Occupational Therapy In Brazil Health And Social Care Essay

Occupational Therapy In Brazil Health And Social Care Essay Brazil is located in Latin America. It is the fifth most populated country according to the US Department of State (US Department of State, 2010). Brazil is home to an estimated 196 million people (US Department of State, 2010). As indicated by the Brazilian government, Brazil is a presidential democracy. The country is often referred to as The Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazilian Government, 2005). The Brazilian government developed a policy named Zero Hunger. The Zero Hunger policy is described in this view: Zero Hunger is a public policy that aims at eradicating hunger and social exclusion. It is a policy because it expresses the Federal Governments decision to consider hunger a central national issue, rather than an individual fatality. It is public because apart from the State it involves society as a whole (Brazilian Government, 2005). Brazil has public and private options for healthcare. In reference to the Brazilian government the public healthcare is established for public treatment. An example of this development is preventative and outpatient care with programs being carried out in rural areas: sanitation, food safety and care for the elderly, women and children (Brazilian Government, 2005). Improvements for public and private healthcare are still growing (Brazilian Government, 2005). The country of Brazil has been influenced by Indian, European, and African cultures. The influences of these nations have created norms for the Brazilian people. For example, music is a widespread custom in Brazil that dates back to the 17th century (Brazilian Government, 2005). Brazil has six occupational therapy schools. To become an occupational therapist in Brazil, a student must complete four to five years of occupational therapy curriculum at the offering university. Depending on what university the student attends that wil l determine the duration of their schooling (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2004). Based on the research found for occupational therapy, Brazil appears to have a driving focus toward people with physical disabilities. Most of the research found pertained to physically disabled adults. However, there were few studies concerning pediatrics as well. For the most part, the focused research highlighted physical disabilities in the upper extremity. In addition, research was found that supported rehabilitation services, incorporates models for disabled adults returning to work, supports theories based on review, and functional advancements for persons who are disabled. In occupational therapy, we assist a population whose daily routine reveals disorganized doing and that faces difficulties in participating in the social and cultural world (Takatori Bemtempo, 2007, p. 48). This was quoted from a Brazilian study for children, but it could be taken into consideration for all levels of occupational therapy. The following paragraphs include research from Brazil used to educat e the world of occupational therapy. Work-related hand injures: Case analyses in a Brazilian rehabilitation service is the study conducted by Sampaio, Mancini, Sliva, Figueiredo, Vaz, and Alves, 2006, p. 803. This study promotes the idea that the results of this study provide evidence for functional gains in clients treated in a rehabilitation service and supply information about the relation between specific components and functional performance (Sampaio et.al, 2006, p. 803). This study by Sampaio et al., 2006, was designed to depict the changes in patients who underwent therapy at hospitals in Brazil. The treatment began after the patient had a work related accident. The accident resulted in the patient having an upper extremity disability. The patient was observed by an occupational therapist at two different times. The first time was at the entrance of treatment, and the other was at the release of their treatment. The authors included outside measurements in their study. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measur e (COPM) was used to assess participants self-perception of their occupational performance and satisfaction. COPM is a standardized functional assessment instrument in the format of a semi structured interview based on proposed for client-centered practice (Sampaio et al., 2006, p. 805). After rehabilitation was completed the grip strength of the patients had improved. Also there was an increase of the COPM at the time of discharge (Sampaio et al., 2006, p.806). In addition, more research by Figueiredo, Sampaio, Mancini Nascimento et al. (2006) also agrees that receiving intervention especially occupational therapy will increase the COPM and the grip strength. After the study was completed the research shows that people who have rehabilitation therapy will see significant increase in grip strength values, with mean value at discharge showing to be twice the magnitude observed at admission (Sampaio et al., 2006, p. 807). in Brazil, few rehabilitation services currently use client-ce ntered functional evaluation tools in clinical practice, and most are not familiar with such instruments. However, client-centered approaches are becoming popular within rehabilitation facilities, especially in North America (Sampaio et al., 2006). This study in Brazil is good for moving rehabilitation research forward because it demonstrates how research from other countries can be implemented. This shows that having countries create research together can enhance a common goal. Also, the research illustrates how there are positive outcomes for this topic. Occupational therapists questioning the idea of rehabilitation services for hand therapy can read this study, and then formulate their own opinions based on the findings of Sampaio and other researchers. Another research titled named Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH): Factor analysis of the version adapted to Portuguese/Brazil by Cheng, Sampaio, Mancini, Fonseca, and Cotta (2008) also has a focus on upper extremity disabilities. DASH has been used in a practical setting, and has been converted into other languages for the enrichment of shared research (Cheng et al., 2008). The purpose of this study was To investigate the psychometric properties (construct and discriminate validities) of the translated and validated version of DASH in the Portuguese language (Cheng et al., 2008, p. 1901). Since this is the first performance of the Brazilian DASH: Another aspect to be considered is that this is the first study to analyze the performance of the items in the Brazilian version of the instrument, which along with the scarcity of the studies that investigate performance of the instrument items, hinders comparisons (Cheng et al., 2008, p. 1908). Seeing how Brazil is now implementing the method of DASH shows that they are trying to expand their knowledge. Brazil is teaming up with other countries to utilize research. Since occupational therapists might be facilitating treatment to persons with upper extremity disabilities, constructing research for this problem in this country is important. Due to the fact that Brazil has strong manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and service sector (Frumkin Ca^mara, 1991, p. 1619), the need for DASH and occupational therapy could effectively help the disabled workers. One article describes the application of a model for analyzing industrial tasks that was developed to identify jobs that could potentially be filled by people with disabilities (DP) and to serve as a guideline for a company hiring policy (Simonelli Camarotto (2008), p. 150). Analysis of industrial tasks as a tool for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the work market is the name of the article (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). This model could be used in other countries where seen fit. In the countries where disabled people want to work, a model would be a good foundation to restart employment. A survey conducted in 1997 by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization found that 10% of the worlds population has some form of disability (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 151). Brazil has approximately 20 million people who are disabled according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1996). However, only 2% of the DP have a routine job. Brazil contributed this r esearch on the basis that in Brazil, Law No 8213/91 makes it obligatory to hire DP based on the quotas that are established according to the number of employees in a public and private company (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). The model consists of three stages: analysis of the task, study of the activity and description of the jobs indicated for DP. Each job involves a set of tasks that can be subdivided into stages or subtasks (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 153). In the realm of occupational therapy this research will use a set of methods and techniques based on the ergonomic work analysis and on occupational therapy, we sought to build a model to indicate the skills required to perform industrial tasks (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). The model was applied at 19 workstations at a Brazilian aircraft manufacture in 2002 (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). Occupational therapy patients wanting to get back in the workforce could possibly perform this model (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008). The model would then serve as a guide in the companys policy for hiring DP (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 153). By Brazil conducting this research and developing this model, occupational therapists can try to get the ir patients back to work across the world. In addition, if the model shows independence for their particular patient they can show their evidence to the employer. Based on additional research found children are another focus of Brazilian exploration. For example, the article The implications of Winnicotts theory of play for the work of occupational therapys observation with children with physical disabilities demonstrates that play is an activity that reveals personal aspects of the person engaging in it; and play experiences embody aspects of the subjects internal reality, according to D. W. Winnicotts theory (Takatori Bemtempo, 2007, p. 47). This study brings the idea of evaluating the disabled child in their home. There were three children that participated in the study. All three of the children had a physical disability. The goal of this study was to show how important it is to observe a child. This study demonstrates that if an occupational therapist can observe and see how a child plays, they can in turn make progress with the disabled child. One article conveyed that it is the concept of play that we use to understand the person with disabilities, his/her activities and his/her social participation (Takatori Bemtempo, 2007, p.50). With this being said play observation can be put into practice in unique therapy sessions. The focus of occupational therapy in Brazil appears to be on disabilities based on the research found. However, this does not mean it is the most popular, most important, or most well-known. Brazil is in the process of making their research more assessable to people of other countries (Barreto Barata, 2008). In addition: Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country that has a network of scientific journals in public health/epidemiology. As to the languages papers published, these journals usually publish in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, although most of the papers are published in Portuguese (Barreto Barata, 2008). This is a mature step in the right direction for Brazil. Putting their research out there for other countries to use is not only good for occupational therapy, but for all other health care fields. Moving the body of research forward in Brazil will only enhance knowledge of their country and other countries.

