@article{ShawProdingerJacobsetal.2010, author = {Shaw, L. and Prodinger, Birgit and Jacobs, K. and Shaw, N.}, title = {WORK: A historical evaluation of the impact and evolution of its editorial board}, series = {Work}, volume = {35}, journal = {Work}, number = {3}, pages = {247 -- 255}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Objectives: A historical review of the editorial board and the founding editor of WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation was conducted to examine the understanding of the editorship and contributions of this team to the knowledge in WORK. Participants: The team of four authors worked together to identify an approach to evaluate the contributions and impact of WORK's editorial board (EB) on the journal's scholarship. The editor-in-chief (EIC) and editorial board members were participants in this evaluation. Methods: Informative and formative evaluations were used to investigate how knowledge was shaped through the development of an epistemic community of scholars in the field of work. Metrics of the EB composition and participation in the journal as well as surveys and interviews with the board and the editor-in-chief were analyzed. Results: The EB represents an international community of scholars with a common interest in work and who contribute academically both within WORK and beyond. The epistemic community that has evolved through the editorial board represents a pluralistic perspective on work that is needed to inform practice, and knowledge. Conclusion: Future directions to continue to advance knowledge through WORK's editorial board and EIC are elaborated.}, language = {en} } @article{ShawCampbellJacobsetal.2010, author = {Shaw, L. and Campbell, H. and Jacobs, K. and Prodinger, Birgit}, title = {Twenty years of Assessment in WORK: A narrative review}, series = {Work}, volume = {35}, journal = {Work}, number = {3}, pages = {257 -- 267}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Introduction: The aim of this review was to gain an understanding of the first 20 years of contributions to WORK within the assessment domain and to reflect on the perspectives underscoring this knowledge base. Method: A narrative review of assessment articles using the WORK ARTicle database was conducted. Assessment articles were searched using issues from 1990 to 2009. Descriptive data was analyzed to examine historical trends of the specific types and dimensions of articles, the regional location of the contributions, and the methodological accordance. A reflective process was used by an editorial board member of WORK to inductively interpret perspectives and contextual issues that underpinned the evolution of the assessment domain in WORK. Results: Over half of N= 108 of the articles on assessment in WORK focused on establishing or reporting reliability and validity of assessments used in clinical practice or evaluation research. The majority of the assessment articles were predominantly focused on the person. Contributions of articles were from 5 regions: North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. Conclusions: Assessment articles in WORK have contributed to the development of evidence to support assessment of the worker. These articles represent a knowledge base that emphasizes evidence-based assessments to evaluate what a person can and cannot do to participate in work. Efforts are needed to expand knowledge generation in assessment to include more evaluations on the workplace and occupation dimensions, and that also considers the worker in context.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerMagalhaes2010, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Magalhaes, L.}, title = {Advancing knowledge in work-related rehabilitation - Review of research published in the journal of WORK}, series = {Work}, volume = {35}, journal = {Work}, number = {3}, pages = {301 -- 318}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Objective: Many studies published in the journal WORK in the recent decades have discussed work and employment trends. However, the dimensions of these contributions over time have not been reviewed. The main objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge development in regard to work-related rehabilitation in WORK over the last two decades. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the following five stages: (i) identifying research question, (ii) identifying relevant studies, (iii) study selection, (iv) charting, summarizing, and collating the data, and (v) reporting the results. Studies were selected from the WORK Article Database. Results: Seventy-five relevant studies were identified. The findings reflect that WORK has published papers from across the world, with most of the studies from the United States, Sweden, Canada, and Hong Kong. The complexity and multi-factorial nature of work-related rehabilitation was reflected in the application of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research approaches, as well as case studies. Study participants were characterized by work, and non-work related injuries, systematic diseases/chronic illness, fulfilled certain socio-demographic characteristic, and represented various stakeholders. Fewer studies drew on secondary resources. In the findings one re-occurring theme has been noted: 'maintaining/obtaining/returning to secure and stable employment/work'. Conclusions: Four key-reflections evolved from this scoping review that provide potential avenues for future research. These key-reflections include (i) the national, transnational and international dimension of the reviewed studies, (ii) the various societal levels informing work-related rehabilitation practices, (iii) the diversity of methodologies applied in current research, and (iv) the variability of terminology used within the reviewed studies. The journal WORK has published a variety of research over the last two decades and contributed significantly to our current understanding of work-related rehabilitation. However, further research in these reflective areas would expand the current knowledge base.