Research Articles (Occupational Therapy)

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Adaptation to the worker role: The vocational experience of South African male ex offenders
(OMICS International, 2014) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed
Objectives: The study is aimed at exploring, describing and understanding the experiences and perceptions of male ex-offenders with regard to adapting to their worker roles after they have been released from prison. Methods: The research methodology utilised was positioned in the qualitative research paradigm, specifically using the tradition of interpretivism. To gather data from the participants, focus groups and face to face interviews were conducted, consisting of broad questions followed by probes to gain an in-depth description of participants’ experiences and perceptions. Participants: Five males who were classified as being ex-offenders participated in the focus groups and one female (key informant) participated in two semi structured interviews. Results: Four themes emerged that reflected the vocational experience of male ex- offenders: 1) A sense of distrust, 2) A sense of support: Giving back to the community through learning and doing, 3) A change in lifestyle and 4) Working towards change through capacity building. For the purpose of this article, Theme 3- A change in lifestyle, will be discussed in depth as it explored the adaptive process that male ex- offenders experienced when adapting to their worker roles post release from prison. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that occupational therapy practitioners as well as correctional service personnel should utilise context specific vocational rehabilitation programmes that enhance the exoffender’s ability to find employment once they have been released from prison. Practitioners should be aware of both the internal and external adaptation strategies when planning vocational rehabilitation and community reintegration strategies.
Adolescent substance use: a prospective longitudinal model of substance use onset among South African adolescents
(Informa Healthcare, 2009) Patrick, Megan E.; Collins, Linda M.; Smith, Edward A.; Caldwell, Linda L.; Flisher, Alan J.; Wegner, Lisa
Substance use onset among Colored adolescents between eighth and ninth grades in an urban area of Cape Town, South Africa was examined using latent transition analysis. Longitudinal self-report data regarding substance use (N = 1118, 50.9% female) were collected in 2004 and 2005. Results indicated that the pattern of onset was similar across genders; adolescents first tried either alcohol or cigarettes, followed by both, then dagga (cannabis), and then inhalants. The prevalence of lifetime cigarette use was slightly greater for females; dagga (cannabis) and inhalant use were greater for males. The similarity of developmental onset in the current sample to previous international work supports the promise of adapting prevention programs across contexts. The study’s limitations are noted.
Boys are victims, too: the influence of perpetrators’ age and gender in sexual coercion against boys
(SAGE Publications, 2018) Miller, Jacqueline A.; Smith, Edward A.; Caldwell, Linda L.; Mathews, Catherine; Wegner, Lisa
Sexual coercion among adolescent boys in South Africa is an underresearched topic despite the frequency of such events. Although quantitative research has illuminated the prevalence of sexual coercion toward boys, it has provided little understanding of the context of sexual coercion for adolescent boys. Given the often severe consequences of sexual coercion, it is important to further understand these experiences to inform prevention efforts. The current study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the context of sexual coercion. Data come from the baseline assessment for a translational research evaluation of a school-based intervention. The current study focuses on a subset of early and middle adolescent boys who reported experiencing sexual coercion (n = 223). Analyses examine boys’ reports of their perpetrators’ characteristics and details about the sexual coercion encounter. Logistic regression is used to examine how coercion tactics used by the perpetrator differs depending on the perpetrator’s age and gender. Eighth-grade boys were most likely to report that their perpetrator was a similar-aged female and that perpetrator’s age played a particularly important role in what tactics were used. Adult perpetrators were more likely to use physical force, threaten them, harass them electronically, and drink or use drugs at the time. Results provide important insight into boys’ experiences of sexual coercion that have implications for both future research and intervention efforts. Although much research is needed on the topic, intervention programs should recognize that both male and female adolescents can be victim and perpetrator.
