Premium Essay

Occupational Therapy Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 863
Pages 4
In the health care profession, it often takes a team of specialists and professionals working together to take care of the patient. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are constantly working alongside others in order to make patient recovery go smoothly. One profession in particular that goes hand in hand with physical therapy in many cases is occupational therapy.
Occupational therapists work with people who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling.1 They are trained to help people either develop, relearn, or maintain how to perform daily living tasks.1 In order to become an occupational therapist or an assistant, a license is required in all fifty states in the US, and the …show more content…
An example would be the use of equipment to improve sensory function in children with emotional and developmental disorders. The use of brushes, swings, balls and other specially designed therapeutic recreational equipment is an effective way to help restore certain sensory inputs as well as help organize the sensory system by providing proprioceptive, auditory, and tactile inputs.2 Another example would be the use of adaptive equipment for individuals with permanent disabilities such as spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. The occupational therapist instructs these patients on how to properly use wheelchairs, splints, and other special equipment needed in order to function at home or …show more content…
When working in schools, the occupational therapist may focus on how to help a child participate and function as much as possible by evaluating a child’s abilities and modifying classroom equipment. By changing the way certain classroom equipment is used, children with certain developmental and physical disorders (such as speech or auditory impairments) are able to utilize and better understand learning materials provided for them. By helping children with disabilities to accommodate to their learning environment, they are able to participate in school activities more fully and actually enjoy them. In a mental health care setting, the occupational therapist provides treatment for those who are dealing with drug addiction, alcoholism, depression, eating disorders, and stress disorders.1 In this type of care setting is it important to keep track of the client’s progress/regression, as this is an important part of the evaluation. This information is important when reporting it to physicians and other health care

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Occupational Therapy Research Paper

...Occupational therapy makes a great impression upon many patients. Therapy in general impacts individuals who lose hope in being able to conquer rehabilitation whether it is physically or mentally. There are various conditions that can be treated in therapy sessions within a period of time. Some diagnosis such as: Spina Bifida, Cancer, multiple sclerosis, traumatic injuries, and cerebral palsy are a few that can be used as an example. Therapy can essentially treat any sickness in timely manner depending on the severity of an injury. Spina bifida is the correct medical term that addresses a split spine. This diagnosis is one of the most common incurable birth defects that children have when a child is in the womb and the spinal cord does not happen to close all the way (Spina Bifida Resource Center). A patient with spina bifida is affected with learning disabilities, tendonitis, and mobility. Occupational therapy is ideal for these kinds of weaknesses because therapy helps cope with all these factors and more! An occupational therapy will teach different fundamentals that makes it easier for a patient to move and transfer from one place to the other. Exercising with a ball can help reduce inflamed tendons...

Words: 889 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Occupational Therapy Research Paper

...Occupational therapy can provides a wide range of services for patients in many circumstances. Occupational therapy helps people function in every environment, including work, home, car, and other activities that patients might see themselves in on a daily basis. They service patients with rehabilitation needs because of impaired functioning that may have been the result of a stroke or other trauma. Patients who have suffered from automobile accidents often have also benefited from occupational therapy. Occupational therapist will do an evaluation, which is when the therapist will determine what goals the client and family are wanting to achieve. The occupational therapist will then customize interventions to improve the person’s ability to...

Words: 291 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Occupational Therapy Research Papers

...entirely as to what the field of occupational therapy actually is. Some degree of confusion appears to stem from what the term ‘occupation’ means, which consequently, coupled with unfamiliarity with the profession, results in a general misconception of the field occupational therapy. Occupation is defined as an “activity in which one engages” and occupational therapy can be defined as “a practice that uses goal-directed activity to promote independence in function” (Jane Clifford O'Brien, Susan M. Hussey, 2007). Occupational can also be defined as “everything people do to occupy themselves, including looking after themselves (self-care),...

Words: 1701 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Occupational Therapy Research Paper Topics

... I was seeking to research a topic that I am extraordinarily passionate about. As I am pursuing a career as a profession of occupational therapy, my project will be centered around terms related to the field. This will not only allow me to discover more about the background of the profession, but will enable me to discover some of the specific terminology used by professionals in the field. After telling others that I want to be in the field of occupational therapy, I have found that many are familiar with the term, but are unclear of the exact definition. Looking at the different components of the word, it means OCCUPAT- a particular action, ION- the act of, AL- pertianing to, THERAP- treat medically,...

Words: 566 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Border Personality Disorder

...Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis, criteria, symptoms Personality disorders are estimated to affect about ten to twenty percent of the general population (Sadock & Sadock 2007). Individuals with borderline personality disorders fall under the category of Cluster B personality disorders, which are characterized by dramatic, impulsive, and erratic features, which include narcissistic, antisocial, borderline, and dramatic personality disorders. (Sadock & Sadock 2007) According to the DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic for Borderline Personality Disorder, the criteria for Borderline Personality is “A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 1. 1.Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment 2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by 3. alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation 4. identity disturbance, markedly and persistently unstable self image or sense of self 5. impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging 6. recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self mutilating...