}, language = {en} } @article{BauernfeindAringerProdingeretal.2009, author = {Bauernfeind, B. and Aringer, M. and Prodinger, Birgit and Kirchberger, I. and Machold, K. and Smolen, J. and Stamm, T.}, title = {Identification of relevant concepts of functioning in daily life in people with systematic Lupus Erythematosus: A patient Delphi exercise}, series = {Arthritis Care \& Research}, volume = {61}, journal = {Arthritis Care \& Research}, number = {1}, pages = {21 -- 28}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Objective To identify the most important and relevant concepts of daily functioning from the perspective of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We conducted a consensus-building, 3-round, electronic mail survey with SLE patients using the Delphi technique. The Delphi technique is a structured communication process with 4 key characteristics: anonymity, iteration with controlled feedback, statistical group response, and informed input. The concepts contained in the answers of the patients were extracted and linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results Of the total 225 participants, 194 (86.2\%) completed the questionnaires from all 3 Delphi rounds. In total, after the third Delphi round, 307 concepts were identified. Ninety concepts (55 in the domain body functions and structures, 16 in activities and participation, and 19 in environmental factors) were considered relevant by at least 50\% of the participants in the third round and linked to the ICF. Twelve concepts were considered important by at least 75\% of the participants. Conclusion The high number of concepts resulting from this large-scale patient Delphi approach underlines the great variety of SLE patients' problems in daily functioning. The results of this patient Delphi project supplement the findings of our focus-group study in establishing a comprehensive overview of the patient perspective in SLE.}, language = {en} } @article{StammVanderGiesenThorstenssonetal.2009, author = {Stamm, T. and Van der Giesen, F. and Thorstensson, C. and Steen, E. and Birrell, F. and Bauernfeind, B. and Marshall, N. and Prodinger, Birgit and Machold, K. and Smolen, J. and Kloppenburg, M.}, title = {Patient perspective of hand osteoarthritis in relation to concepts covered by instruments measuring functioning: a qualitative European multicentre study}, series = {Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases}, volume = {68}, journal = {Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases}, number = {9}, pages = {1453 -- 1460}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Objective: To explore whether the concepts important to patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) are covered by the most commonly used instruments measuring functioning. Method: A qualitative multicentre study using a focus group technique was performed in five European countries: Austria, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The qualitative data analysis followed a modified form of "meaning condensation" and used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a theoretical framework. Finally, the concepts from the focus groups were compared with the content of the most commonly used instruments which had been identified in an earlier theoretical analysis. Results: Fifty-six people (51 women, mean (SD) age 62.7 (7.9) years) with hand OA participated in this study in two focus groups per centre. 63 concepts were extracted from the focus groups. Twenty-one (33\%) of the 63 concepts were covered by at least one instrument. Psychological consequences, different qualities of pain, aesthetic changes and leisure activities are important concepts from the focus groups which were not covered by the instruments. The qualitative analysis revealed detailed descriptions of pain-concerning sensations, levels and a certain relation to activity, none of which were fully represented in the instruments routinely used. Conclusion: It was possible to combine the concepts of the focus groups from each centre into a common qualitative analysis. The concepts important to people with hand OA are not fully represented in the most commonly used instruments.}, language = {en} } @article{DuerSteinerStofferetal.2016, author = {D{\"u}r, M. and Steiner, G. and Stoffer, M.A. and Fialka-Moser, V. and Kautky-Willer, A. and Dejaco, C. and Ekmekcioglu, C. and Prodinger, Birgit and Binder, A. and Smolen, J. and Stamm, T. A.}, title = {Initial evidence for the link between activities and health: Associations between a balance of activities, functioning and serum levels of cytokines and C-reactive protein}, series = {Psychoneuroendocrinology}, volume = {65}, journal = {Psychoneuroendocrinology}, pages = {138 -- 148}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Growing evidence shows interrelations of psychological factors, neurological and immunological processes. Therefore, constructs like a balance of activities, the so called "occupational balance", could also have biological correlates. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between occupational balance, functioning, cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients suffering from a chronic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy people. Moreover, we wanted to explore potential differences in gender and employment status. A descriptive study in patients with RA and healthy people was conducted using the Occupational Balance-Questionnaire (OB-Quest) and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Serum levels of cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8), interferon alpha (INFα), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), rheumatoid factor (RF) and of CRP were measured. Descriptive statistics, as well as Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearmen's rank correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated. One-hundred-thirty-two patients with RA and 76 healthy people participated. Occupational balance was associated with functioning, cytokines and CRP. The strongest associations were identified in the unemployed healthy-people sample with cytokines and CRP being within the normal range. For example, the OB-Quest item challenging activities was associated with IL-8 (rs = - 0.63, p = 0.04) and the SF-36 sub-scale bodily pain was associated with IFNα (rs = - 0.69, p = 0.02). The items rest and sleep (rs = - 0.71, p = 0.01) and variety of different activities (rs = - 0.74, p < 0.01) correlated with the SF-36 sub-scale social functioning. Employed and unemployed people differed in their age and CRP levels. Additionally, gender differences were found in two OB-Quest items in that fewer women were able to adapt their activities to changing living conditions and fewer men were overstressed. In conclusion, we found preliminary biological evidence for the link between occupation and health in that the concepts encompassed in the construct of occupational balance were associated with functioning, cytokines and CRP.}, language = {en} } @article{HopfeStuckiMarshalletal.2016, author = {Hopfe, M. and Stucki, G. and Marshall, R. and Twomey, C. and {\"U}st{\"u}n, T.B. and Prodinger, Birgit}, title = {Capturing patients' needs in casemix: a systematic literature review on the value of adding functioning information in reimbursement systems}, series = {BMC Health Services Research}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC Health Services Research}, pages = {40}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Contemporary casemix systems for health services need to ensure that payment rates adequately account for actual resource consumption based on patients' needs for services. It has been argued that functioning information, as one important determinant of health service provision and resource use, should be taken into account when developing casemix systems. However, there has to date been little systematic collation of the evidence on the extent to which the addition of functioning information into existing casemix systems adds value to those systems with regard to the predictive power and resource variation explained by the groupings of these systems. Thus, the objective of this research was to examine the value of adding functioning information into casemix systems with respect to the prediction of resource use as measured by costs and length of stay. Methods A systematic literature review was performed. Peer-reviewed studies, published before May 2014 were retrieved from CINAHL, EconLit, Embase, JSTOR, PubMed and Sociological Abstracts using keywords related to functioning ('Functioning', 'Functional status', 'Function*, 'ICF', 'International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health', 'Activities of Daily Living' or 'ADL') and casemix systems ('Casemix', 'case mix', 'Diagnosis Related Groups', 'Function Related Groups', 'Resource Utilization Groups' or 'AN-SNAP'). In addition, a hand search of reference lists of included articles was conducted. Information about study aims, design, country, setting, methods, outcome variables, study results, and information regarding the authors' discussion of results, study limitations and implications was extracted. Results Ten included studies provided evidence demonstrating that adding functioning information into casemix systems improves predictive ability and fosters homogeneity in casemix groups with regard to costs and length of stay. Collection and integration of functioning information varied across studies. Results suggest that, in particular, DRG casemix systems can be improved in predicting resource use and capturing outcomes for frail elderly or severely functioning-impaired patients. Conclusion Further exploration of the value of adding functioning information into casemix systems is one promising approach to improve casemix systems ability to adequately capture the differences in patient's needs for services and to better predict resource use.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerBallertCieza2016, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Ballert, C. S. and Cieza, A.}, title = {Setting up a cohort study of functioning: From classification to measurement}, series = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, volume = {48}, journal = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, number = {2}, pages = {131 -- 140}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Objective: Cohort studies are an appropriate method for the collection of population-based longitudinal data to track people's health and functioning over time. However, describing and understanding functioning in its complexity with all its determinants is one of the biggest challenges faced by clinicians and researchers. Design: This paper focuses on the development of a cohort study on functioning, outlining the relevant steps and related methods, and illustrating these with reference to the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI). Methods and results: In setting up a cohort study the initial step is to specify which variables are to be included, i.e. what to assess. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is valuable in this process. The second step is to identify how to assess the specified ICF categories. Existing instruments and assessments can then be linked to the ICF. Conclusion: The methods outlined here enable the development of a cohort study to be based on a comprehensive perspective of health, operationalized through functioning as conceptualized and classified in the ICF, yet to remain efficient and feasible to administer.