Re: [OTlist] Some help.
Are case notes handwritten or recorded in digital format at your facility Emma? If the latter's the case then there are several compensatory software options that may assist text production, depending on the specific manifestation of the symptoms of your dyslexia. One well known program used extensively in the UK is Text Help Read and Write. The Gold option has integrated scanning functionality (allows paper documents to be scanned in then read out by synthetic speech). Several other useful features too. I have also had several clients managing text production well using Speech Recognition software eg Dragon Naturally Speaking. The Preferred versions and above allow voice notes (made into a digital voice recorder) to be transcribed by the software into digital text - and the text to speech/read back button can allow the user to proofread the result. There are obviously personal ,organizational, technical and environmental issue to consider with any intervention of this type. David Harraway Occupational Therapist ComTEC Yooralla Society of Victoria > I may be misunderstanding the question, but I am thinking that Emma is asking > for help with SOAP notes as they relate to her dyslexia, not what they are and > how to do them in general. Am I on the right track Emma? > > Pat Ellison > > At 09:24 PM 7/13/2006, you wrote: > >> Hello Emma >> First of all - What setting do you work in? Are you required to use the SOAP >> format for your chart notes? >> >> We use a similar but simpler format DARP >> Data - eliminates the need to separate 'subjective' and 'objective'. I find >> this helpful. Using SOAP I was always realising that I had left out >> something the client had told me after I was into my own observations. Of >> course it is necessary to use phrases like 'Mr. B. stated' to clarify where >> the information came from or use quotation marks. Also it is easier to use >> when data comes from several different sources. (Are the daughter's >> contributions S or O?) >> Actions - what you did. This allows you to record what you did 'on the spot' >> rather than writing a plan and developing another note to record stuff >> already done. >> Response - from the client. Quotes are good here. What you want to record is >> whether your action was acceptable to the client and what difference, if >> any, it made. >> Plan - what you are going to do next to fulfill the treatment plan you >> developed after your first assessment. >> If your note is to record a brief contact, one or two episodes, be sure to >> state an occupational performance goal in your plan. >> >> Whichever format you use - I find it helpful to jot down my plan, preferably >> before I leave the client, so I have a written record of what I said I was >> going to do. Then as I begin to write the chart note my plan cues me to what >> happened and why I had decided to do that rather than trying to keep the >> plan in my head while I write all the rest down. Hope this helps. >> Joan Riches >> >> >> >>> -Original Message- >>> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf >>> >> Of >> >>> Emma Cole >>> Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2006 9:25 AM >>> To: OTlist@OTnow.com >>> Subject: [OTlist] Some help. >>> >>> Hi, >>> I am a OT in uk and have difficulty with my note writing due to my >>> >> dyslexia. >> >>> I was wondering if anybody have information on SOAP notes and information >>> >> on >> >>> writing them as it is getting me down at work. >>> Many thanks >>> >>> emma >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Unsubscribe? >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>> Change options? >>> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >>> >>> Archive? >>> www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com >>> >>> Help? >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>> -- >>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >>> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.10/383 - Release Date: 7/7/2006 >>> >>> >> -- >> No virus found in this outgoing message. >> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.0/388 - Release Date: 7/13/2006 >> >> >> >> -- >> Unsubscribe? >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> Change options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com >> >> Help? >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> > > > > -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [OTlist] Interesting Stats
OK Ron. I'll try and get it rolling... I'm interested in knowing how many OTs on the list currently work in/have worked in non-traditional (ie non hospital, rehab, paeds) practice areas. It seems from a distance that OT roles in the US are very tightly defined by the medico- legal framework imposed upon the profession. There don't seem to be many OTs on this listserv that work in the not-for-profit or government sectors (I'm basing these perceptions upon reading quickly though the posts that come in am happy to accept that they may be misguided). For example, is anyone else working in Assistive Technology? I find this to be a continually changing and always engaging field. My clients range from little babies all the way up to older folks. My employer is very encouraging about the need for ongoing research and we have several projects on the go at any given time. I work in a team consisting of speech paths, OTs and a tech support person; and while there are sometimes degrees of interdisciplinary tensions, these are usually eventually worked out well by the workplace processes (did say we have a fairly enlightened employer) and the interpersonal skills of the various people. If there's a downside it's that we don't do get to do much treatment as such - our roles tends to be more consultative and revolve around facilitating the person's treatment team to problem solve equipment (AAC, ECU/EADL, and computer access) and therapeutic strategies. Another downside is that working in a so-called specialist area may possibly close certain career doors down the line - although being of mature age (I'm 43) and not by disposition particularly ambitious, this doesn't seem to be such a concern. cheers, David Ron Carson wrote: > Hello All: > > I have about 99% of the messages that have ever been posted to the > OTlist. Here's a breakdown of the number of messages by year: > > = > 2002578 > 20031,147 > 2004272 > 2005613 > 2006246 > = > > In 2004, the OTlist was taken off the Internet. Other than that the > number of postings for 2006 is sorely lacking. I really we would > post more messages. > > Thanks, > > Ron > > > > -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [OTlist] Pat's List
Can I say what is no doubt a very obvious thing; but is offered in the
spirit of sympathy? This situation sounds incredibly stressful!