Words: 1390 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Nurse Practitionner

...Recovery and Neural Reorganization After Stroke Thomas Pearl SUNY Downstate ALWAYS JUSTIFY YOUR PAPER ….AS IN THE ALIGNMENT … NOT LEFT Over 750,000 strokes occur annually in the United States alone. The majority of those suffering a stroke have ongoing reductions in contralateral arm and hand functions that interfere with accomplishing goal oriented activities and vocational needs (Richards, Stewart, Woodbury, Senesac, & Cauraugh, 2008a). Knowing the best methods to promote motor recovery in arm and hand functioning is therefore critical in stroke rehabilitation. Lori Gage Richards, (PhD, OTR/L) is an active researcher and educator seeking to uncover which therapies drive neural reorganization after a stroke, and what are the most effective strategies leading to improvements is UE function. Richards is currently Associate Professor and Chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Utah. She was recently appointed editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and ​serves as Chair of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Committee-Stroke Council, of the American Heart Association. Additionally at the American Heart Association, she is a member of both the Leadership Council - Stroke Council and the Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee - Stroke Council. Her current professional affiliations include the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Society for Neuroscience, and the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine....

Words: 1904 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Aplication of Clinical Psychology

...Application of Clinical Psychology Paper Amanda Ayers PSY/480 March 02, 2016 Mark Peterson Application of Clinical Psychology Paper What is a case study? According to Merriam Webster, a case study is a process or record of research in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time (2016). In this paper, a case study will be examined and applied to clinical psychology aspects in real-world situations. The case study will be looking at a 19 year old Chinese male named Joe. Joe’s situation will be discussed in overview. Following this will be a discussion of the biological, psychological and social factors that are involved in Joe’s case. Lastly, the case study will be used to explain the different interventions that would be appropriate to use in relation to the field of clinical psychology. Now let us take a look at Joe and his case. The Overview The case study applied in this situation looks at a 19 year old Chinese male. This individual suffers from episodes of depression along with some anxiety. His name is Joe. Joe has an overwhelming feeling of not being “good enough”. In his daily life, he takes the responsibility of taking care of his invalid mother as well as two younger siblings. Joe’s father left when he was 5 years old and an only child. At the age of 12 his father returned. Within two years after his father’s return his parents had 2 more children. At the age of 16...

Words: 1388 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Advantages

...Therapy Billing Tips Provider Reference Supplement [pic] HP Enterprise Services, Arkansas Title XIX Document Date: 5/12/2010 HP Enterprise Services Arkansas Title XIX Account 500 President Clinton Avenue, Suite 400 Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501) 374-6608 HP Enterprise Services and the HP Enterprise Services logo are registered trademarks of HP Enterprise Services. All other logos, trademarks or service marks used herein are the property of their respective owners. HP Enterprise Services is an equal opportunity employer and values the diversity of its people. © 2010 HP Enterprise Services. All rights reserved. Contents Introduction 3 Eligibility 4 Restricted Aid Categories 4 All Arkansas Medicaid Aid Categories 6 Therapy Benefits 10 Program Coverage 12 Prior Authorization Request Procedures for Augmentative Communication Device (ACD) 15 Evaluation 15 Contact List for Reviews, Managed Care and Authorizations 16 National Place of Service Codes 18 Quick Tips for Submitting Claims 19 Introduction to Billing 19 CMS-1500 Billing Procedures - Occupational, Physical, Speech Therapy Procedure Codes 19 Augmentative Communication Device (ACD) Évaluation 22 Billing Instructions - Paper Only 22 Completion of the CMS-1500 Claim Form 22 Special Billing Procedures 29 Common Billing Errors 30 Brief Overview of Benefits 31 Contact Information 32 Introduction This Billing Tips document serves as a training supplement...

Words: 6485 - Pages: 26

Free Essay

Occupational Therapy

...A PLAN FOR SUCCESS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM Introduction Occupational therapy can best be defined as the dynamic, developing healthcare profession that deals with people in their ways of regaining skills required for the everyday occupations of life. For a very long time have had the desire to achieve my dreams in occupational therapy as my profession. I am well equipped with creativity, flexibility and task solving skills to aid people in solving their every day’s life challenges they get involved in. Occupational therapy program is quite involving and needs good strategies for one to be successful in the entire program and become a professional occupational therapists a lot of sacrifices need to be in place. My paper essay focusses on analysis of my plans to be successful if given an admission to the program. Content To be successful in the occupational therapy program have equipped myself with a range set objectives to help me reinforce my skills. Have ensured that my interest in promoting health and wellbeing is with respect to occupation. I have plans to demonstrate compassion, integrity, sensitivity and concern for others, have also acquired the abilities to be well conversant with theoretical knowledge and technical application of effective skills to ensure am in a conducive environment to work together with my fellow peers, colleagues as well as clients. I have plans of exploiting my respect of individuality and diversity, show good interpersonal skills work together...

Words: 853 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Stomp In Dementia

...building through task oriented motor practice which could be used in future occupational therapy treatments. This is a client centered mixture of task oriented training and motor learning concepts. The intervention was performed because of a lack of evidence based interventions in Lewy body dementia. Even though the impact of the functional limitations within the sufferers is large, treatment in altering or diminishing the losses is not fully studied as...