Client confidentiality: Perspectives of students in a healthcare training programme
(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2016) Nortje, Nico; De Jongh, Jo-Celene
BACKGROUND. Confidentiality is an important ethical principle for all health professionals and also has a legal bearing on duty. One of the most difficult issues health professionals face in their daily fieldwork practice is a conflict between their professional duties, as illustrated in keeping a patient’s medical information confidential, and having empathy with a family member’s need to know. This moral dilemma is difficult for students to circumvent and therefore this paper presents healthcare students’ perspectives of confidentiality. METHODS. We aimed to explore healthcare students’ views and experiences of confidentiality as an ethical principle by adopting a qualitative explorative approach. Purposeful sampling was undertaken where specific individuals with specific experiences were identified. Data were collected by means of written responses from two open-ended questions and analysed thematically. Two themes emerged. CONCLUSION. Confidentiality, as with other ethical principles, is an important obligation of a good client-therapist relationship as identified by students. However, the students’ responses illustrate that it cannot be absolute, and cognisance must be taken as to when it is acceptable, and even desirable, to override confidentiality because of conflicting, greater duties.
Clients' perceptions of an occupational therapy intervention at a substance use rehabilitation centre in the Western Cape
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA), 2015) Bell, Teneil; Wegner, Lisa; Blake, Lauren; Jupp, Leigh; Nyabenda, Fides; Turner, Tamryn
Substance use among adolescents is a significant health and social problem and affects occupational performance. While occupational therapy interventions are available at substance use rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape, little is known about clients' perceptions of the usefulness of these interventions. A qualitative study was conducted to address this gap, specifically exploring clients' perceptions of the usefulness of the intervention on their occupations post discharge. The occupational therapist at a particular centre was interviewed as a key informant. Eight participants who attended the aftercare programme at the centre took part in three focus groups. Four themes emerged from the analysis of data: "We taking the drugs away, but we need to give them something back in that place"; "I don't want to be that person I was in the past"; "Keeping me clean"; "Take us out into the life". Participants perceived skills development, work training, life skills and leisure exploration to be useful. However, team members' roles and treatment objectives should be clarified to the clients to ensure that clients understand why they are participating in therapy. Finally, there should be more community-based, out-patient support programmes for adolescents so that the appropriate services are more easily accessible.
A Commentary of occupational justice and occupation-based community development frameworks for social transformation: The Marikana event
(South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2021) Mthembu, Thuli Godfrey
Background: The Occupational justice framework is significant in enabling communities to collaborate with occupational therapists to strengthen social vision and enhance occupational potential. It has been highlighted that the occupational justice framework could be used in conjunction with Occupation-based Community Development programmes to enrich social transformation through engagement in community-led occupations. However, little is known about the applicability of both occupational justice and Occupation-based Community Development frameworks in designing programmes for communities that experienced collective trauma. Purpose: This commentary explores the Marikana event in terms of the occupational justice framework and its outcomes of occupational injustice. It further unpacks the occupation of protest and the factors predicting protest using the Marikana event. Conclusion: The applicability of Occupational Justice and Occupation-based Community Development frameworks can help occupational therapy clinicians, educators, and students collaborate with communities through a cycle of critical consciousness to achieve social vision, transformation, and healing. Recommendations are provided in relation to community-centred occupational therapy practice, education, and future research within a South African context. (PDF) A Commentary of Occupational Justice and Occupation-based Community Development Frameworks for Social Transformation: The Marikana Event. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350810812_A_Commentary_of_Occupational_Justice_and_Occupation-based_Community_Development_Frameworks_for_Social_Transformation_The_Marikana_Event [accessed Sep 20 2021].
Covid-19 and higher education: a qualitative study on academic experiences of African international students in the Midwest
(Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2023) Majee, Wilson; David, Ifeolu; Kehinde, Omoshola; Tefera, Gashaye M
COVID-19 pandemic has harshly impacted university students since the outbreak was declared in March 2020. A population impacted the most was international college students due to limited social networks, restrictive employment opportunities, and travel limitations. Despite the increased vulnerability, there has been limited research on the experiences of African-born international students during the pandemic. Using an exploratory qualitative design, this study interviewed 15 African-born international students to understand their experiences during the pandemic. Thematic analysis revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced participants’ academic life directly via an abrupt shift to online learning and indirectly through disruptions in an academic work routine, opportunities for networking, and career advancement, resulting in lower academic performance and productivity. These experiences were worsened by other social and regulatory barriers associated with their non-immigrant status. The study findings suggest an increased need for institutional and community support for international students as vulnerable populations during a crisis to promote sustained academic success.
