Assessment of in-hand manipulation by occupational therapists in paediatric practices in South Africa

Authors

  • Annelize Kruger University of the Free State
  • Monique Strauss University of the Free State
  • Marieta Visser B OT (UFS), MSc OT (Wits) Lecuturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State
  • Mariette Nel University of the Free State

Abstract

Introduction: Assessment of in-hand manipulation is fundamental to guide treatment for children with fine motor delays. Limited literature is available on how South African occupational therapists assess in-hand manipulation. This study aimed to describe which current in-hand manipulation assessment methods are used and what the preferences of occupational therapists in all areas of paediatric practices are regarding a suitable instrument.

Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional study design with a non-probability, purposive sampling method was used. Participants completed an EvaSys survey system online questionnaire.

Results: Two-hundred-and-ninety-two (n=292) occupational therapists registered with the HPCSA participated. Limited familiarity (n=50; 17.1%) with the formal assessment instruments described in literature was reported. The informal assessment methods most commonly used were subjective observation of tasks (n=287; 98.3%) of scholastic tasks (n=261; 89.4%) and play tasks (n=255; 87.3%) for children between the ages of five to six years (n=273; 93.5%). Preferences supported a descriptive instrument accompanied by a user manual that is administered under 15 minutes, in multiple languages, and with attention to the quality of movements and compensatory techniques used by the child.

Conclusion: Results showed that the current and preferred assessment methods used by occupational therapists might provide guidance for the future development of a contextual, relevant in-hand manipulation instrument for paediatric practices in South Africa.

 

 

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Author Biographies

  • Annelize Kruger, University of the Free State
    Department of Occupational Therapy
  • Monique Strauss, University of the Free State
    Department of Occupational Therapy
  • Marieta Visser, B OT (UFS), MSc OT (Wits) Lecuturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State
    Qualifications: MSc OT (Wits)Lecuturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State
  • Mariette Nel, University of the Free State
    Department of Biostatistics

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Published

09-08-2021

How to Cite

Assessment of in-hand manipulation by occupational therapists in paediatric practices in South Africa. (2021). South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51(2), 11-21. https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajot/article/view/19453
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