Occupational therapists’ perceptions of requirements for competent upper limb hypertonicity practice

Abstract

Participants perceived that there is a dynamic relationship between knowledge and skills. They also believed that competent hypertonicity practice requires a client-centred approach and individualisation of interventions. Future training needs to focus on the development of therapists' clinical reasoning, which was required to individualise interventions and promote positive client outcomes. Implications for Rehabilitation Training in upper limb hypertonicity management in a clinical setting can assist therapists to understand the factors contributing to the complexity of this practice area. Training in a clinical setting is required to allow development of the range of skills needed for competent practice as it provides consistent exposure to clients over time. Practicing in a client-centred manner and making individualised intervention decisions should be emphasized as an overarching framework for developing relevant knowledge and skills in this area of practice. Future research needs to focus on identifying training techniques that will promote therapists' competence in decision making when working in upper limb hypertonicity practice.

Building Expertise in the Workplace: Occupational Therapists Learning Upper Limb Hypertonicity Practice

“…Upper limb rehabilitation in the presence of hypertonicity is recognised as complex and challenging (Colclough et al, 2015;Turner et al, 2018). The diversity of the client group contributes to this complexity, in terms of both upper limb (Sheen & McGuire, 2001) and personal characteristics and experiences (Copley et al, 2008;Kuipers et al, 2006).…”