When the people that we are working with in therapeutic partnership make
choices to go completely their own way (like your plotting group members
have) and try and manipulate the system it can be intensely disruptive
to the basis of that relationship i.e. "trust". I've been in this
situation several times and as therapists we are torn between admiring
the person for fighting back at what is essentially an unfair and
inflexible system ("a guilty system recognizes no innocents") and our
frustration at not being able to somehow get them to realize that what
we are offering them (our therapy) is worth their taking on.
The only way I found through, and to survive as an OT ie not burn-out,
was to come back to being grounded in my professional ethics and core
values. I think it's important to be completely honest all the way
along with people, although you obviously also appreciate that your
group members have perspectives which are shaped at least in part by the
pain and hopelessness they are feeling.
Perhaps the psychologists they also see might be able to share their
insights. What about the group compiling their autobiographies or
personal histories? Everyone has a story to tell if you can get them to
open up, and the telling of it can be the most life affirming thing for
some people. Many have never been asked previously to do such a thing -
you could do this in the context of a physical activity eg during turn
taking games. Wishing you well with this tricky situation Pat!
Pat wrote:
> Getting them to develop goals probably wouldn't be too difficult, getting a
> great many of them to work toward those goals is another
> story. Unfortunately I have a lot of patients who don't want to be
> there. If worker's comp approves the program and they don't comply, they
> lose their benefits. A LOT of my patients just want to sit home and
> collect the checks. They show up, but don't put much effort into the
> program. I try hard to find fun things so that they will participate
> without a battle.
>
> We do PPTs before the program, halfway through, and again after it ends. I
> actually had a couple patients get furious with me when I pointed out how
> much they had improved. They insisted that they were NOT better and said I
> better not tell their doctor that were because they might get sent back to
> work. Last week I overheard a couple patients plotting to do worse on
> their PPTs so they wouldn't have to go back to work. I told them that if
> they didn't show improvement I would get them another 30 days, and another,
> until they did (not true, 30 is the limit, but they don't know
> that). Sometimes they don't even realize they are getting physical
> activity. One patient who claimed to hurt so much she couldn't even pick
> up a tissue was participating 100% in a spirited game of badminton (using a
> punching balloon).. whacking the heck out of that balloon. Another one who
> said he couldn't walk without crutches was putting 100% of his weight on
> his injured ankle while going for the balloon, and displayed no pain
> behaviors. (He had a crutch in one hand and the racket in the other). You
> can see why I am always on the lookout for new, fun activities.
>
>
> At 06:53 AM 7/27/2006, you wrote:
>
>> Caryn is thinking 'occupation' and underlying Pat's concerns I sense
>> 'meaningful'. Life consists of many things which we do 'over and over' to
>> support and facilitate our valued occupations. This is a perfect example of
>> the gap between theory and practice when one is faced with an existing
>> program which focuses on the physical components. Here we have an OT who
>> senses the lack and is appealing for help to work with her clients on their
>> overall occupational dysfunction. Thank you Pat. The COPM might be a one
>> place to start. It sounds as though these people would be able to do a lot
>> on their own and/or helping each other to consider the questions and develop
>> truly occupational goals. As it is an OT instrument it would not be
>> infringing on the areas that other team members seem to have appropriated
>> for their own.
>> Wow, a real life case example for the group. What a fantastic opportunity to
>> work together and hopefully follow the story through.
