2025 |
Ashby S, Watkins K, Wales K, 'An Investigation of the Professional Resilience Strategies Used by Experienced Occupational Therapists', OTJR-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH, 45, 131-139 (2025) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2025 |
Carey ML, Kelly M, Pond D, Nair BR, Attia J, Jeon Y-H, Deeming S, Rhee JJ, Wales K, Khaing K, Williams A, White J, Harden M, Ford C, Ward J, Lithgow S, Oldmeadow C, Jalewa J, Smart E, Wood K, Bartczak A, Fakes K, 'Randomised controlled trial of a nurse coordination intervention for people living with dementia and their carers: study protocol.', BMJ Open, 15 (2025)
Introduction The multifaceted impact of dementia means that people living with dementia require multidisciplinary care across different services and settings; however, these care ... [more]
Introduction The multifaceted impact of dementia means that people living with dementia require multidisciplinary care across different services and settings; however, these care transitions pose a risk of fragmented care. Models that improve integration and coordination of care in the community are needed. Methods and analysis This randomised control trial will test the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a dementia nurse-led intervention to: (1) increase days lived in the community at 12-month follow-up (primary outcome) among people living with dementia and (2) improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers, compared with usual care. Participants are recruited from several sources including private and public geriatric medicine clinics, carer support groups and self-referral. People living with dementia and their carers are randomised as a dyad to (1) usual care or (2) dementia nurse-led care-coordination. The dementia nurse will provide care coordination and direct support through a tailored, integrated and patient-centred approach. The needs of people living with dementia will be identified and addressed, with a focus on improving the management of comorbidities, risk reduction and symptoms. Carers will also receive support. The model for people living with dementia will focus on days lived in their community as the outcome variable. Differences between groups in quality of life at 12-month follow-up will be assessed using linear mixed effects regression. Analysis will follow the intention to treat principles. People living with dementia and carers' data will be analysed separately and collectively for the economic study. Ethics and dissemination The trial has been approved by the Hunter New England Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH01221) and the University of Newcastle Ethics Committee (R-2024-0021). Trial findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. If the intervention is effective, the research team aims to further implement the intervention as usual care within the participating services and beyond.
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2025 |
Philpott-Robinson K, Blackwell D, Regan C, Leonard C, Haracz K, Lane AE, Wales K, 'Conflicting Definitions of Self-Regulation in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review', PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN PEDIATRICS [C1]
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2025 |
Ray K, Colyvas K, Evans R, Langlois C, Blackwell D, Johnson T, Wales K, Lane AE, 'Preliminary Psychometric Properties of the Letter Form Assessment Version 2 (LFA–2) Scale', American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79 (2025) [C1]
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2025 |
Kelly M, Mierendorff S, Wales K, Voeste J, Allen J, Mcdonald S, 'Telehealth-based assessment of cognition, social cognition, mood, and functional independence in older adults', Brain Impairment, 26 (2025)
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2025 |
Grant T, Jolliffe L, Wales K, Schneider E, Drummond AE, Lannin NA, 'Activity-based interventions to increase independence after stroke within the hospital setting: Protocol for a systematic review (Preprint)', JMIR Research Protocols
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2024 |
Unwin K, Wales K, Johnson T, Leonard C, Dixon G, English L, Lane A, 'Evidence Synthesis and Clinical Recommendations for Supporting School Students With Sensory Processing Challenges: A Rapid Review', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, 78 [C1]
Importance: Children with sensory processing challenges often need supports to access, participate in, and achieve at school. However, research on best practice is varied, present... [more]
Importance: Children with sensory processing challenges often need supports to access, participate in, and achieve at school. However, research on best practice is varied, presenting difficulty for practitioners to assess the appropriateness of each support. Objective: To provide evidence-informed recommendations regarding best practices in school-based supports for students with sensory processing challenges via a Rapid Evidence Assessment of current literature. Data Sources: Searches were run in CINAHL Complete, Education Research Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus (for articles published 2010 to 2023). Informed by a 2010 review, articles citing publications identified in the prior review were also included. Study Selection and Data Collection: A reviewer screened the title and abstract of each article for inclusion, and another screened the full texts, with 10% of each reviewer's articles assessed by the other. Interrater reliability was excellent. Findings: The review included 61 articles, with only 15% constituting good evidence (38% provided adequate evidence, 31% provided poor evidence, and 16% were reviews). No support could be wholly recommended without caveats, but there was some evidence that sound amplification systems, alternate seating, and multisensory environments may be beneficial in certain conditions or with certain populations. The use of weighted vests is not recommended. Conclusions and Relevance: Most research had small sample sizes and inconsistent protocols, highlighting the importance of ongoing research. Evidence-informed practitioners should review research findings carefully and integrate evidence from comprehensive clinical assessment and understanding of the child, school, and family contexts when assessing the appropriateness of a support for each student. Plain-Language Summary: Children with sensory processing challenges often need supports to access, participate in, and achieve at school. Occupational therapists provide school-based supports for children with sensory processing challenges with the goal of enabling access, participation, and achievement. It is difficult, however, for practitioners to assess the appropriateness of each support because research on best practice varies. This review of the current literature provides practitioners with evidence on supports for school children with sensory processing challenges to inform decision-making and the selection of appropriate supports for their clients. When assessing the appropriateness of a support for a student, practitioners should carefully review current research findings and integrate evidence from comprehensive clinical assessments along with an understanding of the student, school, and family contexts.
