial separation within the
community; b) discursive and symbolic exclusion practices; and c) reliance on formal institutions and
spaces for official language minority community recognition. Analysis was informed by our theoretical
framework drawing on transactionalism and intersectionality to understand how occupations are
situated within systems of power and oppression. We will outline the challenges identified in supporting
collective occupations in a context of exclusion and point toward strategies that can mitigate these.
Conclusions: Dynamic communities must be responsive to the needs of their members and ensure
opportunities for meaningful occupational engagement are equitably developed and supported.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development, Occupational science
Intersectionality and occupational therapy: a scoping review
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Equity & Justice
Stefanie Wiens (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) wienss@myumanitoba.ca Gayle Restall (University of
Manitoba) gayle.restall@umanitoba.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: Intersectionality describes the various social locations a person occupies as inextricably
intersected, and constantly interacting with each other and the systems and power structures that
provide the context in which a person lives. Reflecting on Gerlach’s (2015) call for occupational
therapists to ‘sharpen our critical edge’ through greater intersectional analysis, this scoping review
explores how intersectionality is considered in occupational therapy and occupational science literature.
Objectives: To map and examine the range and nature of research and theoretical writing on
occupational therapy and intersectionality. Methods: Following Arksey & O’Malley’s framework (2005),
four databases —CINAHL, Scopus, Ovid Medline and APA PsycInfo— were searched for the terms
occupational therap* OR occupational science AND intersectional* OR black feminism OR black feminist
theory, with an augmentative search of the grey literature. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria.
Data was mapped and synthesized. Findings: Literature focusing on occupational therapy and
intersectionality is in a period of exponential growth with 13 of the 16 articles published since 2021.
There has been a recent shift from theoretical discussion of intersectionality in this literature, to
inclusion of original research. Observation of intersectionality as a phenomenon is a more common use
of intersectionality in research articles compared to its use as a paradigm or analytical approach.
Practice Implications: Moving beyond observing intersectionality in research studies to embedding it as
an analytical approach is an important step for occupational therapists, scientists, and educators to
better understand the impact of intersecting identities on receiving and delivering occupational therapy
and on people’s participation in valued occupations.
Key words | Mots clés : Occupational justice, Theory
Harnessing the power of groups for your occupational therapy practice
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Adult | Acute conditions
Karina Porter (Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon) karinafehr@hotmail.com Maureen Junk
(Saskatchewan Health Authority) maureen.junk@saskhealthauthority.ca
Background: It has been shown that group therapy can help decrease wait times, optimize limited
human resources, as well as facilitate support and learning from peers. Practice issue: A neurological
outpatient service was struggling to meet the diverse occupational therapy (OT) needs of a large client
base due to significant staff shortages. This led to rethinking how the site’s OT services were delivered.
Approach: The occupational therapy team identified the common themes seen in referrals. Investigative
work was done to access existing groups from a variety of sources. New groups were also developed in
order to meet common occupational participation issues. Trials of the groups were run and feedback
was gathered from group participants. Learning objectives: Attendees will: 1) be exposed to a variety of
occupational therapy groups addressing either physical or cognitive challenges 2) hear about how
groups have allowed for expanded exposure to therapy activities and increased intensity of therapy in
an outpatient OT rehabilitation setting 3) have an opportunity to reflect on ideas for groups that
attendees may be able to implement in their own practices. Practice implications: Investing time at the
outset to develop OT groups will save clinicians time in the end, help clients achieve their goals, and be a
lot of fun to run. So get ‘All Hands on Deck’ to run that ‘Brain Bootcamp’ and reap the rewards!
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury, Multiple sclerosis
Are we preparing students for culturally safe practices? Faculty perspectives
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Poster presentation: Not applicable | Fieldwork/Education
Jordyne Greenspoon (University of British Columbia jo[email protected]bc.ca Sarah Weseen (University
of British Columbia sweseen@student.ubc.ca Kaarina Valavaara (Dalhousie University
kaarina.valavaa[email protected] Jay MacDonald (University of British Columbia jay.macdona[email protected] Tal
Jarus (University of British Columbia [email protected]
Introduction: Research with Canadian occupational therapists (OTs) who work with Indigenous Peoples
have revealed that they do not feel prepared to complete assessments with them in culturally safe ways.
The need for additional education on Indigenous cultural safety curriculum is an essential component of
OT’s ability to work safely with Indigenous Peoples (Bauer et al, 2022). Objectives: This study’s objective
is to explore the current OT curriculum across Canada, focusing on Indigenous cultural safety education
and assessment administration to better understand what is being taught. Methods: We invited faculty
members who are involved in Indigenous cultural safety and assessments curriculum from Canadian OT
programs to participate in an online survey and group interviews. We will use thematic data analysis to
code the interviews and open ended survey questions. This will allow us to scan for patterns of themes
across the data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Data collection is currently underway. Findings: We anticipate
that the survey and group interviews will reveal varying levels of inclusion of content related to
culturally safer assessment practices with Indigenous Peoples. We expect to elucidate common barriers
and best practices that faculty experience. Conclusion: For Canadian OTs to work safely and effectively
with Indigenous Peoples, changes to the current educational system must be addressed. (Bauer et al.,
2022). Findings will help provide a foundation for how to better work in partnership with Indigenous
Peoples while also creating a culturally safe environment, through examining issues within Canadian OT
programs.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Teaching/education
Opportunities, resources and supports influencing adaptation to traumatic brain injury
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Chronic conditions
Lauren DeMone (University of Toronto, Toronto) lauren.d[email protected].ca Breanne Maidens
(University of Toronto) Emily Nalder (University of Toronto)
Objectives: To understand how opportunities, resources, and support in one’s environment influence
resiliency in the context of TBI. Introduction: Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience
significant occupational changes with both challenging (e.g., role loss) and positive experiences (e.g.,
more time with family). Resiliency (adaptive processes involved in 'bouncing back' from adversity) can
explain how individuals respond to occupational challenges/loss and is linked to positive outcomes
following TBI, including life satisfaction, and well-being. Most resiliency research has considered
personal factors (e.g., self-efficacy, adaptability) however less is known about how one’s environment
influences resiliency. Methods: Using hand mapping methodology, 8 Ontarian adults who were over 3
years post-TBI completed an in-depth interview and hand map (visual representation of key experiences
and resources that cultivated resiliency). This exploration involves the concurrent analysis of visual data
in the form of maps and interview transcripts through a reflexive thematic analysis approach: Both
visual and narrative data will undergo multiple rounds of review, coding by several team members, and
additional analysis through group discussions and concept mapping to uncover underlying themes.
Results: Themes will explore how aspects of one’s context either added to the 'risk’ or experienced
adversity following TBI and/or enabled individuals to adapt to challenges arising in their life following
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
their injury. Conclusions: Determining the environmental factors that enable resiliency in TBI will
address a key knowledge gap, further illuminating the contextualized nature of resiliency. This
knowledge will open-up possibilities for occupational therapists to influence resiliency through services
that target or modify environments.
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury, Models
Technology’s role in children with physical disabilities’ play: Scoping review
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Technology
Minoo Dabiri Golchin (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) Minoo.DabiriGolchin@umanitoba.ca Jacquie
Ripat (University of Manitoba) Jacquie.Ripat@umanitoba.ca Michele Verdonck (University of the
Sunshine Coast) michele.verdon[email protected]
Introduction: Play is a fundamental component of child development and an inherent human right. Yet,
children with physical disabilities (CWPD) often encounter limitations in their play. This scoping review
aims to explore the role of Assistive Technology (AT) in enabling play for CWPD. Methods: We
conducted a scoping review following the guidelines of Arksey and O'Malley. Our literature search
encompassed the period January 2000 to March 2022, involving the MEDLINE, Central, CINAHL, ERIC,
Scopus, and EMBASE databases. Three reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles using an
online systematic review platform. Data extraction and categorization were performed in Microsoft
Excel, focusing on AT types, play categories, and levels of supporting evidence. Findings: After
eliminating duplicate studies, 5,250 papers entered the title and abstract screening. Fifty-eight studies
were selected for full-text review, with 31 included in the final analysis. These studies identified seven
types of AT used to support play for CWPD, including power mobility, virtual reality, robotics, upper limb
adaptations, switch-adapted games, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and mobility
aids. These studies explored cognitive (n = 23) or social (n = 7) aspects of play, with one study addressing
both. The selected studies were predominantly case studies, descriptive or experimental. Conclusion:
This review underscores the limited empirical evidence supporting the use of AT to facilitate play for
CWPD. Given the profound significance of play in a child's life and the ongoing advancements in AT,
further research and development are essential to address this knowledge gap.
Key words | Mots clés : Occupational justice, Technology
Investigating pressure injury risk in individuals with darker skin tone
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Advocacy /Leadership
Julia Donohue (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) jdonohue@student.ubc.ca Sarah Wasik
(University of British Columbia) [email protected] Jill Wong (University of British Columbia)
[email protected]a William Miller (University of British Columbia) bill.miller@ubc.ca
Introduction: Approximately 15.8% of individuals living in long-term care (LTC) homes in Western
Canada have pressure injuries (PIs) (Woo & LeBlanc, 2018). Despite research in the United States
showing there is a higher prevalence of stage 2-4 PIs in older adults with darker skin tones (Cox &
Thomas Hawkins, 2023), there is little research studying these disparities in individuals living in Canadian
LTC. Objectives: To investigate if individuals with darker skin tones living in Western Canadian LTC
homes are at higher risk of developing stage 2-4 PIs. Methods: Given an estimate of 15.8% of LTC
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
individuals have PIs, a sample size of 45 is expected from the LTC homes recruited. Reeder et al. (2014)
identify the Munsell Color Chart as a reliable and valid tool that we will use to visually assess skin tone,
divided into three categories: light, medium, and dark. Pressure injury status will be collected from the
Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data Set. Data will be used to calculate the prevalence of
stages 1 and 2-4 PIs in light, medium, and dark skin tone categories. Results: We hypothesize that there
will be a higher prevalence of stage 2-4 PIs in individuals with medium and dark skin tones within the
LTC population in Western Canada. Conclusions: If a higher prevalence is identified, this could lead to
further research investigating the implementation of practice tools and education strategies to reduce
this disparity and offer equitable, person-centred care to all people living in LTC.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Long term care
Grille évaluative de la durabilité d’un repas: adaptation québécoise
jeudi: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Présentations par affiches: Non spécifique | L’environnement
Valérie Lafond (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) valerie.lafon[email protected] Marie-
Josée Drolet (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) marie-josee.drolet@uqtr.ca
Problématique: Les occupations humaines étant reconnues comme les principales causes de la crise
climatique, il s’ensuit que les ergothérapeutes sont des acteurs de choix pour soutenir les transitions
occupationnelles durables. Comme l’alimentation est responsable de 26% des émissions de gaz à effet
de serre à l’échelle mondiale (Ritchie et Roser, 2020), Thibaut et al. (2023) ont développé la Grille de
l’analyse de la durabilité de l’occupation «prendre un repas», laquelle a été validée par des étudiants de
France. Pour favoriser son applicabilité au contexte québécois, une étude a été menée. Objectif:
L’objectif était d’assurer la clarté, la pertinence, la convivialité et l’exhaustivité de la grille, selon la
perception d’ergothérapeutes et d’étudiants en ergothérapie du Québec, pour favoriser son
applicabilité québécoise. Méthode: Trois groupes de discussion ont été réalisés avec des
ergothérapeutes et des étudiants en ergothérapie sur leur expérience de l’utilisation de la grille avec un
client. Une analyse de contenu des verbatims a permis d’obtenir la perception des participantes de la
grille suivant les critères identifiés. Résultats: Vingt personnes ont participé à l’étude : dix clients, huit
ergothérapeutes et deux étudiantes en ergothérapie. Globalement, les participantes estiment que la
grille est claire et pertinente. Pour la convivialité et l’exhaustivité, elles ont formulé des propositions qui
ont permis de bonifier la grille. Conclusion: La grille s’avère un outil pertinent pour les programmes
d’ergothérapie et constitue un premier outil relatif à l’alimentation permettant de soutenir les
transitions occupationnelles durables des personnes souhaitant réduire leur empreinte écologique.
Key words | Mots clés : Équité et justice, Justice occupationnelle
Older adults’ sexual and gender diversity: Training future occupational therapists
Thursday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Equity & Justice
Samuel Turcotte (Université Laval, Québec) samuel.turcotte@fmed.ulaval.ca Julien Rougerie (Fondation
Émergence) Denis Cormier-Piché (Fondation Émergence) Nathalie Veillette (Université de Montréal)
Johanne Filiatrault (Université de Montréal)
Introduction: LGBTQ+ older adults can be reluctant to use healthcare services, because they may
perceive them as heterocis-normative or stigmatizing. Scientific literature suggests that a lack of training
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
about older adults' sexual and gender diversity may contribute to the perpetuation of heterocis-
normativity within healthcare services. However, occupational therapy students report gaps in their
training regarding sexual and gender diversity. Objectives: To explore the impact of a new training for
occupational therapy students about older adults' sexual and gender diversity on: 1) knowledge about
LGBTQ+ older adults’ realities and 2) self-efficacy related to two domains of occupational therapy core
competencies. Methods: Sixty occupational therapy students participated in a single-group pre-post
study. They attended a 2.5-hour training session on older adults' sexual and gender diversity delivered
by an expert from a non-profit community organization. Participants completed online questionnaires
before and after the training. Data analysis included narrative synthesis, descriptive statistics, and paired
t-tests. Results: The training resulted in a significant increase in participants' knowledge about the
realities of LGBTQ+ older adults (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy related to two domains of occupational
therapy competencies (communication and collaboration; p < 0.001 and culture, equity and justice; p <
0.001). Most participants (97%) recommended that this training be integrated into all occupational
therapy curriculums. High levels of satisfaction were expressed regarding the content, format, duration,
and quality of the course delivery. Conclusion: Educating future occupational therapists about older
adults’ sexual and gender diversity can contribute to the provision of more inclusive healthcare services
for LGBTQ+ communities.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Teaching/education
Adoption and implementation strategies of a telehealth falls prevention program
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 102
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Health and well-being
Jacinthe Savard (Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa) jsavard@uottawa.ca Jennifer O'Neil (Université
d'Ottawa) joneil@uottawa.ca Nathalie Dionne (Université d'Ottawa) ndion[email protected] Sylvie
Marchand (Université d'Ottawa) Dominique Cardinal (Université d’Ottawa) Grant Handrigan (Université
de Moncton)
IIntroduction: A fall may impact a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Fall
prevention programs are being implemented to reduce these negative outcomes. A 10-week
multifactorial (education, exercises, and discussions) telehealth fall prevention program was designed to
increase access to such programs in French for francophone minority communities in Canada.
Objectives: This capacity building project aimed to support community partners to deliver this telehealth
program and document strategies used to adopt and implement the program. Methods: A sequential
explanatory mixed methodology was used to document adoption and implementation strategies and
describe lived experiences of program facilitators and organization representatives. Data were analysed
using content analysis and the Consortium Framework Implementation Research (Damschroder et al.,
2009) more specifically guided the description of the lived experiences. Results: Twelve organization
representatives or program facilitators from eight francophone organizations operating in four different
provinces participated in the study. Adoption was influence by external context (eg., COVID-19
outbreak), internal context (eg., organisation’s priorities), and capacity building (eg., support offered).
Barriers and facilitators to implementation included the program facilitators’ level of preparation and
time management, interpersonal relations and telepresence, exercise facilitation and safety, and
technological problem-solving skills. With guidance from the program trainer, all program facilitators
improved on these aspects from week 1 to 6. Conclusion: Using tailored reach, adoption and
implementation strategies such as prioritizing provinces with higher proportions of needs and training
local community program facilitators may lead to successful implementation of this new telehealth fall
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
prevention program. Results from this study could potentially inform other telehealth program
implementation.
Key words | Mots clés : Falls, Program evaluation
Soutenir l’écoresponsabilité en ergothérapie: Réflexion philosophique sur certains postulats
professionnels
jeudi: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 106
OS Présentation orale (exposé): Non spécifique | Les questions générales/professionnelles – l’exercice
de la profession
Marie-Josée Drolet (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) marie-josee.drolet@uqtr.ca
Introduction: Plusieurs auteurs convient l’ergothérapeute à inclure l’écoresponsabilité à sa pratique. Ce
faisant, ils l’invitent à: 1) diminuer l’empreinte écologique de sa pratique, voire du système de santé; 2)
accompagner des personnes/organisations dans leur désir de diminuer leur empreinte écologique; et 3)
soutenir des personnes/communautés dans leur adaptation aux changements climatiques. Bien que ces
propositions soient pertinentes et que leur finalité soit justifiée considérant que la crise climatique
constitue la plus grande menace contemporaine à la santé, il demeure difficile pour plusieurs
ergothérapeutes d’adopter une pratique professionnelle écoresponsable. Objectif: Cette
communication a pour objectif de mettre en lumière certains postulats au fondement de la profession
qui constituent des obstacles potentiels à l’écoresponsabilité en ergothérapie. Méthodes: Une analyse
philosophique du modèle personne-environnement-occupation a été réalisée. Les trois concepts
centraux du modèle ont été analysés par l’entremise de la valeur qu’est l’écoresponsabilité et ses
exigences pragmatiques. Résultats: L’écoresponsabilité requiert de l’ergothérapeute qu’il transige d’une
approche individuelle centrée sur le client à une approche populationnelle, intergénérationnelle et
interespèce centrée sur le vivant et les écosystèmes. Elle l’enjoint à abandonner une vision
instrumentale et anthropocentrée de l’environnement pour adopter une vision intrinsèque et
écocentrée de l’environnement. Elle l’amène aussi à avoir une vision plus nuancée (moins positive) de
l’occupation. Conclusion: Bien que l’ergothérapeute ait le devoir éthique de contribuer à la lutte contre
les changements climatiques, certains postulats au fondement de la profession se présentent comme de
possibles obstacles à cette lutte. Mais l’écoresponsabilité a le potentiel de faite évoluer positivement la
profession.
Key words | Mots clés : Théorie
Takwascikewin: Putting it into practice with marginalized and Indigenous communities
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Community/Population | Equity & Justice
Mary Culshaw (Alberta Health Services, Sedgewick) mary.culshaw@albertahealthservices.ca Meghan
Nowosad (Alberta Health Services) meghan.nowosad@albertahealthservices.ca Nicole Evans (Alberta
Health Services) nicole.evans3@albertahealthservices.ca
Introduction: The new Canadian Model of Occupational Participation challenges clinicians to reexamine
the concepts of takwascikewin, collaboration and relationship focused therapy. Bias, systemic practices
along with a Western, medical model of care can exclude people, including Indigenous individuals and
marginalized communities. Practice Issue: Families in rural and remote communities face
disproportionate barriers in accessing services that integrate both Western and Indigenous practices in
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
an inclusive environment. From past experiences and historical events, members of marginalized
communities are reluctant to engage with healthcare personnel. Approach: The authors will facilitate
learning through 1) Reviewing barriers to care for Indigenous and minority communities, communities
from a historical perspective and current day, 2) Introducing a case study, an innovative,
multidisciplinary team approach for a rural community, 3) Discussing strategies clinicians can utilize for a
more inclusive environment 4) Identifying areas of everyday practice which can contribute to
collaborative and positive relationships. The case study will highlight an ecological model used to
minimize barriers to care with families, as well as increasing clinician and community capacity. Learning
Objectives: This session will introduce barriers of care experienced by Indigenous and marginalized
communities. Attendees will learn simple strategies to use within their practice to increase inclusivity.
Practice Implications: Discussion of barriers and strategies for inclusion can promote critical reflexivity
and thus support practitioners’ competence for more effective interventions within the new Canadian
Model of Occupational Participation. Practitioners can be better prepared to challenge current beliefs to
construct systems, policies, and attitudes which will allow collaboration and positive relationships for all
individuals.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Equity & Justice
Deployment of expertise in context of disruption: A phenomenological study
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Professional issues/Practice
Annie Rochette (UdeM et CRIR, Montreal) annie.rochette@umontreal.ca Perrine Vermeulen (UdeM et
CRIR) perrine.vermeulen@umontreal.ca Joseph-Omer Dyer (Université de Montréal) Marie-Christine
Hallé (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Marjorie Gingras (Université de Montréal) Anne Mingant
(CIUSSS du Centre Sud de l'Ile de Montréal) Manon Parisien (CIUSSS du Centre Sud de l'Ile de Montréal)
Aliki Thomas (McGill et CRIR) aliki.thomas@mcgill.ca
Introduction: Practice context is known to influence the deployment of competencies. The COVID-19
pandemic created a major disruption in many practice contexts. Objectives: The objective was to
understand the lived experience of physical rehabilitation clinicians, including occupational therapists
(OTs), particularly regarding the deployment of professional expertise and other competencies during a
time of disruption. Methods: We used a longitudinal phenomenological design. Eligible clinicians were
occupational therapists, physiotherapists, physiotherapy technologists, speech-language pathologists
and audiologists, working in the same physical rehabilitation workplace for at least two years prior to
March 2020 (the pandemic). Clinicians who were reassigned to roles outside the field of rehabilitation
were excluded. We conducted individual online interviews using a guide developed by the team with
expertise and knowledge of the phenomenon. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was carried
out. Results were discussed until consensus amongst the research team was achieved. Results: In total,
32 clinicians participated including twelve (37.5%) occupational therapists. A wide variety of emotions
(e.g. anger, sadness, guilt, fear, pride) reflected clinicians lived experience during the disruption.
Professional expertise was perceived as being enhanced by the disruption as clinicians were taken out of
their comfort zone; this encouraged reflective practice and a recognition of the need to be more explicit
about their decision-making process. Collaboration with colleagues was perceived as key for effective
coping and deployment of adaptative expertise. Conclusions: A disruption in the practice context may
have positive effects on professional expertise through the mobilization of reflective practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Clinical reasoning, Evidence-based practice
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
The influence of peer support on occupational therapists’ learning process
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Not applicable | Fieldwork/Education
Emmanuelle Moreau (Université de Montréal, Montréal) emmanuelle.moreau@umontreal.ca Annie
Rochette (Université de Montréal) annie.rochette@umontreal.ca Emmanuelle Poirier (Université de
Montréal) emmanuelle.poirier.[email protected]a Tania Deslauriers (Université de Montréal)
tania.deslauriers@umontreal.ca Marie-Ève Caty (Universités du Québec à Trois-Rivières) marie-
[email protected] Brigitte Vachon (Université de Montréal) brigitte.vachon@umontreal.ca
Introduction: To improve their practice, occupational therapists (OTs) often describe soliciting peer
support (PS) as a source of feedback and information. This strategy has been described and evaluated
before but no literature review synthesizing its different forms, the ways it is used and its outcomes has
yet been published. Objectives: Document the scope of PS and their characteristics; describe the
contexts in which PS is used; understand the impact of PS on OTs and their practice. Methods: A scoping
review was carried out. Medline, Embase, CINAHL and grey literature databases were searched with no
publication year limit. Studies were included if they were in English or French, if OTs formed at least 50%
of the sample and if results described professional practice implications when using PS. Screening for
eligibility was performed by two research team members. Data were charted systematically using an
extraction grid developed specifically to meet the scoping review's objectives. Results: A total of 69
studies met inclusion criteria after screening 3506 abstracts. The year of publication ranged from 1985
to 2023. Articles were published in UK, Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil and South Africa.
Various forms of PS were identified, from informal support to administrative supervision. In 58% of
articles, the results concerned implications for OTs’ clinical practice, while 42% described the implication
of PS in the context of program implementation or research-action processes. Conclusions: The
preliminary results from this scoping review suggest that a wide variety of PS was used in clinical and
research contexts having different implications for practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Clinical reasoning, Teaching/education
Evaluation of a flexible service aimed at building families’ capacities
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Marie Grandisson (Université Laval, Québec) marie.grandisson@fmed.ulaval.ca Myriam Chrétien-Vincent
(Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) myriam.chretien-vincent@uqtr.ca Justine Marcotte (Université
Laval) justine.marcotte.2@ulaval.ca Cynthia Fauteux (Université Laval) cynthia.fa[email protected].ca
Elise Milot (Université Laval) [email protected]l.ca Julie Bergeron (Association pour l'intégration
sociale (région de Québec)) jberge[email protected] Emmanuelle Jasmin (Université de Sherbrooke)
emmanuelle.jasmin@usherbrooke.ca Gabrielle Pratte (Université de Sherbrooke)
gabrielle.pratte@usherbrooke.ca
Introduction: Interventions aimed at building parents’ capacity, such as coaching sessions and home
programs, can generate positive outcomes for both children and their parents. Insufficient guidance is
available regarding how to use them without adding pressure on parents. An occupational therapy
service to build families' capacities without overburdening them was developed and evaluated in a
participatory action research project. It included a maximum of eight sessions. For each family, parents
and therapists determined the modalities using a menu of services including virtual coaching, education,
and interventions in natural settings with the child and their parents or educators. Objectives: Share the
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
outcomes and lessons learned in the evaluation of the service with seven families. Methods: Mixed
methods were mobilized. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Law et al., 2005) was used,
as well as individual interviews with families and a group interview with occupational therapists. Results:
While clinically significant outcomes on the child’s participation were found for all children, parents
mostly highlighted the positive outcomes of the services for themselves. These included a better
understanding of what helps their child and a greater confidence in their ability to help them in their
daily routine. Findings suggest that the service was particularly effective in yielding concrete changes in
families’ lives without overburdening them. The flexibility offered and the non-judgemental relationship
with the therapist emerged as critical. Practice implications: It is hoped that attendees will have a new
perspective on family-centered services and will then look at the tools developed using project findings.
Key words | Mots clés : Autism, Program evaluation
Psychosocial outcomes of therapeutic horseback riding for youth with disabilities
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Mental health
Theresa Brown (University of Alberta, Edmonton) tmbrown1@ualberta.ca Erin MacDonald (University of
Alberta) erin6@ualberta.ca Cameron Paul (University of Alberta) cpaul4@ualberta.ca Skyla Stevens
(University of Alberta) snsteven@ualberta.ca Mary Roduta Roberts (University of Alberta)
mroberts@ualberta.ca
Introduction: Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) is a dynamic intervention aimed to increase the
functionality and rehabilitative progression of participants using the rhythmic motions of a therapy
horse. In Canada, THR is used as a community-based therapeutic intervention, commonly with pediatric
populations. Existing literature on THR is largely focused on physical outcomes; however, the lived
experiences and perceptions of psychosocial outcomes for youth riders and members that support them
are notably underrepresented. Recent literature has deemed THR promising for managing mental health
symptoms for youth riders and suggests positive impacts for confidence, coping, and quality of life
(Saggers & Strachan, 2016). Objectives: To explore and understand the range and type of psychosocial
outcomes of THR for youth riders with disabilities. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review
methodology will be applied. A preliminary search has been completed with four electronic databases to
identify studies encompassing youth rider’s perceptions of THR as it broadly relates to the psychosocial
domain, including but not limited to well-being, mood, confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, and
quality of life. Results: We anticipate the literature to reveal generally positive psychosocial outcomes
for youth related to enhanced aspects of overall well-being, mental health, and quality of life. Our
content analysis will also note possible unintended experiences and their contributing factors related to
these outcomes. Conclusion: This scoping review may inform Occupational Therapy (OT) interventions,
future programs, and resource utilization strategies, through exploring a growing field and bringing
awareness to the psychosocial outcomes of THR for youth with disabilities.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Mental health
Enhancing elderly balance and independence with task-oriented multisensory training (Pilot)
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Health and well-being
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Fatemeh Mahdizadeh Karizaki (Dalhousie University, Halifax) Hossein Alibakhshi alibakhshi.semums.ac.ir
Armin Hajizadeh (Semnan University of Medical Science) hajizadeh92@gmail.com Abdolreza Omrani
(Semnan University of Medical Sciences) Sakineh Hemmatian (Semnan University of Medical Sciences)
Zeinab Dianaty nasab (Semnan University of Medical Sciences) Zahra Mahdizadeh (Gorgan University of
Medical Sciences)
Introduction: Maintaining balance and independence in daily activities is crucial for the well-being and
quality of life of elderly (Seidler et al.,2010). However, age-related changes often lead to a decline in
these abilities, coupled with the fear of falling. Task-oriented multisensory training has emerged as a
potential intervention to address these challenges by targeting sensory problems and enhancing
functional mobility (Park et al.,2017). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of task-
oriented multisensory training on balance, functional mobility, and independence in the daily activities
of the elderly. Methods: In this clinical trial, 30 elderly individuals were randomly divided into control
and intervention groups. The intervention group underwent task-oriented exercises with multisensory
training, whereas the control group underwent common rehabilitation interventions. Participants were
assessed before and after receiving the interventions using Balance, Functional Mobility, and Barthel
tests. Results: The mean age of the participants in the control and intervention groups was 78.1 and 72.3
years, respectively. Statistical analysis of the results showed that balance, functional mobility, and
independence in daily life activities in both groups after the intervention were significantly different
from those before exercise (P <0.05). Regarding the fear of falling test, there was no significant change
in either group before or after exercise (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Study results show task-oriented
multisensory training improves balance, mobility, and independence in elderly individuals. The use of
these treatment methods can help researchers and therapists plan preventive and therapeutic programs
for the rehabilitation of the elderly.