A cross-sectional descriptive study of occupational therapy students’ perceptions and attitudes towards spirituality and spiritual care in occupational therapy education
(Springer, 2016) Mthembu, Thuli Godfrey; Roman, Nicolette V.; Wegner, Lisa
Spirituality and spiritual care both have received increased attention over the course of this past decade from different disciplines. However, for many years, in the occupational therapy profession, the importance of spirituality and spiritual care seems to be controversial because it is unclear how these concepts are integrated in occupational therapy education. Although occupational therapy students are being educated to consider a holistic and client-centred approach, spirituality is not regarded within this framework which diminishes the integrity of holistic approach. In South African occupational therapy education, it is unclear whether any single course on teaching and learning of spirituality and spiritual care exists. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe occupational therapy students’ perceptions and attitudes regarding spirituality and spiritual care in occupational therapy education. A cross-sectional descriptive study design of undergraduate occupational therapy students from one educational institution was used. Data included demographic characteristics, responses on Spiritual Care-Giving Scale (SCGS), Spiritual and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) and Spirituality in Occupational Therapy Scale (SOTS). A response rate of 50.5 % (n = 100 out of 198) was achieved. In the SCGS, among the factors only factor 1 had the highest mean value score showing consistent agreement about spirituality, whereas in the SSCRS only three factors were found to have highest mean score and one with lowest mean score. In SOTS, participants had a highest score mean in relation to formal education and training about spirituality. Thus, in the integration of spirituality and spiritual care a holistic approach needs to be considered in education to enhance students’ knowledge of how to address mind, body and spirit needs.
Curriculum transformation: a proposed route to reflect a political consciousness in occupational therapy education
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2012) De Jongh, Jo-Celene; Hess-April, Lucia; Wegner, Lisa
Introduction: Curriculum review is an ongoing, dynamic, long-term process that forms part of occupational therapy education. The Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape (UWC) recently responded to the challenge of becoming socially responsive and politically relevant by engaging in curriculum review. The review revealed that political reasoning was not clearly delineated previously in the curriculum. In response to this problem, over a period of several years we engaged in a process of curriculum transformation so that students become politically conscious. Methods: The process entailed environmental scanning, feedback from teaching staff and clinicians, students’ evaluations, regular curriculum revision meetings, academic development meetings, workshops and seminars. A qualitative study using a cooperative enquiry approach was conducted to analyse the data. Findings: From the analysis the following themes emerged: (1) identifying the essence of occupational therapy education at UWC, (2) understanding political practice on a theoretical and then a personal level, (3) integrating and operationalising political consciousness into the curriculum. We discuss the debates and critical questions raised in our efforts to develop a curriculum that prepares graduates to be politically conscious and socially responsive. Finally, we present key strategies for the way forward. Conclusion: Curriculum transformation around a political practice of occupational therapy does not merely mean just a change in curriculum content, but requires the internalisation of a political consciousness by educators individually and collectively.
A descriptive, qualitative study of the challenges that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience when transitioning from skills training programs into the open labor market in Cape Town, South Africa
(IOS Press, 2020) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed
BACKGROUND: There is limited existence of qualitative research on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who are transitioning between skills training programs and finding employment in the open labor market, in South Africa. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this current study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of individuals living with ASD, regarding transitioning from a skills training program to working in the open labor market. PARTICIPANTS: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten participants, who were diagnosed with ASD, and working in the open labor market, as well as five key informants, who have worked with autistic individuals in a skills training program. METHODS: The data collected, using an explorative, descriptive, qualitative method, were analyzed using thematic analysis, and resulted in three emerging themes. RESULTS: Theme one: The 'disorder' in the workplace -The individual and collective barriers that individuals experience in the workplace are described, including social, emotional, and communication difficulties, as well as the stigmatization experienced by persons with a disability. Theme two: Making the workplace work -The facilitative support that individuals are exposed to, in the form of intervention from occupational therapists, sensory psychologists, and other forms of skills training programs, are described. In addition to supportive intervention, the relationships and networking within, and outside of the workplace, are discussed in theme two. Theme three: What works for me -The individual adaptations made by the participants, in the form of unique coping mechanisms in the workplace, as well as in the home environment, are discussed. CONCLUSION: It was observed that, while there are barriers to the transitioning of autistic individuals into the open labor market, there are enablers that facilitate a less challenging transitioning process, in the form of family and workplace support, as well as skills training, and self-identified coping mechanisms. © 2020 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.