Ethics In Contemporary Society Essay

The study of ethics explores man’s notion of morality. It refers to the in-depth analysis of the social norms that are used to gauge what is right and what is wrong from our actions. Most of these social norms largely depend on our view of life and its value. This is where â€Å"bioethics† was based. Although all the moral principles stem from the basic social norm that life should be valued, it should be noted that overtime, the way in which life is esteemed and prized changes. In other words, though the notion of preserving and promoting life seems to be the core principle of morality, the interpretations of the importance of life, along with the basis of its value change sporadically from time to time. Advancement and changes in the view of life Technological and medical innovations have delivered various changes in the life of mankind. These advancements have brought about ease and comfort in our day to day living. Such innovations were deemed as necessary tools for progress, advancement and expansion towards a more developed state of industrialization. Such innovations were made to fulfill an end goal of having a world where each and every human being will find a better state of life. However, the rise of this modern civilization did not only produce improvements in the way of living. Rather, it also introduced modifications in our values. In essence, the modern civilization that leans on science, technology, and capitalism proved to be the major basis for the creation of the evolving views on life and living. This modern society brought about by deemed advancements challenged our social norms and created a new sense of consciousness and appreciation for life. As what can be observed, the various bioethical dilemmas that remain to be very arguable issues these days stemmed from the introduction of scientific and technological advancements. Generally, it seems that the advancements that were created and invented by man not only enabled us to have power and control over our physical landscape. Rather, these granted us a certain level of empowerment that allowed us to generate the notion that we can challenge the traditional parochial view of life and living. As such, many issues that address the concept of life and death have risen. The question, however, remains the same: should these challenges to the norm beneficial or do these changes just contribute to the disintegration of society and ruin of moral integrity? No common ground Abortion, â€Å"mercy killing,† â€Å"mercy death,† and â€Å"letting people die† are just among the pressing bioethical issues that continue to haunt not only the medical sector, but the entire society. Apparently, issues that involved life and death stem from our various points of view regarding how, why, and when life should be valued and in what degree. Although all worldviews seem to agree that everybody should place value on life, the basis on how it should be valued changes over time and place. For example, it should be noted that issues on â€Å"mercy killing† stem from the fact that people are faced with the dilemma on what should be prioritized: life as merely the chance to breathe or life as a state of actual living. Also, the introduction of innovations to man’s way of life largely prompted many people to disregard the supreme thought that â€Å"everyone has the right to live. † Instead, more and more people are adapting the thought that life should be valued only if the person will enjoy more benefits that sufferings in the life that he is bound to pursue. Radically, the importance of life has changed from â€Å"being supremely important† to â€Å"becoming important on the grounds of the rewards and punishments that it may bring. † Unfortunately, the dilemma of choosing which of these life views are better for our society will be left unanswered unanimously for each of us will hold his own set of moral opinion, that is again, largely influenced by the degree of technological advancement that enveloped each of our lives. Reference: Thiroux, Jacques P. (2006). Ethics: Theory and Practice. Prentice Hall

Essay on Treatment of Homosexuals in Reality and Pop Culture

The topic of homosexuality elicits many reactions. It is forever played upon in pop culture for its shock value if nothing else. Some demonize it, holding things like religion as proving, alternative lifestyles, to be wrong. Some have erotisied homosexuality as in many of Anne Rices vampire novels. Some laugh at homosexuality or people who are homosexual, calling it, weird. Some react violently, as in the case of Matthew Shepard. And yet others have gradually turned towards acceptance shown (debatably) in such movies as, To Wong-Fu Love Julie Newmar and In and Out. Pop culture has largely ignored different or minority groups, especially gays. However, during the 1980s new support/ religious and action networks†¦show more content†¦American Indian and many tribal communities accept their gay members. Even places such as most of Western Europe are more accepting than the United States. However, there are some places in the world, including instances in the United States where violence against homosexuals has reached an all time high. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that, All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights (Amnesty Intl...). Accordingly, human rights violations committed because of the victims real or perceived sexual identity must be met with a concerted and sustained international response. Working with the help of 20 other countries from the belief that all people deserve equal protection under law, a growing international movement is taking up the challenge of protecting the dignity and rights of people everywhere who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender. A new program to aid in this is OUTFRONT, Amnesty International USAs program on human rights and sexual identity. 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Text Features to Navigate - Table of Contents, Glossary and Index

