Masculinity, Occupation, and Healthy Behaviors

Dr. Khalil Mrabe OTD, Med, CLT

Dr. Gabriela Perez EdD, OTD, MS, OTR/L, PTA, CSRS

Interdisciplinary ICU Mobility Plan

Introduction and Background: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk for developing muscle atrophy, ICU-acquired weakness, atelectasis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, atelectasis, and hemodynamic instability (Atkins & Kautz, 2015). However, evidence supports that early mobility is essential for improving ICU recovery and reducing these complications (Atkins & Kautz, 2015).  What has been less clear in clinical practice is when to begin mobilizing a patient in the ICU and to what degree (Hodgson et al., 2015). In an ever-changing, critical environment like the ICU, knowing how far to push a patient in therapy can be difficult (Hodgson et al., 2015). The increased amount of “gray area” with clinical decision-making can result in decisions that may leave patients in potentially harmful positions, nurses in unsafe circumstances, and physical and occupational therapists in less than optimal therapeutic conditions (Hodgson et al., 2015). To combat this, an interdisciplinary team of occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and an ICU intensivist collaborated to create an ICU mobility protocol. 

In the literature review, existing ICU mobility protocols were explored, specifically, the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool 2.0 (BMAT), Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Mobility Program (NSICU), and the safety parameters for mobilization created by Hodgson and colleagues (2014). The BMAT is presented as a flow sheet of decision-making depending on the patient’s activity tolerance (Boynton, 2024). The NSICU is presented as four categories of mobility, which depend on the level of assistance and equipment required to mobilize patients and the feasibility of mobility tasks at each level (Broadway & Nuila, 2023). The safety parameters for mobilization created by Hodgson and colleagues (2014) work on a red, yellow, and green light system for in-bed and out-of-bed activity based on extensive objective respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and medical/surgical measures. The BMAT and NSICU do not provide many objective measures to help the interdisciplinary team choose an appropriate mobility level for the patient (Boynton, 2024; Broadway & Nuila, 2023). On the other hand, the safety parameters for mobilization created by Hodgson and colleagues (2014) do have comprehensive objective measures; however, it does not convey any middle ground between in-bed and out-of-bed activity. 

Enhancing Leadership and Relationships through Structured Mentorship in Occupational Therapy

Fostering Professional Growth through Mentorship and Collaboration

Antonette Fernandez, DrOT, OTR/L, CSRS, NDTFOTA Strategic Plan Ad Hoc CommitteeOctober 2026

Sacred Pause: The Power of Rest, Ritual, and Reflection for OTs

Occupational therapists are skilled at creating restorative routines for their clients, but often neglect their own need for rest and recovery. This article explores the concept of the “sacred pause”—a purposeful practice of rest, ritual, and reflection—as a powerful strategy for therapist wellbeing. Drawing from clinical experience, spiritual practice, and emerging literature, it invites OTs to reclaim space for themselves as an extension of ethical, sustainable care. A guided relaxation script is included to help integrate these concepts into daily life.

Occupational therapists are champions of balance, yet so often we find ourselves teetering on the edge of burnout. We advocate for sensory-friendly environments, restorative sleep, and meaningful routines, for everyone but ourselves. Caught in the crosscurrents of documentation, productivity, and caregiving (both personal and professional), it becomes easy to default into over-functioning and under-recovering. In recent years, I’ve found myself leaning into the concept of what I call the sacred pause, a purposeful practice of rest, ritual, and reflection that allows me to refill my cup, reconnect to my purpose, and reengage from a place of wholeness.

Navigating the Transition from Clinician to Manager

From Staff Therapist to Manager

The transition from staff therapist to a first-time manager can be challenging, particularly when the people you now supervise are former colleagues or coworkers or even former fieldwork instructors. Relationships among peers must evolve as you assume responsibility for supervising staff, providing feedback, addressing performance concerns, and making difficult decisions.

