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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.

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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

 

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Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy

Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy

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

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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.

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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).


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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!

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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)

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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


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And The Award Goes To....

AND THE AWARD GOES TO….

 This #FOTA19 , as part of our yearly conference, we want to recognize all of our FOTA  members that have made remarkable contributions to our field of Occupational Therapy. There is just one thing ... we need your help to make this happen! We encourage you to nominate individuals that you feel have set the bar and exemplify the core values and ethics of Occupational Therapy. This is the opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate, and show our shared passion and appreciation with members of our community! Help us continue to celebrate and empassion our members by taking a moment to complete the nomination form. Awards will be released during the FOTA Annual Membership Meeting to be held during the FOTA annual conference.

Click to Nominate for an Award 



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Congratulations to our 36 New Leadership Program Participants, June 8th, 2019

Congratulations to our 36 New Leadership Program Participants, June 8th, 2019 

Leadership Development Program Event

 

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Hill Day 2019

FOTA Hill Day in Tallahassee, FL,  January 22 at the Capitol Building, 2nd Floor Rotunda at 8am. We were joined by our lobbying firm, Corcoran & Johnston (C&J), to establish a presence with legislators in the rotunda, promote an awareness OT on the hill, as well as engage in sit-down meetings individually with specifically selected legislators at their offices as arranged C&J. Our objective was to raise awareness of the distinct value of OT in serving Floridians, and addressing specific issues of access to care, protection and promotion of OT practice across our state. We hope many OTs join us for Hill Day in the years to come. Part of your membership dues go to ensure that FOTA as skilled advisement from our lobbying firm on strategies to promote and protect OT in Florida.  FOTA relies on membership support to advocate successfully. More members are needed to increase our ability to influence change.
Thanks to OT Students from FAMU and OTA Students from Keiser U provided a positive presence and enthusiastic representation for the future of Occupational Therapy in Florida. Students and faculty attended some meeting with legislators, toured the House and Senate Chambers, and mingled with the leaders coming and going in the Rotunda. A student poster presenting research on the important issue pain management through OT was presented near our FOTA tables. Informational Brochures were available for all passers by.
 

The FOTA Governmental Affairs Co-Chairs, President, our Lobby Firm--Corcoran & Johnston, and Members had 16 different legislators and their staff over the course of a full-day schedule. We discussed issues important to the practice of OT and the service to our clients over several talking points including the Opioid Crisis, Pain Management, Mental Health in Schools, Medicaid, and Telehealth Practice. Our meeting included leaders on important health policy, and human services committees. We thank them for a receptive discussion about OT in FL. I have included some pics of my hand-held schedule and talking points from the day of meetings.

Hill Day Schedule  of Legislator Office Visits PDF

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Summer Updates

From the President: Summer 2018 -- From the FOCUS Newsletter

Hello and Happy Summer!

  

Pictured Left to Right are our voting board members and President-elect. Cathy Peirce, Ric Carrasco, Douglene Jackson, Tia Hughes, Kathy Frahm, Brent Cheyne, Elise Bloch, Debbie Misrahi, and Kelly Uanino.

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