Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapyand its literacy requirements : 

Occupational Therapyand its literacy requirements By: Lucy Smith

Slide 2: 

Occupational therapy- a vibrant, growing profession- makes it possible for people to achieve independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. By choosing a career in occupational therapy, you will make a difference! You will be able to improve the lives of people, from newborns to the very old “ ” -American Occupational Therapy Association

So, what exactly does an OT do? : 

So, what exactly does an OT do? OT’s work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition. OT’s use treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of their patients. They help clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. The goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Fig. 1 Fig. 2

What kind of settings could an OT work in? : 

What kind of settings could an OT work in? Although most OT’s work in hospitals, many also work in outpatient clinics, schools, and nursing homes. Some OT’s even work in home health care services Fig. 3

Professional Interviews : 

Professional Interviews For this presentation, I have interviewed three different OT’s who work in various settings: Mary Sue Farrier, an independent contractor who works in a school district and an outpatient clinic Carol Chambers, the department head of the occupational and physical therapy gyms at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Pam Bay, an OT for various nursing homes

A day in the life of an OT : 

A day in the life of an OT Depending on what setting an OT works in and what kind of clients he/she mainly deals with, typical duties include: Testing specific skills of clients and then assesses these results to create a personalized treatment plan with long and short-term goals Assisting clients in activities and exercises that will prove useful in the real world Designing individualized strategies and/or equipment for each clients that is needed in home or work areas Using computer-aided equipment to help teach patients or help clients with severe limitations Completing clients’ assessments concerning independent living skills, occupational performance, pre-vocational work adjustment, educational skills, social skills and abilities

What is read on a daily basis? : 

What is read on a daily basis? On a daily basis, most of what is read is physician referrals which must be evaluated to determine a proper treatment plan for the client. Other assessments of the clients must be read carefully to maximize treatment outcomes.

What is read on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis? : 

What is read on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis? On a weekly and monthly basis, maintaining knowledge on the client’s short and long term goals is key to being a great OT. This requires that OT’s must occasionally re-read a client’s records and assessments to stay on top of things. Another key to being a great OT is also making sure one stays up on current knowledge of new theories, treatments, exercises, etc. in the occupational therapy field. This can be done by reading accredited OT journals and magazines

Top three Journals Recommendedby referenced OT’s: : 

Top three Journals Recommendedby referenced OT’s: American Journal of Occupational Therapy Recommended by Pam Bay Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools and Early Intervention Recommended by Mary Sue Farrier Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics Recommended by Carol Chambers

American Journal of Occupational Therapy : 

American Journal of Occupational Therapy “AJOT is an official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. AJOT is a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on research, practice, and health care issues in the field of occupational therapy. The journal publishes articles that are theoretical and conceptual and that represent theory-based research, research reviews, and applied research related to innovative program approaches, educational activities, and professional trends.” AJOT website

Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools and Early Intervention : 

Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools and Early Intervention “The Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools & Early Intervention provides a much-needed single source for articles that examine innovative practice methods, strategies for effective decision-making, and the latest evidence-based research findings consistent with current professional policies and guidelines. This unique, peer-reviewed journal focuses on early intervention and schools but also includes other settings (home, clinics, juvenile justice system) to help promote the seamless transition of effective services for children and adolescents.” Journal’s website

Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics : 

Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics “The highly acclaimed Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatricsdelivers vital information to all therapists involved in developmental and physical rehabilitation of infants and children. Designed for PT and OT pediatric professionals in hospitals, rehab centers, schools, and health and human service agencies, the journal provides the latest clinical research and practical applications that no helping professional will want to miss. Current clinical advances and research findings are important for all therapists, and each issue of POTP brings therapists the latest discoveries in therapy as related to their work with children.” Journal’s website

What is written on a daily basis? : 

What is written on a daily basis? On a daily basis, evaluation and assessment forms are constantly being updated. This is important in keeping up-to-date information for each client that you work with

What is written on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis? : 

What is written on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis? Although patients are usually not in therapy for a whole year, long term assessments are written for the patients that need to be in therapy for an extended period of time. Short and long-term goals are constantly evaluated to make sure that each client is on track.

Educational Level : 

Educational Level To become an OT, one must obtain a master’s degree or more in occupational therapy from an accredited educational program One can major in anything to get into OT school, as long as the prerequisites are met. Majors such as kinesiology, health science, and psychology are recommended by OT’s An occupational therapy license is also needed in the United States from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

Bibliography : 

Bibliography Interviews: Farrier, Mary Sue. Telephone interview. 27 November 2009. Bay, Pam. Telephone interview. 30 November 2009. Chambers, Carol. Personal interview. 1 December 2009. Secondary Sources: American Journal of Occupational Therapy (2009): n. pag. Web. 3 Dec 2009. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools and Early Intervention (2009): n. pag. Web. 3 Dec 2009. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics (2009): n. pag. Web. 3 Dec 2009. "Home page." The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.. 2009. American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., Web. 3 Dec 2009. Figures Fig. 1: Massachusttes Association for Occupational Therapists. Web. 3 Dec 2009. Fig. 2: Blythedale Children’s Hospital. Web. 3 Dec 2009. Fig. 3: Summit Physical Therapy and Rehab. Web. 3 Dec 2009.