Connection of your topic to Occupational Therapy (YELLOW) The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, created by the American Occupational Therapy Association (2014), describes occupational therapy (OT) as a way of enhancing participation in meaningful roles and occupations, in both individual and group settings, through various interventions. Oncology is an emerging field within the profession of occupational therapy (Hunter, Gibson, Arbesman, & D'Amico, 2017). There have been many identifying factors about the profession that exemplify the influence occupational therapy could have on oncology patients. Occupational therapy has been identified as being able to promote stronger functional status, decrease fall risks, improve social …show more content…
Occupational therapy should be at the forefront of the many healthcare fields, because it contributes a unique expertise that maximizes function (Sleight & Duker, 2016). The ability to care for the patient in a holistic manner comes from the strong training occupational therapy practitioners receive in both evaluating and treating all aspects of the client within the multiple contexts and environments with the intent to maximize functioning (AOTA, 2014). Multiple quantitative studies have displayed the short-term benefits of occupational therapy services in regards to oncology. Previously, measurements taken at the end of individualized cancer rehabilitation programs have shown improvements in client’s physical functioning (Jones & Alfano, 2013; McEwen et al., 2012; Spence, Heesh, & Brown, 2010). Likewise, meta-analyses have shown large to moderate changes in physical activity and have been deemed clinically significant on physical functioning measures (Fong et al., …show more content…
The study focused on the significance of symptom management and physical activity interventions. The findings showed strong evidence that physical activity interventions, such as exercise, are beneficial for those with all types of cancer at all stages. Aerobic exercise was found to decrease exhaustion and increase lung capacity. Health related quality of life was found to be improved with moderate evidence for cancer survivors who exercised. More specifically, Yoga was found to be beneficial in regards to sleep, mental health, decreasing stress, and increasing quality of life. The study also outlined multiple symptom management interventions. Strong evidence showed that a reduction in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and a rise in quality of life were the result of occupational therapy services and exercise. Cognitive behavioral therapy in CRF management, education and problem solving for pain management, and sleep therapy modifications provided by occupational therapist had moderate evidence supporting them (Hunter, 2017). There is strong evidence showing that multidisciplinary rehabilitation curriculums are helpful for cancer survivors irrespective of the stage or type of cancer. Such curriculums may be advantageous before, during, and after treatment. Focusing on the psychosocial components of those who have survived cancer can improve the client’s quality of life, and
The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework defines an occupational profile as “the initial step in the evaluation process that provides an understanding of the client’s occupational history and experience, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs (2014).” During this process the client’s problems and concerns about daily occupations are identified then the client’s main concerns are determined (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). Occupational Therapists strive to be holistic and client-centered, and the occupational profile is one method to ensure treatment takes on these characteristics. During the occupational profile the clients share their priorities based on what is important to them, and the therapist
Occupational therapy is also known as the dynamic and developing healthcare profession that deals with people in ways of regaining their skills required for the every days of life. For a very long time I have always had the desire to achieve my dreams in becoming an occupational therapist. I am very well equipped with creativity, flexibility and the ability to aid people in solving their every day’s life challenges they get involved in. Occupational therapy is quite involving and needs good strategies and skills for one to be successful in the program.
When searching for a career, many people want a job that will be rewarding. One job that fulfills this need is an occupational therapy assistant. An occupational therapy assistant, also known as an “OTA,” is someone who makes it possible for people to achieve everyday tasks which they normally could not do. These tasks include eating, getting dressed, bathing, and many more “typical” tasks. It is not easy to become an OTA. There is a long process that needs to be completed. This includes, difficult college classes, applying to an OTA program, licensing, training, and certifications. Many other factors come into play when deciding if being an occupational therapy assistant is the right career such as, salary, job outlook, job opportunities,
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
Occupational Therapy takes a client-centered approach to each individual and unique client. This client is Martha. She is 78. She was admitted to the hospital after suffering a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or stroke. It began when she experienced a choking episode and weakness in her right side. The CVA resulted in right hemiplegia and aphasia. Martha has partial paralysis in the right half of her body and cannot verbally communicate. Her primary role is a homemaker. She graduated with a high school education but never pursued a profession. She is the wife of a healthy and supportive 80 year old man. He intends to care for her at home with private assistance. Some of Martha’s meaningful occupations are playing games such as bingo, solitaire and bridge. She also finds satisfaction in tending to her garden.