Key words | Mots clés : Falls, Older drivers
Implementing and evaluating an inclusive aquatic program: A pilot project
Thursday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Alanna Toth (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) alann[email protected].ca Daryl Lum (University
of British Columbia) da[email protected]c.ca Miini Teng (Aquafit for All/University of British Columbia)
miini.teng@ubc.ca Ana Arciniega (Aquafit for All) ana.arciniega@aquafitforall.org Tal Jarus (University
of British Columbia) tal.jarus@ubc.ca
Introduction: Children with neurodiverse conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and Down
syndrome, often face exclusion from aquatic programs, as the prevailing model in the aquatic industry
has been segregation. Inclusive education has been shown to benefit children's quality of life, health,
and social determinants of health, yet barriers to implementing inclusive aquatic programming persist
and are yet unknown. Objectives: Building on findings from our previous participatory action research
project, an innovative inclusive aquatics program has been created. The objective of this research is to
evaluate the impact of this aquatics program that was designed, with this research potentially being
used to create future inclusive programs and address the gap in program availability. Methods: Using
program evaluation as the primary methodology, this mixed-method research involves surveys and
focus groups with parents of neurodiverse children and aquatic staff who participated in this inclusive
aquatics program. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the data, providing
a comprehensive understanding of the identified barriers and facilitators to participation in this
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
program. Results: Anticipated findings will provide insights into the challenges and support mechanisms
that impact the implementation of inclusive aquatic programs. Understanding the benefits of such
programs along with why such programs are limited, despite research supporting their significance, is
the core objective. Conclusion: By identifying and understanding the barriers and facilitators to inclusive
aquatics programming, this research has the potential to drive systemic change within the aquatic
industry, making inclusive programs more accessible for neurodiverse children.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Program evaluation
Complaints as catalysts: Igniting positive change in regulation
Thursday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 103
ACOTRO Sponsored Session: Non-specific | Professional issues/Practice
Natalie MacKenzie, Kevin Wong, & Sherry Just
When an individual has a concern about the practice or conduct of an occupational therapist, they can
submit a complaint to the province’s occupational therapist regulator. Complaints can be an intimidating
process for the public and registrants, however, it can serve as powerful catalysts for positive change
within regulation and across the profession of occupational therapy. Each province is required to have a
process to receive and investigate complaints and determine appropriate outcomes. The Association of
Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) is comprised of all occupational
therapy regulators in Canada and has compiled and compared the occupational therapy complaints data
across the country and mapped the data to The Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada,
2021. The trends of the investigation and discipline data can be used as valuable indicators of systemic
issues and opportunities for improvement within the regulatory system as well as the whole profession.
By embracing complaints as catalysts, regulatory bodies can transform challenges into opportunities,
fostering a regulatory environment that is responsive, adaptive, and aligned with the mandate of public
safety.
3-2-1, let’s roll! A pediatric manual wheelchair skills training group
Thursday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 104
Extended discussion: Children and youth | Technology
Tatiana Dib (CHU Sainte-Justine/Université de Montréal, Montreal) tatiana.dib[email protected]
Émilie Bolduc (CHU Sainte-Justine) emilie.bolduc.[email protected].ca Béatrice Ouellet (Université Laval)
beatrice.ouellet.[email protected] Paula Rushton (Dalhousie University) prushton@dal.ca Cindy Rice (CHU
Sainte-Justine) cindy.rice.hs[email protected] Krista Best (Université Laval) k[email protected]l.ca
Background: The internationally recognized Wheelchair Skills Training Program (WSTP) offers training in
30 manual wheelchair skills (Dalhousie University, 2023). Though pediatric occupational therapists (OT)
recognize the importance of manual wheelchair skills training, there are barriers to applying evidence in
practice, one of them being a lack of tools and resources adapted to their clients (Daoust et al., 2021).
Pediatric specific WeeWheel tools including 3 storybooks (stories of characters who encounter physical
obstacles with their wheelchair), 13 posters (visual description of the 13 manual wheelchair skills
covered in the stories), and 3 training workbooks (goal setting and follow-up) (Ouellet et al., 2022) were
created to facilitate wheelchair skills training in pediatrics. Innovation: In collaboration with researchers,
OTs in a pediatric rehabilitation centre designed a new group intervention based on the WeeWheel
tools and the WSTP. This group intervention is novel as it combines the WSTP and newly developed
pediatric-specific complimentary resources (storybooks, posters, training workbooks). Approach: “3-2-1,
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
let’s roll!” integrates the WeeWheel storybook themes into its sessions (i.e., in the forest, in the castle,
going to an outdoor show), uses the posters as visual feedback during its activities (e.g., explicit drawing
on hand placement during propulsion), and refers to the training workbook to develop and follow-up on
each child’s individual goals. Learning objectives: In the clinical extended discussion session, participants
will: 1) Become familiarized with the development and the administration of the “3-2-1, let’s roll!”
intervention group (20 minute presentation); 2) Explore the WeeWheel tools accessible via QR code and
sample distributed paper copies (small group discussion); 3) Discuss the potential use of the WeeWheel
and developing similar groups to “3-2-1, let’s roll!” in other pediatric settings (large group discussion).
Practice Implications: The session will provide OTs with knowledge about the evidence-based, pediatric-
specific WeeWheel tools and their implementation in the “3-2-1, let’s roll!” group. The session may
inform OT practice and benefit pediatric manual wheelchair users in receiving adequate training in
wheelchair skills to optimize their wheelchair mobility. An extended discussion with OTs will allow for
them to explore implementing evidence into practice within different clinical settings. Participants will
leave with access to the evidence-based WeeWheel pediatric-specific tools.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Seating
Diversifying concepts in occupational therapy: Social insertion, inclusion, and participation
Thursday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: C1
Extended discussion: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
Ana Malfitano (Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil) anamalfitano@ufscar.br Debbie Laliberte-
Rudman (Western University) drudman@uwo.ca Gail Teachman (Western University)
[email protected] Patricia Borba (Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil) patricia.borba@unifesp.br
Roseli Lopes (Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil) r[email protected]
Introduction: Within many contexts, occupational therapy (OT) and occupational science (OS) have
centered goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion, committing to meaningful dialogue with Southern
epistemologies and scholars and a reconfiguration of dominant modes of thinking and doing embedded
in Western epistemologies (Magalhães, Farias, Rivas-Quarneti, Alvarez, & Malfitano, 2019, Teachman,
2023). Such commitments require dialogue that engages diverse and situated approaches to OT and
interrogates key concepts central to the social equity and occupational justice aims of OT practices.
More specifically, outcomes pertaining to social elements are centred in Social Occupational Therapy, as
practiced in Brazil, as well as in evolving occupation-based social transformation approaches and in
critical occupational science (Laliberte Rudman et al, 2019; Malfitano & Lopes, 2021). Session
Objectives: This extended discussion aims to facilitate dialogue centred on how conceptions of social
insertion, inclusion and participation have evolved within Social Occupational Therapy, as practiced in
Brazil (Malfitano & Lopes, 2021), as well as in evolving occupation-based social transformation
approaches in critical OS (Laliberte Rudman, 2021). Through such dialogue, participants will gain
enriched understandings of these concepts that extend beyond Western ways of knowing and doing in
OT and OS. Session description: Within this session, which will be facilitated by researchers from Brazil
and Canada, three concepts, specifically, social insertion, social inclusion, and social participation, will be
presented as they are addressed in Social Occupational Therapy literature, in occupation-based social
transformation approaches, and in critical OS. In small groups, participants will have opportunities to
reflect and share their views on the relevance of these concepts to their scholarly and professional
practices. Space will be opened for meaningful dialogues to identify strengths and drawbacks of these
concepts as foundations for praxis addressing social inequities within participants’ specific sociopolitical
contexts. Practice Implications: Theoretical reflection and critical dialogue open to diverse worldviews
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
are crucial to develop and enact diverse forms of thinking and practice responsive to social needs and
contextual elements. Conclusion: This session opens space for much-needed dialogue that can expand
the ways the key concepts in OT and OS are understood and has direct implications for practices aimed
to address social inequities.
Key words | Mots clés : Teaching/education, Theory
Rethinking Cognitive Rehabilitation: Adaptively connecting with our strengths as
occupational therapists
Thursday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Non-specific | Health and well-being
Anna Braunizer abraunizer@cbihealth.ca, Katica Rados krados@cbihealth.ca (Occupations in Practice)
Functional Cognition - an introduction, review and reflective discussion about current practices by
Occupational Therapists. This will also be a collaborative brainstorm session for occupation-based
approaches to cognitive rehab and assessing for versatility in cognitive rehabilitation approaches when
working with people on what matters to them.
Bien-être occupationnel en soins palliatifs: Une finalité ergothérapique !
jeudi: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 102
Présentation orale (exposé): Les adultes plus âgés | La santé et le bien-être
Geneviève Dorval (Maison Michel-Sarrazin, Quebec) gdorval@michel-sarrazin.ca Valerie Gauthier (CLSC
Thérèse de Blainville) valeri[email protected]om
Introduction: Au Canada, peu d’ergothérapeutes œuvrent en soins palliatifs et de fin de vie (SPFV),
toutefois, dans les dernières années, le leadership dans ce champ de pratique est en pleine expansion
au sein d’équipes interdisciplinaires. Problème de pratique: Peu soutenu par des évidences scientifiques,
le défi quotidien des ergothérapeutes en SPFV demeure la valorisation des rôles et compétences, afin de
s’éloigner des approches d’interventions conventionnelles pour mieux répondre aux défis
occupationnels de cette clientèle. Approche: L’expertise clinique développée dans le continuum des
lieux d’exercice en SPFV ainsi que l’exploration de la littérature ont mené à faire reconnaître les assises
d’une approche novatrice en communauté de pratique, en formation continue universitaire, auprès des
futurs ergothérapeutes ainsi qu’en congrès. En petits groupes, les participants discuteront d’un cas
clinique avec cette nouvelle approche. En grand groupe, ils partageront et façonneront une boîte
d’outils et de ressources applicables à la pratique clinique en SPFV. Objectifs d'apprentissage: Associer
les divers aspects de la pratique de l’ergothérapie avec les définitions des SPFV; s'approprier les rôles et
les compétences clés de l’ergothérapeute au sein d’une équipe interdisciplinaire en SPFV; apprécier
l’importance du bien-être occupationnel nécessaire à tout cheminement humain en SPFV, par
l’évaluation et les interventions en ergothérapie. Implications pour la pratique: Les participants seront
habiletés à évaluer et à utiliser des interventions novatrices pour faire face aux défis occupationnels de
la clientèle en SPFV, tout en s’inscrivant dans les objectifs gouvernementaux du plan d’action prioritaire
et dans l’approche palliative intégrée des SPFV au Canada.
Key words | Mots clés : Cancer, Soins palliatifs
‘I will eat the whole world’: Migration informing food-related occupations
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 106
OS Paper presentation: Community/Population | Environment
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Georgia Carswell (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) ggc1999@student.ubc.ca Katie Pagdin
(University of British Columbia) [email protected].ca Anne-Cécile Delaisse (University of British
Columbia) anne.delaisse@alumni.ubc.ca Suzanne Huot (University of British Columbia)
suzanne.huot@ubc.ca
Introduction: In the context of migration and globalization, migrants' food-related activities (FROs), such
as cooking, eating, ingredient sourcing, meal sharing, and traditional celebrations, are influenced by
multiple culinary domains. FROs reflect intersections of identity, physical and social environments,
culture, and traditions and can be instrumental in strengthening cultural identity, sense of belonging,
and community. Objectives: to explore how migration across countries shapes FROs for Vietnamese
migrants and how chosen FROs reflect past and current mobilities. Methods: A secondary analysis was
conducted with qualitative data from 15 recent Vietnamese migrants in Metro Vancouver and seven
returnees to Vietnam from Canada. Data collection consisted of initial semi-structured in-depth personal
interviews followed by either a second semi-structured interview, a ‘go-along” interview, or an
“occupational mapping” session. Verbatim transcripts and maps were analyzed thematically to explore
how mobility informed FROs. Findings: Themes highlight specific dimensions influencing FROs: a) social
and cultural norms; b) pragmatic and logistical aspects of the physical environment; and c) significance
of FROs. Analysis was informed by a transnational approach and the mobilities paradigm to understand
how the cross-border movement of migrants, media, and culinary influences shape migrants'
perceptions and experiences of FROs. Conclusions: Understanding FROs in the context of migration
highlights the cultural complexities and social and pragmatic parameters of engagement. Occupational
therapists will benefit from a nuanced understanding of FROs when working with migrants to establish
connection, belonging, and a sense of community.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development, Occupational science
Raising children's voices in occupational therapy: An important responsibility
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Equity & Justice
Sandrine Gagné-Trudel (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) Sandrine.Gagne-
[email protected] Sandrine Renaud (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Sandrine.Renau[email protected]
Noémi Cantin (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Noemi.Cantin@uqtr.ca Pierre-Yves Therriault
(Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Pierre-Yves.[email protected]
Background: Engaging children in the decision-making process provides significant benefits to the
occupational therapy process and outcomes. Indeed, it can foster a sense of self-worth and
empowerment in children, and facilitate the achievement of therapeutic goals. Practice problem:
Children are not consistently involved in the occupational therapy decision-making process. The
credibility given to their voice is often diminished by adults, leading to testimonial injustices. While
recognizing the importance of raising children’s voice, occupational therapists identify a need for further
training to effectively engage children. Reflections: To address this challenge, we propose to draw
inspiration from the Participation model developed by Lundy (2007). This model can serve as a valuable
tool to engage children in the occupational therapy decision-making process. It comprises four
components: Space, Voice, Audience, and Influence. Occupational therapists can use Lundy's model to
provide children with genuine opportunities for expression (Space), support and encourage their voices
(Voice), actively listen to their unique perspectives (Audience), and give due consideration to their views
throughout the decision-making process (Influence). Learning objectives: Attendees will 1) Examine
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
methods they currently use to involve children in the decision-making process; 2) Explore practical
strategies to implement the components of Lundy's model in their practice; 3) Reflect on organisational
and societal actions to support its application. Practice implications: Applying Lundy's model represents
an innovative approach to raise children's voices into occupational therapy services. Attendees will have
the opportunity to assume a leadership role in actively engaging children as an integral part of their
practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Equity & Justice
Occupational therapy role development: Strategies for success
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Advocacy /Leadership
Erin Lawson (The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto) erin.lawson@sickkids.ca Maggie Harkness (The
Hospital for Sick Children) maggie.harkness@sickkids.ca
Background: Occupational therapy (OT) is exciting in its breadth and diversity of roles. Even more
exciting are the current role possibilities – hospital team-based care, practitioner roles, novel practice
areas and nonclinical leadership. With these possibilities comes the responsibility for individual clinicians
and leaders to show value and ensure sustainability of their role. Yet, academic curriculum, professional
guidance or literature focused on knowledge and skills in role development is minimal. Recently, our
rehabilitation department has developed several OT roles and subsequently invested resources into
improving role development. Success: This workshop will begin by highlighting current literature on role
development, planning, and evaluation. It will then outline recent successful role development
experiences including 1) a role expansion in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit; 2) new roles in the eating
disorder day hospital and somatization program; and 3) the development of OT and physiotherapy (PT)
practitioner roles to address ambulatory surgical backlog, while also discussing key learnings on the use
of a role development framework, planning and evaluation tools. Approach: This work has led to the
establishment of activity suggestions for role development (e.g., strategies around communication,
stakeholder engagement, team education, and promotion), many of which can be applied to a variety of
contexts. There will also be an opportunity for colleagues to share their experiences in role
development. Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, attendees will be able: 1. To describe
key components of successful role development in occupational therapy; 2. To identify role
development strategies applicable to their own role expansion or role development opportunities.
Key words | Mots clés : Evaluation, Interprofessional
Social participation when aging with an early-onset neurological disability
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Mia Lapointe (Université Laval, Québec) Pascale Simard (Université Laval) Angéline Labbé (Université
Laval) Samuel Turcotte (Université Laval)
Introduction: Due to improved healthcare and rehabilitation services, and better social conditions,
people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury (SCI) now live longer. Yet, there is limited
scientific evidence regarding the social participation of these aging populations, despite its significance
for health. To support the development of more inclusive approaches to older adults’ health promotion,
it is crucial to better understand the experiences of social participation of people aging with a
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
neurological disability. Objectives: 1) To explore how social participation is experienced by people aging
with MS or SCI; and 2) to document barriers and facilitators to their social participation. Methods: This
qualitative descriptive study is part of a larger participatory research project led by citizens, researchers,
and community workers providing services to the target populations. A sample of 24 participants aged
55 and older living with MS or SCI will participate in a semi-structured interview. Qualitative data will be
analysed using a mixed approach. Deductive analyses will be based on the Do-Live-Well model, which is
rooted in occupational science and health promotion. Findings: The study will inform on the diversity of
social participation experiences among these populations and on the social forces, environmental and
individual characteristics influencing their social participation. Conclusion: This project will lay the
groundwork for the codevelopment of health promotion interventions that support the social
participation of individuals aging with MS or SCI. Findings can guide occupational therapists committed
to dismantling systematic barriers to social participation in populations facing social and health
inequities.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Multiple sclerosis
Can accredited facility support dogs increase engagement in occupational therapy?
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Health and well-being
Caitlyn DeBruyne Claire Peachey (University of British Columbia) Lianna Walker (University of British
Columbia) Elisha Williams (University of British Columbia) Jill Zwicker (University of British Columbia)
Introduction: Canine-assisted therapy has become increasingly common, as support dogs can improve
an individual's emotional response, motivation for therapeutic sessions, and overall engagement with a
health professional or therapist. While previous studies have highlighted the role of support dogs in a
variety of settings (community, hospital, long-term care) and with varied clinical populations (children
with autism spectrum disorder, adults with mental health concerns, older adults with dementia), few
studies have explored the role of support dogs and engagement in occupational therapy sessions.
Objective: To explore the experiences and engagement of individuals receiving occupational therapy
services in the presence of an accredited facility support dog. Methods: We will conduct semi-structured
interviews over Zoom with private practice clients in northern British Columbia who have accessed
occupational therapy services in the presence an accredited facility support dog. Reflecting the broad
clientele characteristic of rural and remote practice, we will include participants of all ages (or their
proxy) and any diagnosis. Engagement will be reflected in the participants’ responses related to
attendance, participation, motivation, communication, emotional regulation, and body language. Using
interpretive description, data will be analysed using a clinical lens to gain a better understanding of
client engagement in occupational therapy sessions in the presence of a facility support dog. Results:
We anticipate that a facility support dog will evoke a positive experience and increase engagement in
occupational therapy sessions with clients of all ages. Conclusions: Findings may help build rationale for
increased use of accredited facility support dogs in occupational therapy practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Clinical reasoning, Private practice
CoBS-JDA: Assessing cognitive, behavioural and sensory demands of job functions
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Adult | Work and return to work
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Tracey Milner (University of Alberta, Toronto) milnertracy[email protected] Carl Brouillette (Globalite)
cbrouillette@globalite.ca Ruth Duggan (Cornerstone Occupational Therapy Consultants)
Ruth@CornerstoneOT.com Carlyn Neek (Balance Works OT) cneek@balanceworksot.ca Janita le Roux
(CBI Health) jleroux@cbihealth.ca Angela Topping (Infinite Abilities OT Consulting)
infinite.abilities.otconsulting@gmail.com
Introduction. The CoBS-JDA is a unique assessment tool that has been developed by a group of Canadian
Occupational Therapists as we recognized a need to better assist therapists and employers in matching
individuals with variations in neurocognitive functional abilities to appropriate job tasks. Objectives. This
tool uses the Canadian Model of Cognitive and Behavioural Skills as a framework for looking at the
demands of work. The team developed an innovative method for quantifying the demands of jobs for
improved ease and accuracy when comparing an individual’s skills to the job demands. The background,
theoretical framework, development, procedures and clinical utility of this tool will be presented.
Methods. The CoBS-JDA has undergone preliminary field testing research to gain feedback from
assessors, JDA users, and other stakeholders, with the first phase completed in December 2023. The
next phase will have participating health professionals completing a number of CoBS-JDA’s within their
clinical practice. Participants will then provide further feedback on the: clinically usability of the CoBS-
JDA, its feasibility to be incorporated into clinical practice, and provide consensus on its value in being
commercialized. Results. It is hypothesized that the subject matter experts will: provide consensus on
the need for the CoBS-JDA assessment tool, find the analysis and rating system clinically useful, agree
that the proposed assessment process is feasible, and provide feedback on the assessment content that
will be relevant to the next reiteration of the CoBS-JDA. Practice Implications. The CoBS-JDA is a tool
that will support vocational rehabilitation for clients who have cognitive behavioural and/or sensory
issues.
Key words | Mots clés : Assessments, Private practice
Initiating neighbourhood-level occupational therapy: Supporting older adults’ social
participation
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Health and well-being
Carri Hand (University of Western Ontario, London) [email protected]a Debbie Laliberte Rudman
(University of Western Ontario) Colleen McGrath (University of Western Ontario) Laura Boyle (University
of Western Ontario) Priscila Goncalves (University of Western Ontario) Janey Lao (University of Western
Ontario)
Introduction: Older adults often lack opportunities for neighbourhood-based social participation,
contributing to exclusion and social isolation. Occupational therapy practice with communities of older
adults can support their social participation through neighbourhood change. Limited occupational
therapy research has explored the processes of initiating such work. Objectives: To explore several
methods of engaging communities of older adults to collaboratively determine interests, resources,
needs, and priorities related to neighbourhood-based social participation. Methods: We drew on
participatory action research and community development principles to develop three community-
based partnerships with older adults, aimed at building community and enhancing neighbourhood life.
Together we set goals (to explore social participation), planned how to collect information, and
implemented plans through survey, town hall, and planning meetings. Throughout these activities, we
took notes and reflected on the processes, inter-personal interactions, and outcomes. Results: Methods
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
implemented successfully built partnerships, gathered social participation data, and stimulated further
action to create neighbourhood-based social occupations. Methods varied in amount of effort required
and degree of reach to diverse older adults. For example, the survey and town hall required significant
planning and implementation, with the latter reaching ethnically diverse groups of older adults. When
interpersonal issues arose, diverse strategies supported their management and resolution. Conclusions:
Engaging communities of older adults and collaboratively planning to support neighbourhood social
participation is feasible and effective. Such work requires developing partnerships to access resources
and managing interpersonal relations. Ultimately, neighbourhood-level occupational therapy holds
strong potential to transform communities and enhance the social participation of older adults.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development
The elephant in our home: Racism experiences by homecare occupational therapists
Thursday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
Prithinkkraa Balasubramaniam (University of Toronto, Toronto)
prithinkkraa.ba[email protected]toronto.ca Sara Emira (University of Toronto)
[email protected]to.ca Sachindri Wijekoon (University of Western Ontario) swije[email protected]
Ruheena Sangrar (University of Toronto) r.sangrar@utoronto.ca
Rationale: Canadian health professionals from marginalized communities, including occupational
therapists (OTs), have voiced experiences of isolation, marginalization, and exclusion within their work
settings due to their race. Working in homecare can further heighten their vulnerability to racist
encounters, given client's home visits are usually conducted alone, in unpredictable situations, without
the support of colleagues, supervisors, or security personnel. Despite the growing proportion of racially
diverse Canadian OTs, literature on their experiences of racism in the workplace, especially homecare,
remains limited. Objective: This study will examine the experienced of racism encountered by racialized
homecare OTs to explore the perceived safety of occupational therapists, their coping strategies, as well
as the impacts of these incidents on therapist-client relationships and perceived quality of care
provided. Methods: Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is guiding this study. Five to 10
racialized homecare OTs will be recruited from across Canada. Data will be collected via virtual audio-
recorded semi-structured interviews. Themes generated from each participants’ data and the resultant
superordinate themes will be described through research team consensus. Anticipated Findings:
Participant narratives will elucidate the nature, frequency, and severity of racist encounters experienced
by homecare OTs from clients, colleagues, and other work-related relations. The longitudinal impact and
their coping strategies will also be elucidated. Practice implications: This study will provide valuable
insights that can inform institutional policies and practices that promote more inclusive and equitable
homecare work environments, validating the often-suppressed experiences of racialized occupational
therapists, and raise awareness of the impact of racism on care providers.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Equity & Justice
Mobilizing critical occupational therapy praxis to promote structural justice, equity, and
rights in everyday practices
Thursday: 3:50 PM-5 PM Room | Location: C1
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Gayle Restall gayle.restall@umanitoba.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
This presentation will explore three critical questions relevant to occupational therapists today and into
the future. First, why should occupational therapists integrate structural justice, equity and rights into
their everyday practices? Second, what is occupational therapy’s potential as a structural justice, equity
and rights-oriented profession? Third, how can occupational therapy mobilize critical praxis to promote
structural justice, equity and rights in everyday practices?
Gayle Restall is recognized for her powerful influence and allyship for social justice work in occupational
therapy in Canada. She has shown exemplary volunteer leadership and has held leadership roles with
several professional and community groups. Gayle is recognized for her extensive contributions to
occupational therapy clinicians, researchers, educators, students, and the larger community. Through
teaching, research, mentorship, and advocacy she has made, and continues to make, an outstanding
contribution to the body of knowledge of occupational therapy. Gayle is currently Professor Emerita in
the Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health
Sciences at the University of Manitoba.
CAOT & COTF Awards Breakfast | Petit déjeuner de remise des prix de l'ACE et de la FCE
Friday: 8:00 AM-8:55 AM Room | Location: C1
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Phillip Wendt, Hélène Sabourin, Sylvia Davidson
CAOT & COTF will honour fellow occupational therapists that have made outstanding contributions to
advancing the profession by presenting our 2024 award winners.
Professionalism and the disciplinary control of therapists at the margins
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 102
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Professional issues/Practice
Brenda Beagan (Dalhousie University, Halifax) brenda.beagan@dal.ca Stephanie Bizzeth (NS Health
Authority) stephanie.bizzeth@dal.ca Meredith Brison-Brown (Dalhousie University) mr982[email protected]
Tara Pride (Dalhousie University) tarapride@dal.ca Kaitlin Sibbald (Dalhousie University)
kaitlin.sibbald@dal.ca Kaarina Valavaara (Dalhousie University) kaarina.valavaara@dal.ca
Introduction: Professionalism is notoriously ill-defined in occupational therapy. Rooted in skilled practice
and ethical virtues (e.g., respect, honesty, responsibility, integrity), in the interest of teaching and
evaluation it gets reduced to measurable behaviours. Too often these concern matters of comportment
and decorum more than ethics. A core text defines professionalism as conforming “to the standards and
norms of a given profession” (DeIuliis, 2017, p. 1), specifically mentioning clothing, hairstyles, tattoos,
piercings, body language, and eye contact. Specific (classed, culture-bound, and ableist) behaviours and
forms of embodiedness become encoded as professional, leaving others subject to discipline through
the concept of ‘unprofessional.’ Objectives: To explore the experiences of occupational therapists who
self-identify as racialized, ethnic minority, disabled, 2SLGBTQ+, and/or from working-class/impoverished
family origins, examining how ‘professionalism’ may serve to discipline and further marginalize them.
Methods: In-person or telephone interviews were conducted with 20 therapists across Canada.
Deidentified transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: Professionalism was
routinely employed to encourage conformity, reinforcing hetero-cis-patriarchy, white supremacy and
colonialism, able-body-mindedness, and upper-middle class normative expectations. At the same time,
participants’ non-conforming bodies, minds and behaviours became forms of quiet resistance to
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
discipline, points of disrupture. Conclusions: Defining professionalism in ways that privilege therapists
from particular social groups narrows the potential of occupational therapy to encompass diverse
valuable ways of doing, being, becoming and belonging. Casting non-conformity (or resistance) as
‘unprofessional’ does a disservice to a wide range of therapists, as well as to the diverse people
occupational therapy serves
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
Role-emerging placements revitalizing the primary care experience: Comparison and
Discussion
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 103
Paper presentation: Community/Population | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Carmel O'Keefe (Dalhousie University, Halifax) c.okeefe@dal.ca Patricia Moores (Memorial University)
[email protected]a Paula Rushton (Dalhousie University) [email protected] Aly Pickard-Tattrie
aly.pickard-tattrie@dal.ca Lynn Shaw (Western University) lynn.e.shaw[email protected] Jonathan Harris
(Dalhousie University) jonatha[email protected] Danielle Domm danielle.dom[email protected]
Introduction: Primary care clinics provide services to increasingly complex patients who are best served
using an interprofessional approach. Occupational therapists (OTs) are ideally positioned to support
interprofessional primary care practices, however interprofessional teams are often unfamiliar with the
important roles that OTs can play. Role-emerging OT student placements provide an opportunity to
demonstrate these roles when organizations that do not normally employ OTs offer a placement that is
supported by a preceptor who is also not employed by the organization. The resultant enhanced
understanding of the OT role within an interprofessional team in a primary care clinic may serve to
create new positions for OTs in this setting, ultimately improving the services provided to the diverse
populations that access these clinics. Session Objectives: This session has two objectives: (1) to
synthesize the findings from several data sources to describe two case studies that employed role-
emerging OT student placements in community-based, family medicine clinics; and (2) to facilitate an
interactive discussion among the presenters and attendees to share experiences with and learn from
one another about OT role-emerging student placements in primary care and other settings. Session
Description: This session will be a 25-minute paper presentation that will describe two case studies, in
two Canadian provinces, that employed role-emerging placements within primary care settings. We will
compare and contrast the processes, facilitators, barriers, and lessons learned. For the remainder of the
session, we will engage attendees in an interactive discussion facilitated to provide opportunities to
share and better understand role-emerging placements, within the context of primary care and beyond,
from the perspectives of students, preceptors, fieldwork coordinators, faculty members,
interdisciplinary team members, and school administrators. Practice Implications: This session will
enhance knowledge of the use and impact of role-emerging placements within different settings. It may
result in shared resources across occupational therapy programs. Conclusion: This session may inform if,
how, and why role-emerging placements may be used within different occupational therapy contexts in
the future.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Fieldwork
Preparing for leadership in all practice contexts and career stages
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 104
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Advocacy /Leadership
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Rhona Anderson (University of Toronto, Toronto) Rhona.Anderson@utoronto.ca Margo Paterson Lynne
Sinclair Marcia Finlayson
Introduction: Occupational therapists (OTs) work in complex contexts where it is necessary to
collaborate with others and influence processes, that is, lead collaboratively. Preparing student OTs for
practice requires attention to leadership development. Although examples of leadership development
initiatives for student OTs exist in the literature, very few are part of fieldwork courses. Objective: This
presentation will introduce ways to advance student leadership development in fieldwork courses.
Methods: The research consisted of a four-phased process, involving a concept analysis of student
leadership, a qualitative descriptive study to explore perspectives concerning student leadership
development, the creation of a student leadership development framework and three tool sets, and an
attempt to evaluate these products. Results: This research has brought attention to how intentional
student leadership development in the clinical environment is missing and academic settings often use
siloed approaches. Based on this research, we have created methods to develop student leadership in
the clinical setting. These methods are designed to 1) provide an understanding of the state of student
leadership culture in the practice environment, 2) promote clarity regarding language of student
leadership, and 3) offer illustrative narratives and active learning plans for students to implement in
their clinical learning. Additionally, the framework and tool set offer a way to enhance education and
practice integration and provide a clear, structured, and organized approach to student leadership
development. Conclusion: This research has contributed to our understanding of student leadership,
and it offers clinical educators methods that may be used by student OTs to develop leadership in
clinical settings.