}, language = {en} } @article{HinrichsProdingerBrinkofetal.2016, author = {Hinrichs, T. and Prodinger, Birgit and Brinkof, M.W. and Gemperli, A.}, title = {Subgroups in epidemiological studies on spinal cord injury: Evaluation of international recommendations in the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study}, series = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, volume = {48}, journal = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, number = {2}, pages = {141 -- 148}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Objective: To test subgroups of a community-based sample of individuals with spinal cord injury, categorized by the application of current recommendations by the International Spinal Cord Society. Design: Community survey. Participants: Individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury residing in Switzerland. Methods: Recommended subgroups of age, gender, years since injury, severity of injury and aetiology were tested against the following criteria: (i) distribution of participants across categories; (ii) within- and between-group variability with regard to selected outcomes of functioning and quality of life. Results: Data-sets for 1,549 participants (28.5\% women; mean age 52 ± 15 years) were available for analyses. There was a number of participants in every subgroup, yet numbers were relatively small in the group with the shortest time since injury (< 1 year; n = 23) and in the oldest age group (≥76; n = 94). A high variability in some outcomes was detected between categories. All variables were predictive for most of the endpoints investigated. Conclusion: Recommended categorization could well fit the present sample. A minor concern was the low numbers of participants in some subgroups.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerBallertBrinkofetal.2016, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Ballert, C.S. and Brinkof, M. W. G. and Tennant, A. and Post, M. W. M.}, title = {Metric properties of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure - Self Report in a community survey}, series = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, volume = {48}, journal = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, number = {2}, pages = {149 -- 164}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Objective: The Spinal Cord Independence Measure - Self Report (SCIM-SR) is a self-report instrument for assessing functional independence of persons with spinal cord injury. This study examined the internal construct validity and reliability of the SCIM-SR, when administered in a community survey, using the Rasch measurement model. Methods: Rasch analysis of data from 1,549 individuals with spinal cord injury who completed the SCIM-SR. Results: In the initial analysis no fit to the Rasch model was achieved. Items were grouped into testlets to accommodate the substantial local dependency. Due to the differential item functioning for lesion level and degree, spinal cord injury-specific sub-group analyses were conducted. Fit to the Rasch model was then achieved for individuals with tetraplegia and complete paraplegia, but not for those with incomplete paraplegia. Comparability of ability estimates across sub-groups was attained by anchoring all sub-groups on a testlet. Conclusion: The SCIM-SR violates certain assumptions of the Rasch measurement model, as shown by the local dependency and differential item functioning. However, an intermediate solution to achieve fit in 3 out of 4 spinal cord injury sub-groups was found. For the time being, therefore, it advisable to use this approach to compute Rasch-transformed SCIM-SR scores.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerBallertBrachetal.2016, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Ballert, C. S. and Brach, M. and Brinkhof, M. W. G. and Cieza, A. and Hug, K. and Jordan, X. and Post, M. W. M. and Scheel-Sailer, A. and Schubert, M. and Tennant, A. and Stucki, G.}, title = {Toward standardized reporting for a cohort study on functioning: The Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study}, series = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, volume = {48}, journal = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, number = {2}, pages = {189 -- 196}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Objective: Functioning is an important outcome to measure in cohort studies. Clear and operational outcomes are needed to judge the quality of a cohort study. This paper outlines guiding principles for reporting functioning in cohort studies and addresses some outstanding issues. Design: Principles of how to standardize reporting of data from a cohort study on functioning, by deriving scores that are most useful for further statistical analysis and reporting, are outlined. The Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study Community Survey serves as a case in point to provide a practical application of these principles. Methods and Results: Development of reporting scores must be conceptually coherent and metrically sound. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can serve as the frame of reference for this, with its categories serving as reference units for reporting. To derive a score for further statistical analysis and reporting, items measuring a single latent trait must be invariant across groups. The Rasch measurement model is well suited to test these assumptions. Conclusion: Our approach is a valuable guide for researchers and clinicians, as it fosters comparability of data, strengthens the comprehensiveness of scope, and provides invariant, interval-scaled data for further statistical analyses of functioning.