Introducing OTseeker (Occupational Therapy Systematic Evaluation of Evidence): A new evidence database for occupational therapists

OTseeker (Occupational Therapy Systematic Evaluation of Evidence) is a new resource for occupational therapists that has been designed with the principle aim of increasing access to research to support clinical decisions. It contains abstracts of systematic reviews and quality ratings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relevant to occupational therapy. It is available, free of charge, at www.otseeker.com. This paper describes the OTseeker database and provides an example of how it may support occupational therapy practice.

Australian occupational therapists' use of an online evidence-based practice database (OTseeker)

Introduction: Online databases can support the implementation of evidence-based practice by providing easy access to research. OTseeker (www.otseeker.com), an electronic evidence database, was introduced in 2003 to assist occupational therapists to locate and interpret research. Objectives: This study explored Australian occupational therapists' use and perceptions of OTseeker and its impact on their knowledge and practice. Methods: A postal survey questionnaire was distributed to two samples: (i) a proportionate random sample of 400 occupational therapists from all states and territories of Australia, and (ii) a random sample of occupational therapists working in 95 facilities in two Australian states (Queensland and New South Wales). Results: The questionnaire was completed by 213 participants. While most participants (85.9%) had heard of OTseeker, only 103 (56.6%) had accessed it, with lack of time being the main reason for non-use. Of the 103 participants who had accessed OTseeker, 68.9% had done so infrequently, 63.1% agreed that it had increased their knowledge and 13.6% had changed their practice after accessing information on OTseeker. Conclusion: Despite OTseeker being developed to provide occupational therapists with easy access to research, lack of time was the main reason why over half of the participants in this study had not accessed it. This exploratory research suggests, however, that there is potential for the database to influence occupational therapists' knowledge and practice about treatment efficacy through access to the research literature.

Appraising the quality of randomized controlled trials: inter-rater reliability for the OTseeker evidence database

Rationale and aims 'OTseeker' is an online database of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews relevant to occupational therapy. RCTs are critically appraised and rated for quality using the 'PEDro' scale. We aimed to investigate the inter-rater reliability of the PEDro scale before and after revising rating guidelines. Methods In study 1, five raters scored 100 RCTs using the original PEDro scale guidelines. In study 2, two raters scored 40 different RCTs using revised guidelines. All RCTs were randomly selected from the OTseeker database. Reliability was calculated using Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC (model 2,1)]. Results Inter-rater reliability was 'good to excellent' in the first study (Kappas >= 0.53; ICCs >= 0.71). After revising the rating guidelines, the reliability levels were equivalent or higher to those previously obtained (Kappas >= 0.53; ICCs >= 0.89), except for the item, 'groups similar at baseline', which still had moderate reliability (Kappa = 0.53). In study 2, two PEDro scale items, which had their definitions revised, 'less than 15% dropout' and 'point measures and variability', showed higher reliability. In both studies, the PEDro items with the lowest reliability were 'groups similar at baseline' (Kappas = 0.53), 'less than 15% dropout' (Kappas

Searches and content of the OTseeker database: Informing research priorities

BACKGROUND. A strategic and prioritized approach to occupational therapy research is needed, particularly given the limited research funding available. Comparing occupational therapists' information needs with the research evidence available can potentially inform research debate within the profession. This study aimed to identify research topics most often sought by users of the OTseeker database and to compare these with the quantity of topics available in the database. METHOD. A random sample of keyword search terms submitted to OTseeker (n = 4,500) was coded according to diagnostic and intervention categories, and compared with the amount of research contained in OTseeker in 2004. RESULTS. Most frequently sought topics were relevant to the diagnostic categories of pediatric conditions (19%), neurology and neuromuscular disorders (17%), and mental health (17%). Most frequently sought intervention topics included modes of service delivery, sensory interventions, and physical modalities. Although many frequently sought topics had a correspondingly high volume of research in OTseeker, a few areas had very little content (e.g., fine motor skill acquisition, autistic spectrum disorder). This information is offered to inform discussions about research priorities and resource allocation for research within occupational therapy.

Efecto de las diferentes duraciones de tratamiento en la terapia de movimiento inducido por restricción: Revisión bibliográfica.

Pregunta de revisión: ¿Son más eficientes las diferentes duraciones del tratamiento y de frecuencia de la terapia de movimiento inducido por restricción (TIMR) en los resultados de la actividad y de participación en los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular crónico? Objetivo: Examinar el efecto de diferentes duraciones de tratamiento de la TIMR y la terapia de movimiento inducido por restricción modificada (TIMRm) sobre la actividad y la participación de los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular crónico. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en MEDLINE, CINAHL, OTSeeker, Scopus, Cochrane plus, La Biblioteca Cohrane y por búsqueda manual. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: ensayos controlados aleatorios (ECA) o cuasi-ECA con participantes de más de 18 años, accidente cerebrovascular crónico y TIMR o TIMRm en comparación con otras intervenciones. Resultados: La búsqueda final resultó en 10 ECA publicados entre 2003 y 2013. La calidad de los estudios varió en la puntuación (6-9) según la escala de PEDro. La práctica de la TIMR de 50-60 horas durante 2 semanas produjo una mejor movilidad, con evidencia moderada-alta, en comparación al tratamiento control. La TIMR durante 30 horas en tres semanas, 90 horas durante tres semanas y 15-30 horas durante 10 semanas mejora la movilidad de la extremidad superior afectada. Conclusión: La TIMR durante 30 horas en tres semanas demostró ser eficaz y eficiente en la movilidad de la mano afectada, pero se necesitan más estudios para conocer los protocolos de tratamiento óptimas para la TIMR.