It gets late early out here. ~ Yogi Berra
I cannot believe that tomorrow is August. This Yogi Berra quote sums up how quickly this summer is progressing. I hope everyone is safely getting in some summertime activities. I think walking and running has been my go-to for outdoor activities. In my area, I see families kayaking at our local creek, riding bikes on the trails, and trying their best to just enjoy things one day at a time…not a bad way to take in the summer.
This week and next, I have quite a bit to post that I am excited to share. But, for now, I will share the good news of the week.
Occupational Therapy
I feel fortunate to have AOTA working to advocate for our profession. Prior to COVID-19, their level of advocacy for the occupational therapy profession was second to none. Legislation reviewed and thwarted or reviewed and supported. I honestly, slept better knowing that AOTA was on the case! After COVID-19, AOTA added another layer of advocacy and stepped up their resource game with some great decision guides. In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus was on information for safety and legislation to provide client coverage. Now that we are in a new phase of normal, the resource guides are now focused on optimal client care within the confines of the pandemic. One resource guide that I found useful was Tips for Families: Helping Children and Adolescents Transition Back to School I think the comprehensive nature of this COVID-19 resource is what is needed to help clinicians navigate client care. There are so many benefits to this guide—live links, focus on the needs of children across age ranges (including that tricky adolescent age group who wants nothing to do with nothing) and more–in a neat 2-pager!
Pediatric teletherapy using household items. Let’s be real here, with teletherapy, sometimes the best laid plans go out the window. Having a teletherapy toolkit that includes household items can make therapy sessions run more smoothly and be more productive for client and therapist.
Call for comments on the 2020 Code of Ethics. Deadline August 27, 2020! It felt like it was just yesterday that I marveled at the 2015 version of the AOTA Code of Ethics. Cue Yogi Berra (It gets late early out there). The new version can be found here: 2020 Code of Ethics In this fast changing world, which has also impacted the occupational therapy profession, share your thoughts on the ethical guidelines of our profession.
TV News Interview with Occupational Therapist Great interview with occupational therapist April Najpaver on the role of occupational therapy and physical therapy with the pediatric population!
Research
UK top ten research initiatives. Am I the only one that gets excited by a list of occupational therapy research initiatives? I didn’t think so! I like the comprehensive nature of this list, looking at all clients that occupational therapy serves. Also included is the importance of funding these initiatives to reach each goal. The vision: Having this clear agenda for research takes RCOT a step closer to achieving its vision for research which is to have, within the next decade, a UK-wide culture that embraces engaging in and with research as every occupational therapist’s business embedded within the profession. Honestly, I can use this as a checklist to ensure that client needs are met everyday during the delivery of services.
Experiences of Occupational Performance in Survivors of Stroke Attending Peer Support Groups Key findings: (1) providing hope to return to meaningful occupation (2) having a place where the client feels a sense of belonging (3) problem-solving to complete occupational tasks (4) being part of a support system for another.
I was lucky enough to attend one session of a peer support group for stroke survivors years ago. Without a doubt, the results from this study was supported by the atmosphere in the peer support group. Some great ways to implement in practice: (1) form a peer support group at your medical facility for clients until discharge home (2) coordinate with the rehab team to schedule your clients that are diagnosed with a CVA together to allow for conversation and motivation during therapy (3) work with hospital administrators to organize a stroke support group and rotate rehab professionals to lead group sessions. Modifications can be done to maintain social distancing and client safety. For example, support groups can be run virtually or clients can use technology at a facility to communicate with floormates about their experiences recovering after a stroke.
Potpourri
Tips to Keep Plants Alive We all know the benefits of having plants in our surroundings. All that oxygen is good for the brain! I am guilty of 3…but I make up for it with 4!
A Photographer’s Old College Classmates, Back Then and Now. I guess people who graduated Princeton don’t age! Spoiler alert: The Office alum included in pictures.
What is Ethnicity? This is a PBS series. Short (less than 10 minutes) videos on this topic. I have to say PBS has some great educational resources. Finding ways to explain concepts to children can start with these videos.
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!
Turquessa.
OT Research Corner 