The development of a return to work intervention programme for stroke survivor (SReTWIP): A Delphi survey
(Springer Nature, 2020) Olaoye, Olumide Ayoola; Soeker, Shaheed Moghammad; Rhoda, Anthea
Even though clearly defined pathways for vocational re-entry are well recognized for conditions such as mental health, musculoskeletal dysfunction (MSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), none has been identified for stroke. There has been a lack of consensus regarding such clear pathways to vocational re-entry and the essential contents of return to work (RTW) interventions for stroke survivors. As part of a larger study aimed to design a RTW programme for stroke survivors, this study describes the concluding process through which Stroke Return to Work Intervention Programme (SReTWIP) was developed.
Doing a leisure activity because there is nothing else to do: Related outcomes and intervention effects for adolescents
(Taylor & Francis, 2019) Motamedi, Mojdeh; Caldwell, Linda L.; Weybright, Elisabeth H.; Jones, Damon; Wegner, Lisa; Smith, Edward A.
This study examined whether a leisure-focused intervention, HealthWise, was related to reduced youth polysubstance use and delayed sexual debut via reducing how often youth did leisure activities because there was nothing else to do. HealthWise was compared to a no-intervention control for 5,610 high school students from eighth to tenth grades in townships near Cape Town, South Africa. Three specific leisure activities were examined: spending time with friends, playing sports, and going to parks. Among girls, spending time with friends because there was nothing else to do significantly mediated the effect of HealthWise on reducing frequent polysubstance use in the past month. For boys, spending time in parks because there was nothing else to do mediated the effect of HealthWise on delayed sexual debut. Results partially supported the HealthWise logic model of impacting risky behaviors via leisure and the value of prevention programs addressing the reasons behind leisure choices.
Ease and equity of access to free DR-TB services in Nigeria- a qualitative analysis of policies, structures and processes
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2020) Oga-Omenka, Charity; Bada, Florence; Agbaje, Aderonke; Dakum, Patrick; Menzies, Dick; Zarowsky, Christina
Introduction: Persistent low rates of case notification and treatment coverage reflect that accessing diagnosis and treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Nigeria remains a challenge, even though it is provided free of charge to patients. Equity in health access requires availability of comparable, appropriate services to all, based on needs, and irrespective of socio-demographic characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the reasons for Nigeria’s low rates of case-finding and treatment for DR-TB. To achieve this, we analyzed elements that facilitate or hinder equitable access for different groups of patients within the current health system to support DR-TB management in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted documentary review of guidelines and workers manuals, as well as 57 qualitative interviews, including 10 focus group discussions, with a total of 127 participants, in Nigeria. Between August and November 2017, we interviewed patients who were on treatment, their treatment supporter, and providers in Ogun and Plateau States, as well as program managers in Benue and Abuja. We adapted and used Levesque’s patient-centered access to care framework to analyze DR-TB policy documents and interview data. Results: Thematic analysis revealed inequitable access to DR-TB care for some patient socio-demographic groups. While patients were mostly treated equally at the facility level, some patients experienced more difficulty accessing care based on their gender, age, occupation, educational level and religion. Health system factors including positive provider attitudes and financial support provided to the patients facilitated equity and ease of access. However, limited coverage and the absence of patients’ access rights protection and considerations in the treatment guidelines and workers manuals likely hampered access. Conclusion: In the context of Nigeria’s low case-finding and treatment coverage, applying an equity of access framework was necessary to highlight gaps in care. Differing social contexts of patients adversely affected their access to DR-TB care. We identified several strengths in DR-TB care delivery, including the current financial support that should be sustained. Our findings highlight the need for government’s commitment and continued interventions.
Educators’ and students’ needs regarding teaching and learning strategies for integrating spirituality and spiritual care in occupational therapy education
(Sabinet, 2018) Mthembu, Thuli G.; Wegner, Lisa; Roman, Nicolette V.
