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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: Driver rehabilitation programs assist clients in restoring transportation independence. This paper explores the many factors that a facility must consider when contemplating the provision of driver rehabilitation services. Topics include estimating market demand, preliminary research, staff credentialing, costs, funding and program models. Program implementation issues include policy development, vehicle selection, adapted equipment installation and program evaluation. Marketing strategies and liability issues are explored to highlight the rewards and risks that come with providing this specialty service.
Abstract: Driving and/or transportation is an activity of daily living that should be considered in the rehabilitation plan of any individual. Safe and reliable transportation can be one of the most important factors to ensure the complete rehabilitation of an individual no matter the age or condition. Evaluation of a person's transportation needs can be complex and should be performed by a qualified professional with the necessary medical background and specialty experience to adequately address the exact needs. This paper describes the role of the transportation team and the vital activity performed by a driver rehabilitation specialist during a comprehensive transportation…assessment.
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Abstract: The objective of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for delineating the basic skills necessary for driving. It begins with a summary of existing theories of driving behavior. Next, it describes a common driving situation using theoretical concepts. It then provides a summary of expert opinion, focusing on awareness as the central component of good driving. The ideas presented throughout the paper are then integrated and, used to define a set of skills and abilities necessary for driving. Finally, two broad implications for developing driver assessment and training programs are presented.
Abstract: A brief overview of a variety of physical disabilities categorized as brain injured and non-brain injured are presented as they relate to independent driving. Adaptive driving aids, and driving systems as well as financial considerations and the role of the driver rehabilitation specialist in providing comprehensive driver assessments are discussed. A case study is included to demonstrate range of available driving equipment for persons with severe disabilities.
Abstract: The author hypothesized that survivors and families/friends of deceased victims of motor vehicle crashes experience their trauma in isolation, similar to victims of other types of violence and that non-alcohol related causes of crashes are poorly understood in our society. Outreach to survivors/family/friends of deceased victims through media and community events which focused on preventing crashes while remembering victims of prior crashes are described. Findings that post traumatic stress disorder symptoms are reported by all survivors/family/friends and experienced vicariously by emergency personnel and others indicate that this issue requires more attention by media and health care providers. Occupational therapists' expertise…is critical in the process of the healing span and prevention of motor vehicle crashes through the media and memorial/educational community events.
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Abstract: This article reviews the current driver and passenger assessment and rehabilitation in New Zealand with emphasis on those with an acquired disability. At the same time, heightened expectations by people with disabilities to achieve improved quality of life have also created a consumer driven demand for services. Established services have developed close team work between Occupational Therapists and Engineers, specialising in vehicle modifications for people with disabilities, who work together with the client to find the most ideal solution. Finally, this paper provides a description of a private practice in occupational therapy. As a case example, the Driver Assessment Service…specialises wholly in assessing and meeting the transportation needs of people with disabilities and their funding agents.
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Keywords: Driving, Disability, Vehicle modifications, Passenger, Private practice
Abstract: The driving abilities of adults appear to diminish in conjunction with age-related physical and cognitive changes. In this exploratory study, rehabilitation strategies used with 21 older adults were examined to determine the most effective method of retraining driving skills. Subjects, who met the study's eligibility criteria (aged 55 years or older, held a valid driver's license, drove a minimum of 1000 miles/year, and no participation in an adult re-education program) received driver simulation training, classroom viewing of driver simulation films, or no treatment. Outcome measures included on-road and clinical evaluations, as well as self-report information. A significant difference was found…between treatment type and subjects' accuracy scores for on-road evaluation, thus suggesting that driving simulation may result in a significant improvement in older adults' driving performance as compared to other intervention strategies. The study has particular relevance to occupational therapy practitioners, with their growing involvement in driving programs throughout the United States.
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Abstract: Injuries and fatalities caused by anti-personnel landmines have become a global epidemic. Over 250 000 people alive today have been injured by landmines, many of whom required amputations. Civilians, including a large percentage of women and children, are injured at least as frequently as are military personnel. An estimated 10 000–100 000 additional people are killed or injured by landmines each year. There are presently in excess of 100 million active landmines buried or scattered throughout the world, and every day, an additional 5000 are put in place. The majority are in poor, underdeveloped, war-torn countries whose populations are already…traumatized by conflict. At the cost of $300-000 per mine, the governments of these countries can not afford the process of de-mining their land, nor can they provide adequate emergency medical care and rehabilitation for landmine victims. The presence of mines in agricultural fields, near water supplies, along roadways and around villages, prevents the use of these essential resources, severely impacting on economic development. Health professionals are urged to support national and international legislation to completely ban the manufacture, sale and use of anti-personnel landmines.
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Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to discuss skills necessary for individuals with deaf-blindness to attain and retain employment, as well as identify prevocational assessments for this population. Activities of daily living including functional communication, socialization, and mobility are examined as necessary skills in relation to employment. Reasonable accommodations which promote better communication, socialization, and mobility for individuals with deaf-blindness in the work place are discussed. A case study is included to illustrate successful employment of an individual with deaf-blindness through the evaluation and assessment of necessary skills and personal interests, accompanied by reasonable accommodations. Due to the low incidence…of this disorder, an introduction to the etiology and demographics of deaf-blindness is also provided.
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