Are you new to using physical agent modalities, also known as PAMs? The use of physical agent modalities was controversial in the profession of occupational therapy for many years. But, as professional roles and licensure acts were passed, the use of these modalities by OTs was clarified and approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association […]
Are you an occupational therapist or COTA new to the acute care setting wondering “What are the biggest acute care must-haves?” Well, we’ve got you covered, because I’ve compiled the top “must-haves” for the acute care setting in this article. I created this list from my favorite items along with suggestions from my acute care […]
There are scenes many of us have experienced as occupational therapy practitioners at least once in our careers, no matter what setting you work in. You open up the supply closet and see the same old uninspiring materials. You find out a surprise discharge barrier and have to assess it ASAP. Your mind is drawing […]
The Person-Environment-Occupation Performance (PEOP) model was first developed in 1985 by Baum and Christiansen during the time when the biomedical model was widely used. The biomedical model is extremely clinician-based and only focuses on the physical processes (like injury or disease) and doesn’t consider the person’s individual factors. The PEOP model, however, focuses heavily on […]
The occupational therapy discipline is built on several foundational theories that are fascinating, but also drawn out and extremely challenging to digest. So, we have decided to assist OT students and practitioners by providing summarized highlights of the OT frames of reference all in one location. But first, let’s get past some confusing terminology. What […]
When the clock strikes midnight on April 1st, I’m grateful for many things. I’m grateful for a day full of whimsical pranks and silly news articles that I can use to trick to my friends. I’m grateful that spring is coming into full force, with the landscapes around me turning a lush shade of green […]
Activity analysis is a key function of occupational therapy. It is what makes us occupational therapists. As an OT, do you ever think about why and how you analyze activities? Is it something that is just automatic for you, or do you use a formal system? How often do you use activity analysis to prove […]
If you’ve landed on this article, you’re probably just about done with your OT program’s curriculum and are about to start preparing for your Level II fieldwork. Hooray! You’ve made it so far and you are so close to the home stretch. As you’ve likely been told, your Level II fieldwork will incorporate everything you’ve […]
My path to becoming an occupational therapist was unusual, to say the least. I pursued an occupational therapy degree abroad. In late 2017, I graduated with a MSc in Occupational Therapy in England. I’ve since been through the process of transferring my degree to the USA, and I currently work as an occupational therapist in […]
How many times have you heard the phrase evidence-based practice over the last few years? Applying the latest research to your treatment sessions does seem to make sense, doesn’t it? But how do you know when the evidence supports the practice of occupational therapy? This article will explain what evidence-based practice is, why it is […]