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerDarzinsMagasietal.2015, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Darzins, S. and Magasi, S. and Baptiste, S.}, title = {The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF): Opportunities and Challenges to the Use of the ICF for Occupational Therapy}, series = {World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin}, volume = {71}, journal = {World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin}, number = {2}, pages = {108 -- 114}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The occupational therapy community has been receptive to the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) published in 2001. Building upon results of a survey (2008-2009) and subsequent workshop (2010) conducted by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists on the use and utility of the ICF for occupational therapists, this paper addresses some of the opportunities and challenges to strengthening the use of the ICF in occupational therapy practice. Attaining further clarity on the relationship of occupational therapy concepts and the ICF and developing crosswalk tables to exemplify linkages between occupational therapy terminology and the ICF will strengthen utility of the ICF for occupational therapy. Enhanced clarity about the concepts within occupational therapy that correspond to the ICF will ultimately assist other professions and disciplines in their understanding about occupational therapy and occupational therapists' roles in health and related systems.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerNdosiNordenskioeldetal.2015, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Ndosi, M. and Nordenski{\"o}ld, U. and Stamm, T. and Persson, G. and Andreasson, I. and Lundgren-Nilsson, A.}, title = {Rehabilitation provided to patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A comparison of three different Rheumatology clinics in Austria, Sweden and the UK from the perspectives of patients and health professionals}, series = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, volume = {47}, journal = {Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine}, number = {2}, pages = {174 -- 182}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Objective: To explore patients' and health professionals' views of outpatient rehabilitation services for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 3 different rheumatology sites across Europe. Methods: A qualitative multi-method study was conducted with patients and health professionals in Vienna (Austria), Gothenburg (Sweden) and Leeds (UK). Data collection was carried out during focus groups with patients and health professionals. Patients' hospital records were integrated into the analysis. Data were analysed for site and findings were compared across sites. Results: A total of 20 patients and 20 health professionals participated in 12 focus groups. Although the 3 sites were all publicly funded university clinics, there were differences between sites regarding the structure and content of rehabilitation services. The themes that emerged in the focus groups were: referrals; continuity in rehabilitation; information provided to patients; patients' organizations; documentation and communication amongst health professionals; interface between primary and specialist care; and prescription practices. Most themes were addressed at all 3 sites, but there were variations in the specifics within themes. Conclusion: Integration of patients' and health professionals' views on how rehabilitation services are coordinated and how (parts of) processes are set up elsewhere provide valuable information for the further optimization of rehabilitation services.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerRudmanShaw2015, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Rudman, D. L. and Shaw, L.}, title = {Institutional ethnography: Studying the situated nature of human occupation}, series = {Journal of Occupational Science}, volume = {22}, journal = {Journal of Occupational Science}, number = {1}, pages = {71 -- 81}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Institutional ethnographers and occupational scientists share a common interest in studying what people do in their daily lives. Institutional ethnographers start inquiry at the standpoint of people as they are situated in the actualities of everyday life and then turn their gaze from the individual to the social. We aim to outline in this paper some key tenets of institutional ethnography to argue its relevance for studying human occupation. More specifically, we posit that institutional ethnography provides a promising social theory and method to further understandings of the situated nature of human occupation.}, language = {en} } @article{CastrejonCarmonaAgrinieretal.2015, author = {Castrejon, I. and Carmona, L. and Agrinier, N. and Andres, M. and Briot, K. and Caron, M. and Christensen, R. and Consolaro, A. and Curbelo, R. and Ferrer, M. and Foltz, V. and Gonzalez, C. and Guillemin, F. and Machado, P. and Prodinger, Birgit and Ravellil, A. and Scholte-Voshaar, M. and Uhlig, T. and van Tuyl, L. and Zink, A. and Gossec, L.