OTA 2310 OT Prof Issues II

UOTA 2024 Attendance Reflection

First Session

The first session I attended was titled “Implementing Trauma Informed Care in Inpatient Settings,” presented by Kaitlin Lillywhite, OT/L, LSVT. This was the first session after the keynote. Kaitlin has worked in neurological OT for several years and in many different facilities, and she has seen firsthand how trauma and traumatic effects can affect a patient’s health outcomes. She began by reviewing traumas, ACEs, and other key terms. At this point, I was a little disappointed because she covered everything that I was already very familiar with, but I ended up learning so much from the application portion of her presentation, where she reviewed the traumatizing aspects of acute care and the 6 Pillars of TIC. Firstly, I learned that trauma and resulting PTSD can come from a number of different factors in acute care that I hadn’t considered. The possible use of restraints, the lack of privacy or control, isolation, impersonal relationships, and sensory triggers are just a few of the aspects of acute care that can be very traumatizing for someone in an already difficult situation. Secondly, I learned the importance of asking the patient what they need to feel safe and following through as much as possible with their requests and concerns. This requires open communication with their care team. Thirdly, I learned a new way to check for understanding or concerns. From now on, I will follow up any education with, “What questions do you have?” or “What are your concerns moving forward?” instead of just “Do you have any questions?” Fourthly, I learned the importance of saying “Yes” instead of “No” whenever possible, even if it’s indirectly. Fifthly, Kaitlin emphasized the application of TIC as a universal precaution. We as OTPs can never be completely sure of any trauma or fears a person might have, but if we approach people as if they’re traumatized, we will usually be right. 

I’m really excited to take Kaitlin’s full course and learn more about TIC in inpatient settings. I plan to ask more efficient and empowering questions when talking with clients. I would also like to collaborate with other acute care professionals to improve the patient experience as much as possible through TIC as a universal precaution and offering sensory processing as a way to combat trauma in acute care. I will also be very conscious of not overcommitting to patients by being open about my capacity to fulfill their needs and being realistic in what I can accomplish for and with them. This made me more excited to work in acute care!

Second session

Another session I attended was presented by Vanessa Rapier, OTD, OTR/L, CBIT, titled “Artificial Intelligence in OT: Opportunities, Practical Applications, & Ethical Considerations.” This was a very interesting session, and I really enjoyed it. Vanessa presented on how we as OTPs can use artificial intelligence (AI) in our occupational therapy practice. She discussed both practical concerns (what kinds of AI, what websites are helpful, writing prompts, etc) and ethical concerns (still making it skilled and client-centered, maintaining HIPAA, etc). I learned a lot from her, and I’ve already started applying some of the principles in school and in projects at home. Firstly, she stressed the importance of utilizing “therapist-defined parameters.” AI is only as useful as the prompts we put in, so we must be purposeful and skilled in creating outcomes that meet our goals as OTPs. Secondly, I learned that I can use it to help with executive dysfunction! Someone pointed out that it can be used to just get started on tasks that may seem overwhelming, as it can prompt actions or create outlines that we can use as scaffolding for tasks. I have used this already for homework, and I look forward to sharing this as a skilled intervention if it comes up in my practice. Thirdly, Vanessa gave some excellent examples of writing prompts. I realized that you really do have to be purposeful and specific in the prompts, because the information you get out is only as good as what you put in. This is another skill I plan to hone to give me an edge in the developing scene of AI in OT. Fourthly, I learned that AI can be used to improve patient and caregiver support/training. I can put handouts into AI and ask it to simplify or check it for cohesiveness and understanding, or I can even translate it! Lastly, it was emphasized that AI can be an amazing tool for an OTP. It is not something to be feared; rather, it is an important innovation that will soon become necessary and expected in our practice. I must learn now how to use it well in order to stay relevant, and I have opportunities to participate in its development as we learn more about its applications in OT.

Poster Session

During the poster session, I presented my poster about my AD, “Hand Crank Adaptation for Sewing Hand Wheel.” My AD is a hand crank that attaches to the hand wheel on a sewing machine so that the sewist can avoid painful finger flexion, gripping, and radial/ulnar deviation that is required for a typical hand wheel. Originally, I had created this to fill a general need that I saw among sewists; many of the sewists that I know are older and have slowed down because of difficulties with arthritis and joint deformations. However, I discovered that I also needed it while sewing! It relieved a lot of pressure on my fingers and wrists and avoiding the tricky, fine motor movements that quickly fatigued my hand.

Several people thought it was a great idea, and I think I did a good job explaining the need for something like this in sewing as a leisure or work activity. It was validating to get positive feedback on something I had executed so carefully, and I felt really proud of myself. It also reinforced my resolve to move forward with this product because other attendees noted other people in their lives that could benefit from it. I also got a couple ideas for improvement. I wish I had finished the hand crank 2.0 version to show an even better idea of how it could work, but I also had to be realistic about my time and energy. In terms of what went well, I think I connected well with those who visited my poster and had a good script for the presentation. I was confident in my product and of my understanding of its value.

This project got me thinking through sewing like an OTP, noticing areas of friction and creating an informal activity analysis for several actions that are part of sewing. I really think this product could be very helpful to relieve one area of conflict for sewists. I came to realize how meaningful sewing is for me and what it means to others as I researched people who have difficulty with sewing due to physical differences, disease, and general pain or fatigue. This is an important skill as an OTP, one that I will carry and develop throughout my career.

I knew this before, so this came as no surprise: I LOVE presenting. I am very excited to develop and present in-services and/or conference sessions. I feel like I have something good to share, although at this particular moment, I only have fragments of ideas for what I might share at a conference. But for in-services, I would love to give interdisciplinary in-services about LSVT, TIC, sensory integration and processing, and so much more. I am passionate about education, and I believe it is the first step towards a more cohesive care team and negating prejudice and miscommunication.

Please see the image below for pictures of the hand crank and the poster presentation.

Assistive Device Poster Presentation