Occupational Therapy Notes

Occupational Therapy Goals and Realism

  • Occupational therapy aims for realistic and applicable outcomes.
  • Example: Achieving a 3/53/5 muscle strength in the wrist to perform daily activities.
    • Activities include holding a pen or using a computer.
  • Goals should be attainable and not require drastic improvements in a short time.
    • Avoid goals like increasing something by 1515 degrees in six weeks.
  • Focus on realistic improvements relevant to the patient's daily life.

Specificity in Goals

  • Specific numbers in goals are acceptable if realistic and applicable.
  • Refer to examples provided for guidance on specificity.

Critical Thinking and Detail

  • Use bullet points with full sentences for critical thinking sections.
  • Provide detailed explanations and integrate course content with the case study.
  • Avoid one-line answers.

Detailed and Concise Communication

  • Strive for detailed and concise communication.
    • Provide necessary details in a straightforward manner.

Initial Problem Section

  • The initial problem section can be functional or physical.
  • Avoid repetitive descriptions by focusing on different activities with different issues.
  • Example:
    • Fine motor activity involving fingers.
    • Work-related activity involving the wrist or elbow.
  • When describing decreased skills (e.g., writing), explain the underlying causes.
    • Connect issues to specific limitations like decreased range of motion in the wrist.
    • Example: Limited wrist flexion or extension.
  • Expect some overlap due to interconnectedness of hand and wrist function.

Addressing Multiple Issues in Problems

  • It is acceptable to include multiple issues, like weakness and limited movement, in one problem.
  • Justify the selection of issues based on their relevance to the problem.

Emotional Well-being and Therapy

  • Consider emotional well-being and its impact on movement and therapy adherence.
  • Address psychosocial aspects, motivation, and mental well-being.
  • Tie emotional factors to their influence on movement and ability to perform tasks.
    • Example: Depression due to inability to use the wrist for computer work.
  • Recognize that OTs work holistically, considering both physical and psychosocial aspects.

Similar Problems with Different Approaches

  • Similar problems can be approached differently by focusing on different aspects.
  • Example:
    • Difficulty operating machinery and handling heavy tools.
    • One can focus on strength, and the other on fine motor control.
  • Problems do not need to address every aspect; focus on one key issue.
  • Example:
    • Inability to brush teeth can be due to decreased range of motion in the fingers.

Problem Definition

  • Frame problems functionally, focusing on occupations.
  • Example: Instead of "limited active range of motion," use "inability to handle heavy tools."
  • Causes should explain the limitations leading to the problem.

Goal Setting

  • When defining a problem, focus on the everyday life occupation affected.
  • Example: Instead of "functional limitations in bathing," use "impaired bathing" or "tub transfers."
  • Causes can include balance or cognition issues like impulsivity.
  • Impact of the occupation could be fear of falling or poor hygiene.

The Soda Banking Situation

  • Issues logging into the website, but still able to access account and information
  • Resolution process:
    • Customer service confirms account didn't go through.
    • Assurance from them it would take 24-48 hours to permanently delete the account
    • Attempt to make the new account next week, after deletion.
  • Reassurance:
    • Yvonne can store the money for now
    • No urgency to create the account this week, take time off