Feeding behaviour of weaned pigs fed either pellets or meal: effects of the number of animals per feeding place

peer reviewe

Preparation for an uncertain world: international curriculum development for mental health occupational therapy

Occupational therapy graduates are entering an increasingly complex practice landscape, particularly in the field of mental health. Moreover, the role of higher education in effectively preparing graduates for the challenges they face in an uncertain world is still developing. An innovative, international online learning module involving three countries (United Kingdom, South Africa &amp; Belguim) was created with the aim to improve graduates’ preparedness for practice. A total of 215 final year occupational therapy students’ engagement in an on-line discussion forum was analysed using case study design. The study revealed significant increases in inter-cultural sensitivity amongst students measured pre and post project, alongside numerous challenges in engagement and learning. Augmented learning opportunities within the curriculum are argued as vital to equip graduates with enhanced agency, greater resilience and improved tolerance for managing complexity. Further research is required to enable graduates to be better prepared for practice and to develop skills to help navigate and mange the ‘not knowing’.Publisher Statement: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor &amp; Francis in World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Bulletin on 30th March 2016, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/14473828.2016.1161960  </p

SSRI Efficacy in Treating Major Depressive Disorder: Preliminary Findings

Background: Conflicting evidence on the relative effectiveness of second-generation antidepressants has made initial management of major depressive disorder (MDD) complex and frequently results in a trial-and-error-based approach to treatment. With recent literature suggesting serotonin plays no significant role in the etiology of depression, further investigation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a firstline treatment of MDD is warranted. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients 18 years or older visiting the Fort Wayne Family Medicine Center and completing a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD) from January 2020 through May 2023 was performed. Comparative analysis of PHQ and GAD scores was performed to determine if any differences in treatment management outcomes were present between SSRI therapy and other treatment approaches. Results: 1,502 patients met the inclusion criteria. Due to time constraints, a sample of 45 patients (10 males, 35 females) was selected and preliminary results are as follows: After initiating treatment with an SSRI, 14 (42.4%) PHQ scores and 7 (24.1%) GAD scores demonstrated improved disease severity. After initiating treatment with another antidepressant class, 10 (31.3%) PHQ scores and 17 (48.6%) GAD scores demonstrated improved disease severity. There was no significant difference (p=0.351) in treatment outcomes between antidepressant class in terms of PHQ results, but a significant difference (p=0.044) was found between groups with regards to GAD results. Conclusions: This study describes preliminary findings on the current patterns of care for mental health within a primary care setting and demonstrates antidepressant classes appear equally efficacious in treating depression. However, anxiety management outcomes appear to be influenced by antidepressant class administered. Future analysis will include the entire available dataset and produce more robust results from which to improve patient-specific and community health outcomes

Preparation for an uncertain world: International curriculum development for mental health occupational therapy practice preparation

This research explored the role of education in preparing graduate occupational therapists for the field of mental health and beyond. It draws on the WHO Mental Health Action Plan (2013 – 2020) in examining how the knowledge and skills of occupational therapists can be enhanced. This was considered not only in terms of delivery of evidence based, culturally appropriate and human rights orientated mental health care, but also through effective problem solving, leadership, advocacy of the profession, team work, and the strengthening of evidence and research for mental health