Key words | Mots clés : Fieldwork, Interprofessional
Mental health and participation of children with DCD: Parental perspectives
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 106
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Jill Zwicker (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) jill.z[email protected] Marcia Paget (University of
British Columbia) mpag[email protected]bc.ca Afton Servatius (University of British Columbia)
[email protected]c.ca Erin Klein (University of British Columbia) erink01@mail.ubc.ca Alexis Davis
(University of British Columbia) [email protected].ca
Introduction: Impacting one in 20 children, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a
neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts physical, social, and emotional health.
Secondary to motor difficulties and continual challenges participating in typical daily activities, children
with DCD experience high rates of internalizing symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety), low participation,
self-concept, and self-efficacy. Concerningly, there are no national standards of care guiding
occupational therapists to prevent this negative developmental trajectory. Changing the narrative
requires parental feedback to ensure family-centered strategic initiatives. Objectives: To understand
Canadian parents' perspectives on their child's physical activity, participation, and social-emotional
function and the needed supports to promote positive well-being. Methods: This study involves
secondary analysis of a cross-sectional online survey that was distributed from November 2021 to June
2022 to parents of children with suspected or confirmed DCD. Participants were recruited using
convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling. Results: A total of 488 questionnaires with
representation from across Canada will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for close-
ended questions and content analysis for open-ended questions. Chi-square analyses will examine
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
relationships between variables. Parent responses will help inform: (1) the degree of participation of
children with DCD in physical activity; (2) concerns about their child’s mental health; (3) the relationship
between physical activity and mental health; and (4) parent-identified needs to support their child’s
participation and emotional well-being. Conclusion: Study findings will have implications for informing
future strategic policies and best practice occupational therapy principles, to support participation and
mental health for Canadian children with DCD.
Key words | Mots clés : Developmental coordination disorder, Mental health
Using technology to support older adults: ethical challenges and solutions
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Technology
Marie-Michele Lord (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) marie-michele.lo[email protected]
Marie-Josée Drolet (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Marie-Josee.Drolet@uqtr.ca Valérie Poulin
(Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)
Introduction. The technological shift in the health and social services sector has accelerated in recent
years. Among other things, healthcare innovations designed to meet the needs of older adults are on
the rise. In fact, occupational therapists are increasingly recommending the use of technologies, for
example, to help older adults to remain in the living environment of their choice. The ethical issues
surrounding the use of technology in healthcare are increasingly well-documented. Objectives. In this
presentation, ethical issues associated with the deployment of technologies to support older adults, and
ways of countering them will be discussed. Methods. A review of the literature on the issues involved in
deploying healthcare technologies with older adults was carried out. Results were put into perspective
with discussions conducted with various actors of the health and social services continuum (e.g.
healthcare workers, managers, caregivers (n= 35)) carried out as part of the deployment of a living lab in
aging. Results. Epistemic injustice is one of the growing issues associated with the use of technologies in
healthcare, especially with more vulnerable populations. Indicators can be used to detect ethical issues,
and occupational therapists can play a key role in identifying and countering them. Conclusion. This
presentation will enable occupational therapists who use or wish to use technologies with older adults
to remain vigilant in the face of ethical issues. In particular, we'll be looking at ways of including older
adults in the process of deploying technologies that concerns them.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Technology
Résoudre les enjeux éthiques de la pratique en milieu scolaire
vendredi: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 107
Présentation orale (exposé): Les enfants et les jeunes | l'Équité et la justice
Sandrine Renaud (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) sandrine.renau[email protected] Léa
Bisaillon (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) Nancy Baril (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)
Marie-Josée Drolet (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) marie-josee.d[email protected]
Introduction: Les ergothérapeutes pratiquant en milieu scolaire vivent des enjeux éthiques spécifiques à
ce contexte de pratique. Ceux-ci mettent en péril des valeurs importantes, telles que l’accessibilité aux
services, la collaboration interprofessionnelle, la pratique probante et l’inclusion scolaire des élèves
vivant une expérience de handicap. Étant donné que ces enjeux peuvent avoir des conséquences
négatives sur les élèves, les familles, les ergothérapeutes et les écoles s’ils ne sont pas résolus, il importe
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
de mieux outiller les ergothérapeutes à les résoudre. Objectif: Décrire les moyens utilisés ou envisagés
par des ergothérapeutes travaillant en milieu scolaire pour résoudre les enjeux éthiques vécus dans leur
pratique. Méthodes: Un devis qualitatif d’inspiration phénoménologique a été utilisé. Des entretiens
individuels ont été réalisés avec 19 ergothérapeutes québécoises pratiquant en milieu scolaire. Les
données ont été analysées en suivant les étapes proposées par Giorgi. Résultats: L’analyse préliminaire
des résultats révèle que les participantes utilisent majoritairement des moyens de nature individuelle
(micro-environnement) pour soutenir la délibération éthique, tels que de participer à des communautés
de pratique. Elles envisagent aussi certaines actions d’advocacy visant le contexte organisationnel
(méso-environnement), mais se sentent peu compétentes pour les entreprendre et perçoivent peu
d’ouverture de la part des milieux scolaires. Relativement à la résolution des enjeux sociétaux (macro-
environnement), elles souhaitent être davantage soutenues par leur ordre professionnel. Conclusion:
Les moyens décrits dans cette étude sont susceptibles de soutenir la défense des droits des élèves en
collaboration avec leurs familles et l’habilitation des ergothérapeutes pratiquant en milieu scolaire à
faire avancer leurs idées.
Key words | Mots clés : Raisonnement clinique, Santé en milieu scolaire
Efficiencies in wheelchair assessment and prescription within long term care
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: 109
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Chronic conditions
Jennifer Bachynsky (ExtraMural Program, Saint John) ivanbach[email protected]
Background: The Wheelchair Rapid Assessment and Prescription (WRAP) program, is an innovative
service delivery model for clients residing in nursing homes who require a wheelchair to meet their
mobility needs. This model was created by an occupational therapist out of a desire to improve access to
clients in nursing home where there were extensive wait times. Innovation: A team driven, collaborative
process was developed to first identify barriers to care delivery and then to explore related actions that
were required to improve the wheelchair assessment and prescription process. The following areas
were identified: 1) skill usage (What could only the occupational therapist do and what jobs could be
done with help of other team members?) 2) time and equipment management (How do we get
equipment to clients more efficiently?) and 3) documentation (Could the burden of documentation be
shared or lightened to allow more time for direct service?) Findings: By enhancing the role of the rehab
assistant within the nursing home, using an administrative assistant, having equipment readily available
and streamlined documentation processes, 6 times as many clients were seen prior to the use of this
model. Learning objective: To have an understanding of the process used to initiate system change to
wheelchair/seating process in the long term care setting and to identify/consider an area in their own
practice where a process/principles similar to this might apply to be able to initiate a positive change in
their practice. Practice Implication: This presentation will review the change process, barriers, solutions
and outcomes that were realized during the project.
Key words | Mots clés : Long term care, Seating
Occupational therapists’ psychotherapy competency: A secondary analysis
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Not applicable | Professional issues/Practice
Andrea Mandzuk (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) mandzu[email protected] Pamela Wener
(University of Manitoba) Pamela.Wener@umanitoba.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: Occupational therapy practice, like other health professions is guided by a competency
document. The occupational therapy competency document outlines what one should be competent in,
but it is the responsibility of the individual therapist, instructors, and supervisors to determine one’s
competency in specific practice areas. Marshall et al. (2022) highlighted the ongoing debate about
psychotherapy within occupational therapy. An aspect of this debate centres on occupational therapists’
competency to provide psychotherapy. Objectives: To explore the scope of existing literature on
psychotherapy competency written by occupational therapists and/or pertaining to occupational
therapy research or practice. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 207 articles included in the scoping
review by Marshall et al. (2022) was conducted. The articles underwent a full-text review, for concepts
related to occupational therapy psychotherapy competency. Findings: The narrative synthesis was
comprised of 104 articles and three themes: 1) What is competency? refers to knowledge, skills,
attitudes and related personality traits of psychotherapy competency; 2) How is competency attained
and maintained? refers to entry-to-practice education, training, learning from others, experience, and
professional identity; 3) The great debate, which describes the varying perspectives about
psychotherapy and occupational therapy scope of practice. The literature in this review did not outline a
pathway for occupational therapists to attain psychotherapy competency, which impacts professional
identity. Conclusion: Future research needs to explore pathways for occupational therapists to establish
psychotherapy competency. The ongoing debate and its impact on professional identity highlights the
need to support occupational therapists who are providing psychotherapy.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health
Autonomy, competence, and relatedness: Determining their relative importance for
motivation
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Community/Population | Health and well-being
Candace Chau (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) candace8@student.ubc.ca Maggie Chan
[email protected]c.ca Brodie Sakakibara (University of British Columbia Okanagan)
brodie.sakakibara@ubc.ca Jacob Bosancich (Meridian Rehabilitation Consulting Inc.)
jbosancich@gmail.com
Introduction: There are an estimated 5.7 million stroke survivors annually (Benjamin et al., 2017; Feigin
et al., 2022) who are at risk of decreased social participation (Cai et al., 2019), a strong determinant of
quality-of-life post-stroke (Goh et al., 2019). While motivation is one of the most influential factors
in determining treatment effects (Cheong et al., 2020), independence level (Rapoliene et al.,
2018), and social participation, there is limited literature exploring predictive factors of motivation for
stroke survivors. We will examine factors of motivation for social participation using the Self
Determination Theory (SDT) as a guiding framework (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Objectives: To quantify the
association between SDT predictors (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and motivation for
social participation among community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study,
we will recruit community-dwelling individuals (n=30) who are at least 6-months post-stroke. Motivation
will be assessed using a subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. Autonomy, competence, and
relatedness will be assessed using subscales of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy
Questionnaire, Stroke Impact Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Descriptive
statistics will characterize the sample. Multiple regression analyses will quantify the association between
independent and dependent variables, while controlling for covariates. Results: The results of this study
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
can inform clinicians and researchers in improving practice recommendations to increase quality of life
post-stroke. Practice Implications: Occupational therapists have a critical role in providing motivation
through activities for stroke survivors. Findings will help determine which predictive factors of
motivation should be incorporated into post-stroke interventions.
Key words | Mots clés : Stroke, Theory
Opening new horizons by engaging children in occupational therapy research
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Equity & Justice
Sandrine Gagné-Trudel (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) sandrine.gagne-
[email protected] Geneviève Rochon (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) genevieve.rochon@uqtr.ca
Noémi Cantin (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) noemi.cantin@uqtr.ca Pierre-Yves Therriault
(Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) pierre-yves.therriault@uqtr.ca
Rationale: Phenomenological research holds an important role in occupational therapy, offering a
unique insight into the lived experiences of clients as they navigate services and their everyday lives.
While there is a growing emphasis on engaging a diversity of client in research, the engagement of
children with disability remains a challenging frontier. Our literature review revealed a gap in the
description of methods facilitating phenomenological research processes with children. Objectives: The
primary aim of this study is to present a methodological framework for engaging children with disability
in phenomenological research. Methods: A methodological review was carried out. This review
encompassed searches in bibliographic databases, such as Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO,
CINALH, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The search employed keywords related
to "children with disability" and "phenomenology". Subsequently, two authors systematically selected
the studies and evaluated their quality using the Framework of de Witt & Ploeg (2006). Data analysis
was conducted using a qualitative content analysis method. Findings: The methodological framework
places a strong emphasis on building trust, creating a comfortable and playful environment, and
employing child-centred approaches to enable children’s genuine engagement in the research process.
It also underscores the need for careful management of power dynamics and for adapted
communication with children. Conclusion: By incorporating children's perspectives, this methodological
framework expands the horizons of occupational therapy research. It represents a significant step
towards promoting an inclusive and equitable construction of knowledge pertaining to children in the
field of occupational therapy.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Models
My diversity matters: Diversifying health professions through a youth program
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Equity & Justice
Hanna Pahl (University of British Columbia, ) hpahl@student.ubc.ca Kirby Way (University of British
Columbia) kirbyway@student.ubc.ca Nassim Adhami (University of British Columbia)
nassim.adhami@ubc.ca Laura Bulk (University of British Columbia) laura.bulk@ubc.ca Ben Mortenson
(University of British Columbia) ben.mortenson@ubc.ca Jeff Boniface (University of British Columbia)
jeff.boniface@ubc.ca Julia Schmidt (University of British Columbia) Julia.Schmidt@ubc.ca Michael Lee
(University of British Columbia) [email protected] Tal Jarus (University of British Columbia)
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: Equity-denied groups (EDG) are underrepresented in healthcare professions, including
occupational therapy, despite considerable evidence that diverse healthcare teams improve healthcare
experiences and outcomes (LaVeist & Pierre, 2014). EDGs face unique barriers to entering health
professions including lack of mentorship, limited exposure to professions, and financial burden
(Colaianni et al., 2022). To address these barriers, a summer program for EDG youth interested in health
professions was designed and implemented. Objectives: To evaluate participants’ change in familiarity
with health professions, knowledge of admissions processes, and understanding of the value of diversity
in health professions. The study also aimed to understand if those who belong to specific or to multiple
EDGs benefited from the program in different ways. Methods: Twenty-eight youth in EDGs attended a
one-week summer program aimed at reducing barriers to applying for and entering the seven associated
health professions and improving understanding of the importance of diversity. Pre-post data were
collected using mixed methods: focus groups, surveys, and an arts-based reflection activity. Results:
Preliminary analysis has identified 3 themes: broadening horizons (career options and knowledge of
application processes), making connections (professional and peer), and understanding the value of
diversity. Quantitative analyses are underway. Conclusion: Our initial findings provide support for this
program in confronting barriers to EDG youth entering health professions. Direct action to address these
barriers is imperative for supporting the growth of occupational therapy as a profession. This program
represents an actionable strategy to increase equity and diversity in health professions, including
occupational therapy.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Program evaluation
Recovery College: an occupational therapy perspective
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Mental health
Ellie Lambert (Providence Care, Kingston, ON) lamberte@providencecare.ca Jenna Sands (Providence
Care) sandsj@providencecare.ca
Introduction: Recovery Colleges are supportive adult learning centers, empowering people in their
mental health and wellness journey through education and peer support. Offering a wide variety of free
courses that focus on understanding and developing skills, Recovery Colleges are innovative spaces in
which occupational therapists can work to support individual and community wellness needs. Practice
problem: The pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of many and increased strain on our
mental health system. In response, an occupational therapy-led community survey was launched to
assess mental health and wellness supports. The feedback determined a need for increased mental
health education and skill-building opportunities, leading to the development of a Recovery College.
Approach: Co-development with people with lived experience of mental health and/or addiction
challenges was integral to early development. Resources from other Recovery Colleges, occupational
therapy frameworks, and ongoing community collaboration informs ongoing development. Learning
objectives: The poster presentation will explore the development and coordination of a Recovery
College from an occupational therapy perspective through examining relevant evidence-based research,
data gathered from evaluation tools, and lived experiences. Attendees will learn about the Recovery
College model (ImROC, 2023), the role of occupational therapists in this setting, and the positive impacts
on individual and community levels. Practice implications: Strongly aligned with the occupational
therapy lens, the Recovery College model encourages occupational participation, promotes wellness,
and supports skill development. The provision of mental health education and opportunities for peer
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
connection in a low-barrier space can also support equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourage
students to reclaim their roles as learners.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development, Mental health
Developing a senior-driven program in a naturally occurring retirement community
Friday: 9:05 AM-9:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Health and well-being
Laura Boyle (University of Western Ontario, London) lboyle8@uwo.ca Carri Hand (University of Western
Ontario) chand22@uwo.ca Debbie Laliberte Rudman (University of Western Ontario) drud[email protected]
Colleen McGrath (University of Western Ontario) cmcg[email protected] Priscila Gonçalves (University of
Western Ontario) priscila.gonca[email protected] Janine Wass (University of Western Ontario)
Introduction: Naturally occurring retirement community (NORC) programs hold strong potential to
support older adults’ well-being through collective occupations. Limited research has reported on such
programs, particularly in small cities. Objectives: To discuss the initial stages of developing a senior-
driven NORC-based program in a small Canadian city, addressing implementation challenges and
opportunities. Methods: A multi-stage collaborative process was used to develop and implement a
program aimed at promoting social occupations as part of an expansion of this NORC-based program in
several locations. Key learnings were generated through collective reflexivity on observational and note-
taking data collected during this process. Results: Key challenges, including navigating the presence of a
pre-existing tenant social committee and managing interpersonal conflict between tenants, were often
related to the history of social and power relations tied to different social locations. Community assets
facilitating development included a supportive landlord, tenants with a keen interest in co-developing
programming, partnership with a local community health centre, and availability of in-kind communal
space appropriate for programming. We also engaged tenants who were reluctant to join previous social
activities in the building, including men, young-older adults, and those with health concerns, likely due
to the facilitator’s status as a neutral external party. Interactive brainstorming activities promoted a
sense of inclusion and autonomy. Conclusions: By navigating challenges and using community assets, we
were able to develop a NORC-based program in a small Canadian city. Occupational therapists are well
positioned to leverage collective occupations in ways that bring community members together to
address needs and enhance opportunities.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development
Developing OTA Positions in the Workplace: How to Start the Conversation
Friday: 9:05 AM-10:00 AM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Non-specific | Advocacy/Leadership, Professional practice/issues
Debra Cooper debra.otaptanetwor[email protected] (OTA & PTA Practice Network)
As the need for occupational therapy services continue to increase, more workload is being placed on
occupational therapists, often without the adequate clinical support. Occupational therapist assistants
are a valuable resource, who are beneficial with direct patient care and overall therapist workflow.
Please come and discuss how to start the conversation with employers, how an OTA can address your
clinical needs, and any questions you may have with integrating an assistant into your practice.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Taking sight into account – exploring case scenarios of OT practice with people with sight loss
Friday: 9:35 AM-10:20:00 AM Room | Location: 103
Conversations that matter: Non-specific
Laura Bulk, Dorothy Kessler dk7[email protected] (OTVLBN)
We will present cases from different areas of practice, invite clinicians to share their own stories and
discuss accessibility of practice and how OTs can take vision and vision loss into account in their
approach.
Leveraging artificial intelligence in occupational therapy education
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 106
Paper presentation: Adult | Fieldwork/Education
Anne Hunt (University of Toronto, Toronto) anne.hun[email protected] Rebecca Timbeck (Western
University) rtimbec@uwo.ca Leslie Johnson (University of Manitoba) leslie.johnson@umanitoba.ca
Nicole Bobbette (Queen's University) nicole.bobbette@queensu.ca Shone Joos (University of Toronto)
[email protected] Diane Mackenzie (Dalhousie University) diane.mackenzie@dal.ca
Introduction. Higher education is undergoing a transformative evolution, with the integration of
generative artificial intelligence (AI) becoming increasingly prevalent. The use of generative AI in
occupational therapy education programs holds great potential to enhance learning experiences
through real-time feedback, self-directed learning, tailored teaching methods, enhancing
communication, generating continuous updates about practice trends and more. Objectives. In this
paper presentation we will: 1) define and describe AI in relation to higher education programs; 2)
identify how AI is currently being applied in occupational therapy programs in Canada; 3) discuss the
future potential and challenges for AI in occupational therapy education programs. Practice
Implications. AI can be integrated in occupational therapy curricula in multiple ways to enhance
learning. While challenges related to ethics, privacy, and equity must be addressed, the potential
benefits in terms of personalized learning, data-driven insights, and adaptive curricula make AI a
compelling addition to the education toolkit for occupational therapy educators. Conclusions. The
integration of AI in occupational therapy education holds promise for enhancing the quality and
accessibility of curricula.
Key words | Mots clés : Teaching/education, Technology
OT4Parenting: First cross-sectional OT practice and parenting study in Canada
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Adult | Professional issues/Practice
Evelina Pituch (University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto) evelina.pituch@utoronto.ca Anne Honey
(The University of Sydney) ann[email protected].au Margaret McGrath (The University of Sydney)
margaret.mcgra[email protected].au OT4Parenting Study Team
Introduction: Parenting is a valued and challenging adult role for many. Recent clinical guidelines and
research highlight occupational therapists’ key contributions to supporting parents, including parents
facing health issues or disparities. However, our current knowledge about the consideration of parenting
occupations in occupational therapy clinical practice is limited in Canada. To our knowledge, this is the
first cross-sectional study focusing on Canadian occupational therapists' involvement in parenting.
Objectives: This study aims to identify the attitudes and practices of occupational therapists and any
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
barriers to addressing parenting with adult clients. Methods: An online anonymous bilingual survey was
conducted as part of a wider international study on parenting occupations and occupational therapy.
Participants were recruited via social media, professional association newsletters, mailing lists, and
word-of-mouth. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics
Committee. Results: 126 occupational therapists (89% female) from 6 provinces with diverse clinical
practice experiences participated in the study. Although most occupational therapists considered
parenting to be within their scope of practice, the strong majority did not have any specific training in
parenting, did not use formal assessment tools, and perceived insufficient skills to confidently address
parenting occupations. Conclusions: Prevailing gaps in clinical practice and research may prevent
occupational therapists from actively engaging in parenting assessment and interventions, leaving
clients with potentially unresolved daily family challenges. It is crucial that parenting moves from an
emerging and non-traditional area to one fully embedded in national occupational therapy curriculum
and practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Occupational justice
Using LiDAR technology to assess home safety in older people
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Technology
Susan Brandis (Bond University, Gold Coast) sbrandis@bond.edu.au Judith George (Bond University)
[email protected]ond.edu.au Rosemarie Rusch (Bond University) [email protected]u.au
Introduction: Occupational therapists perform home safety assessments to support the transition of the
patient from hospital to home, prevent falls, readmission, or placement. A physical visit to the client’s
home will identify hazards and make recommendations for modifications. Limitations include time,
travel, workforce shortages, and remoteness. Light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) is a 3 dimensional
scanning tool which creates a digital image of the environment for subsequent analysis. Currently used
in mining, construction, and surveying, it is yet to be applied within a healthcare setting. Objectives This
research investigates the feasibility of using LiDAR technology as an alternative method for conducting
home falls risk assessments for older adults. Method: A technician scanned ten sample homes while an
occupational therapist assessed the home for falls safety risks and general access. A second blinded
therapist then conducted the same environmental assessment of the stored home images. Case studies
of simulated patients being considered for discharge from hospital to the specific home environment
added the person context. The feasibility of the process was analysed, the independent assessments and
recommendations by the two independent therapists compared. Findings: Preliminary findings
identified challenges with file size and storage. A high level of reliability in measuring access, heights of
items and recommendations for home equipment was observed. Time taken to conduct a home
assessment was much reduced and images able to be stored for future reference. Conclusion: Assessing
LiDAR images to assess home safety risks is feasible, however detailed protocols are required so all
essential information is scanned.
Key words | Mots clés : Falls, Home modification
Occupational therapist-led mindfulness for older adults with early cognitive deficit
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: 109
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Primary care/Primary healthcare
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Todd Tran (Women's College Hospital, Toronto) todd[email protected] Marcia Finlayson (Queen's
University) Emily Nalder (University of Toronto) Tracy Trothen (Queen's University) Catherine Donnelly
(Queen's University)
Rationale: Community-dwelling older adults living with early cognitive decline experience less efficiency
in performing everyday life activities, resulting in decreased satisfaction and other adverse psychological
outcomes. Primary care providers, such as occupational therapists, are often the first point of contact
when older adults and their families become concerned about memory problems. Mindfulness training
has been linked to cognitive and psychological improvements and, most recently, has been identified as
a potential intervention supporting performance of everyday life activities. Objectives: To evaluate
whether mindfulness training can improve perceived performance and satisfaction with everyday life
activity and secondary psychological outcomes. Methods: This study is a pilot RCT in an interprofessional
primary care team. There were 27 participants aged 60 years of age and older living with early cognitive
deficits. Participants were randomized into an 8-Week mindfulness training program (n = 14) group, or a
Wait-List Control (n = 13) compared at baseline, post-intervention and 4-weeks follow-up. MANOVAS
with post-hoc independent t-tests were used to compare between groups at different time points.
Results: There was a significant improvement in anxiety for the intervention group compared to the WLC
group at post-intervention; Time-2 (p = 0.04) with large effect size (d = 0.80). Conclusion: Mindfulness
training significantly improved anxiety scores for clients with early cognitive deficits post-intervention.
Further work is required to test the sustainability of reduced anxiety over time, but this study
demonstrated that MBSR is a promising primary care intervention for those living with early cognitive
deficits.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Mental health
Exploring the intersection of forced displacement and gender in the Canadian context
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 1
OS Poster presentation: Community/Population | Mental health
Olubukola Mary Sam-Odutola (Dalhousie University, Halifax) Mary.Sam-Odutola@dal.ca Crystal
Dieleman (Dalhousie University) crystal.dieleman@dal.ca Sorayya Askari (Dalhousie University)
Introduction: Forced displacement is described as the forcible relocation of people and communities
because of hostilities, natural catastrophes, or other acts of violence/threats to humans (International
Organization for Migration, 2019). The lives of people impacted by this turmoil are frequently severely
disrupted due to the loss of homes, jobs, and social networks. Intersecting gender and forced
displacement can influence the experience of people (Jolof et al., 2022; Lokot, 2019). Gaining an
understanding of these gendered experiences is essential for occupational therapists to create
treatments and policies that effectively target the unique vulnerabilities and needs of various gender
groups. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the intersection of gender and forced displacement in
the Canadian context. Methods: A narrative literature review was carried out, focussing specifically on
forced displacement and gender equity, using the following databases: CINAHL with Full Text, Academic
Search Premier, APA PsycINFO, OVID Medline and Social Work Abstracts. Results: Of 512 retrieved
evidence, 105 articles were included in this study. The following themes emerged: (1.) risk of gender-
based violence, (2.) access to resources, (3.) economic opportunities, (4.) education, (5.) family and
caregiving roles, (6.) healthcare and reproductive needs, (7.) legal rights and protection, (8.)
psychosocial well-being, (9.) community engagement, and (10.) cultural norms. Implication for practice:
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Gender profoundly shapes the experiences of forcibly displaced people. Recognizing and addressing
these gender-specific challenges is vital for providing practical, equitable, and sensitive care and support
to displaced individuals and ensuring their well-being and resilience during and after displacement.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Mental health
Researcher’s experiences of interviews with individuals with traumatic brain injury
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Professional issues/Practice
Rinni Mamman (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) rinn[email protected] Julia Schmidt
(University of British Columbia) julia.schmidt@ubc.ca
Introduction: Semi-structured interviews for research studies with individuals with a moderate to severe
traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be uncomfortable for both the participant and the researcher.
Individuals with TBI may find it challenging to express their perspectives with people whom they do not
have a prior relationship with. Additionally, researchers may lack experience working with people with
TBI and have limited strategies when facilitating conversations. Objectives: To explore the experiences
of an interviewer when conducting research-based interviews with individuals with TBI and to describe
approaches to facilitate improved interviews. Methods: In a prior study, 16 participants with moderate
to severe TBI were interviewed by a novice researcher about their experiences after TBI. For this study,
data collection consisted of reflexive notes from the researcher’s journaling post-interview. Thematic
analysis was used to identify key themes in journal entries, generated about researcher experiences of
interviewing people with TBI. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) ‘unintended minimization’
focuses on inadvertent instances when participants are not validated, (2) ‘words matter’ examines the
need for researchers to carefully consider phrasing of questions to create connections, and (3)
‘academic armor’ explores how mannerisms or use of technical language can cause barriers in
establishing rapport. Conclusions: This study provides fundamental insights for conducting research-
based interviews with individuals with TBI, with potential generalizability to other disability populations.
This knowledge can serve as a teaching tool and provides direction for clinical practices to tailor their
interview approaches to this population’s needs.
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury
Concussion resources for young children and parents: A systematic search
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Mackenzie Kauth (University of Toronto, Toronto) mac[email protected]toronto.ca Sarah Butt
(University of Toronto) sarahemily.b[email protected].ca Kylie Mallory (Holland Bloorview)
kmallory@hollandbloorview.ca Nick Reed (University of Toronto) nick.re[email protected] Anne Hunt
(University of Toronto) anne.hunt@utoronto.ca
Introduction: Concussions are very common in Canada among children aged 3 to 12 years (Langer et al.,
2020). Parents play a vital role in their child’s post-concussion care, highlighting the need for resources
tailored to both parents and children. Although many online pediatric concussion resources exist, their
suitability for younger children and their parents remains unclear. Objective: This study aims to identify
and assess the quality and suitability of online pediatric concussion resources for children aged 3 to 12
years and their parents. Methods: An adapted version of a five-phase systematic search strategy
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
described by Mallory et al. (2020) will be used to identify resources. Resource content quality will be
evaluated using the Living Guidelines for Pediatric Concussion Care (Reed et al., 2023). Resource
suitability will be evaluated using reading level assessment and the Suitability Assessment of Materials
(SAM) (Smith, 2008). Results: Expected outcomes include identification of existing online concussion
resources that are of high quality and are suitable for younger children and their parents to support the
concussion recovery process. A gap in available resources is anticipated, specifically those focused on
occupational performance recovery. A knowledge translation tool summarizing study results will be
developed and shared with community partners, clinicians and on social media in order to assist parents
and children in optimal concussion management. Conclusion: Occupational therapists can use and
distribute this research and the related knowledge translation tool to clients and their parents when
supporting concussion recovery in children aged 3 to 12 years.
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury, Community development
Neurodiversity-affirming implications of social skills interventions implemented by social
robots
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Technology
Bill Wong billw162[email protected]m Caroline Mills Claudia Casillas Thy Anh Hoang Matthew Lopez Leslie
Villegas-Patterson Caroline Mills
Introduction: Research indicated that social robotics effectively assist individuals with autism spectrum
disorder. However, these practices may not align with the principles of neurodiversity-affirming
approaches, which emphasize acceptance of neurological differences. Most existing frameworks are
rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodologies, which a significant portion of the autistic
community opposes due to ABA's tendency to normalize and enforce conformity to societal norms.
