Children and Youth

AJOT Articles

(Sorted by date of publishing, with the most recent on top)

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OT Practice Articles

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SIS Quarterly Articles

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CATs/CAPs
AOTA's CAT and CAP series are products of AOTA's Evidence-Based Literature Review Project. This series provides an "at-a-glance" synthesis of a group of articles selected for focused question literature reviews (CAT) as well as summaries of selected individual papers (CAP).

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Evidence Exchange

The Evidence Exchange is a central repository for evidence-based literature reviews and related resources, and is a place where occupational therapy practitioners can access quality evidence. Read more.

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Evidence Briefs Series

AOTA's Evidence Briefs series is a product of AOTA's Evidence-Based Literature Review Project. This series provides easy-to-read summaries of articles selected from scientific literature.

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Evidence Perks

(Sorted by date of publishing, with the most recent on top)

A quarterly column in OT Practice designed to address the day-to-day needs of occupational therapy professionals to find and use the best available evidence from the scientific literature to inform the clinical reasoning process.

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Evidence Bytes

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Evidence Bytes are featured in AOTA's 1-Minute Update e-newsletter. They are designed to connect members with resources and information about the evidence-based practice of occupational therapy.

March 12, 2013
Evidence Byte: Evidence Exchange Open for Applications for CAP reviewers
Have you participated in the Evidence Exchange—a central repository for evidence-based literature reviews and related resources? It's a place where occupational therapy practitioners can access quality evidence. We're looking for individuals to review critically appraised summaries (CAPs) of research articles. The next round of application begins on Friday, March 15.

January 15, 2013
Evidence Byte: Evidence Exchange is Open for Critically Appraised Paper (CAP) Submissions and CAP Reviewers
Join your colleagues who are participating in the AOTA Evidence Exchange, a central repository for critically appraised summaries of individual research articles or CAPs. The Evidence Exchange is open for CAP submissions and CAP reviewers until March 2013. Click here for more information about the Evidence Exchange and for the CAP worksheet and CAP guidelines.

December 18, 2012
Evidence Byte: Updated Evidence Exchange on AOTA.org
We recently updated the information on participating in the Evidence Exchange, a central repository for Critically Appraised Papers (CAPs) and related resources. Find more information and materials to help you get started developing and submitting a CAP to the Evidence Exchange. In addition, resources on applying to be a CAP reviewer are available.

November 20, 2012
Evidence Byte: Evidence-based resources for school-based practice
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities has an Evidence for Education section on their Web site. The goal of the site is to disseminate information on what works for children with disabilities. The evidence-based reports may be of interest to occupational therapy practitioners working in the schools, including Social Skills and Academic Achievement and Assessment and Accommodation. Read more.

September 25, 2012
Evidence Byte: Evidence Exchange is Open for Critically Appraised Paper (CAP) Submissions
The AOTA Evidence Exchange, a central repository for critically appraised summaries of individual research articles or CAPs, is seeking CAP submissions until November 1 for this round of submissions. A new round will begin next year. Links to information about the Evidence Exchange and to the CAP worksheet and CAP guidelines are available here.

July 28, 2012
Evidence Byte: Finding Evidence in AJOT
Looking for evidence to inform your practice? The latest issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) has a variety of articles to inform your practice, including intervention studies on children (handwriting), adults (individuals with diabetes), and older adults (those experiencing trauma, life review writing). Find something for almost everyone (log in).

July 14, 2012
Evidence Byte: Online Source of Reviewed Evidence
Looking for new sources of relevant evidence? Sign up for Evidence Updates, a joint venture of the BMJ Group and McMaster University's Health Information Research Unit. You will regularly get updates on the latest articles and evidence summaries screened for quality of evidence. Recent updates included information on the use of robot-assisted arm training for stroke.

July 3, 2012
Evidence Byte: Evidence Exchange Open for Critically Appraised Paper (CAP) Submissions
The AOTA Evidence Exchange, a central repository for evidence-based literature reviews and related resources, is currently seeking submissions of critically appraised summaries of research articles or CAPs. The deadline for this round of submissions is August 1. Find more information about the Evidence Exchange here.

May 8, 2012
Evidence Byte: Apply to be a Critically Appraised Paper (CAP) Reviewer for Evidence Exchange
Have you heard about the Evidence Exchange? It's a central repository for evidence-based literature reviews and related resources. It is also a place where occupational therapy practitioners can access quality evidence. We're looking for individuals to review critically appraised summaries (CAPs) of research articles. Apply by June 1. Read more.

