risk management

Risk Management Overview

• Course: OCCU 5003: Dimensions of Professional Practice

• Institution: DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY

• Instructor: Crystal Dieleman, 2024

What is Occupational Risk?

• Definition:

  • A risk management process.

Professional Responsibility in Occupational Therapy (COTC)

• Establishing Relationships:

  • A1: Build trusting relationships with clients.

  • A1.4: Enable clients to make informed decisions by discussing risks and benefits.

• Client Needs Assessment:

  • A3: Identify clients' needs and occupational therapy goals.

  • A3.4: Evaluate risks with clients and stakeholders.

• Commitment to Minimizing Risk:

  • E2: Uphold client rights while minimizing risks.

  • E2.3: Implement measures to reduce risks to clients, self, and the public.

Understanding Risk

• General Definition:

  • Exposure to danger or hazard.

  • Potential for undesirable or harmful outcomes (Merriam-Webster).

• Key Elements:

  • Uncertainty regarding effects of an activity on valued aspects like health, finances, and relationships.

Occupational Risk

• Nature of Risk:

  • Inherent in all occupational activities; dynamic interaction between person and environment.

• Risk-Taking as Positive:

  • Healthy risk-taking fosters confidence and decision-making skills.

  • Positive risks create opportunities for growth.

  • Self-determination: individuals have the right to take risks, even those that are unhealthy or dangerous.

• Role of Occupational Therapists:

  • Responsible for risk assessment and management.

  • Critical to ensure clients make informed choices and support safe risk-taking.

Risk Assessment and Management

• Assessment Steps:

  • Determine the probability of risk factors occurring and the potential impact on clients, therapists, organizations, and the profession.

  • Matrix:

    • High Probability/High Harm

    • High Probability/Low Harm

    • Low Probability/High Harm

    • Low Probability/Low Harm

Mitigation Strategies

• Best Practices:

  • Collect relevant information necessary for care.

  • Maintain timely and accurate documentation.

  • Utilize secure technology systems and limit sensitive communications via email and fax.

  • Stay informed on legislation, standards, and best practices.

  • Obtain consent before disclosing information.

  • Ensure continuous communication with clients.

  • Seek assistance when necessary.

Steps for Safe Risk-Taking

1. Value the activity.

2. Identify risk factors.

3. Assess the risk.

4. Develop an enablement plan.

5. Make a record and share your plan.

6. Regularly review risks.

Case Studies

• Case Study 1: James (23)

  • Diagnosed with schizophrenia; underwent involuntary hospitalization.

  • Goals: Improve social functioning, seek employment.

  • Client engagement in therapeutic planning; risk awareness.

  • Preference for music events over sports for social outings.

• Case Study 2: Alice (87)

  • Stroke survivor with right hemiparesis post-CVA.

  • Transitioned to assisted living; desires to return to swimming and aerobics.

  • Complex assessment of her return to previous activities.

• Case Study 3: Bob (Ojibway man)

  • History of criminal behavior; underwent psychiatric assessment.

  • Formerly engaged in chopping wood; expression of enjoyment tied to past experiences.

  • Occupational therapist's proactive risk assessment against team opposition.

Ethical Decision Making

• Emphasis on ethical frameworks in occupational therapy practices.

• Encourage informed consent and respect for client choices.