Words: 1067 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Annotated Bibliography Essay

...Annotated Bibliography Alagesan, J., & Shetty, A. (2011). Effect of Modified Suit Therapy in Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy - A Single Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. This source gives background information about suit therapy and how it is an effective intervention for children with cerebral palsy. Alagesan and Shetty’s article focuses on how this alternative therapy is used to improve gross motor movement in children who have cerebral palsy. In the study, thirty randomly chosen children, ages four to twelve years old, were chosen to study the effects suit therapy has on gross motor movement. Gross motor function was measured before and after the intervention, demonstrating the results suit therapy can have on children who have cerebral palsy. The study concluded that suit therapy, when combined with other therapies, is an effective intervention for spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. This source is credible because it was published in the Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences. This means it was peer-reviewed, which makes it credible....

Words: 1711 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Reiki as a Complimentary Therapy

...Running head: REIKI AS A COMPLIMENTARY THERAPY 1 Reiki as a Complimentary Therapy Ruth Ann O'Ski State College of Florida Author Note This paper was prepared for Nursing Process I, taught by Professor McManigle and Professor Oakley-Hankins. Abstract Reiki is Japanese alternative healing therapy that originated in ancient Tibet (Anderson, 2001). Nurses use Reiki with patients in nursing interventions for relaxation, stress reduction, symptom relief, and in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. During a typical Reiki therapy session, the patient lies down or sits, fully clothed, then the practitioner's prone hands are placed lightly on or just above the patient's body, using a series of different hand positions. Scientific research is under way to learn more about Reiki’s therapeutic values. Keywords: Reiki, complimentary and alternative medicine, CAM Reiki as a Complimentary Therapy Reiki is a holistic Japanese alternative healing therapy that originated in ancient Tibet (Anderson, 2001). In the United States, as well as many other parts of the world Reiki is accepted as part of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM). What makes Reiki unique is that it incorporates elements of many other alternative healing practices such as spiritual healing, auras, chakra balancing, meditation, aromatherapy, crystals, naturopathy, and homeopathy. Reiki practitioners place their hands lightly on or hover above the patient with the intent to transmit...

Words: 826 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Asperger Syndrome Research Paper

...Abstract This paper will cover children with Asperger syndrome also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The first indication of Asperger syndrome was observed in four children, recognized by a pediatrician named of Hans Asperger in 1944. Hans referred to the disorder as “autistic psychopathy”. Asperger syndrome was not well known until 1981 and was named by an English doctor, Loma Wing. Wing then published studies showing symptoms of Asperger syndrome. It took nearly four years before it was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The cause of Asperger syndrome is unknown; In fact, many researchers have believed that it develops in the fetus. And that twins have been known to have the syndrome....

Words: 915 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Total Knee Replacement

...total knee replacement. Her PT and INR were a concern because she had developed mild thrombocytopenia which resulted in the elevation and potential bleeding. The physician had to take her off of Lovenox and switch her to an oral anti-coagulant Xarelto at 10mg once daily. During her care I was educated by the interdisciplinary teams managing mobility, safety, and the more modern approaches with a total knee replacement. The purpose of this clinical summary paper is to discuss managing mobility after a total knee replacement. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE In seeking out information on this topic, I used the Amarillo College Library Network and CINAHL database on campus and opened as many articles that I believed would aid in my research. The words I used for searching were: TKR, total knee care, and managing total knee replacement. The contributing factors gave me the articles that related to my patient that I had cared for in clinicals. These searches took me to the information that I was in need of for my paper. Turner’s (2011) primary focus was about care prior to surgery, during, post-operatively, and nursing care. Although this article is a basic overview from preoperative care to discharge, her agenda is clear that importance of risk factors, assessments and labs should be monitored. The main emphasis of this article is to follow assessments and interventions post operatively. Starting with vital signs and trending them as well as pain status and level...

Words: 1885 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Mental Health

...information remains daunting. Similarly, employers attempting to assist the process are often awed by the extent of collaborations involved in integrating employees with mental health issues back to work as well as concern about compliance with human rights legislation. Needed accommodations in terms of approach to the work itself are often simple; however substantiating the need for adjustments is more complex. This case study introduces a model to support the development of shared goals and shared understandings for return to work (RTW) among workers with mental health concerns, employers, co-workers and therapists. The model of occupational competence is used as a basis to guide dialogue, identify challenges and generate solutions that take into consideration a worker’s preferences, sensitivities, culture and capacities in relationship to the occupational demands in a given workplace environment. A case study is used to demonstrate the potential utility of the model in assisting stakeholders to strengthen collaborations and partnering to achieve a shared understanding of worker and workplace needs. 1. Introduction Disclosure of mental health issues in the workplace is influenced by multiple factors including intrinsic and extrinsic issues. While there is legislation that protects a worker’s right not to disclose health information in the workplace, some workers may want to share aspects of their challenges....

Words: 4133 - Pages: 17