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2024 |
Philpott-Robinson K, Haracz K, Blackwell D, Mallise C, Leonard C, Lane A, Wales K, 'The experiences of occupational therapists supporting children with self-regulation needs: A qualitative descriptive study', AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, 71, 1041-1058 (2024) [C1]
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2024 |
Hassett J, Spencer L, Hewat S, Wales K, Webb G, 'Collaborative approaches with stakeholders in speech-language pathology: Narrative literature review', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS, 59, 2911-2925 (2024) [C1]
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2023 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Wales K, Tavener M, Kowal P, Byles J, 'Functional difficulties and toileting among older adults in Ghana: evidence from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 1', AGEING & SOCIETY, 43, 53-75 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2023 |
Wesson J, Johanna du Toit SH, Wales K, Gresham M, Flavin T, Brodaty H, 'Australian National Aged Care Classification behaviour assessment and people living with dementia in residential aged care: Inclusive language for reform?', AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, 42 234-240 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2023 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Wales K, Denham AMJ, Byles J, 'A meta-synthesis of care and support for older adults in Africa', JOURNAL OF FAMILY STUDIES, 29, 431-452 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2023 |
Philpott-Robinson K, Johnson T, Evans L, Wales K, Leonard C, Lane AE, 'Measurement of Self-regulation in Preschool and Elementary Children: A Scoping Review', PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN PEDIATRICS, 43, 403-429 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2022 |
Wales K, Lang D, Rahja M, Somerville L, Laver K, Lannin NA, 'Economic Effects of Occupational Therapy Services for Adults in Acute and Subacute Care Settings: A Systematic Review', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, 76 [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2022 |
Cameron LJ, Wales K, Casey A, Pike S, Jolliffe L, Schneider EJ, Christie LJ, Ratcliffe J, Lannin NA, 'Self-reported quality of life following stroke: a systematic review of instruments with a focus on their psychometric properties', QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH, 31, 329-342 (2022) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2021 |
Cavanagh B, Haracz K, Lawry M, Wales K, James C, 'Changes in emotions and perceived stress following time spent in an artistically designed multisensory environment', Medical Humanities, 47 (2021) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2021 |
Pike S, Cusick A, Wales K, Cameron L, Turner-Stokes L, Ashford S, Lannin NA, 'Psychometric properties of measures of upper limb activity performance in adults with and without spasticity undergoing neurorehabilitation-A systematic review', PLOS ONE, 16 (2021) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2021 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Wales K, Byles J, 'The roles and capacities of social workers in the lives of older adults seeking healthcare and their caregivers in Ghana', HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, 29, 877-888 (2021) [C1]
As Ghana's older population increases in number and proportion, the social and healthcare needs of older adults and their caregivers become more critical highlighting the rel... [more]
As Ghana's older population increases in number and proportion, the social and healthcare needs of older adults and their caregivers become more critical highlighting the relevance of social workers' contribution in assisting older adults and their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore social workers' contributions, discussed against the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Policy on Ageing and Older Person framework. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach making use of semi-structured interviews to collect information from eight social workers at the Social Welfare Unit in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Themes and codes were developed from the interviews using thematic analysis, employing In-vivo and descriptive coding, and N-Vivo v12 as a management tool. Analysis of interviews revealed three interrelated themes; (a) "We provide it accordingly": Talking about their contributions as systematic, (b) "I think we can do more": Talking about their contributions as insufficient, and (c) "Our efforts are being hampered": Complaints of inadequate resources for working with older adults and their caregivers. The study offers areas of opportunities for social workers per the IFSW policy framework to reflect and examine their current knowledge and skill to address the challenges population ageing presents in Ghana. While social workers contribute towards helping older adults seeking healthcare and their caregivers, their needs cannot be ignored. The findings draw attention to effective policies and programs that can provide social workers with the needed resources to be independent and be able to devise novel approaches unique to older adults and their caregivers.