April 10, 2012
Evidence Byte: Evidence on Wheeled Mobility (Wheelchair) Service Delivery
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently announced the publication of a technical brief on Wheeled Mobility (Wheelchair) Service Delivery. The publication includes an objective description of the state of the science, implications of interventions, and a summary of ongoing research. Download the free technical brief here.

January 17, 2012
Evidence Byte: Planning a journal club? Toolkit to the rescue!
The Journal Club Toolkit has documents and resources for planning and implementing a journal club. Sample fliers, worksheets, references, critical appraisal guides, a statistical reference sheet, and continuing education documentation reduce the preparation time needed for a journal club session. The kit can be used in any setting by occupational therapy practitioners interested in developing best practice. Read more.

December 6, 2011
Evidence Byte: Evidence Exchange Opens for Critically Appraised Paper (CAP) Submissions
The AOTA Evidence Exchange, a central repository for evidence-based literature reviews and related resources, is currently seeking submissions of critically appraised summaries of research articles or CAPs. There will be four rounds of submissions per year, and the first deadline is February 1. Read more.

September 13, 2011
Evidence Byte: Study on Evidence-Based Pain Management
McMaster University is conducting a study on Pain Plus—a new free information service for evidence-based pain management—and is looking to recruit occupational therapy practitioners to participate. Pain Plus will make keeping up to date easier for clinicians by offering a searchable database of the best evidence from the health care literature and an e-mail alerting system. Read more.

May 24, 2011
Evidence Byte: Community Guide Systematic Reviews
The Community Guide produces systematic reviews covering a variety of public health topics that answer questions such as: What interventions have and have not worked? What might the intervention cost? What interventions need more research before we know if they work or not? A task force of independent, nonfederal, and volunteer public health and prevention experts selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conduct the reviews. The topics cover conditions and issues across the life span, including the most recently added review on health communication and social marketing

April 26, 2011
Evidence Byte: New Practice Guidelines Posted on the National Guideline
The National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has recently posted AOTA's evidence-based practice guidelines on autism, driving, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and work-related injuries and illnesses. These guidelines join the previously posted guideline on neurodegenerative diseases. Each guideline posted on NGC includes a summary of evidence as well as recommendations for evaluation and treatment. Read more.

March 1, 2011
Evidence Byte: Growing Evidence for Sensory Processing Disorders
The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation (SPDF), founded by Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR, conducts research on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of SPD. Browse articles in the Our Library section to find handouts and full text evidence-based research articles, or you can search for articles on specific topics. The site is not only a great resource for practitioners but also for consumers interested in general information and intervention options.

August 31, 2010
Evidence Byte: AJOT Special Issue on Sensory Integration
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) May/June 2010 issue has a series of systematic reviews on interventions, subtyping, neuroplasticity, and performance issues related to children and adolescents with difficulty processing and integrating sensory information. One intervention article discusses occupational therapy using a sensory integrative approach, and the other presents the evidence for other types of occupational therapy interventions. Read AJOT online.

April 14, 2010
Evidence Byte: Improved Access to Evidence Resources
AOTA recently reorganized the Evidence-Based Practice resources on AOTA.org (log in) by the six main practice areas, then by type of product, making it easier than ever to find evidence to inform and guide your work. Under each of the practice areas, resources are now organized by AJOT articles, OT Practice articles, SIS Quarterly articles, CATs and CAPs, Evidence Briefs Series, Evidence Perks, and Evidence Bytes. Try this enhanced member benefit now (log in).

February 16, 2010
Newsletter Provides Evidence-Based Resources
reSearch, a newsletter of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) provides free, downloadable PDFs of topics of interest to occupational therapy practitioners. The newsletters provide summaries of articles and resources. Titles include Evidence-Based Practice in Life Skill Training, Brain Injury and Community Integration, and Aphasia and Stroke Rehabilitation.

January 19, 2010
Evidence-Based Guidelines for Children
Experts, patients, and families at Cincinnati Children's developed pediatric evidence-based care guidelines and Best Evidence Statements (BESt). Of interest to occupational therapy practitioners is a guideline on constraint-induced movement therapy. In addition, BESts on motor and sensory assessments for autism and the use of sensory diets for children with sensory processing difficulties are available.