Objectives: This research will educate attendees about the importance of neurodiversity-affirming
practices in occupational therapy and how social skills interventions provided by social robotics impacts
the autistic community. Methods: The research is a scoping review of literature regarding social skills
interventions implemented by social robotics for autistic individuals and their neurodiversity-affirming
implications. Search terms for this research were as follows: “autism,” “ASD,” “autism spectrum
disorder,” “robotics,” “social robotics,” “social skills,” “neurodiversity confirming,” “ABA,” “applied
behavior analysis,” and “strength-based”. Search terms were run through the databases ProQuest
Nursing and Allied Health Source, PsycINFO, Pubmed, CINAHL Complete, Medline Complete, Academic
Search Complete, and ERIC. Results: From an initial pool of 20 research articles, 12 were selected for a
comprehensive review. The findings revealed that many interventions were rooted in ABA approaches,
but some exhibited alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches, such as personalized
instruction and recognition of individual preferences. Practice Implications: This research will contribute
to informing the occupational therapy community regarding neurodiversity-affirming practices by
exploring potential benefits and challenges associated with these interventions. It will contribute to a
more comprehensive understanding of effective and inclusive social skills interventions for autistic
individuals.
Key words | Mots clés : Autism, Technology
Dépistage des conducteurs à risque : importance de la collaboration médecin-ergothérapeute
vendredi: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 5
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Présentations par affiches: Les adultes plus âgés | Les soins primaires/les soins de santé primaires
Sandrine Briere (Université de Montréal, Montréal) Lucas Melgares (Université de Montréal) Justine
Labourot (Université de Montréal) justine.labourot@umontreal.ca Tania Deslauriers (Université de
Montréal) Brigitte Vachon (Université de Montréal) brigitte.vachon@umontreal.ca Justine Labourot
Université de Montréal justine.labourot@umontreal.ca
Introduction: Le vieillissement normal peut entrainer une diminution des capacités à la conduite
sécuritaire d’un véhicule mais le retrait du permis peut, d’autre part, occasionner une perte de mobilité
diminuant la participation sociale et la qualité de vie. Au Canada, les médecins de familles ont un rôle de
premier plan dans le dépistage des conducteurs à risque, mais plusieurs études rapportent qu’ils
considèrent avoir un faible niveau de confiance pour effectuer cette évaluation. Les ergothérapeutes
possèdent les compétences pour réaliser ce dépistage mais, au Québec, sont peu présents dans les
équipes de 1re ligne pour répondre à ce besoin. Objectifs : Documenter le niveau de compétence perçu
des médecins de famille au Québec pour dépister les conducteurs à risque et leurs attitudes à collaborer
avec des ergothérapeutes pour offrir ces services. Methodes : Un devis quantitatif descriptif transversal
a été utilisé. Un questionnaire en ligne a été envoyé par courriel via différentes plateformes pour joindre
les médecins. Les résultats ont été analysés à l’aide de statistiques descriptives. Résultats : Les 46
participants soutiennent à 76,1% que les médecins de famille ne sont pas les plus qualifiés pour dépister
les conducteurs à risque. 97,8% des répondants considèrent pertinent de collaborer avec des
ergothérapeutes en 1re ligne pour le dépistage et affirment qu’ils se sentiraient à l’aise de déléguer
cette tâche aux ergothérapeutes. Retombées pour la pratique : Nos résultats soutiennent la pertinence
d’intégrer les ergothérapeutes en 1re ligne afin d’accompagner les médecins dans le dépistage des
conducteurs à risque.
Key words | Mots clés : Soins à base communautaire, Conducteurs âgés
Children’s occupation-based measures: A critical rapid review
Friday: 10:30 AM-10:55 AM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Equity & Justice
Charmaine Leung (University of Toronto, Toronto) charmainecw.leung@mail.utoronto.ca Meeraah
Parthasarathy (University of Toronto) m.parthasarathy@mail.utoronto.ca Susan Mahipaul Jane Davis
(University of Toronto) [email protected]a
Introduction: The past 25 years have seen the number of children’s occupation-based measures increase
substantially. Occupation-based measures are tools that evaluate occupational outcomes supporting
occupation-centred practice. To date, no comprehensive review of these measures has been
undertaken, and they have not been critically examined using an anti-ableist perspective. Objectives:
This study will describe what is known from the literature about children’s occupation-based measures
and whether they employ an anti-ableist perspective. Methods: A critical, rapid review is in progress to
synthesize the key concepts, psychometric properties, and outcomes of children’s occupation-based
measures. Manuals and peer-reviewed and grey literature will be selected if they describe an
occupation-based measure for children between the ages of 2 and 12 years and are published in English.
Relevant information will be extracted and synthesized. Four anti-ableist principles—interdependence;
performance diversity; occupational engagement; and perspectives of children (Facca et al., 2020;
Goulden et al., 2023)—will be used to critically review each measure. Findings: Preliminary analysis
indicates the most common outcomes are participation, competence, and functional performance. Most
self-report measures focus on children over 5 years, and anti-ableist principles of interdependence,
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
performance diversity, and occupational engagement are seldom addressed. Conclusion: This study will
provide a systematic synthesis of key aspects of children’s occupation-based measures. The critical
review will identify the need for developing anti-ableist tools to facilitate inclusive practices that focus
on the unique and diverse occupations of children. The findings will provide occupational therapists with
a tool for identifying occupation-based measures that support an anti-ableist perspective.
Key words | Mots clés : Assessments, Equity & Justice
(Re)making third places through occupation: Contributing to social transformation
Friday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 102
OS Extended discussion: Community/Population | Equity & Justice
Debbie Laliberte Rudman (University of Western Ontario, London) drudman@uwo.ca Rebecca Aldrich
(University of Southern California) rebecca.ald[email protected]sc.edu
Introduction: Third places - physical or virtual places beyond home and work - have been identified by
disciplines from public health to urban design as key to addressing rising social isolation and declining
social cohesion (Dolley & Bosman, 2019; Finlay et al., 2019). Although occupational science literature
evidences some engagement with this concept, existing scholarship has not focused on how third places
are made and remade through occupational participation. Given that third places can also reproduce
broader social exclusions tied to social markers such as gender identity and race, it is further imperative
to attend to how such places can be designed and enacted to support social belonging and occupational
needs for social groups impacted by inequities. Objectives: This session’s aims are to 1) enhance
understanding of how third places can be sites for enacting social transformation through occupation,
and 2) identify priorities for further occupation-focused research on third places. Session description: A
15-minute igniter presentation will use findings from a scoping review addressing third places in the
lives of precarious workers to introduce the concept of third places and the centrality of occupation for
(re)making such places to meet diverse social and occupational needs. Using a modified World Café
method, participants will then rotate through two small groups over 30 minutes to discuss the following
questions: a) What existing research, practice, and community examples of third places can illuminate
how occupation contributes to placemaking? and b) What knowledge is needed to inform occupation-
based approaches to (re)make ‘third places’ in ways that support inclusion of groups impacted by
inequities? Within the final 10 minutes of the session, key discussion points and take-away messages
will be shared. Practice implications: Third places hold potential as sites through which occupation can
be mobilized for social transformation, particularly if they are designed in ways that meet multi-faced
occupational and social needs of diverse groups. Conclusion: Applying understandings about the role of
occupation in placemaking can position occupational therapists and occupational scientists to help
(re)make third places in ways that reduce social inequities.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational science
It’s About Time! Introducing a new draft national competency-based fieldwork evaluation
tool for community feedback
Friday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 103
ACOTUP Sponsored Session: Non-specific | Fieldwork/Education
Susanne Murphy, Caroline Storr, Annie Rochette, Manon Boucher, Mary Roduta Roberts
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Following strong partnership development and adoption of the New Competencies for Occupational
Therapists (2021) across Canada. ACOTUP recognized a call for a new national fieldwork evaluation tool.
This call was a culmination of preceptors’, students’, and fieldwork faculty’s recognition that a tool must
be timely to administer, incorporate the latest technological interfaces and reflect objective
performance measurement of authentic learning situations which typically characterize fieldwork. A
working group was struck with representation from the Canadian Occupational Therapy University
programs and strong involvement by the ACOTUP sub-committee on University Fieldwork Education in
Spring 2022. A new draft evaluation tool will be presented outlining the rationale for the development
of a tool in both French and English from inception with the objective of co-creating a tool that can be
used by occupational therapists supervising occupational therapy students in developed and emerging
practice areas and environments across Canada. Important interactive community engagement and
feedback will be solicited through roundtable discussions at this phase of tool development. The tool
will then be pilot-tested nationally for validity and reliability following revisions based on this session’s
important community feedback.
LandBack: Dismantling power with Indigenous Peoples in Canadian occupational therapy
Friday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 104
Extended discussion: Community/Population | Equity & Justice
Katelyn Favel favel@ualberta.ca Nichol Marsch nichol.[email protected]om Tara Pride tarapride@dal.ca
Deanna Starr deanna@miskihnak.ca Kaarina Valavaara Kaarina.Vala[email protected] Angie Phenix
angelapheni[email protected]
Introduction. Canada is built on colonization and every social, economic, political, and moral system has
been designed with colonial policy and practices. Occupational Therapy (OT) is no exception. With the
release of the new Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada in 2021 and the OT Truth and
Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Commitment Statement (Valavaara & Phenix, 2023) there is an
international spotlight on Canada. However, it is unclear how Competency C is implemented into OT
education, clinical practice and research. LandBack is a social movement started in 2018 to get
Indigenous lands back into Indigenous hands. As the profession of OT was created on unceded
Indigenous territories, LandBack highlights the need to transfer power and resources to Indigenous OTs,
students, clients and communities as noted by Competency C1.2 “work to reduce the effects of the
unequal distribution of power and resources on the delivery of occupational therapy services”.
Objectives. To explore how to transfer power and resources to Indigenous Peoples in OT education,
clinical practice, and research. Session description. An explanation of grounding principles of the rights
and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples and how they relate to Competency C and OT TRC Commitment
Statement (Valavaara & Phenix, 2023). Small group discussions will follow to identify actions to transfer
power and resources to Indigenous clients, occupational therapy students, and clinicians. Lastly, a large
group discussion to share key learnings and provide further action ideas that inform education, research
and practice. Practice implications. Competency C identifies the need to address the dominant
ideologies and assumptions in the profession of OT as a minimum standard of practice. The purpose of
this session is to identify action points to dismantle systems they engage in. Conclusion. Transferring
power to Indigenous voices is a minimum requirement in OT education, research and practice to address
the underpinnings of oppression in OT, with the aim of providing safer care to Indigenous peoples and
communities.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) & Membership Session:
CAOT – your career partner for life
Friday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: C1
CAOT Sponsored Session: |
CAOT Staff
Join the CAOT membership & NOTCE departments as they host a live session about important
information and steps that new grads are required to complete prior to writing the NOTCE. Also learn
how CAOT can support you as you pursue provisional and/or full licensing on your road to becoming a
practicing OT. The live session will be presented in English. If you’re not able to attend, a recording of
the English and French presentations will be made available on CAOT’s website.
The outline of session is as follows:
CAOT Membership: How and why become a provisional associate?
Insurance for provisional licensing
New practitioner member discounts
NOTCE: Dates and deadlines
Responsibilities of each: NOTCE department, Measure Learning, Exam Writer (you) Steps overview Exam
day Q & A
Please note, the session will not cover the content and outline of the NOTCE.
Migration Rights: Our role in resisting the causes of forced migration and supporting those
experiencing it
Friday: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Community/Population | Advocacy/Leadership
Sara Abdo sara.ab[email protected], Setareh Ghahari setareh.ghah[email protected], Suzanne Huot
suzanne.huot@ubc.ca (Occupational Justice for Newcomers Network)
This dialogic session will bring together occupational therapists, occupational scientists and students
interested in migration as a form of mobility. Participants will discuss the rights of people to move, as
well as the right to stay, amidst precarious social and political contexts. Using current research and
practice experiences, this dialogic session will:
1. Describe and critique current discourses in occupational therapy and occupational science on
migration rights.
2. Identify the practical and political potential of occupational therapy and occupational science within
migration rights.
This session will challenge the profession's current understandings of its role within forced migration
contexts. In so doing, it will also explore its potential influence on who and how migration is governed
within Canada.
Guidelines for curriculum renewal in Canadian occupational therapy university programs
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 106
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Fieldwork/Education
Katie Lee Bunting (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) katie.leebunting@ubc.ca Rebecca Timbeck
(University of Western Ontario) [email protected] Anne Hunt (University of Toronto)
anne.hunt@utoronto.ca Diane MacKenzie (Dalhousie University) Diane.MacKenzie@dal.ca Katrine
Sauvé-Schenk (University of Ottawa) ksauvesc@uottawa.ca Marie-Eve Buldoc (McGill University) marie-
eve.bolduc@mcgill.ca Nicole Bobbette (Queens University) nicole.bobbette@queensu.ca Véronique
Flamand (Université Laval) veronique.flamand@fmed.ulaval.ca
Introduction: While all occupational therapy university programs in Canada engage in curriculum
renewal, with an appreciation of accreditation standards, there are no national guidelines for how to
implement or support the process. The need for such guidelines is especially timely given the recent
publication of the Canadian Occupational Therapy Competencies (COTC) (2021) and the requirement for
all occupational therapy university programs to align with the COTC. Objectives: To identify and describe
nationally developed practical guidelines for occupational therapy curriculum renewal in Canadian
university programs. Approach: Members of a national occupational therapy education committee with
representation from the 14 Canadian occupational therapy university programs reviewed, appraised,
and integrated best practice literature, expertise, and experiential knowledge recommended for
curriculum renewal. Findings: Guidelines for curriculum renewal in occupational therapy university
programs in Canada were developed through a detailed written description and an accompanying
infographic. The guidelines provide clarity regarding the pragmatic need for (1) a systematic renewal
process situated in the university programs’ context, strengths and desire for change, (2) a central
commitment of funding with resource allocation toward a curriculum renewal team, administrative
support, curriculum mapping tools and training, and (3) intentional and ongoing practices to support
course alignment and responsiveness to change in the renewed curriculum. Conclusions: The guidelines
provide Canadian occupational therapy university programs with process and direction for carrying out
curriculum renewal, whilst offering adequate flexibility to be relevant across Canada’s unique and
diverse programs.
Key words | Mots clés : Evaluation, Teaching/education
A parent's positive touch program enhances preterm infants’ developmental outcomes
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Sandra Fucile (Queen's University, Kingston) sandra.fucile@queensu.ca Laurie Snider (McGill University)
Laurie.Snider@mcgill.ca Karel O'Brien (University of Toronto) Karel.OBrien@sinaihealth.ca Kimberly Dow
(Queen's University) DowK@queensu.ca
Introduction: Early experiences in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can influence developmental
outcomes in infants born preterm1. Substantial evidence supports the benefits of clinician-administered
sensorimotor interventions on improving developmental outcomes2. There remains a significant gap in
the literature on the efficacy of parent-delivered sensorimotor interventions, referred to as a parent’s
positive touch program3. Objective: To assess the efficacy of a parent's positive touch program on
infant’s developmental outcome. Methods: A randomized trial was conducted in a level II-III NICU.
Ninety-four infants born ≤ 33 weeks gestation were enrolled. After consent was obtained, infants were
randomized into an experimental (n=46) or control (n=48) group. Infants in the experimental group
received a 15-minute intervention consisting of three components including tactile input to the oral
structures, trunk and limbs, and non-nutritive sucking. Parents administered the program 24 hours after
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
discontinuation of continuous positive airway pressure. Infants in the control group received standard
care. The outcomes were attainment to full independent oral feeds (days), occurrence of direct
breastfeeding, and motor function (Test of Infant Motor Performances). Results: Infants in the
experimental group attained independent oral feeds sooner than those in the control group (p=0.038). A
greater number of infants in the experimental group received direct breastfeeding compared to controls
(p=0.023). Both groups had similar mean motor function scores. Conclusion: These findings support the
notion that a parent’s positive touch program can enhance infant’s developmental outcome and
highlights the need for more advocacy of parent-delivered interventions in all NICUs.
Key words | Mots clés : Acute care, Evaluation
Occupational therapists’ perceptions of using smartwatches to detect falls
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Technology
Madison Denney (Bond University, Gold Coast) madison.denney@student.bond.edu.au Susan Brandis
(Bond University) sbrandis@bond.edu.au
Introduction: There are several strategies and assistive technologies that can be used to prevent and
detect falls for the older population, however, these are not fully understood. The latest advancement
in fall detection technologies offers automatic falls detection and is a form of wrist-worn technology
commonly referred to as a smartwatch. Objectives: This research explored the potential clinical
application of smartwatches to occupational therapy practice and aims to understand occupational
therapists’ perceptions of using smartwatches to detect falls in adults over 60. Methods: An exploratory
quantitative study using an online self-administered survey was used. There were three sections to the
survey which included: 1) multiple choice questions to collect demographic data, 2) Likert scale
questions using the Technology Acceptance Model to understand occupational therapists’ perceptions,
and 3) open-ended questions to explore facilitators and barriers to using smartwatches to detect falls.
Results: A total of 36 participants fully complete the survey. The results showed that occupational
therapists are open to prescribing smartwatches for fall detection purposes. Personal, environmental,
and occupational facilitators and barriers to utilising smartwatches for fall detection were identified.
Conclusion: Occupational therapists perceive smartwatches to be useful as a form of fall detection
technology, however, several facilitators and barriers were identified in prescribing smartwatches to
detect falls in adults over 60. Results were themed into three main categories: person, environment,
and occupation. The findings of this study provide key insights for occupational therapists and
smartwatch manufacturers on how to increase access to smartwatch technology for falls detection and
enhanced participation.
Key words | Mots clés : Falls, Technology
Primary care occupational therapists to coordinate mental health-related sick leaves
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: 109
Paper presentation: Adult | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Justine Labourot (Université de Montréal, Montréal) justine.labourot@umontreal.ca Émilie Pinette
(Université de Montréal) Nadia Giguère (Université de Montréal) nadia.giguere.c[email protected].ca
Matthew Menear (Université Laval) matthew.menear.1@ulaval.ca Cynthia Cameron (Université Laval)
[email protected]laval.ca Elyse Marois (Université de Montréal) elyse.ma[email protected]a
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Brigitte Vachon (Université de Montréal) brigitte.vacho[email protected]a Justine Labourot Université de
Montréal justine.labou[email protected]
Introduction: Practice guidelines for the recovery and return to work (RTW) of people with common
mental disorders (CMDs) recommend access to interprofessional and intersectoral interventions. In
Canada, family physicians are responsible for managing the sick leave, but they tend to work in silos and
lack knowledge and time to effectively manage patients’ occupational health. Coupled with income
disparities and insurance coverage variations, this leads to highly variable care trajectories, creating
inequity. Little is known about the impact it really has on patient’s recovery. Objectives : Describe
patients’ perspectives of factors that influenced their mental health-related sick leave trajectories and
their access to primary care mental health and RTW services. Methods : A descriptive qualitative
research design was used. Semi-structured individual interviews of approximately 60 minutes were
conducted with 14 participants on a videoconference platform. Transcriptions were analyzed using
conventional content analysis. Results : Our results highlight how the difficulties of family physicians to
appropriately manage patients’ recovery and RTW process create a burden on the patient, hindering
their recovery process. As a result, participants express the need for a care coordinator who uses a
patient and recovery-oriented approach and who ensures close collaboration with all stakeholders. In
our participant’s trajectory, only the occupational therapists played such a role. Conclusion: Our findings
support the implementation of occupational therapists in primary care settings to help both the patient
and their family physician in managing the services required to ensure recovery in a timely manner
regardless of their insurance coverage or financial resources.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, return-to-work
Shared-decision making processes within telerehabilitation in rural South India
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Child | Primary care/Primary healthcare
Caroline Eagles (University of Toronto) Vanessa Yim (University of Toronto) Tim Bressmann (University of
Toronto) Dinesh Krishna (ASSA), Navamani Venkatachalapathy (ASSA) Marie Brien (ASSA), Franzina
Coutinho (ASSA), Sylvia Langlois (University of Toronto)
Introduction: In shared decision making (SDM), the health care team partners with the clients to jointly
consider available treatment options based on their respective values and preferences, with the goal of
collaboratively determining the best care plan (Smalley et al., 2014). Objectives: The study explores
whether SDM is being effectively implemented within telerehabilitation services, provided by
Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists, to children with neurodevelopmental
disabilities and their families who live in rural South India. Methods: The study will utilize a concurrent
triangulation mixed-method design. Participants (N=24) will be parents of children with
neurodevelopmental disabilities, recruited from a pool of current telerehabilitation services recipients.
Quantitative data will be collected using the revised 4-item SDM measure developed by Smalley and
colleagues (2014). Qualitative data will be collected in focus groups about the implementation of SDM,
and submitted to thematic analysis to explore key themes (Onwuegbuzie & Combs, 2011). Results: The
results will show whether an SDM approach is effectively implemented and increased use of SDM in the
past 12 months makes parents feel more involved in their child’s care and the work of the rehabilitation
team. Practice Implications: Through gaining a deeper understanding of the SDM process, the study will
provide insights on ways to shape future telerehabilitation service provision to rural areas that is client-
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
centred and enhances effectiveness. This learning can inform the design of telerehabilitation services
aiming to increase the accessibility of care for under-resourced, rural communities in Canada.
Key words | Mote clés : Evidence-based practice, Program evaluation
How to raise awareness of diversity using musical activities?
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Equity & Justice
Camille Gauthier-Boudreault (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Drummondville) camille.gauthier-
[email protected] Véronique Rochon (Hôpital Ste-Justine) veronique.rochon@usherbrooke.ca Mélissa
Coallier (Université de Sherbrooke) melisse.coallier@usherbrooke.ca Marie-Jane Robitaille (Université du
Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) Marie-Jane.robitaill[email protected] Jessie Quirion (Université du
Québec à Trois-Rivières, Drummondville) Jessie.quirio[email protected]
Introduction: People with intellectual disability (ID) often face social exclusion and discrimination due to
prejudices and stereotypes. A priority proposed by Quebec’s government targets the improvement of
children’s knowledge and skills about people with disabilities. With the aim of reducing stereotypes
among students in elementary school, a project between occupational therapists and a music teacher
was deployed to allow students in the fifth and sixth grades to participate in a musical activity in the
company of people with ID. Objective: The aim of this project is to explore the outcomes of this musical
project to raise awareness of the diversity from the students’ perspective. Methods: Students were
invited to complete a short questionnaire about learning made from the activity, the benefits of their
participation, and the strategies that helped them the most to prepare for this experience. The
questionnaires were analyzed by two analysts. Results: Students’ level of comfort and respect with
people with ID as well as their open-mindedness evolved positively through the activity. Students greatly
appreciated the presentation on ID made by the school occupational therapist. Despite the stress felt by
most of the students before the activity, they would finally like to do more activities with people with ID.
Conclusion: There are very few studies that have obtained the perspective of students regarding their
open-mindedness for people with disabilities. This project supports the relevance of initiatives aimed at
raising awareness for diversity of abilities among youth as well as informing about the role of
occupational therapists in such an initiative.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
Developing a standardized winter mobility wheelchair evaluation course
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Technology
Jacquie Ripat (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) jacquie.ripat@umanitoba.ca Ed Giesbrecht
ed.giesbrecht@umanitoba.ca Jaimie Borisoff jaimie_b[email protected]a Ernesto Morales
ernesto.morales@fmed.ulaval.ca Kara-Lyn Harrison harris78@myumanitoba.ca
Rationale: Winter weather conditions negatively impact mobility and participation experiences of
individuals who use manual wheelchairs (MWCs) and appropriate technology innovation and strategy
training is limited. Objectives: To create a safe, ecologically valid outdoor environment encompassing a
comprehensive range of winter-specific obstacles and to standardize procedures for fabrication and
replication of course components. Methods: Phase 1 used ethnographic “go-along” interviews to
document specific winter challenges encountered by MWC users and adaptive strategies they
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
employed. Phase 2 used a 4-step co-design framework with key informants (MWC users, caregivers,
professionals, and policymakers) to design and validate the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility
& Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course. Phase 3 involved an iterative process of obstacle
fabrication and phase 4 entailed creation of a standardized protocol for course replication and
measurement of obstacle component and ambient weather conditions. Results: The final SNOWMAN
course was constructed in a sheltered outdoor location. It consisted of nine winter conditions that
included variation in snow depth and density; vertical and side sloping obstacles; and gradations of dry,
slushy, and icy composition. Key informants affirmed the course was comprehensive and ecologically
valid. A structured protocol enabled replication and maintenance of obstacles closely resembling real-
world winter conditions and ensured practical implementation of the course. Practice Implications: The
development of the SNOWMAN course addressed a critical void. It can serve as a clinical tool for training
MWC users in winter mobility strategies/skills and in research/development to innovate, evaluate, and
compare assistive technologies specific to winter weather conditions.
Key words | Mots clés : Seating, Technology
EMPIRe2–MS: virtual health delivery of a fatigue management intervention
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Adult | Chronic conditions
Justin Ng ng999@student.ubc.ca Marisa Lin marisali@student.ubc.ca Denise Kendrick
Denise.Kendrick@vch.ca Susan Forwell susan.forwell@ubc.ca
Introduction: 80% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience fatigue, which has been described
as among the most disabling of symptoms2, 4. MS fatigue reduces an individual’s ability to participate in
activities of daily living and leisure, social participation, as well as maintain employment3. Objectives:
The EMPIRe2-MS is a 6-session, occupational therapy-delivered fatigue management program. The aim
of this study is to assess the virtual delivery of the EMPIRe2-MS, with the following objectives: (1) to
describe participants’ MS fatigue experience, (2) to determine change in MS fatigue impact, severity and
self-efficacy after program completion and (3) to collect general feedback on program content and
format. Methods: An existing dataset will be expanded upon with quarterly recruitment through a local
MS clinic. Self-reported outcome measures including the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Modified Fatigue
Impact Scale and the MS Fatigue Self-Efficacy will be completed at four time points. The Comprehensive
Fatigue Assessment Battery will be used to collect demographic information and characterize fatigue1. A
feedback questionnaire will be completed after completion of the program. Descriptive statistics and
ANOVA tests will be applied to the quantitative data, while content analysis will be applied to the text
data. Results: We anticipate that participation in the EMPIRe2-MS program will result in reduced fatigue
impact and severity and improved fatigue self-efficacy. Conclusion: Findings obtained from the virtual
EMPIRe2-MS program will help determine whether a virtually administered fatigue management
program is an effective program to reduce fatigue-related symptoms in people with MS, leading to
increased occupational engagement.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Multiple sclerosis
Occupational therapists’ journeys towards culturally safer care: A narrative inquiry
Friday: 11:05 AM-11:30 AM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Chris Froese (Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg) cfroese@rccinc.ca Mary Wilson Lennon
(Rehabilitation Centre for Children) dr.maryeco@gmail.com Jacquie Ripat (University of Manitoba)
jacquie.ripat@umanitoba.ca Cara Brown (University of Manitoba) cara.b[email protected]a
Rationale: Indigenous communities have identified cultural safety training for healthcare providers as
one important approach to address racism and health inequities experienced by Indigenous people in
Canada. Cultural safety is not achieved through single educational events; it requires ongoing critical
reflexivity and engagement by the healthcare provider. Intentional, co-created learning spaces such as
Communities of Practice (CoPs) may support the ongoing reflexivity and learning needed to strengthen
culturally safer practices among occupational therapists. Objectives: Explore the: 1) impact of
participation in a cultural safety CoP on the self-perceived clinical practices of pediatric occupational
therapists, 2) value of CoPs as a model for Indigenous cultural safety training (ICST). Methods:
Participants (n=5) engaged in six facilitated CoP sessions. CoP content was co-created with participants
based on expressed learning needs and ICST best practices. Data collection includes individual, semi-
structured interviews before and after the CoP series and group reflections gathered during the CoP
sessions. Directed content analysis, based on the Cultural Safety Framework (Horrill et al., 2021), will
guide initial coding. Using narrative inquiry methodology, themes of participants’ journeys towards
culturally safer care will be explored, reorganized, and combined to highlight common and disparate
experiences. Results: Presented as one/more re-storied narratives describing participants’ journeys
towards culturally safer care (including successes and challenges), this study will describe the CoPs
impact on participants’ attitudes and behaviours, informing if and how CoPs may support future ICST.
Conclusion: Ongoing and reflective engagement with ICST to prompt theory into practice is critical to
advancing health equity within Canada.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Equity & Justice
Unlocking Your Writing Potential: A Guide to Publishing in Occupational Therapy Now
Friday: 11:45 AM-12:45 PM Room | Location: 106
Lunch and learn
Elizabeth Pooley, Managing Editor, Occupational Therapy Now, Nicola Schaan, Topic editor: Private
Practice Insights, Occupational Therapy Now, Kristin Harold, Director of Communications, Canadian
Association of Occupational Therapists
Do you have compelling article ideas or valuable insights for fellow occupational therapists? Imagine
workshopping your ideas, working with mentors, or sharing your conference presentation with a wider
audience. Join us for an informative lunch to learn to explore the authorship experience with OT Now.
Gain insights into the process, contemplate your potential contribution, and brainstorm ideas for articles
you’d love to see in the magazine.
