Background / aim: Using reliable outcome measures is a necessity for the occupational therapy profession in enabling valid assessments of clients. Although Cronbach's alpha is the most widely applied index of internal consistency reliability, there are misconceptions about its use and interpretation. This paper aims to guide assessment developers in paediatric occupational therapy, as well as practitioners who are evaluating outcome measures in using and interpreting the Cronbach's alpha estimates appropriately. This will enable them to decide on the tools' clinical value and incorporate them into their practice with children.Method: Previously published papers reporting on internal consistency issues of outcome measures in paediatric occupational therapy were searched through the Allied and Complementary Medicine database. These papers were used as a basis to discuss possible reasons for reporting of low internal consistency. Results:The analysis demonstrates that Cronbach's alpha reports are not always interpreted in a sound way. The paper emphasises that one should be cautious about judging estimates of internal consistency. Low size of the coefficient alpha might not always indicate problems with the construction of the tool; whereas large sizes do not always suggest adequate reliability. Instead, these reports might be related to the data characteristics of the construct. Conclusion:In judging an outcome measure's internal consistency , researchers and practitioners in occupational therapy should report and consider the nature of data, the scale's length and width, the linearity and the normality of response distribution, the central response tendency, the sample response variability and the sample size.

This study is the first to identify therapists' reasoning between two types of home visits that occur in practice. Future trials are imperative to ascertain which visit is more effective in terms of both patient outcomes and cost effectiveness.

Group projects are an established but debated pedagogical technique in higher education. The purpose of this study was to assess the appropriateness of combining individual and group marks in assessment. A mixed method design involving correlational and comparative elements was used. The sample included one cohort of students who completed a group project at Level one (n=127) and Level three (n=103) of an undergraduate occupational therapy BSc degree. Key findings included no statistically significant correlation between group and individual assessment marks; a significant proportion of students failing the individual written assignment passed the module overall; and neither academic ability nor demographic factors predicted group performance. This suggests that group assessment measures factors other than individual academic performance. The implications are that group assessment should be clearly linked to module learning outcomes; should explicitly grade relevant non-academic skills; and should be used with caution as a Level one assessment.

This research offers new and important findings about the utilization of the 3DIDS by occupational therapists and provides information as to where this technology should be trialled.

IntroductionThe term ‘post‐polio syndrome’ (PPS) is used to describe new and late manifestations of poliomyelitis that occur later in life. Research in this area has focused upon health status rather than its effect on quality of life.AimTo gain an in‐depth understanding of the meaning of quality of life for polio survivors and to determine the type of strategies that are used by people with PPS and the support that they consider as important to facilitate participation in everyday life activities that have an impact on their quality of life.MethodSix focus groups were conducted with 51 participants from two regions in England. Data were audio‐taped and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsOur research found that polio survivors used terms used to describe quality of life which could be associated with that of happiness. Our research has identified resolvable factors that influence quality of life namely inaccessible environments, attitudes of health‐care professionals and societal attitudes. Polio survivors have tried alternative therapies, chiefly acupuncture and massage, and found them to be effective in enhancing their quality of life.ConclusionIt is suggested that health‐care professionals should consider factors which influence happiness and implement a person‐centred approach with the views of the polio survivor being listened to. The three factors that influenced quality of life could be resolved by health‐care professionals and by society. With regard to strategies used, we suggest that polio survivors should have access to the treatments that they perceive as important, although further research is required to design optimal interventions for this client group.