>> Joan
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf
>>>
>> Of
>>
>>> Caryn Carson
>>> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 2:59 AM
>>> To: OTlist@OTnow.com
>>> Subject: Re: [OTlist] Pat's List
>>>
>>> Just curious, but why don't you have them doing what they do in the
>>> office? If they are accountants, why not have them doing accounting, if
>>> they are financial analysts, why not have them doing that? I am sure
>>> they could provide you with their own material even. Thi
Re: [OTlist] OT Research
This thread has got me wondering - are there many other OTs out there (other than the academics for whom I guess it's a condition of employment) that get to do research in association with their clinical practice? At my workplace there's certainly an expectation that this takes place - as we present at conferences at least annually. Have yet to have anything published in a peer reviewed journal though am preparing something for a stab at that at present. David Melbourne, Australia Ron Carson wrote: > I came across a study reported in our local paper about dance helping > patients recover from heart disease equally as well as traditional > exercise. Here's a quote: > > >> Doctors believe waltzing holds the patients' interest because it's >> fun, thus making it a more effective form of exercise. >> > > Well, duh! > > Personally, I think this is the type of research that if OT's could do > would be of tremendous benefit to our profession. > > Ron > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] OT-Care.com
Hi Frank, so far as I know there hasn't been much in the way of journal articles in the past 10 years on this in any of the main AT publications (RESNA's Assistive Technology or excellent European one Technology and Disability). IMHO this would be a great area to research as there are have been a few more computer based options emerging over the past year or two (employing structured hierarchical menus and multi-sensory feedback). There's also some really nice looking PDA based options that I've been calling "cognitive prostheses" for want of a better term, that can be set to provide step by step video cue-ing for tasks. There's actually a whole branch of psychology emerging around person-machine interactions that potentially has relevance to OT practice. If you'd like to email off list to discuss more, my email addy is [EMAIL PROTECTED] (replace the ** with ot ) cheers, David OT Department wrote: > Dear Ron > > This is a message which I hope will produce some leads for me from our well > informed reader list! > > I am currently researching information on the use and application of > Environmental Control Systems for those with Cognitive impairments. Any > pointers on this topic would be most welcome. > >Best regards > > Frank Sutcliffe, O.T. > > > - Original Message - > From: "Ron Carson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "OTlist" > Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 7:53 PM > Subject: [OTlist] OT-Care.com > > > >> Hello All >> >> I just read a neat article in OT Practice called; "Teaching Children >> with Disabilities to use the Computer Keyboard". The author, Sue Hossack, >> OTR/L, ATP, is a former student of mine. >> >> Prior to becoming an OT, Sue was a software engineer. Her website, >> www.ot-care.com may be of interest to those readers working in peds! >> >> Thanks, >> >> Ron Carson >> >> >> -- >> Options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com >> >> ** >> Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs >> Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. >> www.otdegree.com/otn >> ** >> >> > > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] OT-Care.com
Hi Frank, this is from the excellent AT outcomes section of the U of Toronto site and may be of interest? LOMEC (Lincoln Outcome Measurement for Environmental Control) Contact: Mr. Roger Potter, Head of Clinical Engineering Long Leys Road, Lincoln, LN1 1FS Telephone: +44 (0)1522-577277, Fax: +44 (0)1522-538752, email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] There may also be other measures that have appplication eg Marcia Sherer's MPT tool. There's a link on her site to this abstract that refers to influential factors in getting the AT match right: h**p://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/CRISP_LIB.getdoc?textkey=7052169&p_grant_num=1R43HD052310-01&p_query=&ticket=21698742&p_audit_session_id=99726077&p_keywords= I guess it's an obvious point but in my experience ECUs that work for people with cognitive impairment or ID are those that provide cue-ing as to functions using a iconic display or one incorporating auditry feedback. Layers of