Community Occupational Therapy: Increasing capacity for student placements
Friday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: 106
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Fieldwork/Education
Jaime Wong (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) jaiwong@student.ubc.ca Amanda Wright
(University of British Columbia) [email protected].ca Lauren Laing (Island Health)
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
lauren.laing@islandhealth.ca Elisha Williams (University of British Columbia) elish[email protected] Sue
Forwell (University of British Columbia) sue.fo[email protected] University of British Columbia
Introduction: During the 2022-2023 academic year, Community Health Services (CHS) in one health
authority accounted for 8% of student placement offers for a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
program (Drynan & Gardner, 2023). With student placements contributing towards the overall
advancement of occupational therapy (OT) (AOTA, 2022), it is important to explore ways to increase
capacity for student placements from the perspective of community based occupational therapists
(OTs). Objectives: To investigate the barriers and facilitators for increasing capacity to accept OT
students for placement in CHS. Methods: A link to a web-based survey will be sent to 95 OTs working in
CHS via email. The survey consists of closed-ended questions (yes/no, Likert scale questions) and open-
ended questions about the perceived barriers and facilitators to increasing capacity for student
placements. Descriptive analysis of measuring for central tendency and variability will be used. The text
data will be analyzed using content analysis method. Results: We anticipate lack of time, preparedness,
workload, and financial compensation as well as burnout to be the major barriers for Island Health CHS
OTs and the main facilitator being increased support from CHS and university personnel. Conclusion: The
results gleaned from this study will provide direction on the areas to target to reduce the impact of
barriers and to work to augment facilitators. This study will be pivotal in building the OT fieldwork
program in CHS to support the current and growing need for increased OT student placements.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development, Fieldwork
Action Based Cognitive Remediation: Improving cognition in individuals with psychosis
Friday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 107
Extended discussion: Adult | Mental health
Laurie Kitamura (Interior Health, Kamloops) laurie.kitamura@interiorhealth.ca Jen Sheeley (Interior
Health) jen.sheeley@interiorhealth.ca
Introduction: Cognitive impairment is a hallmark feature of psychotic disorders, affecting attention,
working memory, verbal learning and memory, and executive functioning (Bowie & Harvey, 2006). Aside
from atypical antipsychotic medications and compensatory strategies, mental health clinicians often lack
tools designed to improve cognitive outcomes. Action Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR), a group
intervention developed by Dr. Chris Bowie, combines cognitive behavioural principles with cognitive
training. ABCR teaches and practises specific strategies using computerized cognitive exercises, real-
world simulations, and facilitated discussions, leading to improved functional outcomes for individuals
with both cognitive impairment and psychosis. Objectives: By the end of this presentation, the audience
will learn introductory information on an ABCR group’s format, pre and post measures, the role of
individual goal setting and common functional outcomes. The learning experience will include
demonstration of specific computer exercises and an example of a real-world simulation. Participants
will learn of occupational therapy’s emerging role as a key provider for this intervention. Practice
Implications: Interest and evidence in cognitive remediation is growing, and opportunities for
occupational therapists to obtain training in ABCR are available. Occupational therapists are also
receiving support and funding to initiate programs in community mental health, substance use, and
tertiary mental health settings in British Columbia. Based on the authors’ training and experience
facilitating six ABCR cohorts, functional improvements are the norm and not the exception. Clients who
have attended ABCR groups have experienced overall improved cognition, a return to work or
volunteering, enhanced sense of connection to others, an increase of independent living skills, and
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
increases in self-efficacy and confidence. Conclusion: ABCR is an effective group intervention aimed to
reduce cognitive dysfunction in individuals with a psychotic disorder. ABCR bridges computer training to
real-world examples, resulting in meaningful outcomes for the client.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Technology
Impact de la COVID-19 sur les proches aidants 2 ans après
vendredi: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: 108
Présentation orale (exposé): Les adultes plus âgés | Les conditions chroniques
Jacinthe Savard (Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa) jsavard@uottawa.ca Sébastien Savard (Université
d'Ottawa) Patrick Duong (Université d'Ottawa) Josée Benoît (Université d'Ottawa) Danielle de Moissac
(Université de Saint-Boniface) Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard (Université de Moncton) Annie Robitaille
(Université d'Ottawa) Nelly Oriane Hatungimana (Université d'Ottawa)
Introduction: Pour soutenir les proches aidants dans les occupations reliées à ce rôle, les
ergothérapeutes doivent en saisir les différents aspects. Des études publiées pendant la pandémie
COVID-19 (2020-2021) soulignent que le confinement a mené à une diminution de services, une
augmentation des tâches des proches et davantage d’isolement. Mais quels ont été les impacts à plus
long terme? Objectif: Documenter les changements dans l’expérience des proches aidants de personnes
ainées, l’assistance offerte à leur proche, le soutien reçu et leur bien-être psychologique pendant la
seconde année suivant le début de la pandémie. Méthode: 83 aidants provenant de 4 provinces
canadiennes ont rempli un questionnaire en ligne entre octobre 2021 et février 2022, puis à nouveau 6
mois plus tard (avril à août 2022). De plus, 8 proches aidants ont participé à une entrevue qualitative.
Résultats: La majorité des services de soutien à domicile aux ainés ont été maintenu pendant la
pandémie, à l’exception des services de répit et de transport, mais certains avec un personnel restreint.
L’aide offerte par les proches aidants s’est accrue pendant le confinement, surtout pour la gestion des
soins, les soins personnels, la préparation de repas, le soutien psychologique et le transport, et ce
niveau plus élevé est maintenu en 2022. Les participants rapportent un fardeau élevé et un impact
négatif de la pandémie sur leur santé et sur celle du proche ainé. Implication pour la pratique: Ces
résultats suscitent la réflexion sur l’aide que ergothérapeutes peuvent apporter aux proches aidants
dont l’équilibre occupationnel est bouleversé par une situation de crise.
Key words | Mots clés : Soins à base communautaire, Soins de longue durée
A balancing act: Occupational balance among mature graduate students
Friday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
OS Poster presentation: Adult | Health and well-being
Brittany Bhatnagar (Dalhousie University, Halifax) b.b[email protected] Heidi Lauckner (Dalhousie
University) heidi.lauckner@dal.ca Karen Gallant (Dalhousie University) karen.galla[email protected]
Introduction: Occupational balance is a multidimensional concept that describes everyday doing in
terms of balancing obligatory and chosen activities that can impact wellbeing (Eakman, 2016). While
thoroughly explored among working adults (Wagman et al., 2011), little is known about the experiences
of mature graduate students, who often juggle school with other life obligations. Objectives: This
research explored the lived experiences of occupational balance among mature graduate students
during the writing stages of their Master’s theses. Methods: Informed by phenomenological approaches,
this research involved 8 semi-structured interviews with full-time Master’s students who were also
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
involved in another commitment (e.g., paid work). Data were analyzed using Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith et al., 2022). Findings: Participants described feelings of
overwhelm and loss of control within the unique context of graduate studies, which included demands
on their time beyond their thesis work, lack of structure within graduate studies, and high academic
expectations. Participants also described negotiating conflicted feelings between various responsibilities
and their desire to pursue restorative activities. Participants used a variety of strategies to achieve what
they described as a sense of balance including: creating their own structures, engaging in concurrent
occupations that met multiple needs to save time, and, for some, considering balance over the long
term. Conclusion: Experiences of occupational imbalance are common among mature graduate students
manifesting as feelings of overwhelm, stress, and pressure. Students’ strategies can inform academic
supports and advance theoretical understandings of occupational balance.
Key words | Mots clés : Occupational science, Teaching/education
In the spirt of ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑎᒌᓐᓂᖅ - Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq- Learning ways to integrate
services impacting early childhood mental health
Friday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Kaitlynn Dewhirst (Queen's University, Yellowknife) k.dewhirst@queensu.ca Kendall Aknavigak
(Kitikmeot Friendship Society) Charles Zikalala (Kitikmeot Friendship Society) Eva Kakolak (Elder)
Introduction: Based in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut (NU), the Kitikmeot Friendship Society is developing
early childhood mental health programs and services to support the health and wellness of children and
families. Systemic barriers, such as racism, colonization, and medical models of service delivery that
have resulted in siloed and fragmented systems compound health challenges for children and families in
Cambridge Bay. While evidence indicates that integrated systems improve health and wellness
outcomes; there is a gap in knowledge regarding how to transform complex systems from siloed or
nodular forms to integrated structures. Purpose: To co-create with knowledge holders a shared
awareness of current early childhood mental health services and programs and, learn how early
childhood mental health services should be improved or integrated in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
Methods: The research study is based theoretically within a framework of postcolonial theory and
guided by community based participatory action research principles. The collaborative decision-making
framework will guide the interpretive descriptive qualitative study method, including individual
interview and focus groups. Data collected will be analysed through qualitative thematic analysis.
Conclusion: This study will go some way to establishing a common understanding of services impacting
early childhood mental health in Cambridge Bay and co-create with knowledge holders, ways to
integrate these supports.
Key words | Mots clés : Community development, Mental health
Therapy protocols for an upper limb stroke rehabilitation wearable
Friday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Adult | Technology
Nichelle Hughes (University of Toronto, Toronto) nichelle.hughes@mail.utoronto.ca Nicole Nagy
(University of Toronto) Zhangfeng Zhou (University of Toronto) Xinyu Liu (University of Toronto) Rosalie
Wang (University of Toronto)
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of disability, with many stroke survivors experiencing long-term
upper limb (UL) deficits. Canada’s health care system is strained, with many stroke survivors not having
access to the rehabilitation they need to regain physical function. New ultrasoft bottlebrush elastomer
(BBE)-based rehabilitation wearable technology with an integrated chip (IC) could increase the ability for
clients to engage in effective rehabilitation from home without direct clinician supervision. Objectives:
To apply practice and evidence-based knowledge to create and analyze three case personas of clients
who could benefit from upper limb rehabilitation to inform development of these technologies and
associated occupational therapy protocols. Approach: While the first prototype of the wearable is
currently in the laboratory testing phase, this next step will analyze three case personas of fictitious
stroke survivors created based on real stories of stroke survivors with UL deficits. A team comprised of
clinicians experienced in post-stroke rehabilitation, engineers, and stroke survivors with UL deficits will
conduct the analyses to derive technology design requirements and incorporate evidence-informed
occupational therapy protocol components needed for a useful intervention. Findings: Creating a new
stroke rehabilitation intervention using technology requires co-design and clinician team expert analysis
to support usability and feasibility of the intervention. The study findings will outline protocols for use of
the technology in occupational therapy. Conclusion: The burden of stroke recovery on the Canadian
health care systems is high, but this burden could be lessened by a UL wearable to aid in at-home
rehabilitation.
Key words | Mots clés : Stroke, Technology
Deepening our understand of belonging as a dimension of occupation
Friday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
OS Poster presentation: Community/Population | Professional issues/Practice
Anne-Cécile Delaisse (The University of British Columbia, Vancouver) adelaiss@student.ubc.ca Suzanne
Huot (The University of British Columbia) suzanne.huot@ubc.ca
Introduction: While doing, being, becoming and belonging are considered as dimensions of occupation
(Wilcock, 2007); belonging has received less attention from occupational scientists. Moreover, the
occupation-based literature tends to equate belonging to connectedness and to take a sedentarist
approach in which mobility is considered as a challenge for occupational engagement and belonging.
Objectives: to critically examine belonging as a dimension of occupation and to consider its constructed,
dynamic and multifaceted nature (Healy, 2019) in the context of migration. Methods: Cross-national
comparative ethnography in Canada, France and Vietnam, including 22 observations in Vancouver’s and
Paris’ Vietnamese communities as well as 86 interviews with 64 participants (international students and
recent migrants in Paris and Vancouver; returnees from France and Canada in Vietnam). Findings:
Participants’ belonging is addressed with regards to 1) routines, familiarity and family, 2) mobility and
immobility, 3) structure and agency. Conclusions: The study challenges static notions of occupation and
belonging in occupational science and advances understanding of how both are shaped by normative
discourses. Firstly, we highlight that occupation and belonging are situated within, but not bounded to a
specific location. For instance, a sense of home can be cultivated through routine occupations
performed in various locations. Secondly, belonging through occupations is influenced by discourses
that define certain occupations as criteria for belonging (e.g., engaging in occupation with or like locals
in the receiving country). Finally, migrants’ agentively perform belonging through occupations in a way
that can challenge or perpetuate these discourses to achieve certain gains.
Key words | Mots clés : Occupational science, Theory
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Professional identity: A lever for negotiating interprofessional roles.
Friday: 1:00 PM-1:25 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Professional issues/Practice
Yasmine Frikha (Université Laval, Quebec) yasmine.frikha.1@ulaval.ca Andrew Freeman (Université
Laval) andrew.freeman@rea.ulaval.ca Nancy Côté (Université Laval) [email protected]laval.ca
Introduction: Occupational therapists are increasingly being asked to exercise leadership and influence
to optimise their contribution, improve access to their services, and advocate for occupational rights for
individuals and communities. However, they continue to report variable awareness and recognition of
their roles, and difficulties in positioning themselves effectively in interprofessional teams and acting in
accordance with their professional identity. It is essential to better understand the influence of the
practice context and relationships within interprofessional teams on the construction of occupational
therapists’ professional identity and the enactment of their roles. Objectives: To explore how
occupational therapists construct their professional identity in interprofessional teams in different
contexts and its impact on their role optimisation. Methods: A case study of occupational therapists in
Quebec is being conducted with practitioners in public and private practice settings using observation of
interprofessional meetings and individual interviews. Findings: Contextual influences on the formation
of occupational therapists' professional identity and agency are falling into two categories: distal
contextual variables (issues at the level of the profession: status and professionalization, legislation),
and proximal contextual variables (organizational rules, types of professionals, nature of the
relationship, communication between professionals). The therapists have variable perceptions of their
professional identity (e.g., vision of occupational therapy, values), which are significantly influenced by
their experiences. Conclusion: It is important for occupational therapists to be aware of the various
influences, including their practice context, that shape their professional identity in order to negotiate
their role more effectively.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Interprofessional
Defying the deficit: Shifting understandings of transgender experiences of occupation
Friday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 102
Extended discussion: Community/Population | Equity & Justice
Kirby Way (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) kirbyway@student.ubc.ca Holly Reid (University of
British Columbia) hm[email protected]bc.ca
Introduction: Within occupational science and occupational therapy (OS and OT) contexts, there remains
a largely deficit-based positioning of the experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD)
populations with respect to occupational engagement. The absence of joyful, strengths-based
experiences of this community is directly informed by larger social discourses that pathologize TGD
populations. There remains a limited scope of understanding of the influence occupation has in
facilitating joyful experiences for TGD populations, as the focus to this point has been solely on
occupational disruptions and challenges. A nuanced and critically reflexive approach to understanding
occupational experiences of TGD populations is one that intersects occupation, joy and gender euphoria.
Session Objectives: 1) Explore the unique intersectional factors influencing occupational experiences of
TGD populations; 2) Define and describe trans joy, euphoria and intersections with occupation as
concepts required for adopting a strengths-based approach to working with TGD communities. Session
Description: The first 20 minutes will include a presentation by co-authors with lived experience to
define and describe the role that occupation can and does play in facilitating joyful experiences for TGD
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
populations. Small group discussions will follow (15 minutes) focused on dialogue about the intersection
of TGD experiences and occupational engagement. Large group discussion will follow (20 minutes),
providing attendees opportunities to reflect on strategies, outcomes and barriers to applying the
concepts learned. The authors’ positionalities inform the complexities of this conversation and provide
unique perspectives on the topic. Practice Implications: This session will enact a shift in the way that
TGD populations are positioned within OS and OT contexts. This session will also provide a more
nuanced understanding of the intersection of trans identities, joy and occupation, which supports those
in OS and OT contexts to recognize, incorporate, and build upon the strengths of TGD clients.
Conclusion: Transitioning from a deficit-focused approach towards a perspective that recognizes
occupation as a fundamental component of gender euphoria and trans joy is integral to gaining a more
nuanced understanding of the occupational experiences of TGD populations. This shift is a vital step
towards allyship between the TGD and OS and OT communities.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Equity & Justice
Occupational Therapy Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Friday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 103
CAOT Sponsored Session: |
On September 30, 2023, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Occupational Therapy TRC Task
Force released the Occupational Therapy Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The document was developed with leadership from the OT TRC Task Force’s co-chairs and Métis
occupational therapists, Angie Phenix and Kaarina Valavaara, along with invited allies and
representatives from CAOT’s Boards of Directors, the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation
(COTF), the Alliance of Canadian Occupational Therapy Professional Associations (ACOTPA), the
Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO), and the Association
of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs (ACOTUP).
The Statement of Commitment is intended to guide the reconciliation efforts of occupational therapy
leadership organizations and to increase accountability to advance the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Action and the Final Report on the National Inquiry into the Missing
and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls to Justice and support the implementation
of the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) within the occupational therapy
profession. Responding to the Calls to Action and recommendations, individually and collectively, is the
responsibility of the occupational therapy profession at all levels and presents an opportunity to
translate principles and values, human and occupational rights, and socially transformative approaches
into practice.
The session will introduce the Statement of Commitment and review the current progress and plans of
the occupational therapy leadership organizations in Canada. Session attendees will be invited to
provide feedback and ask questions about each organization’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
within their respective mandates
Climate Change- The Role of Occupational Therapists and Health Professionals
Friday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 104
Extended discussion: Non-specific | Environment
Giovanna Boniface (OT-CAN (Occupational Therapy Climate Action Network), Royal Architectural
Institute of Canada, Vancouver) bonifacegiovanna@gmail.com Myles Sergeant (Canadian Coalition for
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Green Health Care) Janet Craik (CASCADES: Creating a Sustainable Canadian Health System in a Climate
Crisis) janet.craik@utoronto.ca Justine Jecker (CAOT)
Introduction: Climate change is arguably the most significant threat to this planet and humankind.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is the biggest health threat facing
humanity (WHO, 2021). Although there is a high focus of media attention and coverage on climate
change, primarily with a narrative full of doom and gloom (Arnold & Shorenstein, 2018), there is also
hope. In 2015, The Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change posits that “tackling climate
change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the century” (Watts et al., 2015 p. 1861).
Practice problem: Health professionals are in a position to be part of the solution, but there are gaps in
how they perceive climate change and their role in climate action (Hathaway & Maibach, 2018).
Reflections: Occupational therapists have a role to play to combat climate change and can take a lead as
a profession to actively engage in climate action in day-to-day practice (Garcia Diaz & Richardson, 2021).
In 2018, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists published guidelines on how occupational
therapists can work towards a more sustainable occupational therapy practice, including guiding
principles with reflective questions focused on reducing carbon footprint, but how has this call to action
been received? Learning objectives: This extended session will expand knowledge and resources as it
relates to climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience as well as share resources and tools that can be
implemented for a more sustainable future. Practice implications: To broaden opportunities for
occupational therapists to build capacity, knowledge, awareness and understand opportunities for
engagement and action.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Evidence-based practice
Connecting the dOTs - Occupational Therapy, Occupational Science, and Promoting Healing,
Health, and Wellbeing
Friday: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Adult | Health and well-being
Anna Braunizer abraunizer@cbihealth.ca, Michelle Ferguson mferguson.ot@gmail.com (Occupations in
Practice & Mental Health and Substance Use Practice Networks)
Connecting with occupational science as we strengthen our unique role in promoting mental health and
wellbeing across occupational therapies.
Road to independence: Adapted commentary driving for multi-clientele
Friday: 1:00 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 109
Hands-on learning session: Adult | Professional issues/Practice
Natasha Dumont-Carey (Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, Montreal) n.dumont-
[email protected]uv.qc.ca Minh-Thy Truong (Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre)
minhthy.truong@ssss.gouv.qc.ca Isabelle Gélinas (McGill University) isabelle.gelinas@mcgill.ca
Background: Driving is a significant contributor to personal independence (Marottoli et al, 1997), to
support reintegration in the community (Novack et al., 2010) and to enhance the quality of life and
personal identify of persons with a disability (Stepney et al., 2018). For those affected by medical
conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury, resuming driving can be challenging. Practice
problem: Occupational therapists hold a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of driving skills. Many
interventions and tools are used to remediate for deficits in visual attention, memory, visual processing
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
speed and scanning however there is little evidence on their impact in improving driving performance.
Simulators and on-road training provide an interesting avenue since they offer a more realistic practice,
require less generalization ability from the client and could generate a better outcome (Devos et al.,
2012). However, these interventions are not accessible to all therapists. Approach: Adapted
commentary driving is a novel intervention for driver rehabilitation where the person seating in the
front passenger seat verbally described what is happening on the road. The approach has been
developed to enhance visual exploration, scanning skills, enhance rapid analysis and quick response to
stimuli, especially beneficial for clients with visual and perceptual difficulties who want to return to
driving. Learning objectives: This workshop will introduce participants to this new intervention
approach. Participants will be able to describe the four phases of the adapted commentary driving
approach. (20 min). They will also understand how the approach can be applied into their clinical
practice. (20 min). The instructional method includes the use of case studies and videos of real-life
driving scenarios and exchange with the participants. Practice implication: The adapted commentary
driving approach offers a promising intervention that can complement other types of driving retraining
interventions. It is an innovative approach that can be applied with various clienteles. Therapists can
adjust the approach to meet the demands of their practice and the needs of their clients. It's time to hit
the gas and navigate the road to recovery with driving approaches!
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury, Stroke
Post COVID-19 pandemic restrictions: Shifting academic and fieldwork curricular landscapes
Friday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 106
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Fieldwork/Education
Diane MacKenzie (Dalhousie University, Halifax) diane.mackenzie@dal.ca Mary Roduta Roberts
(University of Alberta) mroberts@ualberta.ca Rose Martini (University of Ottawa)
rose.martini@uottawa.ca Christine Ausman (Dalhousie University) christine.ausman@dal.ca Cori
Schmitz (University of Alberta) cori.schmitz@ualberta.ca
Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic restrictions necessitated reflection on approaches to the education of
students worldwide (UNESCO, 2020; Sahu, 2020), which resulted in changes to the educational delivery
landscape. In Canadian occupational therapy education, curricular modifications made in response to
pandemic restrictions consisted of shifting from in-person to online delivery, resequencing or deferring
in-person academic and fieldwork components, and limited adoption of simulation (MacKenzie et al.,
2023). Further reflection on and documentation of these evolving changes and their perceived impact
on student learning and outcomes is critical. Objectives: The purpose of this follow-up study is to
document and compare reported curricula changes (both academic and fieldwork) reported during
restricted and post-restricted delivery periods. Elements examined include instruction and assessment
methods as well as faculties' perceived continued impact on student learning and outcomes.
Methods: An online survey was sent to key representatives from administration, curriculum, and
fieldwork at all 14 accredited occupational therapy university programs in Canada. Results: Overall,
curricula changes shifted back toward pre-pandemic delivery methods. Some measures (e.g., online
lectures) were maintained for reasons of accessibility, pedagogy, with perceived limited adverse impact
on learning. Both in person and virtual learning was perceived as important for changing practice.
Fieldwork placement recruitment remained a challenge, with some programs increasing the use of
simulation. Concerns regarding interpersonal competency development and assessment method
integrity were more visible and of concern. Conclusions: Results provide an updated historical
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
foundation from which to track pedagogical changes, student outcomes, and, ultimately, impact on
occupational therapy service delivery.
Key words | Mots clés : Fieldwork, Teaching/education
Friday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation:
Cohérence cardiaque: un outil simple pour les stresseurs d'aujourd'hui.
vendredi: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: 108
Présentation orale (exposé): Les adultes | La santé et le bien-être
Krystel Parenteau (Ergo autonomie, Magog) info@ergoautonomie.com
Introduction : Saviez-vous que le rythme respiratoire a le pouvoir de générer un état de panique, de
repos ou d’apesanteur émotionnel ? En effet, la respiration, souvent négligée malgré son ubiquité, se
révèle un outil essentiel pour la gestion du stress et s’inscrit à merveille dans la pratique ergothérapique
en s’agençant aux occupations du quotidien. Afin de briser le cycle de l’apnée de l’écran, l’induction
respiratoire générant un état de cohérence cardiaque émerge comme une méthode validée influençant
positivement le système nerveux et la variabilité cardiaque, un marqueur de santé de haute importance.
Objectifs : Expliquer les effets de la cohérence cardiaque ; fournir des stratégies pour maximiser ses
bienfaits ; détailler à qui s’adresse cette pratique et comment l’implanter dans ses interventions
ergothérapiques. Méthodes : Revue brève de la littérature expliquant la physiologie sous-jacente,
mettant en lumière son impact sur le système nerveux, la gestion du stress et l'adaptabilité ;
démonstration de la pertinence pour les ergothérapeutes ; présentation de diverses méthodes
permettant de l’intégrer dans sa routine quotidienne. Résultats : Proposer des protocoles adaptés ayant
un impact direct sur le système nerveux afin de réduire le stress et favoriser l’engagement
occupationnel. Conclusion : La pratique de la cohérence cardiaque est une habitude universelle de choix
pour la gestion du stress et l’ergothérapeute est l’expert ayant le pouvoir de promouvoir cet état afin de
contribuer à la santé collective de la société actuelle et future.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessionnel, Science de l’occupation
Adapter une intervention fondée sur l'occupation pour gérer la douleur.
vendredi: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
Présentations par affiches: Les adultes | Les conditions chroniques
Julie Masse (Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec) j.masse@umontreal.ca Svetlana Nielsen
(University of Southern Denmark) Jeanette Christensen (University of Southern Denmark) Søren Skou
(University of Southern Denmark) José Côté (Université de Montréal) Sara Saunders (McGill University)
Émilie Lagueux (Université de Sherbrooke) Aline Boulanger (Université de Montréal) Jordi Perez (McGill
University) Gabrielle Pagé (Université de Montréal) gabrielle.pa[email protected]a
Introduction. Vivre avec la douleur chronique implique plusieurs défis au quotidien. Étonnamment, peu
d’interventions ciblent spécifiquement les difficultés de fonctionnement de cette population. Redesign
your Everyday Activities and Lifestyle with Occupational Therapy (REVEAL(OT)) (1) est une intervention
développée et étudiée au Danemark au sein de cliniques de douleur multidisciplinaires spécialisées.
Objectif. Cette étude vise à adapter REVEAL(OT) au système de santé canadien en partenariat avec des
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
patients, cliniciens, gestionnaires et auteurs de l’intervention. Méthodes. Cette recherche-action
participative utilisera un devis multiméthodes au sein de 2 cliniques de douleur montréalaises. L’étude
repose sur le modèle ORBIT (2). Phase 1 : première série de groupes de discussion avec les partenaires
(n=86) et d’ateliers avec un comité aviseur afin de codévelopper la voie hypothétique décrivant les
composantes de l’intervention et leurs mécanismes d’action potentiels, ainsi que la première version du
manuel de l’intervention REVEAL(OT)/CA. Phase 2 : raffinement de l’intervention en explorant son
acceptabilité, sa faisabilité et ses mécanismes d’action grâce à au moins 2 prestations dans les 2
cliniques ciblées (n≥60 patients) et de groupes de discussion ou entretiens individuels avec les patients
et partenaires impliqués. Constatations. À la fin de cette étude, le manuel de l’intervention
REVEAL(OT)/CA sera généré en français et en anglais et une stratégie sera établie afin d’implanter et de
documenter les effets de l’intervention REVEAL(OT)/CA. Implications pour la pratique : Cette étude
s’appuie sur une méthodologie rigoureuse pour favoriser le déploiement d’interventions orientées sur le
style de vie en ergothérapie en complémentarité avec l’offre de soins actuelle.
Key words | Mots clés : Pratique fondée sur les faits scientifiques, Science de l’occupation
Improving community transition for people with spinal cord injury
Friday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Acute conditions
Ivneet Lidder (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) [email protected]bc.ca Olivia Vezza (University
of British Columbia) ovez[email protected]bc.ca Rachel Abel Julie Deveau Murveena Jeawon mu-
[email protected] Chih-ting Tsai Jeanne Yiu Anousha Jackson Kaylah Kozma Samantha Kang
Introduction: Transitioning to the community from hospital following rehabilitation can be challenging
for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Many struggle to manage heightened physical demands of
daily activities and social participation. Most research predates the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic,
with limited recent studies identifying barriers that individuals with spinal cord injuries encounter during
this transition and its impact on occupational performance. Objectives: To explore patient perspectives
regarding their life after discharge into the community and to identify gaps in occupational therapy
service during inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilizes an online survey to
collect information on participants' current unmet needs and lived experience of a spinal cord injury
after discharge from rehabilitation. Participants are people who sustained an SCI and have been
discharged from our local inpatient rehabilitation centre between 6 months to 5 years. The survey
collects respondents’ demographic information and data on their life satisfaction, difficulties they may
have faced in the community, and how occupational therapists can better facilitate this transition.
Content analysis will be used to analyze open-ended questions to determine common themes or
concepts, while descriptive statistics will be used to characterize the study sample. Results: Thus far, 17
participants have consented to being contacted for this study, 3 participants have been contacted, and 1
participant has completed a survey. We anticipate patient feedback will inform inpatient services and
support future transitions into community after discharge. Conclusion: Findings may help inform
changes to clinical practice in occupational therapy at our local rehabilitation facility and others across
Canada.
Key words | Mots clés : Clinical reasoning, Program evaluation
Pedaling towards inclusion: Understanding the impact of adaptive biking
Friday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Jacquie Ripat (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) jacquie.ripat@umanitoba.ca Cheryl Glazebrook
(University of Manitoba) cheryl.glazebrook@umanitoba.ca Danny Mann (University of Manitoba)
danny.mann@umanitoba.ca Minoo Dabiri Golchin (University of Manitoba)
Minoo.DabiriGolchin@umanitoba.ca McKenna Brown (University of Manitoba)
brownm21@myumanitoba.ca Eve Alexiuk (University of Manitoba) alexiuke@myumanitoba.ca
Introduction: Children and adults with neuromuscular conditions have fewer opportunities to
participate in physical activities known to improve health and well-being. Adapted bicycles can be used
by children and adults with neuromuscular conditions to participate in biking, a common and lifelong
leisure activity that promotes physical activity. However, the potential therapeutic benefits of using
adapted bikes remain relatively unknown. Objectives: 1) To identify changes in physical, psychosocial,
and functional status that clinicians attribute to adaptive biking; 2) To gain an understanding of the
effects of adapted biking on children’s self-perceived social participation, physical status, and quality of
life; and 3) To identify environmental barriers that impact access and opportunity to bike regularly.
Methods: Employing a mixed-methods, qualitative descriptive approach, we conducted three focus
groups, each with 3-6 Canadian occupational therapists or physiotherapists experienced with
recommending adapted bikes. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with four dyads consisting
of an experienced child rider and their guardian. Our analysis used an inductive approach, integrating
data from children, guardians, and clinicians. Findings: Preliminary analysis resulted in the overarching
theme: Adapted Bikes Support Inclusion. We also identified two sub-themes: Facilitators, including
benefits, supports, and adaptations; and Restrictors, addressing challenges, environmental barriers, and
safety considerations. Conclusions: Ongoing research with children, families, and clinicians will inform
the development and application of appropriate outcome measures, assessments, and clinical practice
guidelines. Ultimately, we aim to expand access to adaptive biking for more children and adults with
neuromuscular conditions so they can engage in this vital occupation.
