Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Exploring Barriers to Ayres Sensory Integration for Social Skills Development in Autistic Children: An Exploratory Study of Occupational Therapists’ Experiences in Saudi Arabia(Univiersity of Brighton, 2024) Alsharhan, Haya; Tara, SimsIntroduction: Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) is recognized as a therapeutic approach for supporting the social interaction skills of autistic children. However, implementing ASI in Saudi Arabia presents challenges These challenges include limited resources and a lack of parental awareness about the nature and requirements of ASI assessments and interventions, which may compromise the delivery of to provide effective and holistic ASI therapy. This study explores the barriers occupational therapists experience in using ASI to support social skills development for autistic children in Saudi Arabia. Method: An exploratory qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to identify and interpret recurring patterns and themes within the data. Findings: Four key barriers emerged: (1) the adaptation of ASI to Saudi Arabia's cultural and institutional context, (2) challenges in applying ASI within clinical settings, (3) ASI’s perceived role in enhancing social interaction skills, and (4) the impact of these barriers on professional identity and practice. Limited access to ASI certification, resource shortages, and insufficient institutional support were identified as significant constraints. Despite these barriers, participants highlighted the potential benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with speech therapists and psychologists, in addressing the social needs of autistic children. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for local ASI certification programs, enhanced institutional support, and culturally tailored frameworks to facilitate the effective implementation of ASI. Future research should explore interdisciplinary approaches and culturally adapted practices to maximize the impact of ASI on social skills development in diverse settings. Addressing these barriers can empower occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia to deliver more effective and culturally relevant interventions, improving the quality of life for autistic children and their families.2 0Item Restricted The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) On the Quality of Life and Occupational Performance in Adults with Neurological Disorders: A Scoping Review(University of Brighton, 2024-09-05) Alsubaie, Ali; Liddell, JamieNeurological disorders affect over 3 billion people globally. They incorporate disorders in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous systems. They are complicated and can impact patients' mobility, sensory functions, cognitive abilities, and behaviors. This consequently affects patients' Daily performance and quality of life, requiring advanced treatment and intervention. One of the promising interventions is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). This scoping review aimed to examine the efficacy of the MBSR approach in improving the quality of life and occupational performance of persons diagnosed with neurological disorders. This study is conducted to partially fulfilment the master's degree requirement it follows the framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley. The research question was identified flowing PIO strategy, and the keywords searched followed the Boolean technique conducted by electronic databases through PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Dimensions, and CINAHL. The inclusion criteria quantitative and qualitative studies with adult subjects aged 18 years and older diagnosed with one neurological disorder who are involved in formal MBSR, including shorter workshops, self-guided practices, or online modules. Published in English between 2013 and 2023. The Author screened 3531 potential articles, and 15 studies met the eligibility criteria. The reviewed 15 studies generally suggested that MBSR had positive effects on the symptoms, QoL, and performance compared with baseline and other interventions/control conditions, including attention, problem-solving, fatigue levels and psychological function/effect. Additionally, the result highlights the gap in the literature, such as less focus on the MBSR as a therapeutic intervention for neurological disorders patients, lack of randomized control trial (RCT) and comparison, small sample size, and imbalance in gender distribution. The review provided future suggestions including more diversity, age range samples, and the need to appreciate how personality and additional factors may influence receptivity to MBSR and long-term mindful practice, as well as considering additional factors unique to the population with neurological conditions.16 0Item Restricted An Exploratory Study into the Perceptions of Multidisciplinary Team Members on the Role of Occupational Therapy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.