The power of skilled observation has proved to be a significant takeaway from my experience throughout this course and fieldwork journey. In continuing to expand my knowledge, I have begun to see the power of observation in occupational therapy, and how skilled observation is a significant and impactful component of the profession. Throughout the semester there were ample opportunities to exercise my observation skills. I practiced my observation skills in watching Mary and Ben's occupational therapy treatment sessions. Starting the semester, I felt unskilled, in that I did not know what to observe, what to look for, or how such observations are essential in the development of meaningful and accurate interventions. However, I began to enhance my skills, noticing more detail with each session I observed.  

Additionally, I saw the power of skilled observation in the acute rehabilitation unit during my adults and seniors fieldwork. I observed treatment sessions with a patient who recently experienced a CVA. The occupational therapist and patient had been struggling to generate progress with independence in ADLs, despite extensive sessions. Although the patient was admitted due to suffering a CVA, the occupational therapist noticed through skilled observations, that the patient was exhibiting signs and symptoms that were similar to Parkinson's disease. The occupational therapist brought this concern to the doctor and asked if they would prescribe the patient medication for Parkinson's disease. The doctor trusted the occupational therapist's skilled observations and clinical reasoning and prescribed the patient the proper medication. Within 2 days of being prescribed medication for Parkinson's disease, the patient significantly improved and engaged in self-care ADLs with stand-by assistance.  This experience allowed me to see first-hand, the power of skilled observation and its influence in achieving patient goals. In working with a different patient during my fieldwork experience, I practiced utilizing my occupational therapy lens through observation.  An older gentleman recovering from spinal surgery was unsuccessful in ambulating to the sink due to feeling "out of breath".  However, the occupational therapist repeatedly checked the patient's vitals and confirmed that his oxygen levels were within normal limits. Utilizing my skilled observations, I noticed that the patient may have been experiencing anxiety, resulting in shortness of breath. I mentioned this observation to the occupational therapist, who agreed. She asked the nurse to provide the patient anxiety medication.  Later, we went back to finish our session with the gentleman, and he engaged in self-care ADLs independently, without complaining of shortness of breath. This confirmed the power of skilled observation and its impact not only on the outcome of a successful treatment session, but on a client's independence.