Rehabilitative Frame of Reference

This FOR is based on clients whose underlying impairments might be considered permanent. This FOR includes concepts of adaptation, compensation, and environmental modifications. The method of teaching clients through this FOR included compensatory or functional methods, and makes use of assistive equipment and environmental modifications to restore function. The population for this FOR is  Child, Adolescent,  Adult, and Elderly. It is important to considering when using this method the client's motivation, ability, strengths, and evaluation of  client's environmental and social context. The ultimate goal of this FOR is to maximize independence despite the presence of persistent impairments.

3 key terms for this FOR:

- rehabilitative: working on enhancing function
- impairments (persistent): something that is an obstacle in finishing a task
-adaptation : changing the environment in order to achieve tasks more efficient

References:
Rehabilitative Frame of Reference. (n.d.). Retrieved April 05, 2018, from http://ottheory.com/therapy-model/rehabilitative-frame-reference

Knowledge Check 17

Two thing that I learned today:

• Cost effectiveness of OT- people who had OT were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital. 
•  Health People 2020 mission is to identify health improvement priorities, increase public awareness and understanding of the determinants of health, disease, and disability and the opportunities for progress

Knowledge Check #17

During an observation at an out patient center, I noticed how easy the pitfalls of talking about clients can be with other caregivers. This clinic involved PTs, speech therapists, OTs, and office administration. The client population was pediatrics, so it seemed almost natural that these specialists developed bounds with these children, because most of them have been seeing these kids since they were babies. 

During lunch breaks or even down time, it was easy to fall into the routine of talking about the clients with other staff or administration near by. At first, I did not think twice about what was happening because I know these people meant no harm; however, it is clear that we should all be aware of our settings. Client's information is private and personal, and as health care providers we need to do our best to serve our clients in the most responsible way, by keeping their information confidential. I took away from this experience how easy it can be to slip up, so to be aware of the triggers that might bring on a situation that is not appropriate for a clinical setting. 

Assistive Technology

I really enjoyed learning about assistive technologies (AT) and how it pertains to occupational therapy along with making earth a more adaptable place for all people. As occupational therapist, our goal is to make the client and the client's home as comfortable and safe as possible, and I think the podcast "The Role of OT in Home Modification and Living in Place" did a great job of discussing how assistive technology can help with that. For example, they talked about how using Alexa helped a woman call 911 when she had fallen and wasn’t able to get back up.

I think when incorporating AT  in our day to day lives we need to keep an open mind, and we need to remember that we all have some sort of disability. I think Michael Nesmith did a fantastic job of encouraging people to think outside of the box and keep modifying technologies until they are accessible for all people.  As occupational therapists, this is vital in our field. It can be easy to live in your own bubble and not worry about people's struggle in everyday life; however, it is imperative in our field to open our eyes and see where our client is struggling and use AT to help improve our client's life.

What is the OTPF? What is its purpose?

The OTPF provides a framework for the profession of occupational therapy. This is the official document that the American Occupational Therapy Association uses. This document allows occupational therapists to be on the same page in order to provide the best client-centered care.This document talks about the central concepts that provide a base in occupational therapy practice. It also builds on the common understandings and tenets of the profession. The purpose of this document is to insure that all occupational therapists are achieving or have the tools to achieve a top up approach to client care, and this document has an abundance of information to make sure this is possible.  

Era Presentation

The person that stuck out to me the most during the era presentations was Dr. Gary Kielhofenr who created the Model of Human Occupation. This is the most widely used theory in occupational therapy research and practice. The influence that he had has really set the tone for occupational therapy research and created a framework and tools that guide assessment and reasoning process in our practice.
I thought that the progression of technology was fascinating throughout the decades. Some of the invention of the early decades were as simple as Velcro or colored TV, and by the 2010s decade we were discussing how we can literally carry the internet in our pockets. I think that this goes to show that innovation is always happening around us and we can use that in our occupational therapy practices.
Overall, I appreciate not only the progression of technology but also the profession of occupational therapy more after traveling through the decades. I can now see why we do what we do because of the chain reaction of past events. I am eager to see how the next few decades influence occupational therapy.

Hand Therapy Certification

I have an interest in getting my Hand Therapy Certification. This process, while seems daunting, will allow me to help people reach their fullest potential and get back to their everyday lives. In order to get this certification you have to have at least 3 years of practice being a licensed occupational therapist. Also, you have to have a minimum of 4000 hours of practice  under direct hand therapy experience. This experience should include splinting, modalities, one on one patient care, and individual treatment plans. I think that hand therapy allows for an unique relationship with the client because of the diverse case load between clients. Furthermore, the idea of being a life-long leaner really takes hold in this avenue of occupational therapy, because the hand is such an intricate part of the body it is important to be sharp on your skills.