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Evidence Based Practice Symposium - McMaster University

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control, and level of physical function. Five articles in the<br />

scoping review summary included self-determination as a<br />

critical skill for successful independent living. Selfdetermination<br />

incorporates self-realization, self-awareness,<br />

empowerment and autonomy (Wehmeyer, Palmer, Soukup,<br />

Garner, & Lawrence, 2007). Four articles demonstrated a link<br />

between independent living and social skills (social problem<br />

solving, peer support, communication, cooperation, assertion,<br />

responsibility, empathy, engagement and self control). Several<br />

assessments measuring social skills and self-determination<br />

were reviewed to determine suitability for the ILP based on<br />

population, purpose of measure, and ease of use. Two<br />

assessments fit the needs of the program, and psychometric<br />

properties and clinical utility were reviewed further. The<br />

revised assessment protocol, including current and<br />

recommended additions is detailed in Table 1.<br />

Table 1. Revised ILP Assessment Protocol<br />

Assessment (Authors) Description<br />

Arc’s Self-<br />

72 item evaluative self-report<br />

Determination Scale* measure that assesses an<br />

(Wehmeyer, 1995) adolescent’s overall level of selfdetermination,<br />

designed for youth<br />

with cognitive, development, or<br />

physical disabilities.<br />

Canadian Occupational An evaluative, semi-structured<br />

Performance Measure interview tool that addresses<br />

(COPM)<br />

occupational performance and<br />

(Law, Baptiste, Carswell, satisfaction in occupation self-<br />

McColl, Polatajko, &<br />

Pollock, 1990)<br />

care, productivity, and leisure.<br />

Goal Attainment Scale An evaluative method for<br />

(GAS)<br />

determining personalized goal<br />

(Kiresuk, Smith, & achievement over time, typically<br />

Cardillo, 1994)<br />

using a five-point scale.<br />

Perceived Self-Efficacy 8 item evaluative self-report<br />

Scale<br />

measure that assesses level of self-<br />

(Chen, Gulley, & Eden,<br />

2001)<br />

efficacy.<br />

Social Skills<br />

An evaluative measure of youth<br />

Improvement System social skills designed to assess<br />

Rating Scale (SSIS- several dimensions of social skills<br />

RS)*<br />

using an optional multi-rater<br />

(Gresham & Elliot, questionnaire format. Self-report<br />

2008)<br />

form includes seven sub-scales of<br />

social skills.<br />

* Recommended additions to the current ILP protocol<br />

Discussion & Implications<br />

The above recommendations for the ILP assessment protocol<br />

will provide ErinoakKids with valid and reliable standardized<br />

assessments. These measures are clinically useful, fit the needs<br />

of the program and assess the key characteristics identified in<br />

the scoping review. In addition, programs similar to<br />

ErinoakKids ILP can include these assessments within their<br />

protocol. The standardized assessments will enable<br />

ErinoakKids to conduct high-quality longitudinal studies with<br />

appropriate outcome measures. The authors recommend that<br />

future research projects compare self-determination and social<br />

skills between adolescents who attend the ILP and those who<br />

do not. Although this scoping review focused on personal<br />

characteristics, the authors recognize the important role of<br />

environmental factors in predicting successful independent<br />

living outcomes. Environmental factors could potentially<br />

impede or improve independent living outcomes. It is<br />

important to recognize the interaction between personal<br />

characteristics, environmental contexts, and the demands of an<br />

individual’s independent living goals. The Person,<br />

Environment, Occupation framework (PEO; Law, Cooper,<br />

Strong, Stewart, Rigby & Letts, 1996) can be a useful tool for<br />

occupational therapists to address barriers to independent<br />

living and capitalize on client strengths. The authors<br />

recommend that future research incorporate the examination of<br />

environmental factors, personal characteristics, and the<br />

occupational demands of transitioning to independent living.<br />

Limitations<br />

Overall, there is limited conclusive research regarding personal<br />

characteristics and independent living. This scoping review did<br />

not exclude studies on the basis of study design or<br />

methodology. Due to lack of updated research, some studies<br />

included within this review used designs that were less<br />

rigorous, such as narrative reviews. While the inclusion of low<br />

quality studies is acceptable for a scoping review, future<br />

research should strive for higher methodological rigour.<br />

Conclusion<br />

This study has presented a review of the literature on skills and<br />

characteristics that promote successful independent living for<br />

youth with disabilities. This scoping review identified that selfdetermination<br />

and social skills are important predictors of<br />

independent living outcomes. The Arc’s Self-Determination<br />

Scale and the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale<br />

are recommended additions to the current assessment protocol<br />

at the ErinoakKids ILP.<br />

References<br />

• Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8, 19-32.<br />

• Centre for Independent Living in Toronto. (2012). Retrieved March 29, 2012, from: http://cilt.ca/what_is_il.aspx<br />

• ErinoakKids. (2012). Retrieved March 29, 2012, from: http://www.ErinoakKids.ca/index.cfm?pgID=182<br />

• Healy, H., & Rigby, P. (1999). Promoting independence for teens and young adults with physical disabilities. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66, 240-250.<br />

• Law, M. (2008). Outcome Measures Rating Form Guidelines. [PDF Document]. Retrieved March 19, 2012, from:<br />

http://www.canchild.ca/en/canchildresources/resources/measguid.pdf<br />

• Law, M., Cooper, B,. Strong, S., Stewart, D., Rigby, P. & Letts, L. 1996. The Person-Environment-Occupation Model: A transactive approach to occupational<br />

performance. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63, 9-23.<br />

• Levac, D., Colquhoun, H., & O’Brien, K. (2010). Scoping studies: Advancing the methodology. Implementation Science, 5, 69-78.<br />

• Stewart, D.A. Law, M.C., Rosenbaum, P., & Willms, D.G. (2001). A qualitative study of the transition to adulthood for youth with physical disabilities. Physical &<br />

Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 21, 3-21.<br />

• Test, D.W., Mazzoti, V.L., Mustian, A.L., Fowler, C.H., Kortering, L., & Kohler, P. (2009). <strong>Evidence</strong>-<strong>Based</strong> secondary transition predictors for improving post<br />

school outcomes for students with disabilities. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 32, 160-181.<br />

• Wehmeyer, M. L., Palmer, S. B., Soukup, J.H., Garner, N.W., & Lawerence, M. (2007). Self-determination and student transition planning knowledge and skills:<br />

Predicting involvement. Exceptionality, 15, 31-44.<br />

Acknowledgements<br />

We would like to thank our supervisors at ErinoakKids for their continued support and guidance throughout the project.

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