British Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article describes research into a method of intervention in and prevention of the effects of multiple deprivation on inner-city infant schoolchildren and discusses some short-term effects. It covers the research background preceding the project and its aims to evaluate the impact of playgroup therapy on this section of the population. The methodology of setting up and assessing the study is explained, including the monitoring of play used during therapy. The therapeutic model — Developmental Play Therapy — is described, with attention given to the therapeutic relationship, the non-directive play setting and the use of various developmental frameworks. The article also describes how this technique can be used in a small group setting. A profile of the children included in the study is given and some short-term outcomes as seen through changes in play.

This article describes the setting up, the development and the evaluation of an attempt to provide psychological help and support for cancer patients and their families within the National Health Service.

Occupational therapists who have experience of working in multidisciplinary teams will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages. A frequent area of confusion and sometimes conflict lies in defining the role of the individual disciplines. This article looks at the history and the philosophy of occupational therapy and discusses the skills contributed by the occupational therapist working within a multidisciplinary team in mental health. It divides the skills of the occupational therapist into: practices restricted to occupational therapists; those expected of occupational therapists; those shared with other disciplines; and specialist skills acquired through individual interest and enthusiasm. The authors hope that it will encourage occupational therapists working in multidisciplinary teams to define more clearly, and with greater confidence, their skills in their areas of work.

Disabled Living Centres are generally accepted as performing a useful service yet there are few data in the literature as to how they do this. The present study used an independent researcher who gained information about 75 consecutive non-professional visitors to one DLC. Visitors were questioned at the end of their visit to the centre and up to 6 months later. Most were significantly disabled with considerable locomotor difficulties. Most came to resolve specific problems and occupational therapists were the most important source of referral. A total of 95 items of equipment was suggested for 48 visitors. By the end of the study, 22 visitors had received all suggested items and most were highly satisfied. The situation was similar for adaptations but the time to deliver these was longer. DLCs were shown to be a most useful and effective resource for those seeking solutions to practical problems arising from disability. This self-help approach in which the disabled person takes the initiative in the rehabilitation process is to be encouraged and makes good use of occupational therapy expertise.

This article summarises the findings of a study which aimed to evaluate a selection of commercially available portable ramps in the United Kingdom. The ramps were tested by wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people, in order to assess ease of use, safety and user acceptance. Some points which should be taken into consideration when recommending or selecting a portable ramp are highlighted.

This article looks at the background to drug abuse in Malta, the planning of an occupational therapy programme for drug addicts, and the operation of the programme in the first year. Some of the problems in dealing with this type of client are discussed, and the role of the occupational therapist in this challenging field is evaluated.