Key words | Mots clés : Assistive devices, Evidence-based practice
Brainbot, a post-concussion self-management app: A study protocol investigating efficacy
Friday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Adult | Technology
Brenna Schmitt (University of Toronto, Toronto, ON) br[email protected]ronto.ca Jina Kim
(University of Toronto) [email protected]toronto.ca Anne Hunt (University of Toronto)
anne.hunt@utoronto.ca Shelley Vaisberg shelley.vaisb[email protected]
Introduction: Individuals recovering from concussion often experience post-concussive symptoms (PCS),
including headaches, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, that can impact occupational performance,
quality of life, and re-engagement in meaningful activities (Cicerone & Azulay, 2007; Radomski et al.,
2016). Many rehabilitative interventions have been used with individuals experiencing PCS, including
mobile health applications and self-management programs. Brainbot is an AI-powered, mobile health
app that integrates symptom and activity tracking, comprehensive data analytics, and AI-generated
insights to offer personalized guidance for enhancing symptom management and occupational
performance for individuals experiencing PCS. Recent literature has demonstrated Brainbot’s usability
with this population, but its efficacy has not yet been established (Ma et al., 2023). Objectives: The
protocol aims to explore whether Brainbot supports changes in perceived self-efficacy of symptom
management, occupational performance, symptoms, and quality of life. Methods: A single-case
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
experimental design using multiple baselines across participants (N=3) will be employed over 9 weeks.
Participants will alternate through phases of non-app use (A) and app use (B) in an A-B-follow-up design.
Measures of perceived self-efficacy, occupational performance, symptoms and quality of life will be
administered weekly. Results: Following protocol implementation, a positive trend is expected during
the intervention phase (B) for occupational performance, self-efficacy, and quality of life, while a
negative trend is expected for symptoms. Conclusion: The protocol may support identification of
preliminary evidence about Brainbot’s impacts in supporting individuals in concussion recovery. Once
evidence is established, occupational therapists may consider use of Brainbot as an intervention to
facilitate activity engagement, independence, and occupational performance with individuals
experiencing PCS.
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury, Technology
Accessible housing needs and priorities of people with physical disabilities
Friday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Advocacy /Leadership
Farah Bacchus-Misir Siobhan Galeazzi-Stirling Kirstin Yuzwa Eva Cohen Sander Hitzig
Rationale: Many people with physical disabilities (PwPDs) experience unmet needs related to acquiring,
building, or modifying accessible homes (Gibson et al., 2012). Importantly, there needs to be more
qualitative research that considers the lived experiences of PwPDs, as well as the perspectives of
housing professionals who design, build, and provide housing and related services. Objective: The
proposed research aims to synthesize the perspectives of PwPDs and housing professionals (e.g.,
developers, builders, engineers, etc) to describe needs and priorities related to accessible housing in
Canada. Methods: An inductive qualitative design was used because it can be practically applied to
healthcare practice and policy without relying heavily on existing frameworks and theories (Vears &
Gillam, 2022). Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with PwPDs and housing professionals
(n=59) were completed to gain perspectives on the needs and priorities for accessible housing. Braun
and Clarke’s (2006) process for thematic analysis will be used to identify key patterns and themes.
Results: Preliminary results will describe accessible housing needs and their practical applications, to
inform the development of future strategies and improve accessible housing availability and legislation
in Ontario. Practice implications: Occupational therapists (OTs) play a key role in adapting the built
environment to promote occupational engagement for PwPDs. These findings offer an opportunity for
OTs to identify key areas for advocacy, capacity building, and policy changes related to housing
development and can serve to guide assessment considerations when supporting clients in acquiring or
modifying their home environment.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Home modification
Essential skills for new occupational therapists practicing rurally
Friday: 1:35 PM-2:00 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Not applicable | Professional issues/Practice
Katie Wingerter (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) [email protected]bc.ca Miranda Doerksen
(University of British Columbia) [email protected]c.ca Jay Macdonald (University of British
Columbia) jay.macdonald@ubc.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: This exploratory study seeks to determine essential practice skills for new graduate OTs
working in rural locations. The findings will inform curriculum development, prepare new graduates for
rural OT practice, and help inform the inter-professional team role of occupational therapy. Objectives:
The purpose of this research is to explore the experience of being a new graduate OT in rural practice;
experiences of working in rural practice; and to produce a list of practical skills that OTs working in rural
locations consider essential for newly graduated OTs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews will be
conducted with OTs working in rural locations. Topics of discussion will include perceived essential
practical skills, experiences working rurally, and experiences working as a new graduate. Content
analysis will be performed to generate a list of essential practical skills, and thematic analysis to
understand how their new graduate and rural work experiences contribute to the perceived essential
practical skills. Results: It is anticipated that our findings will show a diverse range of skills that are
required for effective OT practice in rural areas. It is anticipated that some OT skills that are currently
being used by OTs in rural settings have not been acknowledged in current research evidence or
university curricula. Practice implications: Understanding essential practical skills for rural practice can
help inform educators on what skills to teach students for entry level practice and prepare OTs to
practice in rural settings. This research also highlights the unique skills and abilities of OTs working in
rural settings and their contribution to interdisciplinary teams.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessional, Teaching/education
Syndrome de l’imposteur : Incarner les valeurs de l’ergothérapie dans les milieux
contraignants
Friday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Non-specific | Advocacy
Soëla Bandaly ACE-Qc sbandaly@caot.ca
Une opportunité d'explorer les barrières contextuelles rencontrées par les ergothérapeutes dans une
variété de milieux professionnels, entravant ainsi leur capacité à promouvoir les valeurs fondamentales
de la profession, à déployer leur vaste éventail de compétences et à adopter une approche holistique
centrée sur les meilleurs intérêts des clients. Vous aurez l'occasion d'échanger sur des stratégies visant à
surmonter ces obstacles et à s'épanouir dans notre domaine, même lorsque les environnements sont
parfois réducteurs.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy
Occupational therapy simulations: student satisfaction and perceptions of debrief feedback
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 106
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Fieldwork/Education
Kaitlin Sibbald (Dalhousie University, Halifax) kaitlin.sibbald@dal.ca Diane MacKenzie (Dalhousie
University) diane.mackenzie@dal.ca
Introduction: Simulation is used in occupational therapy education to develop practice competency and
facilitate clinical reasoning. However, occupational therapy student satisfaction with simulation,
perceptions of debrief feedback, and implications of this feedback are unknown. Objectives: The
objectives of this study were to i) examine student satisfaction with a new sequential simulation design,
ii) explore the types of simulation debrief feedback students perceive as useful, and iii) explore the
relationship between types of feedback and self-reports of increased clinical reasoning, improved client
care, and planned implementation in future practice. Methods: This study employed a concurrent,
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
embedded, mixed-method cohort design using secondary data analysis. Following each of six
simulations, students completed the Satisfaction with Simulation Education Scale (SSES) and provided
qualitative feedback on their experience. Thematic analysis was used for the feedback comments and an
exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was completed on the SSES data. Results: EFA revealed three factors
captured by the SSES: clinical reasoning and ability, facilitator feedback, and reflection. Students valued
a variety of types of feedback. Reported use of the advocacy inquiry model of debriefing increased the
likelihood by 4.7 times that students reported the debrief facilitated clinical reasoning. When advocacy
inquiry was used in conjunction with providing feedback on specific skills, students were 5.3 times more
likely to report planned implementation of the feedback in practice. Conclusion: Students perceive
debrief feedback provided using the advocacy inquiry model as useful for facilitating clinical reasoning.
Including feedback on specific skills with this model increases planned implementation of feedback in
future practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Fieldwork, Teaching/education
Identifying barriers occupational therapists face addressing depression: evaluating learning
solutions
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Mental health
Martin Anderson (Alberta Health Services, Peace River) martin.an[email protected] Jan Davis (Kansas
University Medical Centre)
Background: Occupational therapists identified depression as a priority for provincial occupational
therapy educational development. Practice Problem: Occupational therapists working in physical
medicine may encounter clients who experience depression and may not feel confident to address this
as part of the occupational therapy process. These same clients may not have the resources necessary
to access mental health services, or, may be triaged as low risk when access to mental health resources
is prioritized. Approach: Occupational therapy clinical education opportunities focused on depression
management were developed and piloted with 27 clinicians. The training included four sections: 1. a
rationale for the training and possible barriers to practice change. 2. the therapeutic alliance. 3.
screening and assessment. 4. two interventions. The participants evaluated the training and participated
in a focus group regarding barriers that they experienced when addressing depression within their
clinical practice context. Learning objectives: To understand barriers to addressing depression and to
have practical ideas for addressing depression within occupational therapy practice. Practice
Implications: The training was well received, and feedback provided was used to guide refining the
learning materials for future training. The barriers that were anticipated by participants when
addressing depression were compiled and provided important information to the educational
development team. This list of barriers will support the development of practice supports and policy
necessary for practice change. Hopefully dissemination of this information will stimulate conversations
amongst the broader community of practitioners regarding mental health needs in physical medicine
practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Teaching/education
Utilisation de la télésanté en ergothérapie pour vieillir en santé
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Technology
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Mathilde Chagnon (Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke) mathilde.chagnon@usherbrooke.ca Mélanie
Levasseur (Université de Sherbrooke) melanie.levasseur@usherbrooke.ca Patrick Boissy (Université de
Sherbrooke)
Bien que les interventions de télésanté aient le potentiel d'améliorer l'accès aux soins et de réduire le
fardeau des patients (Monaghesh & Hajizadeh, 2020), leur utilisation en ergothérapie pour les
personnes âgées est moins fréquente, avec peu d'informations sur leur contexte. Objectifs. Présenter les
résultats d'une étude de portée sur les interventions de télésanté en ergothérapie pour les personnes
âgées (Chagnon et al., 2023). Méthodes. Selon les directives PRISMA-ScR (Tricco et al., 2018), six bases
de données ont été consultées pour identifier les interventions d'ergothérapie en télésanté chez les
personnes âgées. L'extraction et l'analyse des données ont suivi les taxonomies de Tulu (2007), McColl
et Law (2013) ainsi que le modèle canadien de performance et d'engagement occupationnel (Townsend
& Polatajko, 2013). Résultats. 23 études sur les interventions d’ergothérapie en télésanté pour les
personnes âgées ont été identifiées, principalement des essais cliniques randomisés (n = 9 ; 39,1 %). Les
participants, majoritairement atteints d'un problème de santé comme un accident vasculaire cérébral (n
= 9 ; 39,1 %), étaient ciblés par des interventions axées sur l'éducation à la gestion des symptômes (n=12
; 52,2%) via vidéoconférence (n=14 ; 60,7%). Elles étaient réalisées de manière synchrone (n=19 ; 82,6
%), souvent du centre de soins vers le domicile de la personne âgée (n=18 ; 78,3 %). Conclusion. Cette
présentation offre une vue d'ensemble de l'utilisation et des connaissances actuelles sur les
interventions d'ergothérapie en télésanté, soulignant la limitation de la portée actuelle et suggérant des
possibilités d'élargissement, notamment dans le développement occupationnel.
Key words | Mots clés : Occupational science, Technology
Defining occupational therapy’s role in musicians’ health: A scoping review
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Adult |Work and return to work
Marial Williams (NorthShore University HealthSystem, Glenview, IL) ma[email protected] Jeffrey Sabo
University of Ottawa j[email protected] Christine Guptill University of Ottawa cg[email protected]
Rose Martini University of Ottawa rose.martini@uottawa.ca
Introduction: Recent literature has indicated occupational therapy (OT) may be beneficial for musicians
who are at an increased risk for health conditions. However, the work of occupational therapists (OTs) is
not always clearly defined in the literature. No rigorous reviews of the scholarly literature have been
published to examine the current and potential roles of OT in musicians’ health. Objectives: This
presentation will outline a scoping review of the literature on OT’s role in working with musicians.
Current roles for OTs working with musicians will be discussed using the Canadian Model of
Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) to suggest potential roles. Methods: The review
followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and
Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. Data was extracted and analyzed using Arksey
and O’Malley’s (2005) framework, an iterative thematic analysis, and the Canadian Model of
Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) (Townsend & Polatajko, 2013). Findings: Forty-
four articles met inclusion criteria. Thirty-two articles referenced OTs providing services within CMOP-E
components. Five major roles were identified for OTs working with musicians: interventions; prevention,
management, and education; occupational analysis; addressing occupations outside of music-making;
holistic and client-centered approaches. Practice Implications: OTs have multiple roles in addressing
musicians’ health, and therapists should advocate for their full scope of practice, including preventive
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
and holistic approaches that are not always discussed. Future research should define clear guidelines for
therapists working with musicians and investigate more holistic approaches.
Key words | Mots clés : Hand therapy, Occupational science
How occupational therapists promote recovery following motor vehicle accident injury
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Acute conditions
Katelyn Bridge (Queen's University, Kingston) 1[email protected]a Dorothy Kessler (Queen's University)
Tricia Morrison (University of Ottawa) Michel Lacerte (Western University)
Introduction: Injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a primary cause of disability.
Persistent impairments following an MVA can have adverse impacts on health-related quality of life,
work ability, and psychological wellbeing. MVA-related injuries also have broad implications for health
care utilization costs, legal costs, and workforce disruptions. Recovery from an MVA may be understood
differently by health care professionals, insurers, and injured individuals which creates challenges in
supporting injury recovery. Few studies have examined how occupational therapists promote recovery
post-MVA. Understanding post-MVA recovery from the perspectives of occupational therapists is
needed to inform more effective service delivery and clinical decision making. Objectives: This study
addressed the following questions: 1) What factors are identified as influencing recovery following a
non-catastrophic injury sustained in an MVA; and 2) How do occupational therapists currently address
these factors? Methods: A qualitative interpretive descriptive study design was used. Data was collected
through semi-structured interviews with 10 occupational therapists who provide treatment through
auto-insurance funding to clients with non-catastrophic injuries. Interview transcripts were analysed
using constant comparative analysis. Findings: Social support, acceptance, navigating the insurance
system, physical symptoms, and financial stress were the most prominent factors identified by
occupational therapists as influencing recovery post-MVA. Occupational therapists address these factors
through promoting symptom management, advocating for client needs, using a team approach, and
acting as case managers to assist with navigating insurance processes. Practice Implications: Study
findings will begin to provide an understanding of how occupational therapists currently address MVA-
recovery-related factors in their practice and inform areas for future practice development.
Key words | Mots clés : Clinical reasoning, Private practice
Early literacy is a team effort
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Loralie Clark ( Rural Northwest Saskatchewan) loralie.clark.lc@gmail.com Mona Brass (Chief
Ahtahkakohp School) mona.brass@tsec.ca
Background: Indigenous children are at higher risk for lags in literacy development (Saskatchewan
Ministry of Education, 2023). Data collected in a rural Indigenous community school identified a 2 year
lag prior to the pandemic. Direct instruction programs for Grades 1 to 9 are in place within this school in
an attempt to reduce the literacy gap as reading is essential to all future occupations an individual
pursues. Practice problem: The passage of time is perceived to be the greatest enemy for children with
reading challenges. Early identification of preschool aged Indigenous children who show early signs of
literacy delays is a team effort to improve literacy outcomes and future success of all children into adult
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
life. The journey began from this conversation among professionals. Approach: An interprofessional
school team (comprised of an occupational therapist, teachers, speech-language pathologist, and social
worker) reviewed literature, data from the community, standardized assessments, and experiential
learning models. With this information, the team has developed a checklist with an emphasis on physical
skills, creativity, and emotional regulation as foundations identified to promote early literacy success.
Learning objectives: This session will highlight a rural interprofessional team approach to early literacy
success and future directions. Practice implications: The early years checklist is anticipated to be used to
identify and inform individualized early literacy programming for all children prior to their entry into a
rural Indigenous community school. With early identification, growth in literacy will support success in
future occupational pursuits for individuals.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessional, School health
How Occupational Therapists can use 3D printing for Microstomia Orthoses
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Non-specific | Technology
Zoë Edger-Lacoursière (McGill University and Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Medica, Montréal) zoe.edger-
[email protected]ill.ca Valérie Calva (Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Medica)
Valerie.Calva.vmed@ssss.gouv.qc.ca Geneviève Schneider (Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Medica)
genevieve.schneider.v[email protected]c.ca Bernadette Nedelec (McGill University)
bernadette.nedelec@mcgill.ca
Background: Microstomia, often observed following facial burn injuries, can hinder functional activities
such as eating, speaking, dental care, and medical procedures such as intubation. Thus, microstomia
orthoses (MO) are used to increase mouth opening and function. MOs are quite expensive, difficult to
obtain and need to be constantly tailored to each individual’s needs and progression, which is not
always possible with prefabricated MOs. Innovation: The first report of an inexpensive, 3D printed MO
was presented at the 2023 American Burn Association conference. The authors modified this design to
generate additional sizes and address issues of comfort and material rigidity. The modified 3D MO was
then trialed with 3 patients at different rehabilitation stages and their outcomes documented. Findings:
The mouth impairment and disability assessment (MIDA), including measures of horizontal and vertical
mouth opening, was completed before and 4 months after the use of the 3D MO. All participants had
previously reached a plateau on these measures after using commercially available MOs before starting
the 3D MO. The 4-month post 3D MO wear MIDAs improved by 15 and 4 points for 2/3 patients (one is
ongoing). One patient was able to avoid having reconstructive surgery. All patients improved their
mouth opening measures. Learning objectives: By the end of the session, attendees will know how to
find printing files for this MO and further resources to aid with 3D printing. Practice implications:
Occupational therapists’ use of 3D printing for the treatment of microstomia will improve functional
outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Key words | Mots clés : Orthotics, Technology
Occupational therapy and dentistry: An evidence-based approach to care
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Primary care/Primary healthcare
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Elisabeth Thompson (University Pediatric Dentistry, Buffalo) ethompson@updwny.com Leah Stein Duker
(USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy) lstein@chan.usc.edu Jan Tona
(University at Buffalo) tona@buffalo.edu
Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) has begun to expand into the emerging practice setting of
primary care, including dentistry, to provide interprofessional support for people with special healthcare
needs (PSHCNs), including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many PSHCNs
experience poor oral health and oral care challenges, linked to sensory sensitivities and a lack of
provider education and experience. These difficulties may lead to distressing dental experiences,
dissuade consumers from ensuring proper oral care, and discourage dental professionals from treating
PSHCNs. Objectives: Identify the unique skills that OT practitioners possess in evaluating the oral health
environment. Discuss the sensory adapted dental environment (SADE) and the physiological changes
that result. Discuss clinical cases using SADEs for PSHCNs. Methods: This presentation will examine the
evidence supporting interprofessional collaboration among dentists, dental hygienists, and occupational
therapists as well as the unique contributions of OT to the field of dentistry in the clinical environment.
Patient cases will be presented showcasing the benefits of a sensory adapted dental environment.
Results: Occupational therapists are at the forefront of healthcare professionals who can assist in oral
healthcare due to their background in sensory adaptation. Conclusion: By applying the Person-
Environment-Occupation model to the dental clinic and PSHCNs, participants will understand the value
of OT collaborating with dental medicine to address oral health.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Sensory integration
Occupational Therapists' Perspectives on Restraints and Seclusion in Schools
Friday: 2:10 PM-2:35 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Professional issues/Practice
Geneviève Rochon (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) genevieve.roc[email protected]
Noémi Cantin (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) noemi.cantin@uqtr.ca
Introduction: Several studies document unjustified and abusive use of restraints and seclusion in school
settings (Bartlett & Floyd Ellis, 2020; Scheuermann & al., 2016). In Quebec, occupational therapists are
among the professionals authorized to decide on the use of restraints in schools. However, occupational
therapists are not yet mandatory professionals in Quebec schools, which may compromise access to
services. Given this context, it is important to consider the perceptions of occupational therapists
regarding the practices in their school environments. Objectives: To describe the impact of the school
practice context on the clinical process of occupational therapists leading to the decision to use
restraints. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with six
occupational therapists took place during the 2022-2023 school year. The presented results are part of a
larger research project. Results: Preliminary results suggest that occupational therapists observe a lack
of knowledge among various stakeholders in schools. As a result, they advocate for the need for clear
policies surrounding the use of restraints and seclusion. When involved in the decision to use restraints,
occupational therapists describe encountering challenges related to time constraints and pressures to
apply restraints. Conclusions: School-based occupational therapists' perceptions indicate that practice
changes are necessary within their practice context to comply with current legislative frameworks.
Beyond legal compliance, the most important aspect is to ensure the protection of students by
emphasizing the essential role of occupational therapists.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Key words | Mots clés : School health
Nature as co-therapist: Moving outside the clinic walls for good!
Friday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 102
Extended discussion: Children and youth | Mental health
Rebecca Wurm (Full Circle Occupational Therapy, Fredericton) becca@otfullcircle.com
Introduction: Nature-based OT is a quickly growing niche in pediatric private practices in the USA, but
less so in Canada. In a time where almost every aspect of life involves technology, getting back to the
fun of climbing trees or playing hide and seek are making a comeback. Running a nature-based OT group
or treating individual clients in nature can have far-reaching benefits for many of our most common
pediatric clients. Success/innovation: Support is needed for Canadian OT’s to understand the vast
benefits of taking their practice outside. Due to the pandemic, our practice decided to shift our work
outdoors rather than close down, and we were surprised when we observed progress speeding up and
goals being met faster! Approach/findings/reflection: A deep dive into the literature and research
showed that these improvements our clients were showing were not by coincidence. Nature-based
therapy creates real world opportunities for increasing sensory-motor coordination, confidence and
caring with peers, and is the ideal environment for supporting self-regulation. Case studies, literature
reviews, and multimedia resources of Full Circle OT’s nature-based practice will demonstrate the ease
and surprising efficacy of shifting from a clinic to a nature-based practice, as well as the supportive
community of nature-based therapists that already exists to help an OT do just that. Learning objectives:
Therapists will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the unique benefits that nature-based OT
groups can provide, as well as an understanding of which clients nature-based OT groups are most
therapeutic for. Attendees will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of some of the unique
treatment strategies that are used in nature-based groups. Practice implications: Participants will leave
the session with an understanding of the challenges and benefits to running a nature-based OT practice,
as well as resources to guide them in starting their own nature-based practice. Personal evidence will
also be shared in hopes of creating optimism for a solution to the increasing problem of OT’s
experiencing burnout that could be more realistically avoided when a mindful nature-based practice can
be adapted to support the therapist’s mental health as well!
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Private practice
Enacting an Intersectional Approach to Social Accountability in occupational therapy: A
national joint position statement
Friday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: C1
CAOT Sponsored Session: Not applicable | Equity & Justice
Marianne Baird, Giovanna Boniface, Fizza Jafry, Leanne Leclair, Monique Lizon, Susan Mahipaul,
Elizabeth Pooley, Hélène Sabourin, Ruheena Sangar
Introduction: We are pleased to share a new national joint position statement (JPS) entitled Toward
Equity and Justice: Enacting an Intersectional Approach to Social Accountability in Occupational Therapy.
Over two years in the making, the document is the result of the efforts of a diverse working group,
consultations with occupational therapists who identify as members of underrepresented groups and
has been endorsed by the five national occupational therapy organizations. The many contributors to
this document hope that we (individually and collectively) will use this joint position statement to raise
awareness, initiate conversations, and take action towards equity and justice. Session Objectives: The
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
session will (1) Introduce the 2024 joint position statement (1) Describe social accountability and
evidence-informed elements of a socially accountable approach (3) Discuss recommendations and
commitments (4) Introduce supporting documents and resources. Session Description: The session will
introduce the JPS, review concepts, and examine recommendations to support the development of
commitment statements and provide time for small group discussion. As this living document is shared
with occupational therapists, we welcome your ideas for knowledge translation and questions about its
use. Practice Implications: The JPS aims to serve as a social accountability framework to foster
conditions that shift normative and dominant cultures, dismantle systemic barriers, repair harms,
support healing, eradicate discrimination, and aspire to co-create spaces that allow us to promote
justice more equitably within the scope of occupational therapy practice. Conclusion: Occupational
therapy practitioners, assistants, researchers, managers, and students in Canada are invited to enact an
occupational therapy practice rooted in and committed to justice, equity, and inclusion.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice
Technology as a bridge to age-in-place
Friday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 103
Extended discussion: Older Adult | Health and well-being
Marla Calder (Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, Fredericton) Marla.Calder@HorizonNB.ca Krista
MacMillan (Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation) Krista.MacMillan@horizonnb.ca Emma Croken (Stan
Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation) Emma.Croken@HorizonNB.ca Rachelle Bernier (Stan Cassidy Centre for
Rehabilitation) Rachelle.Bernier@HorizonNB.ca Natasha Hanson (Horizon Health Network Research
Services) Natasha.Hanson@HorizonNB.ca Samantha Fowler (Clinical Research Manager Maritime SPOR
SUPPORT Unit) Samantha.Fowler@HorizonNB.ca
Introduction: Many older adults encounter difficulties related to social isolation, communicating with
friends and family, access to care and support, community participation, risks of falling, medication
management, and independence (Chung et al., 2016; Chabot et al., 2017; Yusif et al., 2016). Issues like
these have the potential to negatively impact ones’ overall sense of well-being, daily functioning, and
safety. This study looks at a program developed by occupational therapists (OT) to teach older adults
how to use smart home technology (SHT) and demonstrate its potential impact on their lives. Session
Objectives: Attendees will be able to discuss 3 concerns facing older adults that SHT can address.
Attendees will be able to describe 3 areas of technology that can be included in an education series to
support daily participation. Attendees will be able to identify 2 benefits from taking a hands-on SHT
class. Session Description: A 20-minute presentation will be followed by hands-on stations. The hands-
on learning will be facilitated by the research team. Practice implications or results: The research results
showed that education provided by Occupational Therapists to help older adults learn about and accept
SHT was beneficial in helping them to understand and choose appropriate technology to meet their
occupational needs in terms of health and safety. Therapists should ensure that SHT is always
considered as a part of home assessments and environmental modifications. Introduction in a group
setting had benefits but there is a need for individualized intervention and training to optimize use. The
results also highlighted the barrier of cost to technology and lack of funding. Occupational therapists
need to advocate for funding programs for the technology that will allow more older adults to age in
place. Conclusion: Occupational Therapists have expertise in appropriate selection and training to help
maximize occupational performance and safety. As a profession it is important to contribute to the
growing body of research on using assistive technology and in particular smart home technology to
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
maximize the function of our clients. The feedback from participants showed that education and hands
on training on device use is important for acceptance and purchases of technology.
Key words | Mots clés : Teaching/education, Technology
Practicing social occupational therapy in Canada
Friday: 2:10 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 104
Extended discussion: Non-specific | Professional issues/Practice
Niki Kiepek (Dalhousie University, Halifax) niki.kiepek@dal.ca Ana Malfitano (Universidade Federal de
São Carlos) anamalfitano@ufscar.br Keri Chambers (Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services)
keri.chambers@easternhealth.ca Carmel O'Keefe (Dalhousie University) c.okeefe@dal.ca
Introduction: The role of occupational therapy in Canada has shifted markedly from one of ‘enablement’
(Townsend, & Polatajko, 2007) to one of ‘participation’ (Egan, & Restall, 2022). Occupations are
understood as political; they can be oppressive, emancipatory, and/or resistive (Laliberte-Rudman, et
al., 2022). The concept of social occupational therapy, developed in Brazil, emphasizes the social
question as the centre of the discussion to promote professional actions. The link of micro and macro
dimensions emphasizes social life contexts (Lopes & Malfitano, 2021). Objectives: To examine ways in
which occupational therapy practices in Canada can and/or do seek to influence social and systems level
changes to promote social participation. Session Description: This session will open with a panel
discussion facilitated by Niki Kiepek. Ana Malfitano is Brazilian, writing on social occupational therapy
and its enactment in Brazilian contexts. Keri Chambers is an occupational therapist in St. John’s,
Newfoundland whose practice with unhoused populations focuses on social determinants of health and
survival occupations. Carmel O'Keefe is an occupational therapist working with the Dalhousie Social
Work Clinic, embedded in anti-oppressive, social justice frameworks to support people who live in
poverty to access services and resources required to participate in their community. Discussants will
share their understandings about how their practices align with social occupational therapy (15 min).
Small groups will examine the scope of occupation beyond health outcomes and to be inclusive of
systems level changes within their professional practices. The role of occupational therapists to promote
social participation and inclusion will be explored with respect to what currently exists and what
possibilities can be envisioned (25 min). A full group discussion will bring together the ideas discussed in
small groups (15 min). Practice implications: Attendees are invited to share ideas about how to integrate
systems level approaches into contemporary occupational therapy settings and to envision
opportunities to expand roles and practices. Conclusion: The concept of social occupational therapy can
provide a vocabulary to name and legitimize practices that extend beyond individual, health-based
inventions. Drawing on successes of social occupational therapy in Brazil and globally, the social
conditions of Canadians can become more equitable.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Equity & Justice
Does previous anatomy coursework influence student OT learning outcomes?
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 106
Paper presentation: Not applicable | Fieldwork/Education
Emily Ho (University of Toronto, Toronto) emilys.ho@utoronto.ca Erica Dove (University of Toronto)
[email protected]toronto.ca Lorna Aitkens (University of Toronto) lorna.aitkens@utoronto.ca Andrea
Duncan (University of Toronto) a.du[email protected] Anne Agur (University of Toronto)
anne.agur@utoronto.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Introduction: As some Occupational Therapy programs do not require anatomy prerequisite courses,
educators need to develop curricula that address the needs of learners from diverse educational
backgrounds. Objective: This study evaluates the learning outcomes of student occupational therapists
(OTs) with and without previous anatomy coursework while being taught using a blended learning
approach. Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted of students who received anatomy
education that included online anatomy lectures, self-guided anatomy modules with video-based
prosection instruction, student-led discussion forums, and clinical skills labs. Course assessments and
Kember's Critical Self-reflection Questionnaire were used to measure learning outcomes. Results: Of the
97 (78% response rate) students in the study, 67 (69%) had completed previous anatomy coursework.
During the term, students with anatomy coursework fared better than those without on the initial
quizzes; the whole cohort fared similarly on the quizzes taken at the end of term. At the end of the term,
assessment on the practical exam did not differ between students with and without anatomy
coursework. All students had difficulty with higher Bloom's learning level (analysis and application)
assessments. The Kember Questionnaire demonstrated that students largely engaged in understanding
(lower Bloom's level) anatomy when learning through video-based prosection instruction. Conclusions:
Students with and without previous anatomy coursework achieved similar learning outcomes; however,
those without anatomy coursework experienced a catch-up period. Overall, students primarily focused
on understanding anatomy and needed support applying anatomy knowledge.