}, title = {The EULAR Outcome Measures Library: development and an example from a systematic review for systemic lupus erythematous instruments}, series = {Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology}, volume = {33}, journal = {Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology}, number = {6}, pages = {910 -- 916}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Objective: Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are relevant in rheumatology. Variable accessibility and validity of commonly used PROs are obstacles to homogeneity in evidence synthesis. The objective of this project was to provide a comprehensive library of "validated PROs". Methods: A launch meeting with rheumatologists, PROs methodological experts, and patients, was held to define the library's aims and scope, and basic requirements. To feed the library we performed systematic reviews on selected diseases and domains. Relevant information on PROs was collected using standardised data collection forms based on the COSMIN checklist. Results: The EULAR Outcomes Measures Library (OML), whose aims are to provide and to advise on PROs on a user-friendly manner albeit based on scientific grounds, has been launched and made accessible to all. PROs currently included cover any domain and, are generic or specifically target to the following diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, low back pain, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, osteoporosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Up to 236 instruments (106 generic and 130 specific) have been identified, evaluated, and included. The systematic review for SLE, which yielded 10 specific instruments, is presented here as an example. The OML website includes, for each PRO, information on the construct being measured and the extent of validation, recommendations for use, and available versions; it also contains a glossary on common validation terms. Conclusion: The OML is an in progress library led by rheumatologists, related professionals and patients, that will help to better understand and apply PROs in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerShawRudmanetal.2014, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Shaw, L. and Rudman, D. L. and Stamm, T.}, title = {Negotiating disability in everyday life: Ethnographical accounts of women with rheumatoid arthritis}, series = {Disability and Rehabilitation}, volume = {36}, journal = {Disability and Rehabilitation}, number = {6}, pages = {497 -- 503}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Purpose: Drawing on data from a larger study, the aim of this paper is to illuminate how the everyday doings of women with disabilities are coordinated to and shaped by organizational processes and social context, particularly as these relate to the potential of being labelled disabled. Methods: An institutional ethnography was conducted with seven Austrian women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Interviews and participant observations were conducted, and texts about the historical development of disability policies were identified. Data analysis included grouping similar doings of participants together to subsequently explore links between what the women did and how their doings are shaped by disability policies and the social context. Results: The women, who participated in this study, spent time and effort to keep the disease invisible, resist disability and negotiate a disability pass. By drawing upon the historical development of Austrian disability policies, the interpretation reveals how this development infiltrates into participants' lives and shapes their everyday doing. Conclusion: This study furthers understanding of how broader policies and practices, shaped over historical time, infiltrate into the daily lives of women with disabilities. It illustrates how full participation may not necessarily be a lived reality for people with disabilities at this point in Austria. Implications for Rehabilitation Maximising full participation for people with rheumatoid arthritis is important. This requires focusing not only on the bodily health of people with rheumatoid arthritis but also on their interaction with the social, cultural and political context in their daily lives. This requires also understanding how knowledge about disability is passed on from previous generations.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerTurner2013, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Turner, S. M.}, title = {Using institutional ethnography to explore how social policies infiltrate into daily life}, series = {Journal of Occupational Science}, volume = {20}, journal = {Journal of Occupational Science}, number = {4}, pages = {357 -- 369}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The paper demonstrates how institutional ethnography provides a way forward for occupational scientists to understand how social policies shape and infiltrate people's daily lives and work. Institutional ethnography is a method of inquiry that starts in individual's experiences and from there traces how their experiences are coordinated to and become shaped within particular organizational processes and social relations. In this paper, we are specifically interested in how social policies, as higher order texts, shape the organizational processes and service agents' work at Labor Market Offices, and enter into the organization of people's everyday activities. We want to make visible how particular policies enter into the organization of the daily lives of women with rheumatoid arthritis who apply for unemployment benefits and 'regulate' what they can or may have to do, even though higher order policy texts are not immediately visible or actively referred to in the setting. We learn from the experiences of two women, who are of employable age, have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and live in a mid-sized city in Austria.}, language = {en} } @article{DuerSteinerFialkaMoseretal.2014, author = {D{\"u}r, M. and Steiner, G. and Fialka-Moser, V. and Kautzky-Willer, A. and Dejaco, C. and Prodinger, Birgit and Stoffer, M. A. and Binder, A. and Smolen, J. and Stamm, T.A.