Spirituality and spiritual care are both generating considerable interest as part of holistic and client-centred approaches of the profession of Occupational Therapy. Concerns have been raised regarding the teaching and learning needs of occupational therapy educators and students regarding spirituality and spiritual care. The aim of this study was to explore educators’ and students’ needs regarding teaching and learning strategies for integrating spirituality and spiritual care in the South African occupational therapy education. An interpretive, qualitative exploratory-descriptive approach was used with nine educators and 29 students who were purposively recruited from a university in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Four focus group discussions were used for data collection and thematically analysed and managed in Atlas.ti 7. Two themes emerged: “We actually use transformative learning as a pedagogical approach,” and “We need philosophical guidelines for integrating spirituality”. These results imply that the transformative learning theories could contribute significantly to the integration of spirituality and spiritual care in occupational therapy education. Additionally, the findings support the use of critical reflection and consciousness-raising as teaching and learning strategies for spirituality. Overall, the findings indicated that the phases of transformative learning could be used to integrate spiritualty and spiritual care in occupational therapy education. This study suggests a basis for development of guidelines to assist the educators and students to address the need for integrating spirituality in the occupational therapy classroom.
The experiences of individuals with schizophrenia using The model of Occupational Self-Efficacy in enhancing work skills and returning to work in the open labour market in Western Cape, South Africa
(South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2021) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed; Abbas, Iesrafeel
Introduction: Evidence suggests that supported employment strategies improve the rates of employment for individuals with schizophrenia. The Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MOOSE) is such a strategy aimed at enhancing work skills and facilitating return to work (RTW). The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences of individuals with schizophrenia about the use of the MOOSE in enhancing work skills and facilitating RTW in the open labour market. Method: A qualitative research project with an interpretivist paradigm explored the experiences and perceptions of nine participants diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Two occupational therapists participated as key informants. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Barriers and facilitators to the use of the MOOSE were revealed. More importantly, the MOOSE enhanced the development of worker identities and contributed to the successful adaptation of worker roles in the RTW process of individuals with schizophrenia in the open labour market.Conclusion: The MOOSE is an effective supported employment strategy for persons with schizophrenia. Factors such as client-centred practice, the presence of social support, and ongoing therapeutic support contributed to the participants’ successful RTW experience. (PDF) The experiences of individuals with schizophrenia using the Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy in enhancing work skills and returning to work in the open labour market in Western Cape, South Africa.
The experiences of women with traumatic brain injury about the barriers and facilitators experienced after vocational rehabilitation in the Western Cape Metropole, South Africa
(IOS Press, 2019) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed; Darries, Zareena
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious global public health problem. Globally and annually, at least 10 million individuals live with TBI that is serious enough to result in death or hospitalization. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of women with traumatic brain injury, in their work environments utilising the Model of Occupational Self-efficacy as a vocational rehabilitation approach
An exploratory factor analysis into the applicability of the Spirituality Care-Giving Scale, the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale and the Spirituality in Occupational Therapy Scale to the South African context
(Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2016) Mthembu, Thuli G.; Roman, Nicolette V.; Wegner, Lisa
Spirituality and spiritual care are both considered as important elements of health sciences education; however, limited research has been conducted with occupational therapy students using spirituality scales. Therefore, this study assessed the internal consistency component of reliability and carried out factor analyses of three spirituality scales which examined the perceptions and attitudes of South African undergraduate occupational therapy students regarding spirituality and spiritual care. This study used a cross-sectional survey design using convenience sampling to recruit 100 participants. The internal consistency of the instruments evaluated showed satisfactory reliability: i.e. the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale (α=0.946), the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (α= 0.764) and the Spirituality in Occupational Therapy scale (α=0.868). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of Sampling Adequacy values was 0.862, 0.883, and 0.868 respectively, indicating the appropriateness of the factor analysis. Factor analysis from varimax rotated results was also performed to identify the patterns of spirituality and spiritual care within the instruments. The total variances of the instruments were acceptable at 59.1, 67.6 and 69.8% respectively. An implication of these findings is the possibility that exposing occupational therapy students to spirituality and spiritual care could be useful for them to gain insight into and be sensitive to the clients’ spiritual needs. Further research should be undertaken in other institutions of higher learning that offer occupational therapy programmes.