After a person reads this article, I can highlight some of the main points in the article to give them a better understanding of what is occupational therapy is in the psychosocial aspect. It is important for me to keep this article on hand because if someone wants to look up what I do and they do not know where to begin, I can give them this article to read to get a basic understanding of what I do and they can get an idea of what to research. This article is not only for clients and client’s friends and family, but it can be used for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistances. This article can be used as a refresher for a therapist if they are having a hard time remembering something about this
Townsend & Polatajko (2007) state that “Occupational therapy is the art and science of enabling engagement in everyday living, through occupation; of enabling people to perform the occupations that foster health and well-being; and of enabling a just and inclusive society so that all people may participate to their potential in the daily occupations of life”.
My immediate goals after obtaining an Occupational Therapy degree include gaining clinical expertise through a practice of my choice and motivating as many people as I can to achieve their goals. I plan to participate in evidence-based research in order to improve patient outcomes while spreading this knowledge through community education and prevention programs. After establishing myself in the field and gaining the necessary resources, I intend to collaborate with a team of like-minded
People across the world participate in recovery programs every day. Dedicated people in professions, such as occupational therapy, work to help each person regain his or her ability to engage in everyday activities. One wishing to pursue a career in occupational therapy would first need to evaluate the career and the significant effects on themselves and the clients.
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
...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.
Change is something that human have to face often, yet it is still very hard for us to adapt to it. We can, in turn, agree that change is not easy (Jacobs 2002). Occupational therapy has been thought a lot of changes which give rise to new treatment methods, new approaches and a better to communicate with the patients. Below is an analysis of the changes that have been made in the occupational therapy field and their outcomes.
There are over 13.7 million cancer survivors in the US today, and over 1.5 million people will be newly diagnosed this year. Over the last several years that has been substantial progress in cancer treatments resulting in increased life expectancy. While certainly desirable, the dynamic has changed to more people are now living with cancer as a chronic illness. All of these individuals face a series of complex decisions related to their care that include screenings, treatment choices, and the financial challenges of cancer care. Yet less than one third of all people facing cancer receive appropriate counseling and support. A 2008 Institute of Medicine (US) Committee noted that: “The remarkable advances in biomedical care for cancer have not been matched by achievements in providing high-quality care for the psychological and social effects of cancer. Numerous cancer survivors and their caregivers report that cancer care providers did not understand their psychosocial needs, failed to recognize and adequately address depression and other symptoms of stress, were unaware of or did not refer them to available resources, and generally did not consider psychosocial support to be an integral part of quality cancer care.” (Institute of Medicine 2008)
Occupational therapy is a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required of daily life (O’Brien & Hussey, 2012; American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2014). The goal of OT intervention is to increase the ability of the client to engage in everyday activities, for example, feeding, dressing, bathing, leisure, work, education (O’Brien & Hussey, 2012; & AOTA, 2014).
The realization of how important the value of occupation and health is in my own life inspires me to help others. I work on maintaining my own health by staying active and productive everyday. Being able to participate in occupations and activities I enjoy is what allows me to live a fulfilling and satisfying life. Occupational therapy appeals to me because it helps people overcome different obstacles, allow them to accomplish their goals, and participate in activities that are meaningful to them. Along with the physical component of Occupational Therapy, I have also observed the emotional, mental, and behavioral aspect of it. I have always been fascinated with the holistic approach Occupational Therapy takes when providing someone with individualized treatment. I believe physical and mental health is integrated, and it’s essential to look at the whole person in order to understand the needs of an