December 7, 2009
Parent Intervention For Children With Autism
The P.L.A.Y. Project—based on the DIR (Developmental, Individualized, Relationship-Based) theory of Stanley Greenspan, MD, and Serena Weider, PhD—provides information for implementing intensive developmental interventions for very young children with autism. A bibliography of evidence-based research supporting play-based interventions is available, as well as the results of a P.L.A.Y. Project study.

November 10, 2009
Evidence-Based Yoga
The Center for the Study of Yoga and Health—Evidence-Based Yoga evaluates peer-reviewed scientific research on yoga for children and youth and provides information on its benefits. A bibliography of evidence-based articles pertaining to yoga is available at the site, and includes studies on chronic pain, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

September 14, 2009
Evidence for Treatment of Overweight and Obesity
Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults provides important background evidence and treatment ideas for occupational therapy interventions in this innovative existing and emerging area of practice. The guideline is available online at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at NIH.

August 31, 2009
Minimizing Problem Behavior in Schools
The Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports provides resources on School-Wide Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (SW PBIS), a systems approach to establishing a whole school culture for achieving social and academic gains while minimizing problem behavior for all students. Included is a research section summarizing the evidence for SWPBIS.

July 20, 2009
Practice Guidelines From AOTA
Three evidence-based occupational therapy practice guidelines have recently been published by AOTA Press and are available at the AOTA Store. They are: Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury; Individuals With Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses; and Children and Adolescents With Autism

May 11, 2009
New Evidence on Sensory Processing/Sensory Integrative Disorder
Two additional Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) have been added to the systematic reviews on children and adolescents with sensory processing disorder/sensory integrative dysfunction available on AOTA's website in the Evidence-based Practice and Research section. One explores sensory integration interventions, and the other non-SI occupational therapy interventions for this population. Read more (log in).

April 27, 2009
US Cochrane Center Summit on Evidence-Based Guidelines
The US Cochrane Center of the Cochrane Collaboration will be sponsoring a "Stakeholder Summit on Using Quality Systematic Reviews To Inform Evidence-Based Guidelines" on June 4 to 5 in Baltimore, Maryland. Experts will discuss the role of guidelines in health care and the latest methods and practices for systematic review and guideline development.

March 3, 2009
Evidence for Injury Prevention
Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center (HIPRC) has a wealth of information on topics of interest to occupational therapy practitioners, including head injuries, bicycle accidents, burns, occupational injury, rehabilitation, and violence. Find valuable evidence in the Best Practices Section and in the bibliography listing in HIPRC Publication.

February 17, 2009
Updates to EBP Section (login required)—Sensory Integrative Dysfunction and Alzheimer's Disease Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) have been recently added to the Evidence Based Practice and Research section of the AOTA Web site. New CATs include summaries of the effectiveness of a variety of strategies for adults with Alzheimer's disease and topics related to children and adolescents with sensory processing disorders and sensory integrative dysfunction.

December 22, 2008
Public Health Interventions
The CDC's Community Guide provides systematic reviews and evidence-based recommendations on public health issues such as obesity, physical activity, mental health, violence, the work site, driving, and the social environment (including early childhood development). This Web site is a must-see for any student, clinician, or researcher interested in preventative approaches or health promotion.

October 27, 2008
Healthcare 411
Healthcare 411, developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), provides news and evidence-based information for consumers and clinicians. Transcripts, video, and podcasts are available on a variety of topics. "Health Care Innovations," a guide to evidence-based decision making, is a recent addition.

October 14, 2008
Research Webcasts
A free webcast from the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research, When the Best Is the Enemy of the Good—The Nature of Research Evidence Used in Systematic Reviews and Guidelines, is scheduled for October 28, from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (CDT). The webcast was rescheduled due to Hurricane Ike.

September 29, 2008
Find EBP Resources by Practice Area
AOTA's Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Resource Directory has been reorganized to allow you to find resources under the six broad practice areas identified in the Centennial Vision¬—Children and Youth; Mental Illness; Health and Wellness; Productive Aging; Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation; and Work and Industry. See the September 8 Evidence Perk column in OT Practice for search and navigation tips!

September 15, 2008
Systematic Review of Interventions for Autism
A systematic review of interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) of relevance to occupational therapy is in the July/August 2008 issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. The review covers a variety of approaches including sensory-based, relationship-based, developmental skill-based, and behavioral interventions.