}, title = {Development of a new occupational balance-questionnaire: incorporating the perspectives of patients and healthy people in the design of a self-reported occupational balance outcome instrument}, series = {Health and Quality of Life Outcomes}, volume = {12}, journal = {Health and Quality of Life Outcomes}, pages = {45}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background Self-reported outcome instruments in health research have become increasingly important over the last decades. Occupational therapy interventions often focus on occupational balance. However, instruments to measure occupational balance are scarce. The aim of the study was therefore to develop a generic self-reported outcome instrument to assess occupational balance based on the experiences of patients and healthy people including an examination of its psychometric properties. Methods We conducted a qualitative analysis of the life stories of 90 people with and without chronic autoimmune diseases to identify components of occupational balance. Based on these components, the Occupational Balance-Questionnaire (OB-Quest) was developed. Construct validity and internal consistency of the OB-Quest were examined in quantitative data. We used Rasch analyses to determine overall fit of the items to the Rasch model, person separation index and potential differential item functioning. Dimensionality testing was conducted by the use of t-tests and Cronbach's alpha. Results The following components emerged from the qualitative analyses: challenging and relaxing activities, activities with acknowledgement by the individual and by the sociocultural context, impact of health condition on activities, involvement in stressful activities and fewer stressing activities, rest and sleep, variety of activities, adaptation of activities according to changed living conditions and activities intended to care for oneself and for others. Based on these, the seven items of the questionnaire (OB-Quest) were developed. 251 people (132 with rheumatoid arthritis, 43 with systematic lupus erythematous and 76 healthy) filled in the OB-Quest. Dimensionality testing indicated multidimensionality of the questionnaire (t = 0.58, and 1.66 after item reduction, non-significant). The item on the component rest and sleep showed differential item functioning (health condition and age). Person separation index was 0.51. Cronbach's alpha changed from 0.38 to 0.57 after deleting two items. Conclusions This questionnaire includes new items addressing components of occupational balance meaningful to patients and healthy people which have not been measured so far. The reduction of two items of the OB-Quest showed improved internal consistency. The multidimensionality of the questionnaire indicates the need for a summary of several components into subscales.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerStamm2012, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Stamm, T. A.}, title = {The emergence of Occupational Science in Austria: An insider perspective}, series = {Journal of Occupational Science}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of Occupational Science}, number = {2}, pages = {127 -- 137}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Occupational science has been discussed in terms of its relation to occupational therapy, its philosophical and theoretical foundations, and its international and interdisciplinary character over the past years. The disciplinary identity of occupational science in non-English speaking countries has not yet been debated in the literature. The aim of this article is to discuss occupational science as an emergent discipline in Austria, a German-speaking country. The discussion is divided into two parts. In the first part we engage in critical reflexivity to explicate the current development of occupational science in Austria by reviewing the disciplinary and historical context of occupational science and the related profession of occupational therapy, the educational and institutional influences as well as the influence of language. In the second part, we illustrate that occupational science is an emerging discipline in Austria by drawing on an ongoing research project: the Gender, Occupational Balance, and Immunology Study. By making explicit how occupational science has emerged, from our insider perspective, we aim to contribute to the further development of the disciplinary identity of occupational science nationally and internationally.}, language = {en} } @article{ProdingerShawRudmanetal.2012, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Shaw, L. and Rudman, D. L. and Townsend, E.}, title = {Arthritis-related occupational therapy: Making invisible ruling relations visible using institutional ethnography}, series = {British Journal of Occupational Therapy}, volume = {75}, journal = {British Journal of Occupational Therapy}, number = {10}, pages = {463 -- 470}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Introduction: Occupational therapists' intention of enabling women with rheumatoid arthritis to participate in everyday life is fraught with challenges in everyday practice. Method: Inspired by institutional ethnography, this paper aims to make explicit how the work of occupational therapists in an outpatient rheumatology hospital setting is governed within invisible, ruling relations. An analytical description of the first author's clinical experience was a standpoint from which to explicate how occupational therapy is coordinated to the ruling relations of the Austrian health care system. Findings: Occupational therapy practice and research are ruled within a positivist, body-focused, medical apparatus, which renders largely invisible occupational therapists' knowledge of enabling people to engage in occupations that are meaningful to them. Conclusion: Occupational therapists have professional power that can be asserted by strategically using occupational therapy specific knowledge and language in textually mediated practices, from assessments and case files to media images, to give greater visibility and influence to the profession's work of enabling occupation.}, language = {en} }