A Cohort Study of Relations Among Caregiver-Infant Co-Occupation and Reciprocity

Infant and Parent Outcomes Related to NICU-Based Co-occupational Engagement

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) co-occupations may impact parent-infant outcomes. The main objective of this study was to explore relationships between parent and infant outcomes based on whether sensory-based interventions (co-occupations) occurred most often between parent-infant dyads or provider/volunteer-infant dyads. Thirty-five families received the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences (SENSE) program, which includes education defining specific amounts of sensory exposures for infants to receive each day of NICU hospitalization (with a preference for parent delivery). Infant sensory experiences in the NICU were logged, and dyads were grouped based on who conducted most of the sensory interventions with the infant in the NICU into a Parent-Infant Co-occupation group or Other Administered group. The Parent-Infant Co-occupation group had infants with less lethargy on the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (p = .04), and parents with lower scores on the Parental Stress Scale (p = .003) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-state (p = .047). Parent-infant engagement in co-occupations was related to parental mental health and infant neurobehavior.

A scoping review on occupational science research in European contexts

BACKGROUND

A survey showed European occupational scientists cover a broad range in occupational science (OS) research, however, no contemporary overviews of European OS research exists, and current research may provide valuable information for OS and occupational therapy.

AIM

The aim was to provide an overview of contemporary European OS research.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A scoping review was performed, including studies conducted in Europe and published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT), the Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy (SJOT) or the Journal of Occupational Science (JOS) between 2015 and 2020. The journals were systematically searched, and quality assessment and thematic analysis were undertaken.

RESULTS

Findings from 93 articles identified many studies from the Nordic countries. Most studies applied qualitative research methods. Theoretical concepts from OS were used in data generating and discussions. A wide range of demographics, and living conditions were explored. Recent articles took a reflexive stance on the positionality of the researcher/s.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the diversity of OS research, suggesting a solid theoretical knowledge base within European OS research.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results contribute to further development and maturation of the discipline of OS in Europe and internationally.