The following summary contains excerpts from the Editorial What’s Next? OTJR in 2022 and Beyond from OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health 2021, Vol. 42 (1) 3-7 (Wolf et al, 2022).[1] 

"Last year we shared with you the many successes OTJR has realized in recent history and the progress of the journal. Our goal is to be the premier research journal in Occupational Therapy. We know that to achieve this goal we cannot rest on our success but have to remain diligent in our efforts to maintain the highest standards for peer reviewed publications while making the process as efficient as possible for our authors. Therefore, despite our recent successes the OTJR editorial board has focused on evaluating every aspect of our operations, from how we select members of the editorial team to how we best publicize the manuscripts published in the journal. In this editorial, we report some of the results of the efforts over this past year, including a reflection on journal publishing metrics as well as current initiatives and future directions."

2021 in Review

Journal Performance Metrics

2021 has been another outstanding year for our research publication OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health. The 2020 Impact Factor and 5-Year Impact Factor have both reached all-time highs.* With 223 submissions from January 1 to November 1, 2021, OTJR is also tracking to have a record high number of submissions. SAGE Publishing selected OTJR as a journal with great potential for content growth and invested in the journal’s future by granting an additional 30% page volume publishing budget for 2021-2022 and beyond. This continued growth represents the contributions of quality data-driven research from authors and the rigorous processes of OTJR's newest Editor-In-Chief, Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Assistant Editor, Associate Editors, Editorial Fellows, Review Board Members, and SAGE Publishing Partners. In addition, the editorial team presented the AOTF/OTJR Short Course: Advances in Technology to Enhance Manuscript Writing and Publishing at AOTA Inspire 2021.

Editorial Board and Review Board

"Since April 2021, several new Editorial Board members have joined OTJR. Dr. Wolf expanded the Core Editorial team, appointing Dr. Melanie Tkach as an Editorial Fellow and Ms. Bridget Comparato-Kraus as a Social Media Fellow. Dr. Wolf also expanded the Editorial Board with five new Associate Editors: Dr. Rachel Proffitt, Dr. Lauren Little, Dr. Moses Ikiugu, Dr. Dorothy Edwards, and Dr. Andrew Persch. The Review Board has also expanded with two members: Dr. Catherine Hoyt and Dr. Nedra Peter. Editorial Board members completing their terms in April 2021 included Associate Editors Dr. Juleen Rodakowski, Dr. Roseann Schaaf, and Dr. Diane Parham, and Review Board member Dr. Liliana Alvarez. 

The Top Reviewer award for 2021 will be announced at the OTJR Annual Meeting at the 2022 AOTA Conference."

Looking Back: Review of OTJR Publications 2016–2021 and Alignment with AOTF Research Priorities

Mapping Research Published Onto AOTF Research Priorities

Figure 1 lists the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) research areas and displays the corresponding number of manuscripts published, with content mapped onto those areas.

Learn more in the full article, including:

New Initiatives Implemented in 2021

• Increased Issue Volume
• Template for Conducting Reviews
• Option for Open Access Publishing
• OTJR Social Media

Looking Forward: 2022 and Beyond

• 2022 Special Issue: Functional Cognition
• Invited Commentary Articles
• Enhanced Recruitment and Outreach

Reference: 
    1. Wolf, T., Knott, M., Florindez-Cox, L. I., Medhizahdah, S., Vatinno, A., Tkach, M., & Comparato-Kraus, B. (2022). What’s Next? OTJR in 2022 and Beyond. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 42(1), 3-7. doi:10.1177/15394492211063249

*With the 2020 Impact Factor, Clarivate has introduced Early Access content in Journal Citation Reports to more accurately reflect the dynamic citation environment of rapid online publication, phasing in further changes over three years.

OTJR; Occupation, Participation and Health is the flagship scientific publication of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. Established in 1980 and published quarterly, the research journal reflects the Foundation's commitment to advancing the profession through scientific inquiry. OTJR fosters interdisciplinary dialogue with contributions from disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, economics, anthropology, sociology, geography, rehabilitation science, nursing, and social work. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health is indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed. View OTJR subscriber benefits and author guidelines.

