Case Example of using Robotics in Pediatrics to Improve Function
Dr. Jennifer Martinc OTD, CTR/L
Case Example of using Robotics in Pediatrics to Improve Function
Dr. Jennifer Martinc OTD, CTR/L
Volunteering makes us feel good. However, what is the science behind it? A recent study has validated the benefits of volunteering, notably, reduced mortality, increased quality of life improved and social supports (Nichol et al., 2023). The benefits of volunteering are not predisposed to those who come into it with higher levels of happiness. On the contrary, research shows that those with lower reported happiness levels reap more benefits from volunteering (Binder & Freytag, 2013).
As occupational therapists, how can we leverage the power of volunteering to support our clients on their journey? Volunteering creates a safe place for many to “try out” a work environment and safely address their deficits in a controlled environment (space, schedule, time, tasks, etc). This article includes a case study of Lisa and her recovery from a stroke, using volunteering as a steppingstone to support return to work skills.
Building Resilience into a Busy Lifestyle
Barbara Ingram-Rice OT, LMT, CLT
Trends in Occupational Therapy Research and Practical Applications for Providers
Research Special Interest Section
Transition from the IFSP to the IEP: The Changing Roles of the Occupational Therapy Practitioner in Part C vs Part B of IDEA
Pauline Kelly, OTD, OTR/L
Establishing Fieldwork Site Objectives for Entry-Level Development
Antonette Fernandez, DrOT, OTR/L
The Impact of Vestibular Processing on Attention and School Performance: A case study
Dominique Blanche Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Elevating Fieldwork Experiences: The Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy
Kristina Hartsook, DrOT, OTR/L, BCP
Empowering students in fieldwork: Building emotional intelligence skills through self-assessment
Lucerito R. Gonzalez, COTA/L, MSOTS
Decreasing Lymph Volume With the Use of Deep Oscillation Therapy
Candice D. Young E.d.S., COTA/L, CLT
The Experiences of Siblings of Individuals with Special Needs
Kim Dudzinski, EdD, OTR/L, Mary Stein, OT-S, Veronica Sarti, OT-S, Alexis Bellacera, OT-S, & Hannah Sbacchi, OT-S
Occupational Therapy interventions to address axillary web syndrome: A debilitating side effect of breast cancer treatment
Brittany Hypes, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS, C-MLD, Kaye Rubio, Ph.D., MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, & Kristin Domville, OTD, MOT, OTR/L
Home and community health therapy services post Public Health Emergency (PHE)
Amanda Kotolski, Ph.D., OTR/L
A critique of the meshing hypothesis:
Using Shulman’s knowledge domain theory to facilitate effective instruction
The American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) Vision 2025 conveys a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (2020a). It is everyone’s right to feel welcomed, valued, included, and respected while engaging in daily life regardless of each of our own unique abilities and challenges. This statement made by AOTA supports efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within all aspects of occupational therapy, including practice, education, and research, as well as policy development and advocacy (AOTA, 2020a). Therapist’s working in the home and community setting provides important client-centered services of which DEI principles implicitly embrace.
In the United States, a stroke occurs approximately 800,000 individuals annually, accounting for a large population of severe long-term disabilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). In the United States, 25% of all strokes, approximately 610,000, occur among those individuals who have already had a previous stroke, raising the risks of long-term disability (CDC, 2021). NORD (2020) reports stroke recurrence leads to poorer functional outcomes, quality of life, and increased incidence of mortality. Stroke recurrence affects a large population, so reducing secondary stroke is essential to reduce mortality and disability risks.
Integration of telehealth services occurs within several notable pathways. These pathways include academia, clinical practice, and mHealth, which included Connected Health Devices (CHDs) or Wearable Digital Devices (WDDs). Virtual pathways interconnect and add value to the healthcare industry in diverse and useful ways. Conversely, they do not work well when intentional integration is not taken seriously. The academic environment is a good place for telehealth instruction, as this exposes future providers to value-based virtual care and expands access to their beneficiaries (Dy Aungst & Patel, 2020; Muntz et al., 2021). There are many health care professions that are purposefully incorporating telehealth instruction within their curricula (Dy Aungst & Patel, 2020; Muntz et al., 2021). This mindful integration was spurred from the need to embed instruction on telehealth within traditional practice models (Muntz et al., 2021). Similarly, occupational therapy (OT) programs were offered to instruct students on telehealth through ACOTE standard B.4.15 which was authorized in the summer of 2020 (Patterson et al., 2021). However, this educational standard does not explicitly outline how telehealth may be leveraged by academicians to enhance greater adoption. (Hui et al., 2021; Patterson et al., 2021). Telehealth’s integration within the academic setting is essential as it exposes occupational therapy students to didactic instruction, hands-on learning, and virtual simulation experiences that foster greater interoperability within the clinical arena (Posey et al., 2020).
by: Annemarie Connor, PhD, OTR/L, Sarah Fabrizi PhD, OTR/L, and Adrienne Yaryan, OT-S, and Kevin Ortiz, OT-S
As new occupational therapy programs continue to develop, it has become more difficult to find fieldwork (FW) sites for students since practitioners are less willing to supervise students due to the lack of resources, limited time, and questions of student preparedness (Varland et al., 2017). Unfortunately, this predicament is now exacerbated in the era of COVID-19. Emerging practice fieldwork sites, largely focused on prevention and health promotion in community-based practice, have been one mechanism for creating meaningful and productive fieldwork sites during this increasingly challenging landscape (Clarke et al., 2015; Dancza et al., 2013).
by: Candice D. Young E.d.S., COTA/L, CLT
Increasing independence in occupations is what occupational practitioners are known for. For many experienced clinicians, it is a daily routine recognized through experience through evidence-based practices. However, many clients suffer from diseases uncontrolled by either primary or secondary causes resulting in delayed healing or ongoing therapy services. The growing anxieties of past medical history, congenital conditions, or surgeries are not always straightforward nor understandable, and the complications may be unknown. Lymphedema could be lurking in the foreseeable future for many with no current cure and awaiting breakthrough treatments (Schaverien and Aldrich (2018).
by: Sujata Martins, MS, OTR/L, CD
Out of sight, out of mind is a common saying for most and unfortunately tends to be applied to the pelvic floor. By learning to take care of our pelvic floor, most of us can avoid embarrassing accidents, as well as spending money on incontinence products, medications, and even surgery. It is also extremely valuable for pregnant women in order to prepare for delivery and postpartum healing, and plays an important role in intimacy.
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