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Goal 2: (BODY) Acquire and integrate advanced knowledge in assessment and comprehensive treatment of motor control and function in children with neuromotor conditions.
Goal 2: (BODY) Acquire and integrate advanced knowledge in assessment and comprehensive treatment of motor control and function in children with neuromotor conditions.
AOTA (2015) Standards for Continuing Competence:
Standard 1. Knowledge; Standard 2. Critical Reasoning; Standard 4. Performance Skills
Image of Kathryn working with a child while integrating a complementary neuromotor approach
When I first began working at my current practice, I was one of the only full time occupational therapists (OTs) on a team comprising predominantly of physical therapists. I quickly recognized the intregral role of the OT on the interdisciplinary team in assessing upper extremity motor control to participate in functional activities. I identified a gap in our practice for valid and reliable tools to measure upper extremity function, as there was not currently one in place. This artifact represents my review of literature, comparing and critiquing pertient outcome measures. Knowledge extrapulated from the literature was thoughtfully analyzed and considered, to ultimately select relevant measures(s) to implement
My initial inquiry into upper extremity interventions for hemiplegia yielded a wealth of information on constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT), one of the most documented and favored approaches. This artifact demonstrates my knowledge in utilizing traditional and modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) as a modality to facilitate upper extremity motor control in the pediatric population. The certificate of course completion acknowledges my didatic knowledge. The development of an evidenced-based adapted protocol and reflect my application of knowledge to clinical practice.
As I continued to delve further into upper extremity interventions for hemiplegia, I began to explore alternative approaches to the standard conventional protocols. One such approach I determined to be applicable to our clinical population was mirror therapy. However, much of the current research and existing protocols for mirror therapy pertain to the adult stroke populations. This artifact represents the research I completed to develop and adapt a protocol for our clinic with the pediatric neuro population.
Working with children who have complex neuromotor conditions compelled me to develop the most comprehensive approach to care as possible. I began to further explore alternative and complementary approaches that may offer meaningful changes to patients not otherwise responding to conventional methods. Cuevas MEDEK exercise (CME) is a unique psychomotor approach to facilitating motor control in infants and young children with abnormal development. This artifact represents my initial certification and integration of CME techniques into my clinical practice.
Collectively, these artifacts detail my experiences in developing advanced knowledge and understanding of the assessment processes, specifically as it relates to upper extremity function in the pediatric patient. This process required dilligent literature review and evidence-based appraisal, which also subsequently exposed me to a greater breadth of intervention approaches. Careful consideration was given to the current body of available evidence, as it related to recognized gaps in clinical practice and the identified needs of my own unique patient population. Here I reflect on navigating a balance between evidenced based practice with practice based knowledge, to ultimately select and adapt approaches and protocols to inform my own best practices.
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