Follow @OTJRJournal on Twitter, @otresearchfoundation on Instagram, and #OTJR on other social media platforms for the latest OT research articles!
  

2022 Black History Month Theme: Black Health and Wellness

Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) list of Books, Websites, and other Historical Materials and Guides on Black Health and Wellness.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation would like to acknowledge those contributing to the research and evidence of OT. While our field continues to strive for more diversity, equity and inclusion, those of the African American community have and continue to influence the profession specifically in the area of research. 

The following is not comprehensive, but highlights some of the work by our fellow African American OTs acknowledged during the OT Centennial. 

Lela Llorens, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, played a vital role in establishing OT research as she chaired AOTA's Research Advisory Council in the mid-1980s. Dr. Lela Llorens guided AOTF grant funding for over 10 years and continues to contribute as a member of the Volunteer Development and Nomination Committee. She's received numerous honors in recognition of her accomplishments and leadership: the AOTA-AOTF Presidents Commendation in Honor of Wilma L. West, the A. Jean Ayres Award, the Meritous Service Award and the Certificate of Appreciation from AOTF among many others. Her efforts in the field are vast and were acknowledged during the AOTA Centennial. In tribute, the Lela Llorens Endowed Scholarship established in 2017 by AOTF, supports future minority leaders in the field of occupational therapy.

Jerry Bentley, MS, OTR, FAOTA, has been an advocate and activist for social justice for decades. She is a supporter of the Foundation and volunteer. Shirley Jackson-Jackson, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, scholarly activity extends from 1986 as an academic and researcher. She has a focus on diversity and health disparities research.
Panelpha (Penny) L. Kyler, ScD, OT, FAOTA, has impacted our field by being the first occupational therapist in the area of translational genetics and OT's role in treatment and intervention.
Joyce Lane, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, influenced the profession's focus on social justice. Dr. Lane's research is in the area of policy decision making and on professional development.
Letha J. Mosley, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA (1957-2017), focused her research on health disparities. She implemented community-based participatory research establishing community programs for health and wellness.
Shirley A. Wells, DrPH, OTR, FAOTA, scholarship relates to culture and health. She is an advocate and driver for the use of gender neutral language in AOTA official documents. 
Retrieved (February 24, 2020) from 100 Influential People in Occupational Therapy's 100 Year
History.

Congratulations to our 2022 Nedra Gilette Endowed Research Fellowship Awardee, 2022 Elizabeth Munsell, PhD, OT, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Project Title: Developing a Theory-Based Employment Intervention Framework for People with Early Parkinson’s Disease using a Stakeholder-Engaged Approach

To honor its namesake Nedra Gillette, the Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship award is in support of a postdoctoral researcher's foundational occupational therapy study into the human condition.  Please make a gift to help us support the future of OT, strengthen evidence-based practice and improve the quality of care. Your generosity will secure this scholarship for generations of OTs. 

Congratulations to our 2022 Kielhofner Research Scholarship Awardee, Allison L'Hotta, OTD, OTR/L, Washington University in St. Louis, Project Title: Cancer Survivors' Participation in Meaningful Life Activities, A Mixed Methods Approach (CASPAR).

Dr. Gary Kielhofner, DrPH, OTR, FAOTA, was one of the most influential and transformational figures in occupational therapy. Central to Gary's devotion to the science of OT was the development of new research talent. Please make a gift to help us support the future of OT, strengthen evidence-based practice and improve the quality of care. Your generosity will secure this scholarship for generations of OTs. 

The 181st Business Meeting of the AOTF Board of Trustees took place in a snowy Alexandria, Va., March 11-12, 2022. The main agenda was to form the new 2023-2025 strategic plan that will be finalized at the June 2022 meeting.

We appreciate their time and expertise in supporting our mission. Want to get involved? Check out our Volunteer Committees.