(Cardiff University, 2024-03-04) Alsubait, Reem; Morgan, GarethBackground/Aim: Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centred healthcare delivery within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), aiming to enhance individuals' quality of life. Despite its significance, the integration of OT services within the healthcare framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains relatively nascent. Effective collaboration within MDTs hinge upon a comprehensive understanding of each member's role. Consequently, this study endeavours to explore the perceptions held by Saudi Arabian MDT members regarding the role of OTs within the healthcare system of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Employing an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, the study conducted six online semi-structured interviews with professionals from diverse disciplines, including medicine, physiotherapy, speech therapy, nursing, and psychology. Participants were purposively recruited from a WhatsApp group. Audio recordings were transcribed using Zoom software and subsequently verified and refined by the researcher. Thematic analysis, facilitated by NVivo, was employed to discern prevalent themes. Findings: Three principal themes emerged: (1) Saudi MDT members' perceptions of the domain and process of OT, (2) collaborative roles and interdisciplinary dynamics with OT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and (3) future perspectives and recommendations for OT practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The findings implied adequate understanding among participants regarding the role of OT in patient care. Nevertheless, certain areas, notably mental health, were identified as warranting heightened awareness. Concerns regarding role overlap between OT and other MDT professions and a perceived limitation in medical professionals' comprehension of OT were highlighted by the participants. Direct communication with OTs was considered the most efficacious source of information about the profession. Conclusion: The study underscores the exigency for an increased influx of OTs, particularly those specialising in sub-domains. Furthermore, it advocates for sustained efforts by OTs not only to delineate their professional identity but also to actively spread awareness about their profession, thereby optimising client outcomes.18 0Item Restricted The Lived Experiences of Saudi Arabian Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Students in Internship and The Influences of Problem-Based Learning: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.(Cardiff University, 2023-10-19) Abaalkhayl, Faris; Whitcombe, SteveBackground: Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational approach that has been widely used in the education of healthcare professionals (HCPs), including occupational therapists (OTs). The PBL approach engages students in real-world problems through the process of problem- solving, which has a positive impact on students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge when they move to practice. However, the transition from education to practice is a critical period for new OT graduates. This period is often challenging, as new graduates are expected to apply their knowledge and skills and adapt to new roles and responsibilities while integrating into a new workplace. The internship programme in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was designed to assist newly-qualified OTs in dealing with this transition period. However, there is limited research on OT interns’ experience in internship and the impact of the PBL method on OT interns’ practice. Aim: This thesis aimed to investigate OT internship students’ lived experiences and understand the influences of PBL when they move to practice in SA. Its objectives were to explore the lived experiences and meaning-making of OT interns during their internship, including the enablers and barriers that they encountered, to gain a deeper understanding of the influences of PBL during this transition. Method: An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach was used to discover six OT interns’ experiences. Through purposeful homogeneous sampling and by utilising semi-structured interviews, the data was analysed using Smith et al.’s (2009) six-step process to create themes. Findings: From IPA analysis, six main themes emerged, alongside several subthemes. A key finding of the study was that OT interns recognised many PBL benefits during their undergraduate period that could be gained if the concept and goal of PBL were made clear, PBL scenarios were relevant and applicable to the KSA context. OT interns felt lost, scared, shocked and weird in their early experiences of transition due to new environment and lack of experience, coupled with the theory- practice gap and negative impact of Covid-19. However, some personal factors (e.g., knowledge and skills, confidence) and organizational factors (e.g., supervision, the environment, and social support) facilitated their transition. Finally, OT interns identified that PBL had a positive impact on their internship components including the inter-personal, cognitive and task-supporting impact.19 0Item Restricted EXPLORING THE EFFICIENCY OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF HAND INJURIES: CASE ABOUT STENOSING TENOSYNOVITIS (TRIGGER FINGER) IN SAUDIA ARABIA(Cardiff University, 2023) Alkhuredly, Rayan; Sakellariou, DikaiosBackground Despite its prevalence, the treatment of Stenosing Tenosynovitis (Trigger Finger) in Saudi Arabia through Occupational Therapy (OT) remains relatively underexplored. The effectiveness of OT and the challenges occupational therapists face in the context of local healthcare systems and cultural factors are not thoroughly examined. This study aims to address this knowledge gap, fostering a deeper understanding of the interventions, opportunities, and challenges in providing OT for Trigger Finger