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Open Research Newcastle |
2020 |
Provencher V, Clemson L, Wales K, Cameron ID, Gitlin LN, Grenier A, Lannin NA, 'Supporting at-risk older adults transitioning from hospital to home: who benefits from an evidence-based patient-centered discharge planning intervention? Post-hoc analysis from a randomized trial', BMC GERIATRICS, 20 (2020) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2020 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Wales K, Tavener M, Byles J, 'Do factors across the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework relate to caregiver availability for community-dwelling older adults in Ghana?', PLOS ONE, 15 (2020) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2020 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Wales K, Byles J, 'Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experiences of Older Adults Regarding Their Functional Activities in Ghana', Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, 11 (2020) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2018 |
Pike S, Lannin NA, Wales K, Cusick A, 'A systematic review of the psychometric properties of the Action Research Arm Test in neurorehabilitation', AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, 65, 449-471 (2018) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2018 |
Wales K, Lannin NA, Clemson L, Cameron ID, 'Measuring functional ability in hospitalized older adults: a validation study', DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION, 40, 1972-1978 (2018) [C1]
Purpose: To examine the internal consistency, construct validity and responsiveness of functional assessments tools when used with hospitalized older adults. Materials and methods... [more]
Purpose: To examine the internal consistency, construct validity and responsiveness of functional assessments tools when used with hospitalized older adults. Materials and methods: The functional ability of 66 patients was assessed using a semi-structured interview scale (n = 16 tools). The assessment of motor and process skills was administered during hospital admission and again at three months post-discharge. Results: Tools showed poor-to-excellent internal consistency (a = 0.27¿0.92). Of the tools that were internally consistent, only two demonstrated change: the Groningen activity restriction scale (GARS) (smallest detectable change [SDC] 11.68, effect size -1.59) and the modified reintegration to normal living scale (SDC 7.04, effect size -1.20). Validity was supported by strong correlations between the functional independence measure¿ (FIM¿) and the GARS, FIM¿ and Sunnaas activity daily living (ADL) index. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the GARS and the modified reintegration to normal living index (mRNLI) are internally consistent, valid and responsive to change over time when applied to a sample of hospitalized older adults. Further investigation of these tools in terms of inter and intra rater reliability in clinical practice is warranted.Implications for Rehabilitation Therapists and researchers need to choose standardized functional assessments carefully when working with hospitalized older adults, as not all assessments are reliable and valid in this population. The GARS and mRNLI are valid and responsive functional assessments for hospitalized older adults. Activity and participation have been viewed traditionally as only one component of function. Therapists and researchers can use standardized assessments of function that are activity or participation-based.
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2018 |
Unsworth CA, Timmer A, Wales K, 'Reliability of the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy (AusTOMs-OT)', Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 65, 376-386 (2018) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle |
2018 |
Wales K, Salkeld G, Clemson L, Lannin NA, Gitlin L, Rubenstein L, et al., 'A trial based economic evaluation of occupational therapy discharge planning for older adults: the HOME randomized trial', Clinical Rehabilitation, 32 919-929 (2018) [C1]
Objective: To compare the cost effectiveness of two occupational therapy¿led discharge planning interventions from the HOME trial. Design: An economic evaluation was conducted wit... [more]
Objective: To compare the cost effectiveness of two occupational therapy¿led discharge planning interventions from the HOME trial. Design: An economic evaluation was conducted within the superiority randomized HOME trial to assess the difference in costs and health-related outcomes associated with the enhanced program and the in-hospital consultation. Total costs of health and community service utilization were used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, activities of daily living and quality-adjusted life years. Setting: Medical and acute care wards of Australian hospitals (n=5). Subjects: A total of 400 people = 70 years of age. Interventions: Participants were randomized to either (1) an enhanced program (HOME), involving pre/post discharge visits and two follow-up phone calls, or (2) an in-hospital consultation using the home and community environment assessment and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living assessment. Main measures: Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (global measure of activities of daily living) and SF-12V2, transformed into SF-6D (quality-adjusted life year) measured at baseline and three months post discharge. Results: The cost of the enhanced program was higher than that of the in-hospital consultation. However, a higher proportion of patients showed improvement in activities of daily living in the enhanced program with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $61,906.00 per person with clinically meaningful improvement. Conclusion: Health services would not save money by implementing the enhanced program as a routine intervention in medical and acute care wards. Future research should incorporate longer time horizons and consider which patient groups would benefit from home visits.