A big welcome to our new board trustees:
Anne M. Bryden, PhD, OTR/L
Merrill Friedman, BA
Kathleen D. Lyons, ScD, OTR/L
Antoinette S. Shaw, OTR
Pamela Talero Cabrejo, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM

Congratulations to Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, BCTS, on her promotion to board secretary!

A big thank you to our outgoing board trustees:
Nancy Baker, ScD, MPH, OTR/L
Simone Gill, PhD, OTR
Forrest Pendleton, BA
Susan Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Cheryl Strickland, OTR/L

Congratulations to our inaugural Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Awardee, Lady Rios-Vega OTD, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson University, Improving Utilization of Occupational Therapy services for Black and African American Families of Children with Autism

In honor of Nancy Talbot MEd, OTR, FAOTA, the AOTF has established the Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in support of postdoctoral research training in occupational therapy. This one-year award will be $30,000 (with the possibility of a competitive renewal for a second year). This fellowship seeks to improve diversity of the occupational therapy workforce by supporting postdoctoral training for individuals from groups demonstrated to have low representation in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences. 

Please make a gift to help us support the future of OT, strengthen evidence-based practice and improve the quality of care. Your generosity will secure this scholarship for generations of OTs. 

Congratulations to our inaugural 2022 Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship Awardee, Janell Pisegna, MOT, OTR/L, The Ohio State University, Examination of Poststroke Occupational Therapy Mental Health Care in Inpatient Rehabilitation

The Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship supports an occupational therapist doctoral candidate in pursuing research in the areas of mental health and serious mental illness.

Bonita Kraft is an occupational therapist who spent 45 years working in community mental health. She has long been an advocate for OT and mental health; passionate about promoting the need for occupational therapy to be a part of mental health services and treatment as well as for building evidence for occupational therapists to use in practice. Bonita is a proud alum of San Jose State University (BSOT), has been a dedicated volunteer for AOTF, The California Foundation for Occupational Therapy, the Occupational Therapy Association of California as well as a long-time member of AOTA. She is excited to support the next generation of OT scientists with this scholarship who will add new knowledge to the profession and better serve those with severe mental illness and mental health issues.

Please make a gift to help us support the future of OT, strengthen evidence-based practice and improve the quality of care. Your generosity will secure this scholarship for generations of OTs. 

Congratulations to the 2022 Implementation Research Grant Recipients:

Anna Boone, PhD, MSOT, OTR/L, CBIS, University of Missouri
Analysis, Refinement, and Implementation: Emphasizing Practical Implementation of Functional Cognitive Assessments
Mentor: Dorothy Farrar-Edwards, PhD

Janet Njelesani, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, New York University
Implementing an Occupational Therapy Intervention to Support Young Caregivers
Mentor: Aimee James, PhD, MPH, MA

Jennifer Weaver, PhD, MA, OTR/L, BS, CBIS, Colorado State University
Identifying Implementation Strategies to Facilitate Adoption of a Recovery Ruler in Clinical Practice
Mentor: Trudy Mallinson, PhD

Videos of their research coming soon!

The IR grant specifically supports research that is focused on helping occupational therapists take evidence-informed practice from theory to reality in their practice setting. This research grant develops and evaluates the processes used to implement, sustain, and or scale-up evidence-based practice into routine care with an end goal to improve the quality and effectiveness of care.

Learn more about the IR Grant.

Congratulations to our 2022 Intervention Research Grant Recipients:

Megan Chang, PhD, OTR/L, MS, San Jose State University
Use of a Telehealth Approach to Build Resilience in Parents of Children with Autism through Mindfulness Practice
Mentor: Laurie Drabble, PhD

Erika Kemp, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, The Ohio State University
Determining Efficacy and Active Ingredients of the AquOTic program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Mentor: Amy Darragh, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Kendra Heatwole Shank, PhD, OTR/L, CAPS, Towson University
MCI Intervention for Out-of-Home Participation: Aging, Cognition, & Meaningful Engagement (ACME) 
Mentor: Malcolm Cutchin, PhD 