Exploring experiences of using case study as a teaching strategy to learn about spirituality in occupational therapy education
(African Journal of Health Professions Education, 2021-06) Mthembu, Thuli, G.; Rhoda, Anthea
Background. A case study is a teaching strategy that is used in other professions, such as nursing and medicine; however, there are no studies that focus on the experiences of occupational therapy (OT) students regarding the use of a case study to learn about spirituality. Objectives. To explore undergraduate OT students’ experiences of using a case study as a teaching strategy to learn about spirituality. Methods. Exploratory-descriptive qualitative research was conducted, using purposive sampling to select and recruit second-year OT students (N=25) who consented to participate in the study. Transcribed data from three focus group discussions were thematically analysed through a credible process. Results. Two major themes were identified. Theme 1, the importance of a case study as a teaching method, deals with students’ learning experiences of using a case study. Theme 2, skills learnt through a case study, highlights profession-specific and academic skills that students managed to acquire and apply by using a case study as a learning strategy. Conclusion. This study provided insight into the OT students’ experiences of using a case study. The findings are consistent with previous research that focuses on the use of a case study as a teaching strategy, which enabled students to apply their knowledge in a real-life situation by recognising and solving problems through engaging in critical reflection and using various skills. This work contributes to existing knowledge of health sciences education by providing teaching and learning strategies that educators may use to facilitate students’ engagement in collaborative learning.
Exploring occupational therapy graduates’ conceptualisations of occupational justice in practice: Curriculum implications
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2016) Hess-April, Lucia; Smith, Juliana; De Jongh, Jo-Celene
BACKGROUND. The concept of occupational justice was derived from a social justice perspective in response to a renewed commitment by the occupational therapy profession to address the occupational needs of individuals, groups and communities who experience social injustice. Accordingly, it is acknowledged that education with regard to occupational justice has the deliberate intention of preparing graduates, who would be change agents as critical practitioners. Nonetheless, while occupational therapy education programmes may seek to instil broader professional values, theory covered in the curriculum may not always assure congruent practice. OBJECTIVE. To explore how occupational therapy graduates’ conceptualisations of occupational justice, as instilled by the occupational therapy curriculum of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, manifested in their practice while undergoing community service. METHODS. Seven occupational therapy graduates were selected to participate in the study through purposive sampling. A descriptive case study of their practice was generated through qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews, document review and participant observation were used as data collection methods, analysed through a process of inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS. The findings revealed that while the participants conceptualised occupational justice as broader social change through occupational enablement, they encountered several constraints related to structural and systemic power issues in their practice contexts. CONCLUSION. The study supports the utilisation of transformative learning and inter-professional education in developing critical competencies such as agency and political proficiency to assist graduates in dealing with the complexities of practice during community service.
The facilitators and barriers encountered by South African parents regarding sensory integration occupational therapy
(The Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2018) Smit, Jacintha; de Jongh, Jo-Celene; Cook, Ray Anne
Differences in parent perceptions regarding occupational therapy using a sensory integration approach to treatment have been noted. The various factors that may influence these perceptions, and how the perceptions may ultimately influence the outcome of the intervention for the child and family were questioned. A phenomenological study revealed a progression that all parents perceived and experienced as the "before", "input" and "after" phases of when their child received occupational therapy/sensory integration (OT/SI). This article focuses specifically on the "input" phase of OT/SI intervention. METHOD: Participants in this study were nine parents of children with difficulties processing and integrating sensory information, who live in the Western Cape, South Africa. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, data were collected during face-to-face interviews, participant observation and researcher's field notes FINDINGS: The main theme related to this phase of analysis was "Just suddenly everything made so much sense". For most participants, this phase brought to light a better understanding of sensory integration disorder (SID), also known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and OT/SI. Data analysis identified two subthemes that catalysed expansion in most participants' understanding, which were the role of the occupational therapist, and the OT/SI intervention process. Within these subthemes, the facilitating factors and barriers of OT/ SI intervention emerged CONCLUSION: Insight gained from the participants' recommendations and interpretation of findings allowed recommendations to be made within the OT/SI intervention received, in an attempt to overcome the barriers and promote the facilitators that will make a difference to OT/SI in South Africa

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