OBJECTIVE. We explored the efficacy of compression gloves in maintaining the benefits gained from compression bandaging of the stroke-affected upper limb. METHOD. Four participants completed a single-case (ABC) design study consisting of a baseline period (Phase A) and compression bandaging of the hand and upper limb (Phase B), followed by the application of a compression glove (Phase C). Edema was measured with circumferential tape at five specified points from the phalanx to the midforearm. All measurements were represented graphically for visual analysis, and celeration lines were calculated to indicate the degree of slope within each phase. RESULTS. Visual analysis indicated fluctuating edema volume during Phase A, decreasing edema volume during Phase B, and a mixed trend during Phase C. CONCLUSION. Compression gloves had mixed benefits in managing reductions in edema volume poststroke. Further research may consider the material, sizing, and style of glove in the development of a maintenance strategy.

OBJECTIVE. We examined the development, implementation, and effectiveness of a theory-based workshop to facilitate knowledge translation for occupational therapists addressing upper-limb poststroke sensory impairments. METHOD. Nineteen therapists participated in a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study that included an 8-hr evidence-based workshop designed using the Theory of Planned Behavior. We measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control and intended behaviors regarding sensory impairment management, research utilization, and shared decision making. RESULTS. We noted significant changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control and intended behaviors about sensory impairment management, research utilization, and shared decision making and made recommendations for changes in recruitment strategies, outcome measures, and workshop content. CONCLUSION. A theory-based workshop can potentially affect knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors about sensory impairment management, research utilization, and shared decision making. A randomized controlled trial evaluating this intervention is warranted and will potentially improve understanding of methods to facilitate knowledge translation.

OBJECTIVE. We sought to identify and describe the number, topics, and publishing trends of systematic reviews relevant to occupational therapy indexed in the OTseeker database. METHOD. We performed a cross-sectional survey of the systematic reviews contained in OTseeker in December 2011. RESULTS. Of the 1,940 systematic reviews indexed in OTseeker, only 53 (2.7%) were published in occupational therapy journals. The most common diagnostic categories were stroke (n = 195, 10.1%) and affective disorders (n = 204, 10.5%). The most common intervention categories were consumer education (n = 644, 33.2%) and psychosocial techniques (n = 571, 29.4%). Only 390 (20.1%) of the 1,940 systematic reviews specifically involved occupational therapy. CONCLUSION. Occupational therapists need to search broadly to locate relevant systematic reviews or, alternatively, to use databases such as OTseeker. Clarity about the involvement of occupational therapy in reports of future research will improve the ability to identify occupational therapy research for all stakeholders. Finally, occupational therapy practitioners need to read systematic reviews critically to determine whether review conclusions are justified.

BACKGROUND. A strategic and prioritized approach to occupational therapy research is needed, particularly given the limited research funding available. Comparing occupational therapists’ information needs with the research evidence available can potentially inform research debate within the profession. This study aimed to identify research topics most often sought by users of the OTseeker database and to compare these with the quantity of topics available in the database. METHOD. A random sample of keyword search terms submitted to OTseeker (n = 4,500) was coded according to diagnostic and intervention categories, and compared with the amount of research contained in OTseeker in 2004. RESULTS. Most frequently sought topics were relevant to the diagnostic categories of pediatric conditions (19%), neurology and neuromuscular disorders (17%), and mental health (17%). Most frequently sought intervention topics included modes of service delivery, sensory interventions, and physical modalities. Although many frequently sought topics had a correspondingly high volume of research in OTseeker, a few areas had very little content (e.g., fine motor skill acquisition, autistic spectrum disorder). This information is offered to inform discussions about research priorities and resource allocation for research within occupational therapy.