Key words | Mots clés : Teaching/education
Validation of the Canadian psychosocial rehabilitation competency document: A Delphi study
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 107
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Mental health
Selina Fan (University of Alberta, Edmonton) sjfan@ualberta.ca Shu-Ping Chen (University of Alberta)
Regina Casey Micheal Lee
Introduction: The recovery-orientated framework focuses on supporting a person with mental health
issues to live a satisfying, optimized life, even with mental health symptoms. It has become the central
framework for mental health services around the world, and psychosocial rehabilitation is a practical
approach to apply the values of recovery. Objectives: In partnership with Psychosocial Rehabilitation
(PSR) Canada, this project aims to develop an evidence-based competency framework for PSR
practitioners in Canada. The existing framework, written in 2017, is the only one in Canada, and needs
continued refinement and validation to reflect the changing priorities of Canadians. Methods: This
project employs a Delphi method, which involves focus groups and multiple rounds of questionnaires
with a diverse group of knowledge holders, with the goal of reaching a high level of agreement on the
competency statements. These experts come from diverse groups, including service users, family
members, peer support workers, and healthcare and academic stakeholders. Findings: So far, we have
gathered data from 26 people through online focus groups, including 18 people with lived experience
and 8 service providers. Five themes have emerged- 1. Format of the document 2. Need for Indigenous
cultural safety 3. Emphasis on harm reduction 4. Emphasis on PSR values, and 5. Involvement of family
members for people with serious mental illness. Practice Implications: Once completed, this validated
competency document will better reflect the needs and values of service users and family members. The
document will also contribute to the improvement of PSR services in Canada.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Models
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Accessing Services for Developmental Coordination Disorder in Canada: Parent Perspectives
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Chronic conditions
Arman Gill (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) [email protected]bc.ca Nicole Pereira (University
of British Columbia) pe[email protected]bc.ca Erin Klein (University of British Columbia)
[email protected]bc.ca Alexis Davis (University of British Columbia) [email protected]bc.ca Jill Zwicker
(University of British Columbia) [email protected]
Rationale: Despite Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) being a lifelong condition affecting 5-6%
of school-aged children, national and international research indicates that families of children with DCD
face barriers in accessing services and supports. With limited research exploring the Canadian-specific
parent perspective, this study aims to understand the supports and challenges that Canadian parents of
children with DCD face when attempting to access services for their children. Objectives: To explore the
parent perspectives of children with confirmed or suspected DCD on the barriers and facilitators to
accessing school and community-based services across Canada. Methods: An online cross-sectional
survey was circulated to families of children with suspected or confirmed DCD across Canada from
November 2021 to June 2022, using convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling. Results: A total of
488 parents/caregivers representing all 13 provinces and territories responded to the survey. Data
analysis will include descriptive and inferential statistics to examine the following: (1) access to services;
(2) availability and quality of therapy services; and (3) parent-identified barriers and facilitators to
accessing services and supports. Differences between provinces will be explored. Preliminary data
indicates that families are not engaging in therapy services due to costs and lack of funding available.
School-related support is also identified as creating barriers in the quality of service due to difficulties
accessing classroom and curriculum accommodations. Conclusions: Appropriate therapy and services
can help mitigate the physical, social, and emotional challenges that children with DCD face. The findings
will identify which areas in Canada lack appropriate occupational therapy access.
Key words | Mots clés : Developmental coordination disorder, Equity & Justice
To do or not to do a home appointment
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: 109
Paper presentation: Adult | Professional issues/Practice
Patti Card (Veterans Affairs Canada, Halifax) pc[email protected]
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions closed Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offices shifting
service delivery practices. Prior to the pandemic, there was an expectation all clients received a home
visit from their case manager since they were hailed as a “gold standard” for building engagement and
assessing client needs. Practice Problem: During the pandemic, VAC case managers met these core
functions without the benefit of home visits. When COVID restrictions lifted, VAC reviewed the home
visit practice to recognize and respond to evolutions in case management. Approach: Using an evidence-
based approach, VAC initiated a research phase including a literature review, an environmental scan and
staff focus groups. Results indicated home visits had value, and virtual or phone appointments were
additional options to meet client needs. Results also highlighted staff safety concerns related to home
visits. Learning Objectives: This presentation introduces a tool developed by VAC to help identify
indicators as to whether a home appointment would meet client needs and evaluates potential safety
risks related to the home appointment. Practice Implications: While the focus is on Case Managers, this
tool has practice implications for any health professional, such as Occupational Therapists, conducting
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
home appointments, or Managers who supervise staff who conduct home appointments. The tool
encourages critical analysis thinking to guide staff on decisions whether to proceed or not with a home
appointment and to assess safety risks. Updated home appointment guidelines and training also
supported the tool and practice shifts. These will also be introduced during the presentation.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Technology
Remodeler sa vie : Les effets du programme expliqués
vendredi: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
Présentations par affiches: Les adultes plus âgés | La santé et le bien-être
Marie-Hélène Lévesque (Université de Sherbrooke et Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, et CIUSSS
de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke) Marie-Helene.Levesque@USherbrooke.ca Mélanie Levasseur (Université de
Sherbrooke et Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, et CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS)
Melanie.Levasseu[email protected]a
Introduction. Le vieillissement de la population soulève d’importantes questions de sociétés,
notamment quant à la façon de promouvoir le vieillissement en santé. Puisqu’il favorise le
développement d’un mode de vie sain et signifiant, le programme Remodeler sa vie représente une
avenue novatrice pour une santé durable et équitable. Malgré des résultats probants (Lévesque et al.,
2019), on connaît peu comment le programme fonctionne. Objectifs. Cette présentation vise à expliquer
le fonctionnement du programme Remodeler sa vie, notamment en révélant les circonstances et les
mécanismes responsables de ses effets. Méthodes. Une étude de cas multiples ancrée dans une
approche réaliste et comportant une phase d’implantation clinique est réalisée dans trois milieux
cliniques québécois (cas) recrutés par choix raisonné et incluant respectivement une ergothérapeute,
son supérieur immédiat ainsi que 7 à 9 aîné.es. Une théorie de programme a été élaborée et testée en
contexte réel, puis est raffinée selon la perspective de divers acteurs lors de dix groupes de discussion.
Les effets à court terme du programme ont été documentés à l’aide de mesures pré et post-
intervention. Résultats. Cette étude met en évidence des valeurs (ex. relations non hiérarchiques) des
circonstances (pandémie de Covid-19), des motivations à agir (intérêt à apprendre) ainsi que des effets
adverses potentiels du programme (ex. stress liés aux devoirs à la maison). Conclusion. En contribuant
au développement de preuves scientifiques allant au-delà de réponses simples, de liens causaux directs
et de modèles linéaires pour expliquer le fonctionnement d’interventions complexes en promotion de la
santé, cette présentation contribuera à une implantation réussie et contextualisée du programme.
Key words | Mots clés : Pratique fondée sur les faits scientifiques, Évaluation du programme
Delirium management using a multi-sensory approach in occupational therapy
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Acute conditions
Allen Romero Espelita (University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada)
arespelita@gmail.com
Introduction: Delirium is an acute disturbance in attention and awareness with other disorders in
cognition. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a catastrophic reduction in delirium monitoring, pre-
prevention, and patient care due to organizational issues, lack of personnel, increased use of
benzodiazepines, and restricted family visitation. Objectives: In the burn intensive care unit (ICU),
patients suffer from delirium, often detected in acute illness and related to severe cognitive dysfunction.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Evaluation and intervention necessitate a limited period and determination. Occupational Therapists
have a vital role in addressing the condition. Methods: Suitable sedation practices can supplement a
multi-sensory approach, enabling non‐pharmacologic therapeutic procedures and comfort that can be
augmented by balanced pharmacological interventions when necessary. A multi-sensory model, namely
tactile, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, visual, vestibular, and proprioception, can facilitate healing that
reduces stressors and aids in delirium prevention and management. Findings: Using a multi-sensory
approach, a case study provides a better understanding of how patients transition using the Richmond
Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS). The patient was evaluated from -5 (no response to voice or physical
stimulation) to +2 (frequent non-purposeful movement, not aggressive or vigorous) to 0 (spontaneously
paying attention to caregiver). Conclusion: The multi-sensory approach in the context of delirium
identification and management correlates with improved results, incorporating more delirium-free days,
which could be deemed a dose-response relation. Thus, the A–F bundle could be regarded as effective in
delirium prevention and reducing the delirium burden.
Key words | Mots clés : Acute care, Clinical reasoning
Exploring the relationship of babywearing on parent-child health and wellness
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Xinyi Huang (University of Alberta, Edmonton) xinyi5@ualberta.ca, Kennedy Lacombe (University of
Alberta) klacombe@ualberta.ca, Nicole Michel (University of Alberta) nmichel@ualberta.ca, Jennifer
Chen (University of Alberta) jingge1@ualberta.ca, Gayla Grinde (University of Alberta)
ggrinde@ualberta.ca, and Busi Musiiwa babueba[email protected].
Introduction: Babywearing is a global practice where parents use carriers to carry infants, influencing
child development and enhancing parent-child relationships. Given the range of caregiving activities
involved, occupational therapists are well-suited to address babywearing needs. Objectives: This scoping
review explores the impact of babywearing on dyadic health and wellness, examining outcomes for
parents and infants. It aims to identify the impacts of babywearing and examine gaps in existing
literature. Methods: This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework: identifying
research question, relevant studies, study selection, charting, data summarization, and consulting with
field experts. A peer-reviewed comprehensive search was conducted across ten electronic databases.
Relevant grey literature was added. Included studies focused on parents and caregivers as the
population, compared babywearing to alternative carrying methods, and examined any outcome.
Results: Findings indicate babywearing has numerous implications on infants and caregivers: 1)
Neurological and musculoskeletal impacts, 2) Parent-child bonding and emotional well-being, 3) Cultural
transmission and parental empowerment in daily occupations. Additionally, concerns for babywearing
include caregiver fatigue, discomfort, gait changes, and safety risks for the infant. This practice is also
heavily influenced by cultural climate and societal changes over time. Practice Implications: The valuable
insights into considerations for babywearing may inform occupation therapy practice for dyadic health
and wellness. Understanding this occupation holistically can help highlight potential physical, emotional,
and cultural impacts for parents and infants. Occupational therapists can further emphasize safe and
ergonomic practices. Future research to help guide clinical interventions includes exploring diversity and
longitudinal impacts of babywearing.
Key words | Mots clés : Assistive devices, Community care
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Evaluating cognition in everyday occupation for persons with MS program
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Adult | Chronic conditions
Garima Manek (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) garimam@student.ubc.ca Serena Jacob
(University of British Columbia) [email protected].ca Denise Kendrick (Vancouver Coastal Health)
Susan Forwell (University of British Columbia)
Introduction: Up to 60% of individuals with MS experience decreased cognitive speed, verbal fluency,
visuospatial function, and executive function (Sumowski et al., 2018) impacting school, work, driving,
and socializing, among other occupations. Cognitive rehabilitation, despite the lack of treatment
options, aims to improve cognitive function and teach compensatory skills to improve quality of life
(QoL) (Goverover, 2018). The Cognition in Everyday Occupation for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (CEO-
MS) is a 6-session program with manual, developed to provide a new treatment option by using a group-
based cognitive occupation-focused program. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate CEO-MS, delivered
using a virtual platform, to understand participants' knowledge and ability to self-manage cognitive
symptoms to enable participation in daily activities. Methods: A pre and post quantitative study design
is used to assess awareness of changes in cognitive functions, knowledge/implementation of coping
strategies, and the ability to navigate challenging cognitive situations. Participants are recruited through
a local MS clinic to participate in CEO-MS and complete a questionnaire before and after the program.
Content of the questionnaires includes demographics, elements of cognitive dysfunction, and a modified
version of the Cognitive Self-Efficacy Questionnaire II. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics
and content analysis. Results: It is anticipated that participation in CEO-MS program will increase
knowledge and ability to self-manage cognitive symptoms of MS, increasing participation in daily
activities. Practice Implications: The CEO-MS program can support therapists to provide cognitive
occupation-based interventions by increasing the treatment options available. "Goverover, Y. (2018).
Cognition and activities of daily living in multiple sclerosis. In J. DeLuca & B. Sandroff (Eds.), Cognition
and Behavior in Multiple Sclerosis (pp. 171–190). American Psychological Association.
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Multiple sclerosis
Outcomes of an innovative student program: recruitment, retention, client care
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Fieldwork/Education
Alison M. McLean (Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver) almclean@mail.ubc.ca Desiree Betz
(Vancouver Coastal Health) Darien Merrick (Vancouver Coastal Health) Kristy Inouye (Vancouver Coastal
Health)
Background: One health authority experienced critical shortages of occupational therapists (OTs) in
long-term care (LTC). Recruitment is challenging including new graduates. Retention of OTs is also
difficult: high vacancies lead to unmanageable workloads, high stress and low morale, leading to OTs
moving to other practice areas. Learning Objectives: We will present one solution for recruitment and
retention – and ultimately client care – the LTC Student Therapist Enhanced Program (LTC-STEP); and
share outcomes of a pilot project, lessons learned, and expansion. Innovation: LTC-STEP started as a
one-year pilot. An OT Clinical Instructor took two students for each of five practicums during the year.
Short-term outcomes include the student learning environment, changes in student confidence in
clinical skills and interest in working in LTC, and student contribution to resident care. Long-term
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
outcomes are recruitment, retention, and ultimately enhanced resident/client care. Findings: The pilot
demonstrated success in all short-term outcomes. There were also early achievements in long-term
outcomes: two of four new graduates accepted jobs in LTC; the Instructor reported increased job
satisfaction; and when a second care home implemented LTC-STEP, the Instructor role enticed an
experienced OT to return to LTC. By year’s end, STEP was established in two care homes and starting in
community (home health). Practice Implications: LTC-STEP contributes to recruitment and retention of
OTs and improved client care. Requirements include partnerships within the health authority and with
the university, and strong supports and flexibility to meet ongoing needs of the OT Clinical Instructors,
their teams, students, and clients.
Key words | Mots clés : Long term care, Program evaluation
Northern reflections: Recruitment and retention advice for student occupational therapists
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:10 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Not applicable | Fieldwork/Education
Emma McDougall (Queen's University, Kingston) Laura Toth (Queen's University) Richard Kellowan
(Kingston Health Sciences Centre) Richard.Kellowan@Kingstonhsc.ca
Introduction: Northern practice settings have unique work conditions that influence recruitment and
retention for occupational therapists (OTs). Two student OTs sought to explore these conditions in
preparation for their return or relocation to northern settings upon graduation. Innovation: A five-step
process occurred. First, a literature review (n=8) identified recruitment and retention factors for
Canadian OTs in urban and northern settings. Second, the Competency-Based Fieldwork Evaluation
manual was reviewed to outline clinical competencies for student OTs. Third, a semi-structured, 21-item
interview guide was curated to examine how OT work conditions, clinical competencies, and
recruitment and retention factors may affect new graduates entering practice in northern settings.
Fourth, OTs working in northern settings across Canada were recruited for sixty-minute virtual
interviews or Google Forms surveys through snowball sampling with local professional networks,
including CAOT-North. Fifth, interview results were integrated with literature review findings to derive
advice for new graduates entering northern settings. Findings: Six (6) virtual interviews and five (5)
surveys occurred. Respondents described work in northern settings according to: resources; isolation;
scope of practice; institutional and social supports; job identity; and education opportunities. Pandemic
practice conditions identified contemporary recruitment challenges (geography, clinical experiences,
cost of living) and highlighted retention factors (continuing education, supports, resources, caseload,
role recognition). Practice Implications: A “Cycle of Recruitment and Retention” discussed the impact of
these work conditions on clinical outcomes, burnout, and attrition. Adaptive strategies for retention
were shared: practice support; contextual education; continual reflection; and creative service delivery.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will obtain advice on preparing for entry into northern practice settings.
Key words | Mots clés : Fieldwork, Teaching/education
Political Advocacy: the school is not the end of the story
Friday: 2:45 PM-3:15 PM Room | Location: 101
Conversations that matter: Advocacy/Leadership
Christine Fleming cfle[email protected]a (CAOT-SK)
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Across SK, OTs have been engaging in political advocacy to inform government about the need for a
local program. An approved OT school in SK is not the only end goal nor the only outcome that can be
achieved through advocacy. More OT positions are required not only for student fieldwork
opportunities, but also to serve all the needs of the residents of the province and reduce existing
significant waitlists. This discussion will explore advocacy happening across the country that advances
the presence, value, and recognition of OTs from sea to sea to sea.
Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative: Maximizing impact
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: 102
Paper presentation: Children and youth | Equity & Justice
Stefanie Wiens (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) Stefanie.Wiens@umanitoba.ca
Background: The spring 2017 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling requiring the federal government
to fully fund, and clarifying and expanding the definition of, Jordan’s Principle was a game changing
moment for First Nations children with complex medical and developmental needs. The Inuit Child First
Initiative (ICFI), announced in summer of 2018, created similar funding access to Inuit children.
Subsequent CHRT rulings have expanded Jordan’s Principle’s/ICFI potential reach to include even more
children than it initially did. Unfortunately, the reality is access to this funding is very uneven across the
country, and access barriers are preventing many families from receiving the help they need.
Innovation: In Manitoba, Jordan’s Principle funding has been provided on a community/program basis
from the beginning: each First Nation has a local case manager and other staff, and contracts with
consulting clinicians including occupational therapists. Not surprisingly, more than one third of Jordan’s
Principle funding has been spent in Manitoba to date. Reflection: By leveraging knowledge acquired
from working in Manitoba, more ICFI/Jordan’s Principle funded opportunities can be created for and
with families and communities in other provinces and territories. Learning Objectives: To provide
important background information for occupational therapists on Jordan’s Principle and ICFI, and
increase attendee’s knowledge about the range of opportunities, resources and services that can be
funded, as well as strategies to confront common obstacles. Practice Implications: By increasing our
understanding of Jordan’s Principle and ICFI, occupational therapists across the country can become
better advocates for, and collaborators with, our First Nations and Inuit pediatric clients, families and
communities.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Equity & Justice
Occupational therapists help people live, not only to stay alive
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: 103
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Advocacy /Leadership
Kim Hewitt-McVicker hewit[email protected] Mansi Patel mansi_patel@outlook.com
Background/Introduction: With suicide being one of the top 10 causes of death in Canada (Mental
Health Commission of Canada [MHCC], 2019), it is imperative that occupational therapy professionals
are equipped and engaged in suicide prevention efforts. At the 2014 CAOT conference professional issue
forum on suicide and occupational therapy, CAOT delegates resoundingly highlighted the need for
guidance on how to serve people with suicidal ideation. Practice problem/issue or innovation/success:
Ten years later the CAOT Network: Addressing Suicide in OT Practice shares a critical, professional
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
specific advocacy document, the CAOT Position Statement: Occupational Therapy to Prevent and
Support Recovery from Suicide. Approach: This session will walk delegates through the position
statement’s development process, theory, structure, 5 calls to action and knowledge transfer efforts.
Learning objectives: Increase awareness of why and how the position statement was created. Increase
awareness of with whom and when to apply the position statement. Increase awareness of community
and support in collective application. Practice Implications: While occupational therapists and
occupational therapy assistants have a role to play in suicide prevention their contributions are often
under-utilized if not altogether absent, anticipating heightened systems costs and poorer individual and
community outcomes (Hewitt, Hébert, Vrbanac and Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists,
2019). With increased awareness and understanding of the position statement’s development and
purpose, occupational therapy professionals will be more supported to apply the position statement in
their area of practice.
Key words | Mots clés : Advocacy, Equity & Justice
Optimizing kitchens to support aging in place: Ergonomic design solutions
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: 104
Paper presentation: Older Adult | Environment
Jacquie Ripat (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) jacquie.ripat@umanitoba.ca Shauna Mallory-Hill
smallory-hill@umanitoba.ca Sarah Bohunicky bohunki[email protected]a Cristina Perdomo Delgado
cristina.perdomodelgado@umanitoba.ca
Introduction: Canada has a growing aging population, with many older adults choosing to remain in their
own homes as they age, a concept known as "aging in place." Home environments that accommodate
the physical and functional changes that occur with aging allow for the safe execution of activities of
daily living. This includes the design of kitchens that cater to the needs and capabilities of those who
wish to age in place. Objective: To identify kitchen design recommendations that support individuals to
age in place. Methods: Thirteen older female adults, average age of 74 years (±7 years), participated in
two experimental sessions: one in their own home and one in a research kitchen with adjustable-height
surfaces. In each session, we recorded participants cooking a standardized recipe and later assessed the
recording for ergonomic risk exposure. Participants completed a semi-structured interview after each
test session. We conducted a paired-sample t-test to analyze ergonomic risk during various kitchen tasks
and performed a qualitative analysis on the interviews. Results: We found significant differences in
ergonomic risk when using the sink and during chopping between their home and the research kitchen.
Qualitative analysis revealed four key themes that relate to the impact of aging on kitchen design:
lifestyle, social connections, safety considerations, and accessibility requirements. Conclusion: Designing
kitchens that address the needs of individuals aging in place is a multifaceted process. Kitchen designers
and occupational therapists should consider ways to create a suitable kitchen environment that
promotes safe and comfortable aging in place.
Key words | Mots clés : Home modification, Interprofessional
Enhancing student support services: Welcome to occupational therapy!
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: 106
Paper presentation: Community/Population | Fieldwork/Education
Monique de Wit (Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa) moniquedw@sun.ac.za Nicola Ann
Plastow (Stellenbosch University) na[email protected]
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Background Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and alcohol dependence, limit students’
from fully participating in university life. Practical problem The growing demand for mental health
support has strained existing student support services. Innovative approaches are needed to promote
mental health for students with diverse support needs. Although occupational therapy (OT) for student
mental health is an emerging practice area, Eichler and Keptner (2023) identified barriers, like lack of
funding, and role confusion. Approach An innovative mental health placement initiative involved eight
final-year OT students placed at the Centre for Student Support and Development (CSCD) as part of their
clinical training. They provided services such as weekly support groups, individual sessions, mental
health campaigns on campus, and promoting OT services through a weekly newsletter. This is the first
time the CSCD has included OT in its services. Our approach aligns with international practices (Eichler
and Keptner, 2023) and addresses common student challenges like time management, study skills, social
skills, and leisure time (Schindler, 2019). Practical Implications This approach highlights the benefits of
interdisciplinary working to promote student mental health and maximizing opportunities for learning
within our own institution. There is great potential for OT to contribute to student life at university at
individual, faculty, and institutional levels. OT delivered by final year students at the CSCD has
strengthened the services and increased access to mental health promotion. Our experience serves as a
model for other faculties whose students need to engage in service learning as part of their degree
programs.
Key words | Mots clés : Fieldwork, Mental health
De la perception de l’occupation aux troubles perceptuels
vendredi: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: 107
Présentation orale (exposé): Les adultes | La santé mentale
Marie-Josée St-Pierre (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières) marie-josee.st-
[email protected] Johana Monthuy-Blanc Pierre-Yves Therriault
Introduction. En positionnant les troubles des comportements alimentaires (TCA) comme des troubles
perceptuels, les perturbations des perceptions du soi physique constituent le cœur de cette
problématique (Monthuy-Blanc et al., 2023). Dans ce sens, la façon dont la personne se perçoit, mais
aussi dont elle pense que les autres la perçoivent peut influencer l’investissement de toutes occupations
qui mobilisent cette préoccupation corporelle. Objectif. Cette présentation vise à démontrer la
dynamique perceptuelle et occupationnelle de deux cas cliniques en dressant le portrait idiographique
de l’évolution du soi physique perçu associé aux TCA (via l’insatisfaction corporelle et la distorsion
corporelle) et de l’occupation perçue (via l’importance, le rendement et la satisfaction). Méthode.
Extraites d’une base de données secondaires anonymes, les données sont issues des modules «
Perception » et « Occupation » d’une application mobile intitulée « l’intervenant de poche eLoricorps
2.0 ». La variabilité à la fois intra- et inter-individuelle des perceptions du soi physique et de l’occupation
perçue est traduite par une analyse visuelle, descriptive et explicative des séries temporelles associée
aux verbatim des commentaires écrits.Résultats. Le point convergent en TCA est constaté : les
perturbations affectives et émotionnelles de la personne influencent à la hausse le trouble perceptuel et
occasionnent une fluctuation importance de l’occupation perçue. En effet, les résultats démontrent un
niveau de fluctuation plus élevé lors de moments reliés à l’alimentation, la pratique d’activités
physiques et aux occupations mobilisant le regard sur soi. Conclusion. Des constats préliminaires et des
pistes de réflexion cliniques sont exposés et invitent à l’approfondissement de l’Être-Perceptuel-
Occupationnel.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Key words | Mots clés : Santé mentale, Technologie
The complex everyday practices involved in managing Lyme disease
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: 108
Paper presentation: Adult | Health and well-being
Janet Parsons (University of Toronto, Toronto) j.par[email protected] Lisa Dias (Unity Health Toronto)
Twylla Bird-Gayson Jennifer Kelly Billie-Jo Hardy (University of Toronto) Clara Juando-Prats (University of
Toronto and Unity Health Toronto) Ariane Quintal
Introduction: Lyme disease (LD) is spread by bites from infected ticks. Driven by climate change, tick
populations are expanding across Canada, increasing the risk of LD exposure. Regional variations in tick
populations, infection prevalence, healthcare access, and familiarity with LD has led to diverse
experiences in terms of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can
result in chronic sequelae, including fatigue, pain, neurological and cognitive changes. Given this
evolving health threat, it is important to improve understanding of illness burden experienced by people
living with LD (PWLD). Objectives: To explore the experiences and perspectives of PWLD and their
families, and the practices engaged in to manage their health and navigate the healthcare system.
Methods: Theoretically informed by narrative inquiry and intersectionality, we conducted 21 qualitative
interviews with PWLD (n=17) and family caregivers (n=4) recruited from Eastern, Central and Western
Canada. Narrative analysis was used to identify storylines, themes, and patterns. Findings: We identified
four major storylines. 1) Participants described profound impacts of LD illness on occupation, including
their relationships, work, and identities. 2) Lack of recognition of LD illness within healthcare was
portrayed as harmful and compounded suffering. 3) Participants recounted the complex work entailed
in maintaining their health, acquiring knowledge, and self-advocacy. 4) Finally, they told stories of
structural challenges and barriers encountered, particularly in navigating the healthcare system.
Conclusion: Participants’ stories highlight important issues related to social justice, occupational
inequities, and the complex practices engaged in to manage their health - with implications for systemic
improvements in LD care.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational science
Teens, sex, and neuromuscular conditions: A practical guide for clinicians
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: 109
Paper presentation: Non-specific | Health and well-being
Charise MacDonald (Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital, Toronto)
charise.macdonald@hollandbloorview.ca Amanda Landry (Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital)
alandry@hollandbloorview.ca
Introduction: Sexuality is an underexplored topic between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and young
people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions 1. HCPs report a lack of adequate resources to explore
sexuality with clients, leaving them feeling unprepared to engage in these discussions 2,3,4. Given the
progressive nature of many neuromuscular disorders (NMD) there is a need for ongoing discussion
about sexual expression as individuals experience changes impacting their participation. Innovation: A
guidebook was created to support Canadian HCPs address client goals related to sexual expression and
sexual health for youth with NMD. This resource includes client-facing handouts to support the
translation of this information into practice. Approach: Literature reviews and consultation with relevant
stakeholders informed the scope and content of the project. Clinicians, youth and young adults with
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
NMDs and their parents provided feedback on the resources at various points throughout its
development. Learning objectives: A clinician guidebook and accompanying client-facing handouts are
now available electronically. This resource aims to provide practical information and strategies to
increase clinicians’ comfort when addressing sexuality in the neuromuscular population. The guidebook
includes topics: friendships & relationships, energy conservation, supportive positioning, and toys &
tools. Practice implications: Given the importance of sexuality to young people’s mental and physical
health, and a lack of resources described by HCPs, a practical resource was created for neuromuscular
populations. Addressing sexual expression will improve the quality of care for teens with NMD, and
allow for more holistic approaches to their care. Strategies included in this resource may be generalized
to other populations with physical disabilities.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessional, Occupational justice
Participants’ perceptions of immigrant employment in the platform economy
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: Poster 1
Poster presentation: Community/Population | Work and return to work
Hae Won Cho (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) haewonjc@student.ubc.ca Victoria Brown
(University of British Columbia) [email protected]bc.ca Atieh Razavi Yekta (University of British
Columbia) atieh.yekta@ubc.ca Suzanne Huot (University of British Columbia) suzanne.h[email protected]
Introduction: Immigration is a circumstance that brings many occupational transitions to one’s life as
they integrate into a new country. In Canada, integration into the traditional labour force can be
especially challenging for immigrants. As a result, immigrants tend to be overrepresented in forms of
platform-based gig work that have fewer barriers to access. Although settlement agencies offer
employment services for immigrants, there is a lack of evidence that demonstrates best practices for
supporting them in seeking employment in the platform economy. Objectives: This project explores
participants’ perceptions of the platform economy to understand how immigrants undertaking forms of
gig work can be better supported. Methods: Nine key informants, including employment and settlement
service providers, completed an in-depth semi-structured interview. Verbatim transcripts were
thematically analysed to identify current perceptions and future directions. Results: Findings
demonstrate that participants perceive the platform economy as an inevitable avenue for immigrants
seeking employment despite the challenges associated with gig work. Participants recognize the need
for enhanced support targeting gig workers, such as providing education on rights and advocating for
the government to redefine sustainable employment to prevent risk of immigrant exploitation.
Conclusion: Immigrants’ occupational identities are being restricted as they are redirected to readily
accessible yet precarious jobs in the platform economy. Findings should empower policy makers to
enhance regulatory efforts, funding, and protection for immigrants engaged in gig work, as well as
service providers to offer more comprehensive support, fostering a secure pathway to employment in
the platform economy.