patients in Saudi Arabia. Objectives This study aimed to explore the role of occupational therapists in rehabilitating patients who are diagnosed with trigger finger in Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, this study determined the possible challenges faced by occupational therapists during the provision of treatments and rehabilitation of patients diagnosed with trigger finger. It also identified the types of interventions for trigger finger used by occupational therapists working in care centres in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, whether there are any areas requiring development in the field of occupational therapy so that improved treatments can be offered to patients with trigger finger across Saudi Arabia was determined. Methodology This study used a qualitative methodology in which textual data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews among eight occupational therapists working in Saudi Arabian healthcare centres. The data were evaluated through a thematic analysis. Findings Four themes were identified: 1) the role of occupational therapists in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with trigger finger, 2) challenges faced by occupational therapists while undertaking the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with trigger finger, 3) types of interventions adopted by occupational therapists in care centres in Saudi Arabia to manage trigger finger cases, and 4) areas of improvement or development in occupational therapy to improve the nature of treatments offered to patients with trigger finger in Saudi Arabia. However, the main limitations of this study was the time and resources. Conclusions This study suggests occupational therapy as a successful strategy for facilitating rapid recovery of patients with trigger finger in terms of pain relief and finger range of motion restoration. The author and participants suggest some recommendations, including raising the awareness of the role of occupational therapists in treating patients with trigger finger in Saudi Arabia.8 0Item Restricted Knowledge, perceptions and views of Occupational Therapists towards the use of Virtual Reality for the management of Musculoskeletal conditions: a cross sectional survey(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-12-01) Bin Shalhoub, Sara; Snow, Peter; Tehrany, RokhsanehBackground Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are the leading cause of disability around the world. Occupational therapists (OTs) are part of the multidisciplinary team and have a vital role in the management of these conditions. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that demonstrated positive outcomes for managing pain and other different medical conditions. With its growing interest towards the intervention, the use of VR as a treatment intervention for musculoskeletal conditions is increasing. Since OTs might play a role in the delivery of VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions in the future, research is required to understand the current level of knowledge, experience and views of occupational therapy workforce about using the technology in MSK settings. Aims The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, perception and views of OTs towards using VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved the collection data through an online survey questionnaire via Microsoft Forms, which was disseminated through social media platforms. Participants were eligible to participate if they were OTs, support workers or students from any clinical, research or leadership background, as the study was interested in obtaining all views. The questionnaire included up to 26 questions which collected data on demographics, and asked participants to rate their perceived views, knowledge and experience according to a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: In total, (65) responses were received from participants from Saudi Arabia (n= 46). United States (n= 10), Poland (n= 6), United Kingdom (n= 3) The majority of participants were clinicians (n= 37, 43%), where just under a third worked in a Higher Education Institute (n= 20, 31%). Overall, OTs reported having limited knowledge on the use of VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions, although there was a greater awareness about their use for managing neurological conditions. Arthritis was the most anticipated MSK condition by OTs to benefit from VR in rehabilitation (n=10) followed by upper limbs injury (n= 8). Only (29%) of participants reported using VR as an intervention. The majority of respondents expressed their willingness to engage with VR training (91%) and deliver VR for pain and MSK management (87%). The cost of purchase was viewed as the most important barrier (49%) to implementing VR to MSK settings followed by patient’s acceptability (48%). Summary and Conclusions: Despite the limited knowledge OTs have surrounding VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions, the majority of OTs were open to developing their skills and knowledge, and being involved in their delivery in the future. Multiple barriers to implanting VR interventions within the MSK setting also exist, they need to be taken into consideration when designing/evaluating interventions in the future. It is recommended that future research focus on the roles and experiences of OTs in delivering VR interventions for MSK conditions management as there is a lack of well-designed trials on the topic.33 0