Wearables Beyond Fitness Tracking: An Emerging Role for OT

Jacqueline Achon, OTD, OTR/L

Kristian Llaca, OTD, OTR/L

Advocacy in Action: Advancing Occupational Therapy Across Florida

Dr. Antonette Fernandez

President's Message

Thriving at Work: Occupational Therapy Strategies for Cancer Survivorship

Vanessa Grijalba, OTD, OTR/L, CHT;

Lyvette Carrasquillo, OTD, OTR/L, M.Ed., MHA

Planting Possibilities: Sensory Gardens in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

 Marissa Casamento OTD-S

Jennifer Martinc OTR/L 

Understanding Occupational Identity: Building on the Foundation of Occupational Science 

Ricardo C. Carrasco PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Jennifer Castelli OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Sustaining the “Self” in Therapeutic Use of Self

Annemarie Connor, PhD, OTR/L; Sarah Fabrizi, PhD, OTR/L; Lauryn Combs, OTS; Aubrie Fry, OTS

In the ever-evolving profession of occupational therapy, practitioners are often inundated with new technologies, standardized assessments, and specialized protocols. While these are essential, we must not overlook the most foundational instrument in our clinical toolbox: therapeutic use of self. Broadly conceptualized as the working alliance (WA), this is a collaborative relationship defined by agreement on goals, consensus on tasks, and strong interpersonal bonds (Bordin, 1979). This article operationalizes the WA as an evidence-based practice foundational to effective intervention and a critical protective factor against therapist burnout.

Differentiating Sensory, Executive Function, and Behavioral Challenges

Dominique Blanche Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Therapy West 2, Orlando

Executive Functioning in School‑Based Occupational Therapy: Assessment and Intervention Through an Occupational Lens

Dr. Pauline Kelly, OTD, OTR/L

The Influence of Positive Faculty-Student Relationships on Student Engagement: The Basics

Kurt Hubbard, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Abstract 

High Risk Pregnancy and the Expanding Role of Occupational Therapy in Maternal Health

Sabina Khan PhD, OTD, OTR/L and Pamela Hess OTD, OTR/L

Abstract

Traditional Medicare versus Medicare Advantage disparities and outcomes

Amanda Kotolski, Ph.D., OTR/L

Approximately 65 million people in the United States are enrolled in Medicare. Aging consumers are faced with decisions regarding their choices of traditional Medicare or enrolling with a Medicare advantage program. Last year, in Florida, 613 Medicare planes were available to enrollees (CoverRight, 2025). In 2023, Medicare Advantage (MA) plan enrollment surpassed traditional Medicare (TM) in enrollment (51%) (Prusynski, R.A., D’Alonzo, A., Johnson, M.P., Mroz, T.M., & Leland, N.E., 2024). However, research studies are showing growing discrepancies of coverage, availability and outcomes of home and community health services. 

Supporting Occupational Engagement for Individuals Living with Cancer: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

Kristin Domville, PhD, MOTR/L and Brianna Batista OTD

Cancer survivorship continues to increase in the United States, creating a growing need for rehabilitation services that address the functional and psychosocial challenges experienced during and after treatment. Individuals living with cancer often experience disruptions in daily occupations due to symptoms such as fatigue, pain, emotional distress, and changes in physical functioning (Fleischer et al., 2023; Fu et al., 2022). Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to support participation in meaningful activities and improve quality of life for this population.

Evidence-Based Cognitive Interventions for Older Adults 

Annette Bullard, MEd, BA, COTA/L

Lucerito Gonzalez, MSOT, COTA/L 

Advocacy in Action: Advancing and Protecting Occupational Therapy

Dr. Antonette Fernandez, DrOT, OTR/L
Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) President

President’s Message

Beyond Intuition: Mentoring the "Natural" OT/OTA Student for Deep Reflection

Chelsea Barton, MS, ORT/L

The “natural talent” student.  They just have “it.”  They establish rapport easily with clients, they have strong clinical "gut feelings" and high emotional intelligence, they rarely need a fieldwork educator (FWE) to majorly intervene.  So, the FWE gives them one client to start, and they do well, next is 2, 3, 5, 7, and before midterm, they have the whole caseload.  The FWE is of course providing direct supervision, especially in the beginning, and the student is getting the full experience, and quickly, too.  They are taking on the entire caseload for longer than your typical students do.  Which is good, right?