Key words | Mots clés : Occupational justice, Occupational science
Fostering well-being: Digital tool for occupational and mindful scheduling
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: Poster 2
Poster presentation: Adult | Health and well-being
Anne-Pascale Menard ( Boucherville) anne@cedulify.com
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Background: In a rapidly changing world where anxiety and burnout are on the rise, innovative
approaches to occupational scheduling empower Occupational Therapists (OTs) to help clients find
balance and meaning in their activities, addressing mental health challenges in therapy and beyond. OTs
frequently use occupational scheduling as a fundamental tool in mental health settings. However, the
approach to teaching this tool can vary based on clinician experience, time constraints, and resource
availability. Innovation: In response to the lack of timely access to Occupational therapy services, a
strained healthcare system, and the need to foster engagement in meaningful activities, a mobile
application was developed to streamline the implementation of occupational scheduling for
occupational therapists, emphasizing self-awareness and intentional planning. Approach: Informed by
the expertise of mental health OTs and the Canadian "Do-Live-Well" framework, which highlights the
impact of experience and activity patterns on health (Moll et al., 2015), the tool underwent extensive
testing by OTs, clients, and technology enthusiasts, leading to insights for advanced features in future
iterations. Learning objectives: Attendees will : 1)gain insight into the intersection of OT frameworks and
technology for population-level health promotion; 2) discern the goal-setting components and stress
management elements within the digital tool conducive to behavior change; and 3) explore a therapist-
client mindful occupational schedule guide introduction. Practice implications: To disseminate and share
the clinical utility of a digital occupational schedule tool; provide a reference for clinicians to use during
therapy sessions with their clients, encouraging their active engagement in rehabilitation; and advocate
for occupational therapy at a population level.
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Technology
Exploring unpaid caregivers experiences of anticipatory grief: A meta-ethnography
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: Poster 3
Poster presentation: Adult | Health and well-being
Nicole Whittle (University of Alberta) nwhittle@ualberta.ca Norah Brown (University of Alberta)
[email protected] Gayla Grinde (University of Alberta) ggrinde@ualberta.ca Zoe Beliveau (University
of Alberta, Edmonton) sjhart@ualberta.ca Sarah Hart (University of Alberta) sjhart@ualberta.ca
Introduction: Anticipatory grief encompasses the grieving process that occurs prior to loss and is
sometimes referred to as preparatory grief. Unpaid caregivers make up a vital support system that is
interdependent with the healthcare system. Anticipatory grief can be experienced by unpaid caregivers
and impacts many aspects of their well-being, including mental health, relationships, and occupational
participation. The complexity of this grieving process invites further exploration into how the experience
of anticipatory grief influences the occupations of unpaid caregiving. Objective: The purpose of this
study is to examine anticipatory grief from the lens of unpaid caregivers. Themes will emerge from
qualitative accounts to address the question: what are the perspectives of unpaid caregivers
experiencing anticipatory grief? Methods: Using Noblit and Hare’s (1988) seven phase framework, we
will complete a meta-ethnography to examine the literature surrounding this subject. Databases we
intend to use include CINAHL, Psycinfo, Medline, and Scopus. Results: We anticipate the results will
amplify caregiver’s perspectives of anticipatory grief and highlight common themes associated with their
experiences. Practice Implications: Centering on voices of unpaid caregivers can richly inform
occupational therapists on how to better understand experiences of anticipatory grief related to the
occupation of caregiving. This can support occupational therapists to better understand how the
grieving process is experienced within a client’s circle of care. A holistic approach to therapeutic
practices includes considering client support systems which are highlighted in this study.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Key words | Mots clés : Mental health, Palliative care
Shifting sands: Safe use of artificial intelligence in occupational therapy
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: Poster 4
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Technology
Alicia Ridout (York St John University, Leeds) alicia.rid[email protected]
Introduction: The international explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) use in health and care in recent
years may present the profession with challenges. Gaps in technology related guidance and standards
for occupational therapy use of AI, means a lack of published evidence regarding robust, risk
management practices. Citizens already using this technology and deploying products for health/care
needs, require a workforce with specific competencies (Socha-Dietrich, 2021) equipped to support their
decision making. Objectives: To review published evidence regarding safe use of AI based technologies
in occupational therapy practice with older citizens living at home, and already using this form of
technology via smart devices. To identify practice improvements to support safe use at home. Approach:
A review of published international guidance, evidence, professional competencies, and regulation
applicable to the safe use of AI by adults living at home. Literature from the past five years was reviewed
in the context of the person-environment-occupation model (PEO) to provide a holistic view of the
person (Law et al., 1996). The insights framed areas for improvement. Findings: The review highlighted
the fluxing and fast paced changes AI is bringing and the gap in guidance for occupational therapists’
work with clients at home. It provided insights and ideas for potential improvements in practice. This
baseline was used to develop a conceptual frame for future research. Practice implications: The insights
provided a first step towards a frame for occupational therapy practice improvements, and safety
assessments in the rapidly developing field of AI technology use at home.
Key words | Mots clés : Models, Technology
Qualités métrologiques d’un instrument novateur : protocole de recherche.
vendredi: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: Poster 5
Présentations par affiches: Les adultes plus âgés | L'éducation / Formation clinique
Genevieve Duval (Université de Montréal, St-Jean) genevieve.duva[email protected]a Cindy Louis-Delsoin
(Université de Montréal) cind[email protected] Julie Yip (Centre de recherche de l'institut
universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal) julie.yip.css[email protected] Alain St-Arnaud (Institut de
santé mentale de Montréal (ISMM), Centre multiservice gériatrique (CMG), CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île de
Montréal) alain.starnaud.lteas@ssss.gouv.qc.ca Jacqueline Rousseau (Université de Montréal)
jacqueline.rousseau@umontreal.ca
Introduction : Depuis les dernières années, le nombre de personnes aînées vivant à domicile avec une
maladie neurodégénérative (ex. Alzheimer) augmente drastiquement. Ces aînés préfèrent demeurer
plus longtemps à la maison rendant leur maintien à domicile (MAD) précaire en raison des limites de la
personne et/ou de l’environnement. Faciliter le fonctionnement quotidien et réduire le fardeau de
l’aidant en ayant une meilleure compréhension de la relation personne-environnement est essentiel
pour améliorer de la qualité de vie de l’aidant et de l’aîné. Un nouvel instrument ciblant
l’environnement humain et non-humain a été développé à cet effet, Évaluation à domicile de
l’interaction personne-environnement-version cognitive (ÉDIPE-version cognitive). Objectif : Évaluer la
consistance interne et la validité de construit de l’instrument. Méthode : L’instrument a été administré à
60 dyades (aîné-aidant), au domicile de l’aîné, lors de deux visites par un ergothérapeute. Les modes
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
d’évaluation sont des entrevues et des mises en situation. Les analyses de consistance interne (Alpha de
Cronbach) et de validité de construit (analyse en composantes principales puis factorielles) seront
réalisées avec le logiciel SPSS. Résultats : L’évaluation de la consistance interne de l’ÉDIPE version
cognitive permettra de vérifier la redondance d’items et d’explorer, avec la validité de construit, le
regroupement des items en lien avec les concepts du cadre conceptuel de l’instrument (Modèle de
compétence). Implication pour la pratique : Utiliser l’ÉDIPE-version cognitive permettra aux cliniciens et
aux chercheurs d’objectiver et d’homogénéiser l’évaluation du MAD dans une perspective basée sur les
données probantes et novatrices, soit harmoniser l’interaction personne-environnement.
Key words | Mots clés : Évaluation, Pratique fondée sur les faits scientifiques
Fitness-to-drive decisions across practice contexts: Focus groups with occupational therapists
Friday: 3:30 PM-3:55 PM Room | Location: Poster 6
Poster presentation: Older Adult | Professional issues/Practice
Tavleen Deol (University of Toronto, Mississauga) tavleen.deol@mail.utoronto.ca Sydney Lockhart
(University of Toronto) sydney.lo[email protected]ronto.ca Liza Pain (University of Toronto)
liza.pain@utoronto.ca Ruheena Sangar (University of Toronto) r.sangar@utoronto.ca
Introduction: In 2018, Ontario’s occupational therapists were granted the authority to provide a
discretionary report regarding a client’s fitness-to-drive. It remains unclear how these regulations have
been differentially implemented across diverse practice settings where driving is addressed. An
evidence-informed guide, the Clinical Guide to Discretionary Reporting for Occupational Therapists in
Ontario, was drafted to supplement the current regulatory guidance regarding discretionary reporting.
The applicability of this Guide across practice settings has yet to be assessed. Objective: This study
examines occupational therapists’ experiences of discretionary reporting to-date, and their perspectives
on the Guide. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design is being used to explore the perspectives of 5-8
occupational therapists’ from each of the following five practice settings: acute care, inpatient
rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, community-based practice, and family health teams/
community health centres. Virtual semi-structured focus group interviews are ongoing. Themes will be
identified using semantic thematic analysis. Anticipated results: Preliminary analyses indicate variability
in the Guide’s utility based on experience as an occupational therapist, type of additional information
required to navigate ethically challenging clinical scenarios, and practice scope and role determining
reporting responsibilities. Study findings will inform further development of the Guide to enhance its
clinical utility across practice settings. Conclusions: This study will contribute to the development of a
comprehensive evidence and user-informed clinical decision-making tool for reporting fitness to drive,
that can serve as a provincial and national template, augmenting available resources for clinicians.
Key words | Mots clés : Clinical reasoning, Older drivers
Closing Ceremonies
Friday: 4:10 PM-4:30 PM Room | Location: C1
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Phillip Wendt, Hélène Sabourin
After 2+ days of learning, networking and being inspired by your fellow occupational therapists, join us
for the Closing Ceremonies and hear The Plenary Panel: Can we achieve collaborative relationship-
focused occupational therapy with artificial intelligence (AI)? given by Rosalie Wang and Miini Teng.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Can we achieve collaborative relationship-focused occupational therapy with artificial
intelligence (AI)?
Friday: 4:30 PM-5:30 PM Room | Location: C1
Special event | Évènements spéciaux
Miini Teng, Rosalie Wang
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives. Indeed, AI has the
potential to transform the nature of our occupations, our occupational participation, and occupational
therapy practice. Following a brief review of the current opinions and perspectives of Canadian
Occupational Therapists on AI, we then examine AI's role in collaborative relationship-focused
occupational therapy. We explore ways in which AI may be incorporated as a tool within occupational
therapy practice, and how AI may actively participate as an actor within collaborative relationships. In
delving into these scenarios, we analyze the potential impact of AI on occupational therapy outcomes,
individual or collective participation, as well as the evolving roles and participation of occupational
therapists in the presence of AI.
Dr. Rosalie Wang, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.) is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and
Occupational Therapy, Faculty Affiliate, Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society,
Affiliated Member, Robotics Institute, University of Toronto, and Affiliate Scientist, KITE Research
Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network. Dr. Wang’s research focuses on
developing and implementing technology to enable daily activity participation and social inclusion of
persons living with disabilities and older adults. She is leading research in technology for post-stroke
rehabilitation, the implications of AI-enabled care technologies on social and health care ecosystems of
older adults and caregivers, and the potential for assistive technology bundles as a service delivery
approach in the management of dementia. As an AGE-WELL investigator she co-led the most
comprehensive project on enhancing equitable access to assistive technologies in Canada.
Miini Teng, MD Candidate 2024, OT Reg. (B.C.) is Clinical Instructor, Department of Occupational Science
and Occupational Therapy, Data Science and Health (DASH) Cluster, Data Science for Social Good Fellow,
University of British Columbia, and HQP with AGE-WELL. Miini has experience applying data science and
artificial intelligence (AI) to predict wildfire smoke trajectories with the BC Centre for Disease Control,
developing human-centred cognitive screening tools with the UBC CANARY team, and assisting with the
delivery of AI workshops for medical students. She is interested in the intersections among data
science/AI, public health, planetary health, and occupational science/therapy.
Disabled clinicians’ experiences in practice: The effects of ableism
Pre-recorded: Community/Population | Equity & Justice
Steffi Arkilander (University of Toronto, Toronto) steffi.arkilan[email protected].ca Mikayla Hjorngaard
Ferentzy (University of Toronto) m.hjorngaa[email protected]a Kirsten Smith (CAMH)
kirsten.smith@camh.ca Yani Hamdani (University of Toronto) y.hamda[email protected]a
Introduction: While the healthcare field is working towards increasing the representation of people with
diverse backgrounds, disabled people’s experiences as clinicians are often overlooked in research.
Despite the unique competencies disabled clinicians can provide in a clinical setting, past research has
highlighted the ableism that disabled clinicians face in practice. Objectives: This qualitative study aims to
bridge the knowledge gap by examining works in the public domain that were written or produced by
healthcare practitioners, including occupational therapists, who identify as disabled, having a disability,
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
chronically ill or neurodivergent. This study examines the impact of ableism on the experiences of
disabled clinicians as they provide care. Methods: This is a qualitative study involving analysis of media
in the public domain (e.g., blogs) that were written by disabled healthcare practitioners. Data selection
methods included searches of public search engines and snowball sampling. Reflexive journaling was
used throughout data collection and data analysis. Data analysis involved line-by-line coding to consider
implicit and explicit messaging found in the media. Findings: Ableism was experienced by disabled
clinicians throughout their training and practice. Ableism carried implications for their wellbeing,
identities, and style/provision of care. Conclusion: This study serves to open a conversation about
disabled healthcare practitioners’ lived experiences. These findings contribute to broader conversation
of promoting accessibility, equity, and justice within occupational therapy practice. This research also
serves as a stepping stone for further research on the experiences of disabled occupational therapists.
Key words | Mots clés : Equity & Justice, Occupational justice
Belonging pathways for young adults with disabilities through sport
Pre-recorded: Adult | Health and well-being
Runqun Helen Zheng (University of Toronto, Toronto) runqun.z[email protected]a Laura St. John
(University of Calgary) laura.stjohn@ucalgary.ca Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos (University of Toronto)
kelly.arbour@utoronto.ca Rebecca Renwick (University of Toronto) r.renwic[email protected] Francis
Routledge (University of Toronto) francis.routledge@mail.utoronto.ca
Introduction: Recent research emphasizes a sense of belonging as essential for meaningful community
engagement for young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (hereafter, young adults).
Research has also linked sport participation to experiencing belonging for young adults. However, how
young adults find a sense of belonging remains largely unexamined. Objectives: This narrative inquiry
study aimed to examine the processes through which belonging happens (or not) for young adults who
participate in sport through Special Olympics Ontario (SOO). Methods: In the context of individual, semi-
structured, audio-recorded interviews (60 – 90 minutes), 20 young adult athletes (18-35 years old) who
were actively involved in SOO for more than one year shared their perspectives on how they found a
sense of belonging through sport participation. Thematic analysis of their transcribed interview data
included constant comparison within and across interviews and several levels of iterative coding to
generate three overarching conceptual themes. Several strategies for trustworthiness were also
employed. Results: The three major themes, each with associated sub-themes, identified by the analysis
were: support from allies when participating in sports; being part of the team; and opportunities to
discover and develop own interests. Examples and verbatim quotes from the data are presented to
support these findings. Conclusion: Findings concerning the processes through which young adults find
belonging (or not) through sport participation contribute new knowledge which can inform: (a) future
occupational science research on how participation in sport occupations shapes belonging, and (b)
development/enrichment of policies and occupational therapy programs aimed at fostering/supporting
belonging for young adults.
Key words | Mots clés : Interprofessional, Occupational science
Soutien au développement sain des enfants inuit en milieu urbain
Pre-recorded: Les enfants et les jeunes | Les soins primaires/les soins de santé primaires
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Lauriane Ouellet (Université Laval, Québec) lauriane.ouellet.1@ulaval.ca Marie Grandisson (Université
Laval) marie.grandisson@fmed.ulaval.ca Christopher Fletcher (Université Laval)
Christopher.Fletcher@fmed.ulaval.ca
Introduction : Les enfants inuit canadiens présentent davantage de vulnérabilités développementales
que les autres enfants. Il apparaît donc essentiel de mieux soutenir le développement de ces enfants,
notamment dans les milieux urbains où la population inuit est en croissance. Toutefois, peu de services
répondant aux besoins de cette population n’ont été développés jusqu’à présent dans ces milieux.
Objectif : Le but de la présentation est de résumer les résultats d’une étude qui visait à mieux
comprendre la perspective des parents inuit vivant en milieu urbain par rapport à leurs besoins en
matière de soutien au développement de leurs enfants. Méthode : Une étude qualitative descriptive a
été réalisée. Des entrevues semi-structurées ont été conduites auprès de 13 parents s’identifiant
comme Inuk, vivant en milieu urbain et ayant un ou des enfants âgés entre 0 et 18 ans. Résultats : Les
principaux besoins des parents ressortant de cette étude sont le soutien à la santé, à l’éducation et à la
socialisation de leurs enfants, à la réponse aux besoins de base de leur famille, à la mise en place d’un
environnement familial sécuritaire, à la transmission du patrimoine culturel et linguistique inuit ainsi
qu’à l’accès à un environnement social culturellement sécuritaire. Conclusion : Cette étude a permis de
mettre en lumière que les besoins des parents en matière de soutien au développement des enfants
vont bien au-delà du soutien à l’acquisition d’habiletés dans les différentes sphères développementales.
Il apparaît donc essentiel que les organisations des secteurs communautaires, privés et publics adaptent
leurs services en conséquence.
Key words | Mots clés : Soins à base communautaire, Équité et justice
Understanding user experiences of virtual acquired brain injury support programs
Pre-recorded: Adult | Technology
Jasleen Grewal (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) jgrewa[email protected]bc.ca Sarah Vu Nguyen
(Brain Injury Association of Peel and Halton) svunguye[email protected]om Nichola Nonis (Brain Injury
Association of Peel and Halton) nnon[email protected] Hardeep Singh (University of Toronto)
hardeepk.singh@utoronto.ca
Introduction: Reintegrating in the community and engaging in meaningful occupations is a common goal
for people with acquired brain injury (ABI). To support occupational participation after ABI, community
support programs aim to provide psychosocial support. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many ABI
community support programs adopted virtual program delivery. Yet, the experiences of individuals with
ABI and facilitators who participate in virtual support programs are not yet explored. Objective: Our aim
was to explore and describe the experiences of individuals with ABI and program facilitators who are
respectively attending and facilitating virtual support programs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews
were conducted with 16 participants with ABI who attended virtual support programs. Among these
participants, three were also program facilitators and two were program facilitators without ABI
(rehabilitation professionals). Themes were developed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The
following three themes were identified. First, the perceived benefits of joining virtual ABI support
programs were forming peer connections and gaining enhanced access to support programs. Second,
participants perceived challenges of virtual ABI support programs, which included interpersonal (e.g.,
communication barriers), intrapersonal (e.g., physical symptoms), and environmental and contextual
(e.g., privacy concerns) challenges. Third, participants described how to improve participation in these
programs by creating a safe and respectful environment, managing challenging situations, and
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
enhancing inclusivity and accessibility. Practical Implications: These findings may help occupational
therapists deliver virtual ABI support programs that are safe, accessible, and engaging.
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury, Technology
Exploring brain activity during buttoning in healthy adults using fNIRS
Pre-recorded: Adult | Technology
Niloufar Benam (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) Courtney Pollock (University of British
Columbia) Jill Zwicker (University of British Columbia) Shannon Lim (University of British Columbia) Julia
Schmidt (University of British Columbia)
Introduction: The ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) is an important part of daily life and
can promote well-being and independence. Occupational therapists facilitate independence in ADLs,
such as dressing. However, there is currently limited knowledge on brain activity during dressing tasks.
Previous studies explored brain activity during dressing using fMRI, however the supine position during
fMRI neuroimaging is not a natural dressing posture and may impact findings. Functional near-infrared
spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a promising method of data collection as it can investigate brain activity in a
natural state (sitting) during dressing. Objectives: To understand brain activity during buttoning in
healthy adults using fNIRS. Methods: Participants completed an upper extremity task of buttoning in
three 20-second repetitions with 15 seconds rest in between each activity block. Brain activation
patterns were recorded using fNIRS over the prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex, supplementary motor
area, sensorimotor cortex, and posterior parietal cortex. Results: Twenty healthy participants (25-65
years) were recruited from the community. Significantly higher activation in the prefrontal cortex,
premotor cortex, supplementary motor area, and sensorimotor cortex was observed during buttoning
compared to the resting state. No statistically significant change in brain activity was observed in the
posterior parietal cortex during the buttoning task compared to the rest period. Conclusions: Knowledge
of brain activity in healthy adults during dressing is a critical first-step to better understanding brain
activation in clinical populations, such as clients with brain injury. This knowledge has the potential to
inform future occupational therapy intervention.
Key words | Mots clés : Brain injury, Technology
Reducing community wait times: The rapid access occupational therapy model
Pre-recorded: Older Adult | Health and well-being
Brydne Edwards (VHA Home Healthcare, Toronto) bed[email protected] Punita Laurier (VHA Home
Healthcare) William Lomas (VHA Home Healthcare)
Background: Homecare occupational therapists (OTs) reduce the burden on acute care centers, enable
aging in place and support safe hospital to home transitions. Unfortunately, a low OT per capita ratio
and high OT turnover, have contributed to increased wait times in the community, which has negative
implications for patients and their families. Innovation: The Rapid Access Occupational Therapy (RAOT)
model was developed to support timely OT service. The RAOT model adopts an employee model where
the OT has paid vacation and benefits, as opposed to the traditional self-employed model. The RAOT
also has integrated support from a rehab program assistant, who is responsible for screening and
scheduling the first visit for RAOT clients based on patient availability and urgency. Findings: The RAOT
model reduced wait times by 41% and decreased the average number of days waiting for an initial OT
visit by 28%. In addition, there was a 22% decrease in the OT waitlist, and a 92% reduction in missed
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
care. Finally, staff reported high satisfaction, and patients reported positive feedback. Learning
Objectives: By demonstrating the impact of the RAOT model, the authors hope to encourage other
homecare organizations to consider adopting aspects of the model to improve patient outcomes in the
community. Practice Implications: The RAOT model is an effective model for homecare OT service
delivery, which can be used to reduce the risks associated with longer wait times in the community. The
RAOT model is an innovative solution to address the growing need for homecare OT service.
Key words | Mots clés : Community care, Program evaluation
Navigating healthcare among Canadians with ASD during transitions to adulthood
Pre-recorded: Child | Mental health
Parisa Ghanouni Paige Kavanaugh
Introduction: The transition to adulthood presents specific challenges for individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their parents, involving adjustments in healthcare and routines. Navigating
the healthcare system is a major challenge during this transition, as parents shift from managing their
child’s healthcare to supporting their independence. Understanding healthcare system navigation is
crucial for a successful transition, but this knowledge is often lacking. Despite existing research on the
barriers faced by individuals with ASD during the transition to adulthood, there is limited information on
healthcare navigation. Objectives: This study aims to explore the experiences of youth with ASD, their
parents, and service providers to gain a comprehensive understanding and identify crucial components
for successfully transitioning through healthcare systems. Methods: 21 interviews were conducted
including: 8 youth with ASD, 7 parents of youth with ASD, and 6 service providers working with
individuals with ASD across Canadian provinces. Results: Thematic analysis revealed three main themes
essential to navigating the healthcare system: (a) information sharing, (b) community-based programs,
and (c) transitional supports. Conclusion: This study contributes to the existing literature on the
transition to adulthood for individuals with ASD. Recognizing elements that can improve healthcare
system navigation is vital due to its impact on youth and families. This study highlights the importance of
accessing navigational services to facilitate a successful transition of healthcare systems. The findings
from the current study can inform navigational support to make the transition to the adult healthcare
system more efficient for youth with ASD.
Key words | Mots clés : Autism,Mental health
Accessing services: ASD transition to adulthood experiences and insights
Pre-recorded: Children and youth | Health and well-being
Parisa Ghanouni Paige Kavanaugh
Introduction: The transition into adulthood presents distinctive barriers for those with Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) and their caregivers. There is a notable scarcity of services related to ASD, encompassing
educational and support services. This lack of resources heightens the risk of making decisions without
all necessary information, potentially leading to the misallocation of time and effort toward less suitable
avenues of care. The improvement of high-quality services is essential to adequate care for all
individuals. Objectives: This study aims to delve into the experiences of youth with ASD and their
parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators to accessing healthcare
services during the transition to adulthood. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 18 youth with
ASD aged 15-20, and their parents in Nova Scotia to explore their experiences to access to services
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
during transitions. Results: Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (a) enhancing the availability
of services, (b) facilitating funded services, and (c) appointing a transitional coordinator. Conclusion: This
study contributes to existing literature on the transition to adulthood for individuals with ASD.
Accumulating information on the barriers and facilitators to accessing services is pivotal to enhance the
care received by those with ASD. This study highlights the importance of developing resources and
knowledge translation. The findings from this study can inform transitional services to promote a
successful transition to adulthood for youth with ASD.
Key words | Mots clés : Autism, Community care
Improving services related to sexuality and intimacy in stroke rehabilitation
Pre-recorded: Adult | Advocacy /Leadership
Andrea Zevnik (Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM),
CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal) andrea.zevnik.ccsmtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca Lucie
Tremblay (Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM),
(Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM), CIUSSS du
Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal) rosalba.guerrera.ccsmtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca Annie Rochette (Université de
Montréal; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal)
annie.rochette@umontreal.ca Louis-Pierre Auger (McGill University) louis-pierre.aug[email protected]
Background: More than 50% of post-stroke individuals experience sexual difficulties. According to best
practice guidelines, people should be given the opportunity to discuss intimacy and sexuality following
their stroke. Practice problem: Unfortunately, few people receive the opportunity to discuss sexuality
during their post-stroke rehabilitation and few occupational therapists address sexuality. Learning
objectives: Attendees will learn about one inpatient rehabilitation hospital’s implementation of new
services and clinical tools related to sexuality after stroke. Approach: An interdisciplinary committee of
patients, clinicians, managers and researchers developed and implemented various tools and services
for inpatient stroke rehabilitation. These included an adapted version of the Sexuality Interview Guide
(SIG), an informative pamphlet and a group education session about sexuality and intimacy following a
stroke. A six-month pilot study took place during which the SIG was completed with 40/48 stroke
patients, of which 8/40 wanted to further address sexuality during their rehabilitation. During 11
months of implementation, the SIG was completed with 73/104 patients, of which 19/73 wanted to
further address sexuality during their rehabilitation. Practice implications: This study showed that it was
feasible to implement new services and tools related to sexuality following a stroke, and that
implementing them could support this rehabilitation hospital in following the best practice guidelines
related to sexuality after stroke. These tools and services are important to include in occupational
therapy practice to fulfill our professional responsibilities and optimize our holistic approach. Future
studies should further explore the specific contribution of occupational therapists in the provision of
sexual rehabilitation services and interventions with post-stroke individuals.
Key words | Mots clés : Stroke
Pediatric eating, feeding and swallowing: improving quality and service delivery
Pre-recorded: Children and youth | Professional issues/Practice
Yolan Parrott (Alberta Health Services, Edmonton) [email protected] Liz Mathew (Alberta Health
Services) liz.ma[email protected] Patricia O'Krafka (Alberta Health Services) patricia.okrafka@ahs.ca
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Background: Pediatric eating, feeding, and swallowing (EF&S) is a multifaceted interprofessional practice
area with significant implications for the child and family. This project aimed to create resources to
benefit families and clinicians working with children experiencing challenges with EF&S across Alberta.
Practice problem: The need to enhance care across service delivery models for children with EF&S
concerns was flagged by families, interdisciplinary health professionals and operational leadership.
Approach: This quality improvement initiative enhanced safety, access, and excellence. Patient and
family centered care and collaborative care approaches guided the initiative and resource development.
Partnership engagement included patient and family advisors, EF&S interdisciplinary subject matter
experts, executive sponsorship, operational leadership, and quality improvement specialists. Learning
objectives: We will share the variety of extensive evidence-based resources which are freely available to
families and providers. We will also highlight tools that are of particular benefit to Occupational Therapy
practice in delivering quality EF&S services to families. Practice implications: Enhanced EF&S knowledge
and consistency in interdisciplinary practice results in improved safety, access, and quality of care for
children and families experiencing EF&S challenges.
Key words | Mots clés : Dysphagia, Interprofessional
Breaking the cycle of avoidance and perfectionism: An OT approach
Pre-recorded: Adult | Mental health
Melissa Beacom (University of Guelph, Guelph) ltb@uoguelph.ca Tara Embrey (University of Guelph)
tembrey@uoguelph.ca
Background: Academic distress is a significant source of mental health concern for post-secondary
students, leading to a call for increased resilience skills-building to help students manage school stress,
improve mental health, and optimize academic success (Lisnyj et. al, 2021). A group academic resilience
program was designed by two occupational therapists (OTs) to bridge the gap between mental health
and academics. It was piloted for students experiencing mental health concerns at a Canadian university
in 2022/23. Innovation: The program combines an occupational therapy lens with evidence-based
approaches from a variety of fields such as neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science and education.
The vision is to help students move forward with academics while bolstering their mental health, seeing
their gifts more clearly, and equipping them with tangible tools to bounce back from academic
adversity. The program provides students with a safe and supportive community where they can
recognize that they are not alone in their struggles and that anxiety, perfectionism, and procrastination
are not signs that they are broken, they are signs that they are human. It takes practice and support to
shift entrenched habits so study hall and one-to-one drop-in is built into the program. Findings: Mixed
methods research on the program found that many participants became more flexible in the face of
setbacks, less avoidant and perfectionistic, more self-compassionate, and more accepting of difficult
emotions. These changes culminated in an improved ability to approach schoolwork, persevere through
challenges and manage mental health symptoms. Learning objectives: This extended discussion will
share research outcomes and stories, introduce participants to a sample group session and explore ways
that OTs can translate this material to clients who are experiencing debilitating perfectionism,
procrastination and shame. Practice implications: This discussion will help OTs 1) understand some of
the root causes of perfectionism and procrastination in order to help clients more effectively 2) consider
the impact of shame on learning and the healing power of community, 3) think about motivation and
avoidance from a new lens to help clients get unstuck and 4) find inspiration to innovate in their place of
work.
CAOT Conference 2024: Hybrid | Le Congrès l'ACE 2024: Hybride May 1-3 mai
Key words | Mots clés : Evidence-based practice, Mental health
