Pediatric Acute Care

Common patient populations are based on

traumatic or medical status

Traumatic patients

head injuries, hand/UE injuries, orthopedics

medical status patients

premature infants, developmental disabilities, cardiac, transplant, genetic anomalies, neurological conditions, oncology, respiratory issues, psychiatric conditions, multi-system dysfunction, general de-conditioning

areas of evaluation and treatment include

feeding/oral motor coordination, ADLs, AE, UE ROM, coordination, and strengthening, fine motor coordination, cognition, developmental skills, visual motor/perceptual, functional mobility/early mobility with ICU setting, UE splinting, special needs car seat fitting

referral process

1. receive order, complete chart review

2. check with nurse and family

3. complete evaluation

4. establish/follow POC

5. begin discharge during POC

What does an occupational therapist (OT) determine regarding treatment?

Frequency and duration of treatment

How long do treatment sessions typically last with an occupational therapist?

Around 30 minutes, but can range from 15-60 minutes

How many patients does an occupational therapist typically treat per day?

8 to 12 patients

Are co-treatments with physical therapy (PT) or speech therapy arranged?

Yes, as needed

What must occupational therapists complete daily for each patient?

Electronic documentation/charge

priority patients treatment frequency typically occur

5-6x per week

non-daily patients treatment frequency typically occur

2-4x per week

low frequency patients treatment frequency typically occur

1-2x per week

considerations for treatment frequency

will client make significant gains if seen or losses if not seen? what is the clients medical tolerance and appropriatness for treatment? is there a potential IPR patient?

other considerations

clients clinical level (if in level 4 red, must be high priority), vitals, medications

when are inpatients discharged?

when goals are met and child has reached prior and/or optimal level of function, child is medically ready to leave the hospital (transition somewhere)

follow up plan established with

outpatient services, clinics, DME evaluations, neurological and psychology appointments, return to learn/sports considerations, communication with primary team for school OT evaluation