Research focused on children and youth

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Research
• Pediatric Health Studies
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Occupational therapy research is crucial for advancing pediatric care.
• Understanding the scope and quality of published research informs future directions.
• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for analyzing research constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize 22 articles on children and youth published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2011.
• To analyze research by level, type, and alignment with the ICF framework.
• To identify gaps and areas for future research in pediatric occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 22 articles from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (2011).
• Categorization of articles by research level and type using an adapted ICF framework.
• Analysis of focus on ICF constructs, including Body Function/Body Structure.

Main Results:

• The majority of studies were Level III or IV intervention effectiveness research.
• Most research focused on the Body Function/Body Structure ICF construct, excluding Biomedical Molecular/Cellular.
• While rigor is improving, concerns remain; longitudinal, efficacy, and qualitative studies were notably absent.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric occupational therapy research in 2011 predominantly focused on intervention effectiveness and body function.
• Gaps exist in research on efficacy, qualitative methodologies, and adolescent transitions.
• Addressing these gaps is vital for advancing evidence-based practice and the profession's Centennial Vision.