EDITORIAL

Abstract

With this issue of Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, we begin the third year as editors of the journal. It seems that this is an appropriate time to stop and reflect on our experiences and on the journal itself over the past two years. In taking over as editors of POTP, Irene McEwen and I discussed our goals for the journal. First, we wanted to ensure that POTP is a journal of high quality that provides useful information for clinicians, students, and researchers in the pediatric rehabilitation field. In doing this, we sought a balance of original research articles and submissions that reflect emerging trends within our disciplines. Secondly, we wanted to develop a timely, rigorous peer-review process.

After two years, how are we doing? Let's take a look at quality. Although we are pleased overall with the quality of the articles that have been published in POTPduring the past two years, we know that the quality can improve. The journal still receives manuscripts reporting research with very small sample sizes and results that are difficult to generalize. As editors, we have actively encouraged researchers to increase the rigor of the research and reporting. The journal has received more manuscript submissions duringthe past six months. As POTPpublishes high-quality material, it is likely that we will receive manuscripts reporting the results of larger research studies.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary Law

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

Janette McDougall, MA, was Project Coordinator

Kip Husted, BEd, was a parent representative on the study team.

Aviva Yochman, MA, OTR, was a student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel at the time of this study.

Imelda Burgman, MA OTR/L BCP, completed her MA in Movement Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, and was an Occupational Therapist at The Shield Institute, Bronx, NY. She is currently Lecturer, Habilitation, School of Community Health, Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University, Albury, N.S.W., Australia.