heirarchical menus can also be tricky - so if the ECU can be set to provide access to commands on one level then that usually works best. It's also important to have the control effect happening in a timely way - some newer LCD and plasma TVs for example may take a few seconds to accept the IR signal and power up - gets in the way of a clear causal relationship being made for the person between their action of accessing the ECU and the thing you want to happen happening. hope this helps, cheers, Dave OT Department wrote: > Dear Ron > > This is a message which I hope will produce some leads for me from our well > informed reader list! > > I am currently researching information on the use and application of > Environmental Control Systems for those with Cognitive impairments. Any > pointers on this topic would be most welcome. > >Best regards > > Frank Sutcliffe, O.T. > > > - Original Message - > From: "Ron Carson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "OTlist" > Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 7:53 PM > Subject: [OTlist] OT-Care.com > > > >> Hello All >> >> I just read a neat article in OT Practice called; "Teaching Children >> with Disabilities to use the Computer Keyboard". The author, Sue Hossack, >> OTR/L, ATP, is a former student of mine. >> >> Prior to becoming an OT, Sue was a software engineer. Her website, >> www.ot-care.com may be of interest to those readers working in peds! >> >> Thanks, >> >> Ron Carson >> >> >> -- >> Options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com >> >> ** >> Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs >> Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. >> www.otdegree.com/otn >> ** >> >> > > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] On-line Colloboration (5/29 Update)
Hi Ron, not sure if it's been suggested before as I've been too busy to pay complete attention to this thread but was talking to an expert PT friend re your client's transferring difficulty r/t her shape and she suggested this gizmo may be worth investigating: http://www.dynamic-living.com/transfer_board3.htm cheers, Dave Ron Carson wrote: > Thanks for ALL the feedback. > > I think I've been moving in the wrong direction. On my last visit with > the patient, we discussed raising the bed height so that it is even with > the wheelchair. This WILL make slide-board transfers much easier but I > think it's going to make it even more difficult for the patient to > control getting her weight forward. > > Joan, does your husband use his trapeze to move down the bed? > > Ron > > - Original Message - > From: Joan Riches <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 > To: OTlist@OTnow.com > Subj: [OTlist] On-line Colloboration (5/29 Update) > > > > JR> Hi Ron > JR> This collaboration is great. I'm so enjoying Susanne's coaching. I've > JR> checked out the videos and will pass the link on. There's nothing like > JR> living with a disability to understand how to work out the wrinkles. As > I've > JR> said we deal with a different mobility difficulty but we are making > JR> accommodations all the time. > > >> >From susanne >> > JR> "Don't stem (press) on flat hands, but on fists or knuckles." > JR> Joan adds - It's a lot easier to learn to press up with closed fists if > JR> there is something in them (tubi-grip or rolled washcloth?) It seems to > JR> stabilise the wrists and helps if fingernails are not trimmed short. Don't > JR> worry about her having to keep track of two more pieces she'll be able to > JR> discard them after a while. > > JR> My husband uses a tension pole with a trapeze and a grab bar for bed > JR> mobility. His is a commercial product but rope, PVC pipe and a skyhook > make > JR> a good trapeze. A single point of attachment rather than two is easier to > JR> change direction with. Short lengths of PVC pipe threaded onto rope make > an > JR> effective D handle. A rope tied to a bed leg or to both legs on one side > can > JR> sometimes help. Knots tied in a long strip of old sheets can be easier on > JR> the hands when you need to pull hand over hand. Railings, grab bars, > handles > JR> - get them thinking where they would help and then checking out garage > JR> sales, junk stores etc. > JR> Remember that all our commercial equipment started out with someone > solving > JR> a problem and most of the someones were the ones with the problem or their > JR> families. > > JR> Have fun, Joan > > JR> No virus found in this outgoing message. > JR> Checked by AVG Free Edition. > JR> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.7/830 - Release Date: 6/3/2007 > JR> 12:47 PM > > > > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Hi everyone!
Hi Becky, We used the QUEST in conjunction with another instrument and a "home made" questionnaire in a project last year which was presented as paper at ARATA (the big assistive tech conference here in Australia). Just to be a purist about it - strictly speaking the QUEST is a quant rather than qual measure (although there is some scope for additional comments to be recorded if the participant feels they'd like to expand upon the score they give the criterion being assessed). If you can find an AT service in your area you may be able to at least see the questions the QUEST is composed of (8 on the AT and 4 on the Service from which the AT was obtained). There may also be copies at some OT schools or in local University libraries. Administration is a fairly easy and quick process for both the person administering the QUEST and the participant, which is perhaps one of the reasons (apart it's psychometric properties) it's been a popular measure for busy clinicians ; - ) If you're interested here is a link to the abstract for the project that Ania and I did: h**p://www.e-bility.com/arataconf06/papers/computer_applications/ca_ciechanowski_paper.doc (replace the ** with tt) you may like to take careful note of the tool descriptions in the the Methodology section ( - ; Hope this helps. It might be interesting to hear from others on this list about the kinds of outcome measures they're employing in their day to day practice. Agree with you - this list has been kind of quiet lately! cheers, Dave Becky Heath wrote: > When you guys go quiet, you really go quiet! > > I hope you are all well. > Currently I am working on my research proposal. I am doing a qualitative > piece to do with service users experience with a new fast track OT service. > > I am very excited to find a couple of articles on service user experience > and one evaluating service user experience using social services. > > My question to you all is have you heard of Quest? Quebec User Evaluation of > Satisfaction with Assistive Technology. > > I would like to have a look at a copy, but being a student don't want to pay > for it if I can absolutely have to! If you have a copy and are will let me > have a look then I will be very grateful > > I will be asking my tutors as well > > Thanks everyone - and make some noise in here > > Becky :-) > > _ > Watch all 9 Live Earth concerts live on MSN. http://liveearth.uk.msn.com > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Geriatric Men and Lack of Sociialization
Hi Ron and others, although not necessary directly relevant to this situation of men in care facilities being discussed, some of the observations made on the page link provided below are. http://mensheds.com.au/menssheds_news/Mensheds%20news.html These have tended to operate more within Community Health settings and have become something of a grassroots public health movement here in Australia. It strikes me that an interesting exercise might be to try and link in an already established community men's group with one in a long term care facility. Also, on a completely different topic, is anyone here hoping to go to the CSUN conference in 2008? cheers, David Harraway (OT) Ron Carson wrote: > Sounds GREAT Joan!! > > I think it also sort of confirms the concept that men usually socialize > over a goal. > > Ron > > - Original Message - > From: Joan Riches <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2007 > To: OTlist@OTnow.com > Subj: [OTlist] Geriatric Men and Lack of Sociialization > > JR> Hi Ron > JR> The most successful activity I have seen for our male residents is cooking > JR> breakfast, > JR> eating it together and cleaning up. We have an OT kitchen. The ambience > JR> approaches what I imagine happens in a hunting lodge. It lends itself > nicely > JR> to different levels of ability and is easily adapted for more or less > setup > JR> and assistance by staff. They really appreciate being able to have eggs > JR> cooked exactly as they like them. Joan > > JR> -Original Message- > JR> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf > JR> Of Jim Arceneaux > JR> Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 10:54 PM > JR> To: OTlist@OTnow.com > JR> Subject: Re: [OTlist] Geriatric Men and Lack of Sociialization > > JR> Hey Ron, > JR> > JR> I find that at most ALFs and nursing homes the activities departments > are > JR> good at offering interesting things for the women to do, but lack in their > JR> attraction to men. Face it, Bingo is not a top of the list for most men. > I > JR> have seen one nursing home that hired a group that brought a large pool > that > JR> was stocked with fish. The men were all over this. > JR> > JR> The other thing is that men, in general, socialize as part of engagement > JR> in more material matters (i.e. standing over an ice chest of fish and > JR> telling fishing jokes.) Women, in general, socialize for the purpose of > JR> socialization. They tend to comunicate on a deeper level then what is > JR> typically observed of men in a gathering. > JR> > JR> Just my two cents. Hope its worth at least that. > JR> > JR> Jim Arceneaux > > JR> susanne <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > JR> Ron Carson wrote: > >>> Hello Everyone: >>> >>> I provide OT and an ALF. It's a 33 bed facility that is >>> mostly women but >>> has about 5 or 6 men. Some of the men have been here for >>> years. They are >>> in varying states of physical and mental health, but >>> they are all able >>> to participate in life. BUT, they don't!! The women >>> get together and >>> chat and socialize, but the men stay so isolated from >>> each other. WHY? >>> > > JR> Maybe their idea of participating in life is to do something > JR> outside of the place where they live, sleep, eat - and with > JR> someone else? Like, they went out to work all their life - > JR> they might still want to spend some of their day somewhere > JR> else? > >>> I know that I am not an overly social person. I >>> don't hang out with >>> other men just to talk. In fact, I'm uncomfortable in >>> social situations >>> that don't have goals. >>> > > JR> I'm with you about the goals - and I guess some of us prefer > JR> them more visible, or physical... But I also have a picture > JR> coming up for me of Turkish cafés filled with retired men, > JR> playing backgammon, smoking and drinking tea (or Raki) all > JR> day long. And students of both sexes, with books and > JR> laptops, spending all day in the cafés that have free refill > JR> of coffee. Lots of chatting and socializing going on.. > >>> Is the lack of male socialization just part of the >>> male condition? Or >>> has the right opportunity just no presented itself >>> to bring the men >>> together? >>> > > JR> 5 or 6 is not a lot - might not appear to them that
Re: [OTlist] loss and grief
Hi there, if you're in Melbourne...I'm guessing that you may be as your email addy has a Deakin university domain name, then you could call the OTs at Calvary Health for some advice/direction. My organisation works with them sometimes. They're specialists in the needs of people with progressive neurological conditions and work a lot with families/support teams. Thinking occupationally - managing grief and loss for these people would seem to be intertwined with how the transition times (when loss of capacity to engage in former occupations becomes manifest to the person and their carer team) are experienced. Apart from the very important practical stuff like shower chairs,transfers, and who's going to do the shopping, supporting reflection and and providing the opportunity to share personal narratives are some what I've seen these marvelous OTs do. Also, I worked very closely with one man with MND whose family were greatly assisted by music therapy - his beautiful daughters wrote his a song to let him know how much they loved him. An experience (like so many in OT) that I hope never to forget. hope this helps, cheers, David [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Hi, > i was wondering if anyone has worked in an area of grief and loss in > adults? and how i suppose you would go about it? > Thanks guys > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
[OTlist] AT
I know this list is primarily about issues confronting OTs out there in the real world; but as there's been some talk of AT on the list lately, thought some members may be interested in this, even if only as a diversion from all the serious talk going on (there's a link to a You Tube video of a new Eye Gaze onscreen "flowing" keyboard that potentially provides a very efficient method of text production for users with no functional movement other than eye control : http://www.itu.dk/research/inc/?p=171 If anyone's interested in reading further on this kind of thing, Cogain is is very interesting forum site with user and developer comments: http://www.cogain.org/ cheers, Dave -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] universal healthcare
Angela, a bit curious if this post had anything to do with Michael Moore's latest film (Sicko)? He asks the same "what if" question throughout in his examination of the US "health" system in comparison to those of Britain, Europe, and Cuba. I guess you guys are looking again at the possibilities for pushing change with the political landscape that's about to be rewritten there. Good luck with the election; and may the leaders be granted wisdom enough to make the tough decisions that need to be made. I'm from Australia and thanks to the vision of two left of centre Federal governments back in 1973 and 1983 we have what was essentially a universal health scheme when it was conceived http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_(Australia) What we have now in fact (I think in no small part due to pressures from outside by huge transnational pharmaceutical and HMO companies; and pressures within from a decade long, now passed, era of highly conservative government) is a mixed system that is neither fish nor fowl; but I'd say, from what I've read and heard in the media; one that's still a hell of lot more equitable than the "user-pays" variety you guys have in the States. Sorry if this comment causes offense ; but that's how things seem looking from this distance at least. Our system is still far from perfect though! There are long wait lists in for some procedures (eg THR, TKR). Sadly health outcomes for the original owners and custodians of this land, it's indigenous peoples, are a long way from where they should be. Most medications ARE within the reach of people on social security benefits (we call these newstart and aged care pensions), so our older folks don't have to drive to other countries to get their pain medication prescriptions filled! We do pay relatively more in income tax (now around 30% PAYE) to support this "socialist paradise" LOL. It would have made a lot of sense for Dental services to be included when the scheme was drawn up- given the strong correlation between dental problems and poor health outcomes for folks at the lower end of the income spectrum. There are still wide discrepancies in rural and urban health outcomes as a result of differences in equity of access to services. We do not do enough in the areas of Public Health, Service