Christine Ausman

Dalhousie University | Dal · School of Health and Human Performance

Introduction This study was undertaken to explore the use of substances by professionals in Canada. A non-problem-focussed approach informed study design, with participants recruited outside treatment programs or professional monitoring programs and data collection including indicators of ‘positive’ or desired effects. Methods Participants were 19...

Background Sexualized violence against women is a significant human rights problem worldwide. Safety apps have the capacity to provide women with resources to prevent or respond to experiences of sexualized violence. Methods The aim of the following study was to review the scope of the literature on women’s experiences of safety apps related to se...

Purpose: Patients who use substances (PWUS) report experiencing stigmatizing encounters and undertreatment of pain and withdrawal symptoms that increase the likelihood of patient-directed discharge (PDD). This scoping review examines North American literature to gain insights about how institutional factors intersect with patient experiences and c...

Background: The responsibility for addressing the healthcare needs of PWUS is the responsibility of all physicians. Within the healthcare system, research consistently reveals inequitable experiences in healthcare with people who use substances (PWUS) reporting stigmatization, marginalization, and a lack of compassion. Objectives: The aim of this s...

Background There is a need to further understand the nature and role of planning for one’s lifestyle in retirement. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine retirement planning and how it impacts perceived preparedness and satisfaction with the retirement transition, as well as to explore personal experiences of retirement. Methods Canadi...

Persons living with complex disabilities may require support with activities of daily living to support their health and well-being, and leisure engagement is no exception. Recreation therapists can support individuals living with complex disabilities to live a higher quality of life. Unfortunately, there is limited understanding regarding the role...

Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs) affect a significant number of individuals in Canada each year, leading to various functional challenges and complex care needs. Interdisciplinary teams play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, with Recreation Therapy (RecT) emerging as a valuable addition to such teams. RecT focuses on using leisure, recre...

Our study was designed to pilot a photo elicitation methodology and undertake preliminary examination of substance use from the perspectives of two potentially disparate groups. Photo elicitation methodology involved participant generated photos and elicitation interviews to purposefully explore (i) how people who use substances depict and discuss...

While assisting individual workers to prepare or plan for a successful transition to retirement is a key responsibility of human resource (HR) departments, within many large organizations (including universities) preparations related to financial planning are prioritized, with limited evidence of consideration for the lifestyle preparations needed....

This paper explores Canadian professionals’ engagement in licit, illicit, and pharmaceutical substance use, their perspectives on what constitutes professional misconduct and conduct unbecoming in relation to substance use, and the dilemmas they face around self-disclosure in the context of professional regulation and social expectations. The study...

Introduction We draw on activity theory of concepts to examine ‘meaning of occupation’ and ‘substance use’ beyond preconceived notions of inherent positive or negative experiences. Objective To explore nuanced meanings of substance use and associated occupations. Method An online survey and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from...

In this reflection essay, the authors explore how meaning is represented in occupational therapy literature. A review of occupational therapy and occupational science literature uncovers framings of meaning, meaningful, and meaningfulness that are almost exclusively ‘positive’. Positioning of occupations as inherently ‘positive’ and assuming univer...

Healthy Populations Journal

Background Sexualized violence against women is a significant human rights problem worldwide. Safety apps have the capacity to provide women with resources to prevent or respond to experiences of sexualized violence. The aim of the following study was to review the scope of the literature on women’s experiences of safety apps related to sexualized...