Community-engaged research intentionally engages communities and people with lived experience as equal partners in the research process from project ideation through dissemination. The American Occupational Therapy Foundation sponsored a 2-day Engage Summit in October of 2024 to: showcase the depth and breadth of high-quality community-engaged research within occupational therapy, identify and evaluate systematic approaches to community-engaged methodologies to elevate occupational therapy-informed community-engaged scholarship, including evaluation, measurement, and dissemination, and build capacity among people with lived experience to actively engage in community-engaged research as full and equal partners. The event culminated in a World Café, a participatory process wherein attendees identified priorities for community-engaged research to guide the profession. The purpose of this paper is to provide a high-level overview of the proceedings, showcase the results from the World Café, and issue a call to action for continued development and institutional support of community-engaged research within occupational therapy and beyond.

Media use is a meaningful occupation for adolescents. Black adolescents may be at risk for exposure to racial microaggressions through engagement in this occupation. Racial microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination that negatively impact health. This study aimed to examine the impact of exposure to racial media microaggressions on mental and behavioral health outcomes among Black adolescents. A 14-day daily diary protocol was used to administer measures on racial media microaggressions, depression, anxiety, aggression, and cannabis use. Neither concurrent nor lagged-day associations between racial media microaggressions and symptoms of anxiety, depression, or cannabis use were significant. The concurrent effect of racial media microaggressions on aggression was non-significant, but the next-day lagged effect of racial media microaggressions on aggression at both the within- (estimate = 0.610, = 0.281, = 2.170, = .030) and between-person (estimate = -.364, = 0.182, = -2.004, = .046) levels was statistically significant. Findings indicated that exposure to racial media microaggressions impacted Black adolescent behavioral health.

Children with sensory processing challenges (SPCs) present occupational performance limitations across environments. However, little is known about children's perspectives. Client-centered pediatric occupational therapy must be informed by a child-focused approach in research. This study explored the lived experience of school-age children with SPCs in a real-life context. A qualitative study design with interpretive phenomenology as the methodological framework was utilized. Five children with SPCs (aged 7-12) participated in photo-elicitation interviews. An inductive, iterative data analysis was conducted. Five themes were identified: The (hidden) struggle in doing; The struggle to persist in doing; Doing with others and belonging: Can I belong?; Needing extra support in their school learning; and Making, building, creating: when I am in charge. Children with SPCs experience hidden difficulties. Key aspects to consider are children's awareness of their own needs, their emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and active inclusion in the implementation of school support.

Resilience assessments tailored for Eastern health care students remain limited, despite the importance of resilience for their well-being and professional development. The Kawa model offers a culturally adapted framework that addresses this gap. This study evaluates the Resilience Scale for University Youths (RSUY) tailored for health care undergraduates. A psychometric assessment design was employed, with scale development following a seven-step process incorporating cultural and professional elements. A total of 207 undergraduates completed an online survey, with data analysis including reliability testing, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The 21-item scale demonstrated internal consistency (α = .86) and supported convergent and discriminant validity. The five-factor structures, Harmony, Riverside & Bottom, Driftwood, Rocks, and Space, explained 55.29% of the variance CFA confirmed model fit, supporting both convergent and discriminant validity. RSUY is a valid, reliable tool for assessing resilience in health care youth and may inform future culturally relevant support strategies.

Few studies capture Orthodox Jewish mothers' awareness of occupational therapy's (OT) role in supporting their complex needs. This study explored Orthodox Jewish mothers' knowledge of OT's potential role in supporting their distinct maternal wellness and needs. The study recruited a convenience sample at an urban motherhood center. Likert-type-style survey questions provided quantitative information ( = 36), analyzed via descriptive statistics; in-person focus groups yielded qualitative content ( = 10), thematically analyzed. Most mothers perceived utility of pediatric OT. Fewer than half had knowledge of OT with adults/mothers. Mothers generally reported strong health and role-capacity in surveys, yet qualitative themes included misconception about OT's scope, challenges in occupational balance and lack of self-care. Orthodox Jewish mothers were unfamiliar with OT's role in supporting mothers/adults. Poor occupational balance and limitations in self-care were identified. Research limitations included a small/specific sample size and potential researcher biases.