September 3, 2008
Systematic Review Webcasts
The National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) will host two free Webcasts in September to discuss the systematic review process used for evidence-based practice by those in the disability and rehabilitation fields. See the Web site for descriptions of the September 3 and September 17 Webcasts and free registration.

August 18, 2008
Updated NCDRR Web Site
The Web site for the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) has been recently updated and includes a Registry for Systematic Reviews. Search the registry by keyword, journal title, author, type of review, and year of publication. Resources on knowledge translation are also included.

July 7, 2008
Early Education and Intervention
A presentation titled "Evidence-Based Practice [EBP]—What Does It Really Mean for Early Education and Intervention?" offers not only a review of EBP but also ideas for its application to practice, policy, and research. Developed by Virginia Buysse, PhD, and contributors at the FPG Child Development Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill, this resource is highly recommended for school-based practitioners.

June 23, 2008
Health and Wellness
The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability contains summaries of evidence-based studies on the effects of an active lifestyle on the health and wellness of persons with disabilities. The Center also has information specialists available to answer questions and help consumers and practitioners maximize their use of the Web site.

May 27, 2008
AccessMyLibrary
The AccessMyLibrary Web site provides free access to subscription databases for educational, personal, and research needs through your personal library card or U.S. driver's license. Type in key search words or browse by encyclopedia, publication, or a specific subject heading to begin your search.

May 12, 2008
Improving the Quality of Health Care
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Evidence-Based Practice Centers (EPCs) Program provides links to evidence reports and technology assessments. Reports are categorized into clinical, technical, and health care services headings, and include diagnostic, prevention, and treatment information to improve the quality of health care.

April 28, 2008
Understanding EBP
The National Institute of Health's Web page on Clinical Center Nursing provides an overview of evidence-based practice (EBP), including topics on determining the quality of research studies and ways to implement evidence in practice. Definitions, models, tutorials, and other resources about specific components of EBP are also available.

April 14, 2008
Model of Human Occupation
The MOHO Clearinghouse features information about the Model of Human Occupation. Searches for articles that inform evidence-based practice can be specified by topic of interest, age, practice area, setting, and assessment. Archived listserv discussions related to searches done at this site are also available.

March 31, 2008
Social and Emotional Foundations
The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning is a resource center for dissemination of evidence-based practices for those working with young children. Many briefs are available for download, including "Helping Children Understand Routines and Classroom Schedules" and "Using Environmental Strategies to Promote Positive Social Interactions."

March 17, 2008
Evaluating the Evidence
The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) of the Public Health Research Unit, in Oxford, has excellent resources to evaluate the quality of research articles being considered as evidence for practice. The resources can apply to a variety of research designs, including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and qualitative research.

March 3, 2008
Making Scientific Evidence More Relevant to Practice
A recent National Institutes of Health lecture by Lawrence W. Green, a public health researcher and developer of the "Precede-Proceed Model," proposes five ways to make scientific evidence more relevant to practice. The methods—both traditional and new—offer a comprehensive approach that could be used for occupational therapy and other health professions. The lecture is available as a video or podcast titled "If We Want More Evidence-Based Practice, We Need More Practice-Based Evidence."

February 4, 2008
Institute of Medicine Report Calls for National Program to Assess Health Care Services
Citing soaring health care premiums and consumer and payer confusion, a prestigious panel of scientists has recommended a national program that would give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the authority and resources to fund and manage the systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of health care services. The proposed program would serve as a "trusted resource for reliable information" and lead to the development of a common language and standards for systematic reviews, scientists said.

January 22, 2008
New International OT Database
Evidence-based resources and tools for OT have been added to JBI COnNECT, a Web site maintained by the Joanna Briggs Institute in Australia. The site's information is aimed at facilitating clinical decision making at the point-of-care. Resources include databases of best practices, systematic reviews, and a patient outcomes program. A subscription is required

December 17, 2007
Interventions for Child Welfare Populations
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC) can be used to identify, select, and implement practices that promote child and family well-being, improve child safety, and increase family and community stability. CEBC reviews programs according to the strength of the evidence and relevance to child welfare populations.

December 3, 2007
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Visit the Guide to Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs), a site recently developed by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. Browse by behavioral health area or age group and setting for a list of Web sites with information on specific EBPs or comprehensive reviews of research findings.

