Students learn practical application and apply active learning in lecture content. Designated as a Community-Engaged Learning class.
This assignment was highly practical and offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the concepts I’ve learned in class. I was able to apply my knowledge from the Phys Dys lecture in this lab setting by participating in clinics, palpating muscles, and using new tools that we will utilize in the field. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding and allowed me to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications, enhancing my learning and preparing me for future clinical practice.
Adult Onsite Clinics
Reflection:
During my experience in adult onsite clinics, telehealth clinics, and pediatrics clinics, I was able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills by effectively communicating with clients and working collaboratively with my team. Whether in-person or virtually, I learned how to adapt my communication style to meet the needs of diverse populations, building trust and providing compassionate care. I also utilized my word processing skills to complete written documentation efficiently and accurately, ensuring that client records and progress notes were clear and concise. This allowed for effective communication with other team members and helped maintain high standards of patient care. Additionally, these clinics helped me develop a greater awareness of the services available to individuals with disabilities in our community. Through these pro bono opportunities, I gained a deeper understanding of the resources and support systems that can make a significant difference in the lives of those with disabilities, reinforcing the importance of accessibility and advocacy in healthcare.
Student Course Learning Outcomes:
Identify the component activities related to the OT (occupational therapy) Practice Framework.
Identify and describe how to use data resources for screening and evaluations.
Identify how to use an occupational therapy model of practice or frame of reference to evaluate and contribute to treatment planning of an individual with physical dysfunction.
Discuss and demonstrate proficiency in treatment techniques and strategies for various diagnoses inlcuding the ability to provide training in self-care, self-management, health-management, and maintenance, home management and/or community and work integration as necessary.
Demonstrate competency in development, remediation, and compensation for varying body functions outlined in the OT Practice Framework.
Describe how to obtain evidence related to the cognitive and physical functioning levels of patients in order for evidence-based best practice.
Articulate the effects of heritable diseases, genetic conditions, disability, trauma, and injury to the physical and mental health and occupational performance of the individual.
Demonstrate familiarity with various commonly utilized OT assessment tools through oral presentation.
Demonstrate aspects of effective documentation necessary to therapy records, and reimbursement.
Record treatment session content accurately.
Identify standardized evaluation instruments and methods used in occupational therapy.
Identify standardized and non-standardized assessment tools appropriate to the role of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) under the direction of an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
Utilize measures and quantitative standards such as number of repetitions, variation of size, and time measurements accurately and appropriately in communication.
Analyze activity into logical components that will adjust to the therapeutic needs of patients.
Demonstrate how assessment results would contribute to an occupational therapy treatment plan and how reassessment occurs during treatment sessions.
Develop a thorough treatment plan based upon an accurate analysis of a patient’s history, current level of function, and goals.
Promote the use of appropriate home and community programming to support performance in the client's natural environment and participation in all contexts relevant to the client by creating a home exercise program (HEP).
Monitor and reassess, in collaboration with the client, caregiver, family, and/or significant others, the effect of occupational therapy intervention and the need for continued or modified intervention, and communicate the identified needs to the occupational therapist verbally and in written format in the OTA clinic.
Develop an awareness of available services for people who have disabilities that reside within our community.
Identify and distinguish between a variety of systems and service models, including, but not limited to, health care, education, community, and social models, and how these models may effect service provision.
Describe and discuss an environment that assures personal safety, comfort and dignity of the patient during the screening, evaluation and treatment process.
Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills during coursework and lab practicums.
Demonstrate an understanding of health literacy and the ability to educate and train the client, caregiver, and family and significant others to facilitate skills in areas of occupation as well as prevention, health maintenance, health promotion, and safety.
Utilize word processing skills to complete written communication in a brief, accurate and effective manner.