Occupational therapists recognize parenting as within their scope; however, little is known about how this translates to practice with adult clients with disabilities or other challenges. We sought to describe contemporary global occupational therapy practice for parenting with adult clients, including assessment and interventions. A cross-sectional e-survey designed for the study was implemented in eight languages. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Responses were received from 1,357 occupational therapists across 42 countries. Of these, 43.1% ( = 586) frequently ask their clients who are parents about parenting roles and occupations, while 34.2% ( = 465) frequently or very frequently address parenting concerns. Assessments typically relied on informal approaches or the use of broad measures of occupational performance. The most frequently reported parenting intervention was the provision of education and training in parenting skills. Occupational therapy practice for parenting remains underdeveloped, with limited evidence of comprehensive occupational therapy assessment or intervention.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects approximately 100,000 Americans, predominantly those of African descent, yet care coordination between academic medical centers and community organizations remains limited. To identify strategies for strengthening community-academic partnerships to enhance care delivery for children with SCD through focus groups with community partners in a midwestern metropolitan area. Using qualitative descriptive methodology, we conducted two focus groups and three individual interviews with 12 community partners, including health care providers and advocates. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings: persistent multi-level knowledge gaps about SCD, the importance of strategic partnerships between health care organizations and community groups, and specific community-identified solutions for sustainable collaboration. Results highlighted how structured partnerships between academic institutions and community organizations can address systemic barriers in SCD care delivery through knowledge sharing, resource access, and coordinated screening protocols, informing practical strategies for implementing sustainable improvements in care coordination.

Equivalent psychometric properties of translated measurement are critical to guarantee the effectiveness of a measure in a different language. This study translated, adapted, and evaluated the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey in Bahasa Indonesia (EMAS-BI). Factor analysis and convergent validity were employed in data collected from a cross-sectional study involving Indonesian college students. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a three-factor structure that was substantiated by confirmatory factor analysis. A second-order, unidimensional model fit the data equally well. A sufficient validity and reliability were reported using model fit, intraclass correlation, and Cronbach's alpha. Meaningful activities were positively correlated with quality of life and flourishing, but negatively correlated with depression. EMAS-BI has good psychometric properties based on the samples collected from Indonesian college student population. Future study should assess EMAS psychometric properties in other populations in Indonesia.

Peer support interventions complement traditional rehabilitation services and contribute to improving physical and mental health and community living outcomes in diverse disability populations. Yet, little is known about the impact that being a peer support worker has on people with physical disabilities who take on these roles. Peer health navigators (PHN) are a type of peer support worker specifically trained to help other people with disabilities breakdown barriers to health, healthcare, and social participation. This qualitative study explored identity transformations experienced by people with physical disabilities after adopting a PHN role in a community-based participatory research intervention study. Specifically, we used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the lived experiences of peer health navigators from the Our Peers-Empowerment Navigational Support study. Participants identified that serving as a PHN had a transformative impact on their disability experience through relational processes of co-creation of a positive disability identity and reciprocal empowerment. Occupational therapy practitioners can facilitate peer support through intentional skill and community building.

Community advisory boards (CABs) can improve the relevance and impact of research. CABs often guide timebound research projects or inform strategy at large institutions. By contrast, we developed a CAB for collaborative neurorehabilitation research as an arm of a research laboratory. Community members (e.g., stroke survivors, care partners, therapists) engage in research and community initiatives around a shared vision. Existing CAB literature and implementation resources primarily describe project and institutional CABs, with less evidence of alternative CAB models. Therefore, this article describes the development of an ongoing CAB partnership and the evaluation of community member engagement over time. Two years after establishing the NPNL Stroke Advisory Board, we describe the Board's activities, evaluation process, and early successes and challenges with the intention of promoting transparency of community-engaged approaches and empower similar partnerships to form.

The use of complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) is increasing in the United States, yet its role within occupational therapy (OT) remains underexplored. This study examined the prevalence of CHAIH use among OT practitioners, identified commonly used therapies, and explored practitioners' perceptions. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via email by NBCOT to over 132,900 registered OT practitioners; 4,420 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and difference between proportions. Most respondents reported using CHAIH, with deep breathing, sensory techniques, and yoga being most common. Practitioners who incorporated CHAIH reported significantly ( < .001) greater self-rated knowledge and more positive attitudes compared with those who did not. However, fewer than 18% rated themselves as "very" or "extremely" knowledgeable. Findings highlight a gap between practice and knowledge, suggesting a need for future research to guide evidence-based integration of CHAIH in OT practice.

Intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses in randomized trials may underestimate effects due to poor adherence or follow-up loss. To demonstrate methods to address internal validity threats in ITT using the Well Elderly 2 study as a case example. This secondary analysis used 4-year data from 460 older adults. The original trial, by a separate team, included a crossover intervention with 6-month follow-ups. We addressed follow-up loss using inverse probability of censoring weights to report an adjusted ITT. ITT showed improvement in 10 of 17 outcomes; inverse probability of censoring weight (IPCW)-adjusted ITT in 13. In SF-36v2, ITT improved mental ( = 0.54, 99% confidence interval (CI) [0.05, 0.60]) but not physical ( = 0.71, 99% CI [-0.21, 0.08]); IPCW-adjusted ITT improved both mental ( = 0.77, 99% CI [0.34, 1.19]) and physical composites ( = 2.28, 99% CI [0.14, 0.71]). IPCW-adjusted ITT showed stronger effects but may be biased, while ITT was more conservative yet prone to misclassification; reporting both provides a clearer interpretation.

Many parents live with enduring health conditions; however, the impact of enduring health conditions on parenting roles is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, support needs and preferences of parents in Ireland living with enduring health conditions. Data were collected using a custom e-survey, developed and refined using cognitive interviewing ( = 6). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and group comparisons, while open-ended responses were analysed using interpretative content analysis. In total, 281 eligible parents completed the survey. Participants reported considerable difficulties with parenting tasks, particularly physically demanding tasks. Participants had limited access to formal services and many reported unmet needs and dissatisfaction with current services. Enduring health conditions have a significant impact on parenting capacity. There is a need for integrated support systems to ensure parents with enduring health conditions are supported to engage in parenting occupations and roles.

Participatory research is critical for developing appropriate and effective programs for specific communities. Suicide is a health inequity for autistic people and prevention is a high priority for autistic community members. Using community-based participatory research with autistic partners, we aimed to develop a research-informed, conceptually grounded, and community-supported suicide prevention program for the autism community. The participatory, multistep program development process included regular meetings to integrate existing research with an established intervention framework and was informed by 38 qualitative research interviews with autistic adults, family members, and mental health providers. The development process resulted in a four-part, virtual, education and community empowerment program-Forming Love around Autistic People to Prevent Suicide (FLAPS)-aimed at supporting organizations to engage in multilevel suicide prevention efforts. Participatory research that meaningfully engages autistic community partners can support the development of promising programs to promote suicide prevention for autistic people.

Chronic pain may impede occupational participation in older adults, but links among mobility, social networks, cognitive function, and pain-related factors remain unclear. To examine the relationships among these factors in relation to occupational participation in community-dwelling older Japanese adults. In this cross-sectional study, 130 adults more than 60 answered questions about occupational participation, mobility, social networks, cognitive function, and pain. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract latent variables representing key constructs. These were incorporated into structural equation modeling to examine their associations with occupational participation. Latent factors combining mobility and social networks (standardized coefficient: 0.75), and cognitive functions (0.35), were directly and positively associated with occupational participation, while pain-related factors were strongly negatively correlated with mobility/social networks (-0.79, -0.73) but showed no direct association with participation. Interventions addressing both physical and social function and pain-related barriers may support occupational participation in older adults.

Positive occupational engagement supports mental health and well-being in individuals with schizophrenia, yet few standardized tools assess this construct. To adapt and psychometrically validate the Turkish version of the Assessment of Positive Occupation-15 (APO-15) in schizophrenia. A methodological study was conducted with 263 participants (97 with schizophrenia, 166 healthy adults). Cross-cultural adaptation followed standard procedures. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest reliability, and correlations with the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) and Motivational Persistence Scale (MPS) were. CFA supported a four-factor structure with acceptable fit. The scale showed strong internal consistency (α = .818) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = .814). APO-15 scores correlated moderately with RAS and MPS. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a cut-off score of 47.5. The Turkish APO-15 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing positive occupational engagement in schizophrenia and can inform occupational therapy interventions.

People with lived experiences are often excluded from development of solutions and decision-making related to health research and policy. To describe and demonstrate how high-quality engagement supports partner and project outcomes. The ultimate project outcome was to identify health priorities desired by people with intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD) and the people who support achieving those priorities, including caregivers, clinicians, and payers/regulators. This capacity-building project implemented and evaluated methods of engagement of IDD self-advocates, caregivers/partners, clinicians, payers/regulators, and researchers. Our reliance on a variety of engagement approaches, but particularly graphic illustration and other visual engagement, yielded productive conversations to advance areas of priority. Partners felt satisfied with engagement and continued to participate at multiple points throughout the 2-year project. We identified nine illustrated priority health outcomes useful for research, practice, and policy change. Our engagement and priority-setting approach resulted in findings that partners found compelling personally and professionally.

Health behaviors significantly influence health outcomes after cancer. However, few studies have tested occupational therapy (OT) self-management training to catalyze health behavior change.

People with mental health issues are three times more likely to be unemployed. The purpose of this community-engaged research project was to address an issue brought up by our community partner that people with mental health challenges were restricted from participating in employment. A photovoice study was conducted to answer the research question: what facilitating factors and hindering factors of employment were encountered by people with mental health challenges? Seven participants recruited by our community partner completed three rounds of photo assignments and group meetings. Study findings revealed that mental health conditions presented challenges in finding, acquiring, and retaining employment, and that self-management strategies and a safe work environment were critical to facilitate employment participation. A community advisory group was informed about the study findings. We then hosted photovoice exhibit events to increase awareness about the employment issue for community people. Recommendations for conducting community-engaged research are discussed.

Unmet type 1 diabetes (T1D) needs in rural communities require collaborative academic-community partnerships to develop and test novel health care strategies. The purpose of this community-based participatory project was to (a) build a robust community-academic research partnership, (b) complete individual and community-level research capacity building, and (c) develop a rural T1D patient-centered research agenda. We implemented a four-strategy stakeholder engagement plan by (1) assessing capacities for active collaboration; (2) identifying partners within new and established networks; (3) reframing the health issue for research; and (4) developing and nurturing the partnerships. We successfully met the project objectives and continue to conduct impactful interprofessional, community-engaged research projects grounded in our co-developed research agenda that addresses lifestyle changes after T1D diagnosis, lack of access to care, and reinforce resourcefulness and technology use in rural communities. Developing a stakeholder engagement plan before research implementation can promote sustainable community-academic research collaborations.

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) face significant challenges in community participation. While existing efforts primarily target individual-level barriers, broader system-level support remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to identify actionable system-level changes that support PwMS in community participation. Using a community-engaged research approach, we conducted an online community engagement meeting (CEM) with diverse MS community members. A community advisory board was involved in planning, implementation, and dissemination. The CEM featured a research presentation and facilitated discussions to identify potential solutions. Participants completed a post-event feedback survey. Twenty-one participants proposed specific recommendations for bridging information gaps, improving MS care, enhancing environmental accessibility, and combating ableism. Eleven survey respondents reported meaningful participation in the CEM. The recommendations were shared directly with a policymaker. This study provides an example of engaging community members in an action-oriented dissemination activity, generating insights that can inform future support efforts by professionals and policymakers.