Needs assessment ‘Need’ refers to the gap or discrepancy between the present state and the desired state (Kaufman, Mabel & Mayer, 1993). Needs assessment is a type of applied research that gathers and analyzes information to identify and describe the gaps between real and ideal conditions (Finlayson, 2002). The primary objective of this needs assessment is to guide the need for a more comprehensive assessment of current status of occupation based instructions of physical agent modalities (PAMs). About five years ago, I sensed a need for a readily available training in physical modalities by at least 6 months of wait time to enroll in a course, investment of at least two weekends for on-site training and associated educational and travel expense. I had noticed that some occupational therapists (OTs) were willing to take such courses but were limited due to lack of time or financial constraints. I then begun informally interacting with OTs from different parts of the country and found out that similar barriers existed that prevents OTs from attaining this expertise. My informal investigations further involved reviewing websites of some of the OT programs to determine the extent to which physical modalities were a part of OT curriculum in different universities. From this search, it was clear that instructions and training in modalities was not given consistent emphasis across different OT programs. Before determining if it is feasible to incorporate instructions in modalities in already comprehensive OT programs, it is imperative to determine the current level of theoretical and technical competencies of OTs and their preferred methods to obtain training in PAMs. The next step is to compare the level of competency in modality use ... ... middle of paper ... ... Therapy Association (AOTA) has consistently supported use of physical agents to enhance participation in the form of at least five position papers since 1992. This can be a great opportunity for me especially when there is no otherwise sufficient literature to support use of modalities. Threats. In order to disseminate the results of my needs assessment, I may have to go through the IRB approval process which can be time consuming. Another threat that may influence the outcomes of needs assessment survey is low and/or slow response rate. There is a high likelihood that many therapists would still have an opinion against using physical modalities and this may negatively influence the results of the survey. On the similar premise, it will be a challenge for me to keep the survey un-biased by having occupational therapists from various settings respond to the survey.
Though occupation usually refers to a job, a person’s occupation is initially determined by what their everyday life consists of. When a person becomes incapable of performing the tasks that they are expected to do in their everyday life due to developmental delays, physical injury, or psychological problems they are often referred to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists, or OTs, usually have occupational therapy assistants, often called OTAs. The OT gives the OTA a set of objectives to help the patient achieve. Since people go through numerous occupations during the course of their lives, OT’s and OTA’s prov...
Miller and Wilson. (1983) cited in Drummond,A. (1998). Research Methods For Therapists, 1ST edition, Stanley Thornes Ltd, United Kingdom
Evaluating Process: First, it is important to review R’s occupational profile for progress from the start of occupational therapy. This is done to determine which assessment fits the needs of R and to ensure that the services rendered fits the client's purpose and goal. Some of the information gathered will include: client's occupational history, ADL patterns, needs and goals, environmental issues, and what the client’s limitations. It is important to evaluate the client’s progress to help facilitate the services that the new occupational therapist will continue. In addition, the client's concerns and interests are assessed in a welcome and open interview to attain additional information that R's family may
Kielhofner (2009) states “In the late 1940’s and the 1950s, occupational therapy came under pressure from medicine to establish a new theoretical rationale for its practice. Critiques arose from both Medicine and physicians regarding the concepts used in occupational therapy. Based on those comments, occupational realized the immediate need for a new paradigm. As Kielhofner mentioned “Occupational therapist came to believe it would bring occupational therapist recognition as an efficacious medical service and increase its scientific respectabilities
Occupation is defined as “activites of everyday life, names, organized and given meaning by individuals and a culture” (Association, 2006). This article also discusses the historical aspects of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy was founded by many different professionals with different backgrounds, that came together to share the same idea about how occupational therapy should be and the importance of activites for a person. This article also talks about different types of services that occupational therapy offers. Occupational therapists and assistances can work in many different settings. With the variety of settings a therapist and assistance can work in, the services that are offered there are different. Some different services that can be offered at these settings can include community mobility skills, stress management, alternative routines and habits, and more. It is important for therapists and assistances to know what settings offer what type of services when they are referencing their client to a new setting. The last topic this article discussed
This essay will first introduce the history of the Occupational Therapy profession and the different theories that guide the practises of Occupational Therapists. The essay will then go onto explain certain terms used within the Occupational Therapy profession and how they relate to occupation, health and well-being; as well as the importance of occupation in the occupational therapy profession and how occupation relates to health and well-being.