Alix Sleight, PhD, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, Cedars-Sinai
The RISE (Re-Invent, Integrate, Strengthen, Expand) Occupation-Based Self-Management Program for Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study 
Mentor: Pamela Roberts PhD, OTR/L, SCFES, FAOTA, CPHQ, FNAP, FACRM

Victoria Wilburn, DHSc, OTR, FAOTA, Indiana University Indianapolis
Utilizing Ecological Momentary Assessment with Adolescents Attending a Recovery High School y
Mentor: Brandon Sorge, PhD

The purpose of this grant program is to lay the necessary groundwork for larger intervention studies and for larger implementation studies and support the profession’s Vision 2025 of occupational therapy as an evidence-based profession. The intent of the IRG program is to provide seed funding for the development of new and/or novel ideas in order to generate preliminary data as proof of concept. Most larger funders, including federal sources and most of the major nonprofit foundations, require this data in order to apply to them, yet sources to fund this preliminary work are limited at best. The AOTF IRG occupies a very important niche and fills a critical gap by investing in the development of ideas and data in the early state of the occupational therapy research enterprise. 

The Intervention Research Grant program receives donations from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the AOTF St. Catherine Challenge.  

Congratulations to our 2022 Health Services Research Grant Recipients:

Adam Kinney, PhD, OTR/L, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine
Access to Occupational Therapy Services among Veterans receiving Inpatient Psychiatric Care in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Mentor: Lisa Brenner, PhD

Lauren Little, PhD, OTR, Rush University
Disparities and Costs of Access to Early Intervention Occupational Therapy Services
Mentor: Scott Tomchek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Health Services Research (HSR) examines how people get access to health care, how and what care is delivered, the cost of that care, and what happens to patients as a result of receiving or not receiving care.  Specifically, HSR is a multidisciplinary field that studies how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to health care, the quality and costs of health care, and ultimately, the health and well-being of health care consumers. 

The Health Services Research Grant program is made possible through a generous donation from NBCOT.

Learn more about the HSR Grant

Every year, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) bestows awards and honors to individuals that contribute time, energy, and support to the fulfillment of the AOTF mission- advancing the science of occupational therapy. The awards are presented annually at the AOTA/AOTF Awards Ceremony during the AOTA Annual Conference. 

ACADEMY OF RESEARCH 
Natalie Leland, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FGSA, University of Pittsburgh
Elizabeth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, FAOTA, University of Southern California
Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, OTJR Editor-in-Chief, University of Missouri

AOTF EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Beth Fields, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, University of Wisconsin-Madison

AOTF MID-CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Juleen Rodakowski, OTD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, University of Pittsburgh

FRED SAMMONS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Charles Christiansen, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

AOTF A. JEAN AYRES AWARD
Sarah Schoen, PhD, OTR/L, STAR Institute

AOTF VIRGINIA SCARDINA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, Colorado State University

View Acceptance Speeches

AOTF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD 
Nancy Baker, ScD, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA, Tufts University
Simone Gill, PhD, OTR/L, Boston University
Forrest Pendleton, BA
Susan Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Washington University School of Medicine
Cheryl Strickland, OTR/L, Choice Rehabilitation

AOTF LEADERSHIP SERVICE COMMENDATION
Pat Booth, MAT
Ellen Cohn, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Boston University

AOTF PI THETA EPSILON MARY J. BRIDLE FIRST RESEARCH
Clarissa R. Stanhope, OTD, Rush University

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
 

Learn More

We hope you had as much fun as we did playing #OTWordle during April!

3 players who submitted their results on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram #OTWordle posts were randomly selected in our May 2nd drawing for AOTF Prize Packs and notified by email:

• Alaa Abou-Arab, OTD, OTR/L, Acute Care Therapist
• Ashika Shah, BS, OTS, OTD Student
• Becky Alwood, MHS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

Stay connected with upcoming news on grants, scholarships and more by signing up for AOTF emails: