Filtered by tag: LEADERSHIP Remove Filter

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Occupational Therapy

kristian llaca jacqueline achonRevolutionizing Rehabilitation: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Occupational Therapy
 
Dr. Jacqueline Achon & Dr. Kristian Llaca
Technology Special Interest Section
 
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, and occupational therapy (OT) is no exception. AI has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making, personalize interventions, streamline administrative tasks, and improve accessibility for both practitioners and clients. However, its integration into OT practice also presents ethical and logistical challenges. This discussion article explores AI’s applications in OT, the challenges it presents, and the ethical considerations that must be addressed for its responsible use.
Introduction
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has expanded rapidly, offering innovative solutions for patient care and professional practice. Occupational therapists have begun to turn to AI-powered tools to optimize rehabilitation plans, analyze patient progress, and automate documentation. The role of AI in occupational therapy (OT) continues to evolve, providing opportunities to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. As these technologies become more prevalent, therapists must understand both their benefits and limitations to ensure equitable and effective care delivery (Mavani et al., 2023).
Applications of AI in Occupational Therapy
AI is transforming occupational therapy in several key areas. One major advancement is in clinical decision-making, where AI-powered tools analyze large datasets to help therapists develop evidence-based interventions. Predictive analytics can now identify patterns in patient progress and recommend treatment adjustments, leading to more precise and timely interventions (Mavani et al., 2024). Studies indicate that AI-driven rehabilitation plans may also improve accuracy and patient outcomes compared to traditional methods (Khalid et al., 2024).
Another crucial application is personalized interventions. AI-integrated wearable devices monitor movement patterns, activity levels, and physiological data in real-time, allowing therapists to tailor interventions to each client’s needs (Sali et al., 2025). AI has also been used as an interactive and personalized agent that is capable of supporting OT clients between therapy sessions by reminding them of their OT goal-attainment strategies (Kaelin et al., 2024). These technologies help ensure that rehabilitation strategies remain both effective and adaptable to individual progress.
AI has also begun to play a significant role in streamlining administrative tasks. Occupational therapists often face a heavy documentation burden, limiting the time available for direct patient care. AI-powered natural language processing tools can transcribe session notes, generate reports, and manage scheduling, reducing administrative workload and improving productivity. By adopting AI-powered intelligent document processing (IDP), organizations may be able to eliminate inefficiencies, enhance compliance, and reduce fraud risks, leading to billions in cost savings and improved customer experience (Pingili, 2025).
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Despite its numerous benefits, integrating AI into OT practice presents challenges that must be carefully navigated. Data privacy and security are among the most pressing concerns. AI systems rely on extensive health data, making it essential to ensure compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The risk of data breaches or unauthorized access raises ethical questions regarding how patient information is stored, shared, and used (Pina et al., 2024).
Algorithmic bias and equity in care present additional challenges. AI models are trained on existing healthcare data, which may contain biases that result in unequal treatment recommendations. If AI tools do not account for diverse populations, they may reinforce healthcare disparities, leading to suboptimal interventions for underrepresented groups. Occupational therapists must critically evaluate AI-generated recommendations to ensure fairness in care delivery (Ueda et al., 2024).
Another concern is the human element in therapy. Occupational therapy is inherently client-centered, emphasizing therapeutic relationships, emotional support, and individualized care. While AI enhances efficiency, it cannot replace the empathy and clinical reasoning that therapists provide. Over-reliance on AI may depersonalize care, affecting client engagement and trust in the therapeutic process (Dasgupta, A., 2023).
The digital divide and accessibility limitations must also be considered. Not all therapy settings, particularly those in rural or low-resource areas, have access to AI-driven technologies. Clients may struggle to benefit from AI-enhanced interventions if they lack necessary devices, internet access, or financial resources to afford high-tech rehabilitation solutions. Addressing these disparities requires strategic investment in accessible and affordable healthcare technology (Behzadifar et al., 2024).
Lastly, therapist education, training and adaptation present hurdles in AI integration. AI presents challenges across various fields of academia, including occupational therapy. The unethical use of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT has been observed in universities among prospective healthcare students, raising concerns that the consequences may not become apparent until they enter the workforce (Avello-Sáez & Estrada-Palavecino, 2023). The use of ChatGPT providing specific answers to questions posed in continuing education courses necessary for maintaining OT licensure may also diminish the competency of practicing OT’s entering new fields. Such practices could negatively impact the quality of care provided to clients receiving OT services. Therefore with the emergence of ChatGPT and other AI tools may require a review and adjustment of the competencies that both students and licensed professionals will be expected to develop  (Avello-Sáez et al., 2022;Charumbira et al., 2021;Miller et al., 2001)
Conclusion
AI is revolutionizing occupational therapy by enhancing clinical decision-making, personalizing interventions, reducing administrative burdens, and expanding accessibility. However, its implementation must be approached with caution, ensuring ethical considerations, data security, and equitable access. Occupational therapists must remain engaged in the ongoing conversation about AI’s role in healthcare to maximize its benefits while addressing its challenges. By integrating AI responsibly, OT professionals can harness its potential to improve patient care and advance the field.
 
 
 
References
Avello-Sáez, D., Helbig-Soto, F., Lucero-González, N., & Fernández-Martínez, MDM (2022). What competencies does a community occupational therapist need in neurorehabilitation? Qualitative Perspectives. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(10), 1-17.;Charumbira et al., 2021;Miller et al., 2001)
Avello-Sáez, D., & Estrada-Palavecino, L. (2023). ChatGPT and its impact on competence training in occupational therapists: A reflection on academic integrity. Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional, 31, e3534. https://doi.org/10.1590/2526-8910.ctoen271035342
Behzadifar, M., Yarahmadi, M., Saran, M., & Behzadifar, M. (2024). Health technology assessment: A key tool for advancing equity in universal health coverage. Health Technology Assessment in Action8(2).
Charumbira, MY, Berner, K., & Louw, QA (2021). Research competencies for undergraduate rehabilitation students: a scoping review. African Journal of Health Professions Education, 13(1), 52-58.;Miller et al., 2001)
Dasgupta, A. (2023). Intrusion Of Technology Ushering a New Concept from the Perspective of Promoting Patient-Centered-Care.
Kaelin, V. C., Nilsson, I., & Lindgren, H. (2024). Occupational therapy in the space of artificial intelligence: Ethical considerations and human-centered efforts. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy31(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2024.2421355
Khalid, U. bint, Naeem, M., Stasolla, F., Syed, M. H., Abbas, M., & Coronato, A. (2024). Impact of AI-Powered Solutions in Rehabilitation Process: Recent Improvements and Future Trends. International Journal of General Medicine17, 943–969. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S453903
Kumar, W. (2024). Ethical Horizons in AI Development: Interdisciplinary Perspectives for Responsible Progress (No. 12711). EasyChair.
Mavani, C., Mistry, H. K., Patel, R., & Goswami, A. (2024). A Systematic Review on Data 
Science and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Healthcare Sector. International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication12(2), 519-28.
Miller, L. T., Bossers, A. M., Polatajko, H. J., & Hartley, M. (2001). Development of the Competency Based Fieldwork Evaluation (CBFE). Occupational Therapy International, 8(4), 244-262.
Pina, E., Ramos, J., Jorge, H., Váz, P., Silva, J., Wanzeller, C., ... & Martins, P. (2024). Data privacy and ethical considerations in database management. Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy4(3), 494-517.
Pingili, R. (2025). AI-driven intelligent document processing for healthcare and insurance.
Sali, S., Chai, R., & Ganesan, B. (2025). Recent trends and digital technology applications in lower limb injury rehabilitation. In Digital Technology in Public Health and Rehabilitation Care (pp. 99-124). Academic Press.
Smith, A., & Taylor, R. (2021). AI-enhanced documentation tools: Reducing administrative burden in occupational therapy. Journal of Occupational Therapy Practice, 14(2), 32–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2021.1871234
Ueda, D., Kakinuma, T., Fujita, S., Kamagata, K., Fushimi, Y., Ito, R., ... & Naganawa, S. (2024). Fairness of artificial intelligence in healthcare: review and recommendations. Japanese Journal of Radiology42(1), 3-15.

Use of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI) in the Home and Community Health therapy setting

Amanda KUse of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI) in the Home and Community Health therapy setting
Amanda Kotolski, Ph.D., OTR/L
Introduction
 
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly evolving and is now being used for everything from creating resumes or music lyrics to planning parties, writing code, and helping with travel plans. AI has also integrated itself into the medical and health-related fields, including occupational therapy practice. In occupational therapy (OT), we use assistive technology with prosthetics, splints, alternative and augmentative communication devices, and seating and mobility devices (Cortez, 2023). Therapists use virtual reality (VR) for stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation. The newest form of AI includes open AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. These are "computing systems that are able to engage in human-like processes such as learning, adapting, synthesizing, self-correction, and use of data for complex processing tasks."
 
ChatGPT: An Overview
 
ChatGPT stands for Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer. It is an interactive chatbot that answers questions in a human-like way. It was developed and launched by OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research organization, in late November 2022 (Gadkari, 2023). It became instantly popular, with 1 million users signing up within 5 days (Nguyen, 2022). When asking ChatGPT, "What is ChatGPT?" it responded, "I’m ChatGPT, an AI language model created by OpenAI. I’m here to help with answering questions, providing explanations, brainstorming ideas, writing content, coding, or assisting with various tasks." Regarding occupational therapy, this technology has benefits for both the client and therapist.
 
Benefits of AI in Occupational Therapy
 
Artificial intelligence, primarily open AI programs like ChatGPT, can assist therapists with symptom checking, education on diseases and conditions, medical documentation, clinical decision-making using data, and providing mental health support (Hinge Health, 2023). It assists clients by providing additional information regarding therapists’ recommendations, answering questions about specific diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment plans, providing instructions on how to perform exercises, offering motivational messages and encouragement to help stay on track between appointments, tracking progress by asking questions about symptoms, pain level, and range of motion, and sending reminders to complete exercises and schedule and attend appointments. With all technology, there are pros and cons to using it.
 
Pros and Cons of AI in Therapy
 
Pros include saving time analyzing research and information, efficiency, conversational nature without medical jargon, and potential to encourage clients too shy to seek professional help. However, open AI is not HIPAA compliant, lacks context, and answers may not be applicable to a client’s specific situation. It has vast amounts of information on topics but responses may not be as accurate or comprehensive as those provided by a medical professional. It often cannot cite sources of where information was gathered and will acknowledge its inability to do so, lacks a human touch and cannot provide hands-on experience for learning certain skills, and can provide biased information based on research, and is unable to think outside the box to tailor recommendations to personal situations (Gadkari, 2023; Hinge Health, 2023).
 
Practical Uses for Practitioners
 
For practitioners, ChatGPT has many practical uses. For therapists who do not have immediate colleagues, it can provide a discussion or conversation to brainstorm ideas (Schwartz, 2024). It can adapt and has multiple prompts to help rewrite and edit, generate medical documentation like long- and short-term goals, progress notes, treatment plans, treatment session notes, and discharge summaries, making the therapist more productive. After inputting data about interests and abilities, ChatGPT can suggest appropriate interventions, saving therapist time with treatment planning and increasing client motivation during treatment. While therapists already spend considerable time gathering and creating home exercise programs (HEPs), open AI can develop personalized HEPs instead of recycling programs or photocopying pre-printed worksheets (Cortez, 2023). ChatGPT can also assist with locating the latest information and research for therapists to provide best practice.
 
Impact on Higher Education
 
Open AI also affects higher education, including OT students and faculty. Research shows that ChatGPT use among students can enhance classroom performance through interactive help, self-directed learning, real-time feedback, accessibility, convenience, and flexible learning opportunities (Firat, 2023; Sallam, 2023). ChatGPT can also complete systematic reviews, create data and content, and provide language translation of non-English language-based research, assisting and promoting academic equity and diversity (Lund & Wang, 2023). Open AI does not have unlimited boundaries. Research has found that it often provides inaccurate information, citations, and references, even though it visually looks credible. Content is also limited to data used prior to 2021 due to its data being used in training and development of the coding (Alkaissi & McFarlane, 2023; Khan et al., 2023; Sallam, 2023).
 
Concerns and Challenges
 
Plagiarism, research fraud, academic dishonesty, and copyright issues are major concerns with open AI (Thacker, Mason, & Weir, 2024). Academic dishonesty is a major challenge in higher education. With open AI providing individualized feedback, students can have open AI draft papers and answer open-ended questions without the professor’s knowledge. At this time, plagiarism detectors are unable to determine if assignments were created using ChatGPT since there are no documented sources (Thacker, Mason, & Weir, 2024). If a student only uses ChatGPT for assignments, it will ultimately harm them when it comes to passing state licensure and NBCOT exams since course materials were never truly learned and applied. An apparent example of ChatGPT intelligence is provided by Kung et al. (2023), who found that ChatGPT performed at or near the passing threshold of 60%, approximately at the level of a first-year medical resident, on the United States Medical Licensing Exam. Clear guidelines and consequences of open AI use among higher education courses are critical to prevent academic dishonesty.
 
Conclusion
 
Therapists should embrace the new technology and adapt it to fit their professional needs while using their clinical decision-making and judgment. As Mesko and colleagues (2018) put it, "AI is not meant to replace medical professionals, but the ones using AI will probably replace the ones that don’t."
 
Please like our Facebook HCH SIS page: www.facebook.com/FOTAHomeandCommunityHealthSIS/
 
References
Alkaissi , H., & McFarlane, S. I. (2023). Artificial hallucinations in ChatGPT: Implications in 
scientific writing. Cureus, 15(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.35179
Firat, M. (2023, January 12). How Chat GPT can transform autodidactic experiences and open 
Gadkari, S. (July 2023). The advent of artificial intelligence: OT and ChatGPT. Retrieved from 
Hinge Health. (May 15, 2023). ChatGPT and Physical Therapy: What You Need to Know. 
Khan, R. A., Jawaid, M., Khan, A. R., & Sajjad, M. (2023). ChatGPT—Reshaping medical 
education and clinical management. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 39, 605–607.https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7653
Kung, T. H., Cheatham, M., Medenilla, A., Sillos, C., De Leon, L., Elepaño, C., … Tseng, V. 
(2023). Performance of ChatGPT on USMLE: Potential for AI-assisted medical education using large language models. PLoS Digital Health, 2(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000198
Lund, B. D., & Wang, T. (2023). Chatting about ChatGPT: How may AI and GPT impact 
academia and libraries? Library Hi Tech News, 40(3), 26–29. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-01-2023-0009
Mesko, B., Hetenyi, G., & Gyorffy, Z. (2018). Will artificial intelligence solve the human 
resource crisis in healthcare? BMC Health Services Research, 18(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3359-4

Nguyen, B. (2022, Dec 5). A new AI chatbot is getting buzz for being able to have intelligent-sounding conversations, write music and even code. Business Insider.https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-new-ai-chatbot-conversation-with-questions-answers-examples-2022-12

Sallam, M. (2023). ChatGPT utility in healthcare education, research, and practice: Systematic review on the promising perspectives and valid concerns. Healthcare 2023, 11, 1–20.http://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060887


Read More

Occupational Disruption: An Undeniable Reality for Occupational Beings, Part I

carrasco lalaOccupational Disruption: An Undeniable Reality for Occupational Beings, Part I

Dr. Ricardo C. Carrasco PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Read More

How Occupational Therapy Practitioners Can (and Should) Add to the Administrative Team

kelly Trevino How Occupational Therapy Practitioners Can (and Should) Add to the Administrative Team

Dr. Kelly R. Trevino BA, MOT, OTR/L, OTD

Read More

Management vs. leadership: moving the relationship between managers and clinicians from transactional to transformational

     Holding a managerial position in a professional setting comes with a multitude of responsibilities. The skills required to successfully manage a group of professionals, large or small, are not skills that everyone possesses. With that being said, what constitutes a successful manager? What qualities make a manager the one who sticks out in your mind as someone who you looked to for guidance, or for whom you felt truly had your back? If you’re one who struggles to bring someone to mind, you’re not alone. This concept of a disconnect between management and staff has been a topic of discussion for decades. Research suggests that managers and practitioners have differing opinions about the performance of management, with management rating themselves significantly higher than their staff even though the only notable difference between the two groups is title (Brollier, 1985; Arroliga et al., 2014; Heard, 2014; Heard et al., 2018). The question to be posed then would be how can that gap be closed? Or at least lessened.

Read More

Call to Action: Share Your Feedback with CMS

Call to Action: Share Your Feedback with CMS

OT practitioners, it’s not too late to make your voices heard by CMS!
 
As you may already be aware, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking feedback on its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule for Calendar Year 2023. AOTA is in the process of finalizing a comment letter that will be submitted on behalf of organizational members, highlighting key areas of concern noted in the proposed rule and advocating for better access and reimbursement for occupational therapy services under Medicare Part B.
 
In this rule, CMS proposes a 4.4% decrease to the conversion factor and confirms continuation of the 15% payment cut for services delivered in whole or in part by an OTA. CMS proposes additional codes that may be delivered via telehealth after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, but occupational therapy practitioners will only be able to access those codes for 151 days beyond the PHE since we are not considered permanent telehealth providers.
 
AOTA has been continually advocating on these issues and AOTA’s voice is strong, but we are stronger when the voices of our members are raised in support of the needed changes to keep our profession alive. 
 
We encourage members to share your personal story with CMS on how these cuts and policies are impacting your practice. This doesn’t have to be a formal comment letter—it can be a few sentences, a case example, or a paragraph on the struggles you face every day in delivering quality occupational therapy services. 
 
CMS needs to hear from you that continued cuts and lack of access to telehealth services after the public health emergency will have a direct impact on Medicare beneficiary access to timely, medically necessary occupational therapy services. 
 
Comments are due to CMS by September 6, 2022 at 11:59pm. We hope you’ll take a few moments to share your real-world experience with CMS.
 
Your advocacy efforts will make a difference!!!
Thank you for your membership!
FOTA
 

Occupational therapy leadership perspectives used to facilitate faculty retention

 

Read More

Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy

Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy

By Jonathan E. Urrely, OT-S and Carlos Martoral

Read More

Occupational Therapy Practitioners as Leaders

Occupational Therapy Practitioners as Leaders

An others-oriented perspective is at the core of most occupational therapy practitioners. Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic profession built on the ideals of being client centered and helping others live a life they deserve and value, which I believe is the reason many of us fell in love with the profession. Occupational therapists bring a unique, client-focused, occupation based, and holistic perspective to the table. With this viewpoint, we are given a responsibility to employ it in leadership, as it is increasingly valuable to healthcare as a whole.

Read More

INTEGRATING HEALTH LITERACY IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

INTEGRATING HEALTH LITERACY IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING


Shirish Lala, EdD(c), MHS, OTR/L Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Daytona State College

The pursuit of acquiring literacy is intentional, purposeful, and deictic, and subject to change based on the contextual demands (Leu, Kinzer, Coiro, Castek, & Henry, 2013). Literacy can be loosely defined as a construct that provides an individual with the ability to read, write, and integrate information across a broad range of platforms in order to identify, recognize, and implement knowledge for the purpose of personal,social, or financial gain. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services describes health literacy (HL) as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (National Network of Libraries of Medicine [NNLM], 2011). However, according to the Centers for Disease Control, low HL is a serious public health issue affecting nine out of every ten adults (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2018a). At least 50% of the adults without high school education are at risk for experiencing severe health crises including medication errors, increased hospital visits, higher mortality, and greater health expenditure as compared to those with adequate HL levels (Brach et al., 2012).


Read More

FOTA HILL DAY 21' UPDATE

The Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) is proud to continue its service to members and consumers of OT during the 2021 Florida Legislative Session.  Thus far we have spoken to at least eight different legislators directly involved in the examination and vetting of our proposed updates to the Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice (Scope). Your FOTA representatives have also met with other relevant stakeholders such as The Florida Board of OT and the Florida Department of Health to solicit feedback and support of these essential updates to our Scope.

Now it’s your turn!

Read More
1 Comments

MAKE YOUR COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS TO STAFF MORE EFFECTIVE

MAKE YOUR COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS TO STAFF MORE EFFECTIVE 

By: Michael Steinhauer OTR, MPH, FAOTA
FOTA SIS Administration & Management Chair (Modified from Matt Cornner, Managing Director, Talent Development Solutions, Advisory.com)

Read More

Manualization of Occupational Therapy Interventions: A Crucial but Overlooked Step in Building Evidence

Manualization of Occupational Therapy Interventions: A Crucial but Overlooked Step in Building Evidence

Manualization of an intervention is an essential component in the implementation of research studies. When collaborating on research teams, manualization gives a template to check for fidelity and thus determine if the intervention is carried out in the way in which it was intended by the program developers. Murphy and Gutman (2012) have outlined essential elements in intervention fidelity that are often absent from study descriptions. For example, within the intervention manual researchers should describe the intervention design to include the number, length, and frequency of intervention sessions. The researchers should explain both the theoretical framework and any clinical guidelines that provided the foundation for the intervention. The manual must also define the “active ingredients” or elements of the intervention proven to be responsible for changes in specific outcomes, often quite complex in intervention research. Careful consideration must be given to the training of individuals who will be implementing the study’s procedures. Implementation training is not only outlined in the manual, but the manual content can also be used for training purposes. Written/electronic intervention manuals can be an important tool to assist in fidelity as they provide a means to articulate the distinct differences of the intervention and ensure outcomes are replicated.

Read More

COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON OT AND OTA FIELDWORK

COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON OT AND OTA FIELDWORK 

By: Kim Dudzinsk MS, OTR/L & Angela Sampson OTR/L

Read More

TREATING ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN THROUGH 36 YEARS OF PRACTICE: EMBRACING CHALLENGES, ENHANCING LIVES 2020

TREATING ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN THROUGH 36 YEARS OF PRACTICE: EMBRACING CHALLENGES, ENHANCING LIVES 2020

By: Nancy Marin OTR/L, C-NDT, IYT
“What is your conceptual model of OT?” I will never forget this first question by the dean of OT upon entering into OT school. I believe my answer at the time was “Helping individuals function as independently as possible regardless of disability.” I almost failed my first semester, crying over having to learn and remember 52 origins and insertions in neuroanatomy to understanding physics from my professor whose primary language was Chinese.
Thirty six years later, after working in a variety of settings to include nursing and rehab center, school system, private outpatient clinic to owner of a small private practice, who would have ever imagined that this ‘ol’ time therapist would be providing Telehealth services, learning and understanding the lingo, technology, screen sharing, various platforms, and understanding the laws and regulations for insurances and what is or isn’t a HIPPA compliant platform. My mind continues to race, but as a seasoned therapist, an OT all the way down through to my very core, I’m working hard to keep a balance of work, play and rest. I share what knowledge I think I have with others so we can remain healthy and whole.
One of my favorite shows WAY back in the day was the Jetsons. I feel as if I am now the main character in this cartoon (except without Elroy), only now living this is in real time. Who would have ever imagined thirty six years later in my career, that I would be treating children of all ages and disabilities through a computer? After these past three weeks, I am getting into some kind of routine. I am teaching yoga to adults through Zoom, helping my 91 year old mother stretch and keep her brain active through Alexa, and a variety of therapeutic activities to my clients through a HIPPA compliant platform. I am reflecting on my past life as an OT to what is now the new norm of treating. However, as a certified NDT therapist, who is used to handling and facilitation of babies, toddlers, children and teens to adult CVA’s, I am having to figure out how to be creative (although I have to believe I’ve been a fairly creative OT) and let me tell you, it’s exhausting.
Emotionally and spiritually, my heart is aching for every single citizen. Missing out on major milestones, life’s events, graduations, weddings, travel, conferences, seeing grandchildren be born and celebration of birthdays. For our senior citizens who are isolated in nursing homes and ALF’s. For all staff members who are trying to stay afloat and care for our seniors including my own 91 year old mother who I cannot see, other than through a small little box named ‘Alexa’; which in my mother’s own words is our life line!!! For the grocery store workers, truck drivers and sanitation workers. My prayers are incessant for those that are suffering from this horrible virus, for the physicians, nurses and other essential workers who care for them and us, while putting their own life at risk.
For all of us therapists who are trying to maintain some kind of normalcy for our families we serve, who are barely surviving with home who are barely surviving with home schooling, on line learning, running their own business or trying to keep their job in some way, shape or form. To be able to pay their bills and still manage to sit there with their child while I guide them to do therapy.
I am just a mother of 2 grown children, a grandmother to 2 beautiful grandsons, an aunt, a great aunt, a sister, a daughter, a wife and friend to many. I feel that my life as a pediatric OT has come full circle, allowing me to truly treat across the life span.
Nancy Marin, OTR/L, C-NDT, IYT, a graduate of FIU, is a pediatric OT with over 36 years’experience is originally from South Florida with a career spanning from senior rehab, to school system and pediatric outpatient center (Pediatric Therapy Associates in Plantation) where she developed a strong foundation and love of NDT (from great mentors). Nancy relocated in 2001 when she began a private pediatric practice, Occuplay, Inc. in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida. Nancy is certified in NDT, Baby treatment, Integrative Yoga Therapy and The Listening Program-with Bone Conduction and teaches an Adaptive Yoga/ NDT course extensively through the United States with Ciao Seminars. Nancy incorporates evidence Nancy incorporates evidence based practice utilizing NDT, Yoga and other holistic approaches both within the clinic and natural environment settings. She is passionate about individuals with neurological differences and always ‘Presumes Competence’ with each and every individual she works with. In addition to her full time pediatric practice, Nancy teaches adult yoga class and see’s the ‘Oh-mazing’ benefits across the life span. 

Measuring Florida Occupational Therapists’ Interest and Feasibility in Providing Therapy Services to Majority World Nations

Measuring Florida Occupational Therapists’ Interest and Feasibility in Providing Therapy Services to Majority World Nations

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems” -Mahatma Ghandi

By: Rachel Cromwell and Sharon Hope Winters Students at Advent Health University
Correspond to: Sharon Winters, [email protected]

 

The world has become a global society with the ability to achieve an interconnected community. The problem is the world has a global view without global support. Resources are available yet avenues to bring resources abroad in a safe, effective way are scarce. Third world nations, also known as majority world nations or developing world nations, have deficits in care, education, and equipment. Occupational rights are such an integral part of American and European society that the Office of Public Sector Information and the United States Department of Justice have put laws in place for people with disabilities guaranteeing equal access to education, employment, and public buildings and activities. Developed nations have funding that support large amounts of rehabilitation research, development of technology that support mobility, cognition, and sensory while health as a right is very difficult for marginalized populations. Inequitable distribution of health opportunities globally is a major factor in health deficits. It is a joint responsibility of both domestic and external governments to fulfill health rights of majority world citizens (Barugahare & Lie, 2016; Reynolds, 2010). There is a lack of awareness of this need, lack of therapists available to provide services, and lack of safe, economical methods to bring relief to these countries.

Read More

FOTA... Who We Are

FOTA...

Who We Are

The Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) is an all volunteer organization with the exception of one paid employee. That one employee, which many of you who have contacted the organization already know, is named Janine. She is fantastic at what she does for the organization, handling many of the day to day tasks that administratively need to be addressed. FOTA proudly represents the interest of over 16,000+ occupational therapy practitioners (occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students). Currently, membership in our organization is approximately 1,000 total members, with half of those members being students (our future practitioners). Of the 500 approximate practitioners, we have 50 or so practitioners who are tasked with running the organization and the scope of its reach. So, you might ask, why all the honesty? Because FOTA believes in transparency and we feel it is important you know who we are and what we do. We also need to be honest in expressing how necessary you are to that definition, as we are all simultaneously co-evolving.

Read More

The Role of Occupational Therapy: Providing Care in a Pandemic

From AOTA

The Role of Occupational Therapy: Providing Care in a Pandemic

This is an unprecedented time in health care that is evolving every day. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, many organizations and occupational therapy practitioners are struggling with the question, “what is the appropriate role of occupational therapy during a pandemic?” Guidance from federal agencies is continually shared as the status of the pandemic within the United States is evolving on a daily basis. AOTA urges occupational therapy practitioners to continue to check guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the most up-to-date information. More

COVID-19 Update and Resources


 COVID-19 Update and Resources


March 22, 2020 

FOTA recognizes the impact of Covid-19 (coronavirus) on individuals, families, the nation, and our world as we all adapt to these uncertain times. OT Practitioners across the state of Florida have all been challenged to remain healthy and ensure safe practices to prevent further community spread. As many of you have worked in various sectors or continue to be on the front lines, the influx of executive orders at the local, state, and national level can cause confusion as to what steps to take next. Of the utmost importance is to ensure your safety and that of your family, while following orders to reduce and prevent community spread.


Read More
2 Comments

Poised For Success

Poised for Success

(First in a series of articles describing FOTA’s Leadership Development Program)
 By Susan Hermes, OTD, BCP, OTR/L and Elena Vizvary, MS, OTR/L

 
FOTA has a long history of being a leader in occupational therapy state associations and innovations as one of the early established state associations and licensure. The Leadership Development Initiative emerged from passionate members approaching elected leadership of Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA). These members had been involved with American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Emerging Leaders and Emerging Managers programs with positive professional outcomes. The question was raised if something similar would be a match for the membership needs and the FOTA strategic plan. A small committee was formed to determine if mentoring or leadership was the direction that would fit the current members needs, marketing, and leadership efforts. Compromise and constant collaboration to make sure sequential steps were followed to gather information and align with evidence based content to guide the successive years.

2016 OT/OTA Student Survey


Read More


Amazon searches starting from www.flota.org benefit FOTA!