Occupational therapy is an allied health profession that helps people do the things they want, need, and love to do on a regular basis. OTs work in a lot of places and support people across the lifespan. From working with kiddos who have developmental delays to elderly folks in long term care facilities.

Setting/situation: You have been working with a client, Matt, for five weeks and they are making substantial progress in self care skills after a stroke. You arrive at Matt’s room at 9am. You notice that he is already dressed and sitting upright in bed, and Matt has a visitor! The visitor introduces himself as Matt’s brother and immediately tells you to leave since, “Matt already had therapy this morning. All they did was walk down the hall and make my brother tired, then nursing came in and dressed him. Can’t you see he’s done?” Matt looks confused, he’s become accustomed to your sessions, while he doesn’t always remember your name or what you do he usually recognizes your face and knows that you help him brush his teeth. Matt seems distressed and you ask Matt if you can explain to his brother what occupational therapy does with him. Matt readily agrees

1. Know your audience.

Matt and his brother.

• Matt does not always remember who you are or what occupational therapy is, so make sure that the elevator speech makes sense to him too.

• Matt’s brother is clearly concerned about Matt’s energy level and the services he is provided with.

2. How much time do I have?

• Your schedule allows you 20 minutes to work with Matt.

• He usually requires 15-17 minutes to brush his teeth.

• You’ve been in the room for a minute already and determine that a 1-2 minute elevator speech might salvage your time with Matt and enable him to engage in his valued occupation, tooth brushing.

3. What content is most important for this person?

• Matt and his brother can benefit from information about the profession in general and how occupational therapy fits into Matt’s rehabilitation plan.

• Starting with what occupational therapy is seems important, Matt’s brother seems to think that therapy means physical therapy.

• Consider starting with the definition of occupation and occupational therapy.

4. Be sincere!

You are riding TriMet MAX (light rail) to work, you are several stops from your outpatient clinic. The car is crowded and a young woman in a PSU hoodie sits down next to you. She looks at your outfit, it’s OT month so you’re wearing a sweatshirt that reads “Occupational Therapy: Is not just a career…it’s a calling to change lives” She asks what the shirt says. When you finish her eyes light up, “I’m doing the premed program at PSU, but don’t know much about occupational therapy. I know my dad had it after he broke his hand.”

1. Know your audience.

• The young woman is dedicated to helping people and is taking steps toward a career in healthcare.

• She has some knowledge of OT, but her understanding is limited.

2. How much time do I have?

• The MAX is at least 7 minutes before you need to start getting ready to get off the train.

3. What content is most important for this person?

• Providing general information on occupation as a concept and occupational therapy

• History may be interesting and provide perspective/distinguish the unique role of occupational therapy

• Explaining OT’s role in interdisciplinary teams

4. Be sincere!

Wow! That is so exciting, congratulations. I’m glad to hear your dad had OT when he broke his hand, it can be a really hard recovery. Well… occupational therapists help people across the lifespan do the things that they want, need, and love to do on a regular basis. When we say “occupations” what we mean are activities that are part of day to day life that give life meaning and contribute to how people regard themselves and their place in the world. (The young woman tilts her head and leans in.) I’ll share something most people don’t know. OT is a holistic profession, we value the mind/body/spirit connection, but are deeply rooted in evidence based practice and have a rich history. Occupational therapy grew out of the mental hygiene movement in New England in the 1880s where it was known as “the work cure”- helping people with mental health problems engage in productive tasks, such as gardening and weaving as a way to improve their health. After WW1, and the invention of penicillin, more soldiers were coming home from war than ever before and the people providing “the work cure” were brought in to help soldiers recovering from shell shock, or PTSD. Now, a lot of the soldiers were also missing limbs or digits and this made the “work cure” difficult. Occupational therapy grew out of this unique situation where mental and physical challenges prevented people from doing the things they needed to do and wanted to do. Today, occupational therapists work in a variety of settings from schools and hospitals, to hospice. We intervene wherever there is a barrier to engaging in occupation, this means we work with musculoskeletal patients, like your dad when he broke his hand. We also work with kiddos with developmental concerns and people with cognitive or behavioral problems. It’s a super diverse field. I actually work in the burn unit where I’m part of an interdisciplinary team. I work with clients with a long road not just to physical recovery but a lot of times social and emotional recovery too. My role is to assist with anti-contracture management, wound care, infection control, and psychosocial wellbeing. Twice a week I lead groups for burn survivors to practice social skills and explore leisure opportunities. I know that was a lot, I get a little excited when someone asks about OT! Do you have any questions?