September 11, 2001 is a date where just about everyone can clearly provide where they were when everything changed. At the time, I was in NYC. It was a clear, beautiful morning as I made my way to work taking the NYC subway. When working with my second client of the day, a colleague shared on the clinic phone that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. This occurred with enough frequency that I did not think much of it. There were a few instances where small planes would hit the World Trade Center, with only minor issues. Without social media or a television in the clinic to understand what was occurring, I continued with my clients.
As the morning progressed, I would get updates from the colleague that had access to a television. “The World Trade Center crumbled.”, was her last update. Not seeing and processing events in real time, I used my past experience and thought there was minor damage due to the plane hitting the top of the building, unaware that the damage was beyond minor. The rest of the day was a collage of incredulous activity that ended the precious lives of almost 3000 people and impacted families, friends, coworkers, and witnesses in ways that are immeasurable.
With every tragedy, there are heroes. The list of heroes on September 11 are beyond what I can list here. But it starts with First Responders and it ends with those that lost their lives on that fateful day.
Occupational Therapy
How surfing is helping Quincy and other autistic kids The story of how Emma, an occupational therapist, uses surfing to help her client achieve physical and emotional goals. This goes to the heart of occupational therapy, using what our clients love to do, to impact intervention.
3 experts offer advice on how to prep your home for back-to-school virtual learning Kerry Canning, a school-based occupational therapist in Seattle shares advice to support virtual learning for students.
AOTA Virtual Hill Week Take a look at the list of events that are part of the AOTA Virtual Hill Week, starting Monday, September 14. If participating, please make sure to post your efforts and outcomes using #OTHillDay
Research
AOTA Rehab and Disability Special Interest Section virtual journal club on Sept 15 Great way to virtually connect with other therapists to discuss recent research.
Effects of telerehabilitation in occupational therapy practice: A systematic review This systematic review looks at 15 articles where telerehabilitation was provided and the outcomes. The articles are from a variety of age groups and diagnoses. This inclusive age and diagnosis range gives a good foundation to support telerehabilitation intervention. The results follow:
| Quality of Research | Results |
| Class I: RCT (3 articles) | Significant improvements in the telerehabilitation group compared to control group: In children with unilateral cerebral palsy. (Ferrer et al., 2017) With quality of life. (Hegel et al., 2011) Emotional status with breast cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy. (Linder et al., 2015) |
| Class II-IV: (12 articles) quasi-experimentaltrial with single-group post-interventionsingle-case studies | All studies demonstrated the feasibility of applying telerehabilitation to deliver OT services across age groups and diagnoses. Six studies measured caregiver and client satisfaction and found: All participants and caregivers were satisfied with the quality of the program and had a positive view of telerehabilitation (Boehm et al., 2015; Criss, 2013; Hegel et al., 2011; Linder et al., 2015; Ng et al., 2013; Yuen & Pope, 2009). Research results showed improvements in: Functional performance. (Hermann et al., 2010; Ng at al., 2013) Occupational performance. (Boehm et al., 2015; Criss, 2013; Gibbs & Toth-Cohen, 2011; Lawson et al.,2017; Yuen & Pope, 2009). Carryover of home programs (Gibbs & Toth-Cohen, 2011; Hegel et al., 2011). Motivation (Lawson et al., 2017; Reifenberg et al., 2017; Yuen & Pope, 2009)Home safety (Breeden, 2016) Hand function (Golomb et al., 2010; Hermann et al., 2010; Lawson et al., 2017; Reifenberg et al., 2017) Parental stress (Gibbs & Toth-Cohen, 2011; Reifenberg et al., 2017). Engagement in daily life activities as a result of carry-on effect with participants with traumatic brain injury. (Ng et al. (2013) |
A more detailed analysis of the results can be found here: COVID-19, Occupational Therapy, and Telehealth.
Potpourri
5 Apps to Boost Your Mental Health Embedding these apps in your daily routine can help your mental health.
52 Books for 52 Places Would it be too much to say a book a week is the goal and travel the world in 1 year?
5 Yoga Poses for Better Sleep If you ever need to center yourself before going to sleep, start with Savasana.
Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great weekend.
OT Research Corner 