BackgroundOBQ11 was developed in a Swedish context. To evaluate occupational balance, accurate self-rating instruments in the native language are needed.AimThe aim was to investigate the measurement properties of the Danish version of OBQ11, using the Rasch analysis.MethodData for the analysis of the Danish version of OBQ11 (OBQ11-DK) was gathered online, and all full data records (n 366) were included in the analysis.ResultsThree items showed non-significant marginal under- or overfit, suggesting a degree of misfit between the data and the Rasch model. Unidimensionality was not reached, though, since the proportion of persons with different estimates were more than 5% and thus the OBQ11-DK cannot be said to assess a person's perception of occupational balance.ConclusionThe present version of the OBQ11-DK shows the need for further development and testing and is not tested for test/retest or in clinical samples. The results and small number of items may after modifications and further studies make it feasible to implement OBQ11-DK into settings where the measuring of occupational balance is needed.

Long-term unemployment impacts a person’s life and opportunities for participating in occupations. Despite the frequent occurrence of short-term unemployment, the proportion of long-term unemployment in Western contexts remains high and is growing, which particularly affects vulnerable groups and thus is an issue of relevance for occupational science. Research into the lived experiences of being long-term unemployed and how it affects daily life is limited, although the need to look more closely into unemployment has been recognized. The aim of this study was to describe people’s experiences of long-term unemployment from an occupational perspective. Due to the dearth of studies in this area, a scoping review methodological framework was used, resulting in nine relevant studies reported in English to be included in a thematic analysis. Results revealed three analytical themes: Experiences of occupations during and due to long-term unemployment; Experiences of occupational obstacles; and Experiences of occupational enablers. The daily lives of long-term unemployed people consist largely of occupations they perform for obligatory reasons, that is, to be eligible for economic subsidies for their survival, and less of anything related to what they want or need. People also experience obstacles that limit and restrict their opportunities of engaging in meaningful occupations. These obstacles could be seen as occupational injustices. Enabling factors also exist, but they are not available or possible for all. Being long-term unemployed changes people’s participation and engagement in occupations. By understanding the experience of long-term unemployment, it is possible to plan and implement better services.

Background

A survey showed European occupational scientists cover a broad range in occupational science (OS) research, however, no contemporary overviews of European OS research exists, and current research may provide valuable information for OS and occupational therapy.

Aim

The aim was to provide an overview of contemporary European OS research.

Materials and method

A scoping review was performed, including studies conducted in Europe and published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT), the Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy (SJOT) or the Journal of Occupational Science (JOS) between 2015 and 2020. The journals were systematically searched, and quality assessment and thematic analysis were undertaken.

Results

Findings from 93 articles identified many studies from the Nordic countries. Most studies applied qualitative research methods. Theoretical concepts from OS were used in data generating and discussions. A wide range of demographics, and living conditions were explored. Recent articles took a reflexive stance on the positionality of the researcher/s.

Conclusions

This review highlights the diversity of OS research, suggesting a solid theoretical knowledge base within European OS research.

Significance

The results contribute to further development and maturation of the discipline of OS in Europe and internationally.

Background: A Rehabilitation Program for older adults with hip fracture (HIP-REP) based on Activity of Daily Living has been developed. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of the HIP-REP program to inform a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods: A feasibility study Inspired by the Complex-intervention development (Medical Research Council framework phase II) design using quantitative and qualitative research methods were conducted. Eighteen participants (above 65 years) with hip fracture were recruited from the orthopedic wards. The setting was cross sectoral including Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte and rehabilitation centers in Herlev, Gentofte and Lyngby-Taarbæk municipalities. A cross-sectoral rehabilitation intervention tailored to the needs of older adults with hip fracture highlighting systematic goal setting and strategies focused on activities of daily living was conducted. Pre-defined feasibility criteria: participants recruitment and retention, duration of measuring the outcome, adherence to intervention, and adverse events, along with self-reported outcomes and an objective measurement of performance in activity of daily living. Focus groups were analyzed using a deductive manifest content analysis approach. Descriptive statistical analysis and paired t-tests were performed for assessing change in outcome measures. Results: Recruitment rate was 4.5/month. Outcome measures were performed but length and number of questionnaires were a burden. Thirteen out of eighteen participants completed the study three dropped out and two died. Adherence among the 13 was 100%. Focus group revealed issues regarding coordinating the intervention, ensuring procedural processes across sectors regarding recruitment of participants, and documentation in the database. Participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention and felt safe during intervention. Assessment of Motor and Process Skills showed better increase between (range 0.4 to 1.6) in ADL motor ability measures and better increase between (range 0.4 to 0.7) for process ability. No clear association between outcome improvements and intervention adherence. Conclusions: The cross-sectoral intervention based on daily activities was feasible and safe for older adults with hip fracture. A future RCT, with an improved recruitment strategy and reduced number of outcome measures will evaluate the effectiveness in improving independence and safety performance of activity of daily living. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03828240. Registered on January 29, 2019.