Every year in the U.S., millions of people are admitted to the hospital in the acute care setting. In 2019 alone, there were over 36 million hospital admissions. With each admission, many complications can present themselves. These patients may be at higher risk for hospital acquired infections, pressure ulcers, joint contractures, and complications related to […]
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 […]
Patients in the acute care setting are admitted with the goal of medical stability. Occupational therapists provide an important role not only in the physical rehabilitation of the patient while admitted to acute care, but also with providing the recommendations for post-acute care and discharge. OT is especially qualified for making these recommendations, as we […]
Occupational therapy has a unique and important role in the intensive care unit (ICU). A history of OT in the ICU, the environment, specialized equipment, diagnoses, and the importance of OT’s contribution in the ICU, as well as evaluation and intervention, will be covered in this article. Early treatment proposes the opportunity to decrease ICU […]
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 […]
Have you ever considered starting your own durable medical equipment loan program but you aren’t sure where to start? We’re featuring two OTs who have done just this and will show you how. Huge thanks to Hannah Wieger, OTR/L and Melissa Kimmerling, OTR/L for showing us the ins and outs of DME loan programs with […]
Adhering to sternal precautions following cardiac surgery can be quite a challenge, just ask any of your patients post-op and they’ll let you know how hard it is! If you think about, how often do you automatically use your arms during daily activities like getting up from a low surface, dressing, or carrying something? It […]
Depending on the severity of the case, burns can be the root of all-encompassing disruption in a patient’s life. We’re talking about physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that can last a lifetime. Burns can also exacerbate other comorbidities that patients may have been living with prior to their newly acquired injuries. Burns are potentially life-threatening […]
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 […]
When I first became an OT, I spent the first year and a half of my career working solely in inpatient rehab, and during that experience I wrote a post about what a typical inpatient rehab day looks like for me. After that first year and a half, I began cross-training and then floating regularly […]