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Open Research Newcastle |
2016 |
Clemson L, Lannin NA, Wales K, Salkeld G, Rubenstein L, Gitlin L, Barris S, Mackenzie L, Cameron ID, 'Occupational Therapy Predischarge Home Visits in Acute Hospital Care: A Randomized Trial', JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, 64, 2019-2026 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Wales K, Clemson L, Lannin N, Cameron I, 'Functional Assessments Used by Occupational Therapists with Older Adults at Risk of Activity and Participation Limitations: A Systematic Review', PLOS ONE, 11 (2016) [C1]
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2015 |
Pike S, Lannin NA, Cusick A, Wales K, Turner-Stokes L, Ashford S, 'A systematic review protocol to evaluate the psychometric properties of measures of function within adult neuro-rehabilitation', SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS, 4 (2015)
Background: Spasticity in the upper limb is common after acquired brain impairment and may have a significant impact on the ability to perform meaningful daily activities. Traditi... [more]
Background: Spasticity in the upper limb is common after acquired brain impairment and may have a significant impact on the ability to perform meaningful daily activities. Traditionally, outcome measurement in spasticity rehabilitation has focused on impairment, however, improvements in impairments do not necessarily translate to improvements in an individual's ability to perform activities or engage in life roles. There is an increasing need for outcome measures that capture change in activity performance and life participation. Methods/Design: We will conduct a systematic review of the psychometric properties of instruments used to measure upper limb functional outcomes (activity performance and participation) in patients with spasticity. Assessments (n = 27) will be identified from a recently published systematic review of assessments that measure upper limb function in neurological rehabilitation for adults with focal spasticity, and a systematic review of each assessment will then be conducted. The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE will be searched from inception. Search strategies will include the name of the assessment and the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) published search strategy for identifying studies of measurement properties. The methodological rigour of the testing of the psychometric quality of instruments will be undertaken using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) definitions of impairment, activity and participation will be used for content analysis of items to determine the extent to which assessments are valid measures of activity performance and life participation. We will present a narrative synthesis on the psychometric properties and utility of all instruments and make recommendations for assessment selection in practice. Discussion: This systematic review will present a narrative synthesis on the psychometric properties and utility of assessments used to evaluate function in adults with upper limb focal spasticity. Recommendations for assessment selection in practice will be made which will aid clinicians, managers and funding bodies to select an instrument fit for purpose. Importantly, appropriate assessment selection will provide a mechanism for capturing how applicable to everyday life the outcomes from individualised rehabilitation programs for the upper limb really are.
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2013 |
Laver K, Wales K, Clemson L, 'Effectiveness of pre-discharge occupational therapy home visits has yet to be evaluated; a definitive trial is feasible and warranted', Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 60 374-375 (2013)
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2012 |
Wales K, Clemson L, Lannin NA, Cameron ID, Salked G, Gitlin L, et al., 'Occupational therapy discharge planning for older adults: A protocol for a randomised trial and economic evaluation', BMC GERIATRICS, 12 (2012)
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2012 |
Wales K, Clemson L, Lannin NA, Cameron ID, 'Functional assessments used by occupational therapists with older adults at risk of activity and participation limitations: A systematic review and evaluation of measurement properties', Systematic Reviews, 1 (2012)
Background: Older adults experience activity and participation limitations that are associated with ageing. Activity and participation limitations affect an older adult's abi... [more]
Background: Older adults experience activity and participation limitations that are associated with ageing. Activity and participation limitations affect an older adult's ability to engage in meaningful daily activities and valued life roles. Occupational therapists provide interventions to reduce such limitations and monitor client change to ensure that interventions are effective. Client change should be measured through the use of valid and reliable assessments. Yet occupational therapists can favour the use of non-standardised assessments leading to inaccurate reflections of client change and difficulties in comparing the effectiveness of interventions. A number of reasons have been suggested as to why therapists may favour non-standardised assessments, including a lack of knowledge (of assessments and their properties) and lack of skill.Methods/design: This paper describes the systematic review protocol that will be used to identify functional assessments used in randomised trials of occupational therapy interventions for older adults (=70 years of age). Interventions will focus on enhancing functional independence for either older adults transitioning from hospital to home, or community dwelling older adults. We will search Medline, EBSCO and OTseeker using a pre-determined search strategy to identify Functional assessments. These assessments will be recorded and, in phase two, their measurement properties analysed.Discussion: This protocol provides a comprehensive guideline for conducting the proposed systematic review. The results of this systematic review will provide a thorough and unbiased identification and evaluation of measurement properties of functional assessment tools used in randomised trials to evaluate occupational therapy intervention. This information can be used to determine which assessment has superior measurement properties and will inform occupational therapy practice. © 2012 Wales et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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