November 5, 2007
UW Site Offers Evidence-Based Learning
HealthLinks, a University of Washington (UW) Web site, offers a wealth of information for practitioners. Included are articles on reading and interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, qualitative studies, and economic analyses. A format for developing focused clinical questions also is available.

October 22, 2007
Early Childhood Education
The What Works Clearinghouse, a program of the U.S. Department of Education, identifies high-quality reviews of the effectiveness of educational interventions. Of interest to occupational therapy practitioners are the evidence-based reviews of programs and products frequently used for early childhood education and programs that increase positive character development and prosocial behaviors.

September 10, 2007
Tots 'n Tech Research
The Tots 'n Tech Research Institute (TnT), a collaboration between Philadelphia's Thomas Jefferson University and Arizona State University in Tempe, conducts research on the use of assistive technology with infants and toddlers with disabilities. The Institute has produced research briefs, including Evidence-Based Practice in Assistive Technology, that are available on the Web site.

July 16, 2007
Mental and Substance Use Disorders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration now offers an online, searchable registry of interventions for the prevention and treatment of mental and substance use disorders. Called the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, or NREPP, the content is summarized and rated by independent experts in the field.

June 4, 2007
NIH Offers E-Newsletter on Research-Based Health Information
NIH News in Health, the monthly newsletter sharing health news and information on the latest National Institutes of Health research, is now available online. Sign up to be notified when new issues are posted. Check out past topics: "What Causes Addiction" (April 2007); "Caring for the Caregivers" (August 2006); and "Low-Calorie Diet May Slow Aging Process" (May 2006).

May 7, 2007
CDC Site Expands Health Resource Offerings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has unveiled a new user-centered site to provide better access to health and safety topics; data and statistics; news and events; expanded resources; and an improved search engine. Download podcasts, and sign up for e-mail update service at the CDC Web site. Check out a virtual tour of the site.

February 26, 2007
Early Childhood Topics
The Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development funded by the U.S. Department of Education and located at the Puckett Institute offers tool kits on topics such as strengthening the parent-child relationship, ADHD assessment in preschool-age children, and assessing social-emotional difficulties in infants. The site features practice-oriented, evidence-based research summaries in user-friendly formats.

February 12, 2007
Physical Activity and Children
One of the best strategies to combat child obesity is to increase physical activity, according to a new U.S. Government Accountability Office report to Congress. The report identifies demographic, community-based, and cognitive and behavioral factors as barriers to increasing physical activity and is based on a narrative literature review of 53 articles published between 2003 and 2006.

October 23, 2006
Physical Activity and Healthy Eating for Children
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families sponsors the National Child Care Information Center, a clearinghouse and technical information center that connects health professionals and the general public to child care information and resources. Click on the link "Fit Source"
to view a list of physical activity and healthy eating resources used in innovative child care and after school programs.

September 25, 2006
Clinical Practice Guidelines Available Online
The National Guideline Clearinghouse™ (NGC) Web site is a public resource for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The site offers summaries (brief and full) of many OT-relevant practice guidelines, including the revised "Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders," published in 2004 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

September 11, 2006
Programs for Children, Youth, and Families
The Promising Practices Network on Children, Families, and Communities Web site provides evidence-based information about what works to improve the lives of children, youth, and families. For example, RAND Corporation staff critically appraised studies about a cognitive relaxation skills program for middle-school students and found it to show promise in reducing anger, anxiety, depression, and inappropriate behavior. (See the link "Programs that Work.")

August 28, 2006
Have You Had Your EVIDENCE BYTE?
EVIDENCE BYTE is a bimonthly feature of the 1-Minute Update designed to connect members with resources and information about the evidence-based practice of occupational therapy. Two new resources include the American Society of Interior Designers' "Aging in Place Resource Center," which links to the National Aging in Place Council and information about state and national policies and programs. Also, see the NIDRR-funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research and Training Center of Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) for the results of innovative research, downloadable reports, and articles.

August 14, 2006
Check Out These Evidence-Based Practice Resources
The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) offers two online services that support EBP: (1) REHABDATA Connection, a monthly listserv that provides abstracts of newly published articles on topics of interest (e.g., home modification); and (2) reSearch, a monthly feature that presents abstracts of articles on topics posed by real world scenarios (i.e., evidence-based practice in life skills training).

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