...e-based knowledge to inform the therapy practice. It also assists with furthering the therapist’s knowledge of humans as occupational beings as well as the relationship between occupation and health.(Yexer ,1993) introduced occupational science as a fundamental science supporting occupational therapy, with an aim to refocus the provision of therapy back to occupation. Hence, occupational science provides the therapists with support, justifies the meaning and uniqueness of the profession and distinguishes occupational therapy from other professions. In addition (Wilcock, 2001), also emphasises that occupational science might be another way to avoid the possible failure of the occupational therapy as a practice. With a strong research background, occupational therapists could make a contribution to medical science, which may challenge it from a different standpoint.
Occupational therapy was based off of psychology; we evolved from treating mentally ill patients with isolation as an efficient treatment plan. We must never forget we are known to be “the art and science of helping people do the day-to-day activities that are important and meaningful to their health and well being through engagement in valued occupations” (Crepeau, Cohn, & Schell, 2008). To other professional disciplines this article explains the difference between each of us, yet can also express our relation to one another. The basic goal of all therapeutic disciplines is to better our clients life, through physical, speech or occupational therapy. Every discipline targets different goals, may it be body mechanics, reducing a stutter or buttoning a shirt, at the end of the day our clients well being may it be through science, art or both is all that matters. To the occupational therapy field this article means progress for what we do. Reading this article today in the year 2015 did not seem like old information to me, it is still relevant, I am proud that our field is not only evolving with contemporary time but it is also maintaining its
A., de Rijk, A., Van Hoof, E., & Donceel, P. 2011). The therapist has to assess the patient to see if they have a need for splints or supports which may benefit the patient and then step in to help design the specific assistive devices needed. It is the job of the occupational therapist to come up with plans to overcome the inconvenient limitations while still helping the patient to reduce strain and prevent further damage by teaching them techniques that will conserve their energy. There are a variety of different ways to make daily living much easier. The most crucial part of therapy is assessing the patient's environment. All the people, cultural conditions and physical objects that are around them, create their environment. The behavior and development of people is a direct result of the interaction between them and their surroundings. A patient's behavior is greatly affected when they are mismatched with their environment. A person's environment match is present when the person's level of competence matches the demands of the environment. Full participation by the patient is required to make it practicable. “The science and practice of occupational therapy are well suited to develop, refine, and test approaches to translate therapeutic gains into
Occupational therapy made its first appearance in a modern-day setting during the 18th century; however, occupational therapy dates back to 100 BC. The United States medical system adopted occupational therapy in the 19th century. In 1910, occupational therapy became a realized profession. Then, the main focus was working with individuals to get them to a fully functional state. Around 1930, standards of practice were developed for occupational therapists (OT’s). The career continues to evolve and change as new illnesses and disabilities arise. Even with all the changes, the main focus remains intact: helping people.
Cole, M. B., & Tufano, R. (2008). Applied theories in occupational therapy: A practical approach. Thorofare, New Jersey, United States of America: Slack Inc.
Physical therapy is one of the fastest successful occupations growing in the Unites States of America. It is unlike any other occupation in the medical field. Physical therapists care for patients of all ages who have functional problems and disorders. They work to increase a patient’s mobility, prevent further injury, and stabilize the progress of a patients’ health and wellness. The occupation of physical therapy is a very crucial and highly demanded job and will continue to expand in the future.
This study, for instance, could enhance my knowledge on client-centered practice, considering the intervention did not fit as a meaningful occupation for all participants engaging in it. The understanding needed for the disability’s capabilities would be crucial for me to bring about if I was ever a part of a study like this. Also, I can humbly recognize other areas of expertise, like doctors, art therapists, and nursing home staff that could be involved in this study or greatly benefit from the idea of it. However most of all, getting the privilege to work with a multidisciplinary team for a study like this would allow me to learn more about myself as a health professional, educator, and a cooperative, intelligent
...various forms of treatment methods used by therapist, it became more obvious to me that I prefer a combination of therapies. I can certainly see how each of the various approaches are pliable for different situations; from background to action based. It is my current understanding that as a school counselor I may be asked to move from one approach to another in a seamless fashion.
O’Brien, J. C., & Hussey S. M. (2012). Introductory questions. Introduction to occupational therapy (4-5). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.