SSU MOT 6691 & 6692

This study was performed to identify the ability for individuals to adjust following spinal cord injury and acute rehabilitation treatment using the PAIS, the psychological adjustment to illness scale. Although this article is dated 1991- I feel that it has extreme relevance to the population. Specifically results of this study were extremely variable, some individuals were able to adjust without difficulty while others reported extreme difficulty with the major life change. I feel that this can be applicable to any traumatic injury--even outside of spinal cord in that experiences and adaption can be very individualized and should be approached as such. (Exactly why OT's approach to individuality and looking at the person as a whole is so crucial following a traumatic injury)

This exert is specifically from the VA handbook in regards to supervision specifically for health professionals and trainees. This resource provides a strict breakdown of the supervision requirements for supervisors and trainees. It is clear through this policy that strict guidelines are to be followed within this system and this is what I have experienced in my time there. I was intrigued however, that supervisory roles are seen as an educational experience. The following tenet was the first under supervisor regulation--" Supervision is an educational experience provided by a qualified supervising practitioner with a trainee. This relationship is evaluative, extends over time, and has the simultaneous purposes of enhancing the professional functioning of the trainee while monitoring the quality of services delivered. Supervision is provided through observation, consultation, directing the learning and activities of the trainee, and role modeling". I feel that this really stressing the educational importance of being a supervisor.

This article specifically targets occupational therapist within a medical-model based setting in hopes to address ethical issues often seen and debated specifically within a medical rehabilitation facility. The article provides a two-part study revolving around the influences that Occupational Therapist have and can have on the development of policies and ethical practice. The author provides a wide variety of resources and makes a personal conclusion that the current policies and service model within health care generate ethical concerns particularly for rehab therapist and professionals.

This article specifically relates to the importance of treating PTSD among veterans with appropriate psychotherapies. This article relates directly to the work I am currently involved in at the VA as many of the patients I see struggle daily with PTSD symptoms. In addition, an interdisciplinary team approach is used at the VA and pt's and staff work closely with psychologist and psychiatrists to ensure appropriate care. In looking at this article it is important to see that symptoms of PTSD are treated appropriately and with the best means available.

Treatment planning

Links to resources

Remediation

Occupation-based treatment

Flash cards

Going to the library

Barriers and solutions to EBP

This abstract provides an overview of a study that examined the concept of professionalism in Westerns cultures in the field of occupational therapy. The researchers said that in OT research, this area is lacking, yet it is a core value of the field. This concept needs to be further studied to establish a set of standards to define what it means to be professional in OT settings.

This handout can be useful for VA hospitals to introduce Veterans to the services OTs can provide in terms of their mental health, including the ability to address psychosocial needs and rehabilitate using occupations.