Text features are a useful set of tools to help students interacts with information from readings to find extratextual information.  A positive approach for teaching is to use them for more than just instruction or creating worksheets. Give students practice using text features in other ways, in a group.  The table of contents, index, and glossary are not found directly in the text, but either in the front matter or as appendices. Table of Contents The first page after the frontispiece and the publishers information is usually the table of contents.  You will find the same features in an ebook, as well, since they are most often straight digital conversions of a printed text.  Usually, they present the title of each chapter and the corresponding page number.  Some will even have subtitles for subsections which the author uses to organize the text. Glossary Often, especially in a student textbook, words that appear in the glossary will be bolded, underlined, italicized, or even highlighted in color.  As the age of the student and the difficulty of the text increase, glossary words will not be emphasized in the text. Instead, the student is expected to know to look for unfamiliar vocabulary in the glossary. Glossary entries are very much like dictionary entries, and generally supply the definition of the word as used in context, references to related terms, and a pronunciation key.  Although an author may provide secondary definitions, students should understand that even when only one meaning is listed, there could always be more. It is similarly important that students learn that even with multiples, only one should be chosen to make sense of the word in context. Index The index at the end of the book helps students find information in the body of the text.  To research for a paper, we need to know how to use an index to find information in a text.  We can also help students understand that when they have read a text and cant recall specific information, that information can be found in the index.  Students must also understand how to use synonyms and related words to find the information they are looking for. They may not know that, when learning about signing the constitution, they should look first for constitution in the index, and then hopefully find signing as a sub-entry.   Instructional Strategies Introduce and Define the Terms First, of course, you need to find out if your students can name and then find text features.  Text features are introduced almost as soon as students begin reading in first grade.  Still, the effort of learning to read has probably absorbed their attention, so they probably havent noticed the text features. Choose a text.  It may be one you are using in your class, or you may want a non-fiction text that the students can keep in front of them.  Use a text that is at or below students independent reading levels so that decoding the text is not the focus of the lesson. Find the text features.  Send the students to specific page numbers and read together, or tell them what youre looking for, and have them point out the particular text feature. Find the Table of Contents and put your finger on the words Table of Contents to show me you found it. Then, model for them how to use each feature: Table of Contents:  Lets find the third chapter. What page is it on? What is the title? What might you read about in this chapter?Index:  Help me find where in this book about dogs we can read about poodles? There is no chapter on poodles, so lets look in the Index. How do we spell poodle? Where is the letter P in the alphabet?Glossary:  (When reading aloud together) The letters of this word are very thick. We call that bold. This means that we can find the meaning of the word in the glossary at the back of the book. Lets find it! Games You cant beat games to get students motivated and give them practice!  Try adapting your favorite games, because your genuine enthusiasm for a beloved game is likely to rub off on your pupils.  Some other ideas for games related to text features include: Glossary Go:  Put all the words from a glossary on index cards and  shuffle.  Assign a caller, and divide your group into teams.  Have the caller read the word and place it on the table.  Have a child from each team ready when the word is read and find it first in the glossary, and then find the sentence in the text.  The first person to find the word in the text raises their hand and then reads the sentence.  This game asks the students to use the glossary to find the page and then to search the page for the word in context.  Text Feature Treasure Hunt: There are a few ways to play this: either as individuals or in a group, hunting for treasure in the book itself or in a physical space. Make it a race to see who finds the item(s) first. What does colonial mean? Go! Finding the answer from the book first awards a point.  Hunting through an open book likely works best with unfamiliar words. Hunting in a group requires more preparation. Make each task a clue from the text.  Make two or three sets so you can divide your group/class into more than one group.  Have the words in the answer correspond to something in your class, or label locations where you hide the next clue with a word from the answer.