integration, and preventative health. Mental Health services (where my partner works) are poorly funded in comparison to other OECD nations. Fundamentally though, it's probably fair to say that the citizens of this country feel that health is such an important area that the government must have a critical central role to play in both the provision and regulation of services. I can't see a national government getting any kind of change to this principle up anytime soon, as it would spell certain electoral suicide. S, the big health companies can go on and on about how the private sector is the only way to get innovation; and people here will just go "so what? we DON'T want to end up like America". It's pretty much that black and white (except maybe for right wing think tanks/extremely hard line economic rationalists) Anyway to get back to practicalities, a story by way of illustration: when my partner broke her ankle last year there were no out of pocket expenses for the high quality care she received. Not necessary for us to use private health insurance as all her medical, nursing, and allied health services were obtained though a local public hospital - we had to wait about 30 minutes to be seen at Emergency and that was on a moderately busy night. In fact the only cost was the yearly ambulance subscription we pay ($110/yr for family cover) as that guarantees no out of pocket expenses for any ambulance call outs including (and I hope we never need it!) air ambulance. She was seen by an outpatients PT for gait retraining and once the plaster was off - ranging exercises on 6 different occasions - all part of the care package. Hope this helps, happy to talk more about any of this - as it's a fascinating exercise to compare and contrast. all the best, David Harraway angela jones wrote: > Hello, > > Are there any therapists on this list from Canada or other areas where > universal healthcare is in place? > > My coworkers and I were tossing the issue around today at lunch and wondering > how the therapy world might change if the U.S. ever takes such a leap. > > Any info. and would be great and thanks in advance. > > Angie MOTR/L > _ > Helping your favorite cause is as easy as instant messaging. You IM, we give. > http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/Home/?source=text_hotmail_join > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] universal healthcare
Elayne, Can I refer you to some of the work of Dr Elizabeth Townsend (Dalhousie University) as she has written on the application for Occupational Therapy on a population (ie societal) level and makes a strong case for a social justice focus for the profession? regards, David Harrraway Occupational Therapist Melbourne, Australia Elayne Haley-Ververis wrote: > Its me, the student here again. I may attempt to write my term paper for a > leadership/management class on this sticky subject. Its only a term paper - > only 6 or so pages. If any of you see a good article on this subject, please > let me knowespecially regarding OT. I am particularly interested in > views from other countries - NOT THE U.S. > Elayne > P.S. Watch out for those right wingers and their "fiscal responsibility." > In the U.S., it is amazing that the we incurred a huge national debt under > Reagan, Bush Sr and Bush Jr - the fiscal responsibility party - and a surplus > under Clinton. But I digress. > > > > -- Original message -- > From: "Drzymala, Peter [VA]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > >> Here in Canada, Universal healthcare has been ingrained in our society >> for decades. Unfortunately, due to right wing governments coming to >> power and pressures from private companies, there is mounting pressure >> to implement a two-tier system here i.e. private and public. To some >> extent this has happened in a no. of provinces; the provinces are >> responsible for administering and regulating their health care system. >> A lengthy period of what the right wing governments have called fiscal >> responsibility has eroded the necessary funding that needs to be >> injected into the system to compensate for rising costs. >> That being said, I have practiced in the US, Germany, and Switzerland, >> and have concluded that the US has the least humane system. >> >> Peter Drzymala >> Occuptional Therapist >> >> Acute Spinal Cord Injury Unit >> Centennial Pavilion - 9th Floor >> Vancouver General Hospital >> Vancouver, BC >> >> Tel.: 604.875.5804 >> Pager: 604.667.7441 >> Fax: 604.875.5811 >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On >> Behalf Of Elayne Haley-Ververis >> Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 9:37 PM >> To: OTlist@OTnow.com >> Subject: [OTlist] universal healthcare >> >> >> Please keep writing on this topic! I'm an American and an OT student. >> I live in Nashville, TN, which is largely George Bush/right wing >> country. I desperately want to see universal healthcare of some type - >> any type, at this point - in the United States. >> >> Michael, you are so right in that universal care is more humane - to say >> the least. I've been in both "lucky" and "unlucky" situations here as >> far as the ability to receive healthcare. >> >> For example, I was married to a cardiologist for years which entitled me >> to not only excellent healthcare, but "professional courtesy" to boot. >> Once divorced (with three kids), I could not buy health insurance. I >> was out of the work force for 15 years (its incredibly hard to maintain >> employment when your spouse works 70 hours a week. Also we relocated >> after residency and then after fellowship, away from family, etc). I >> couldn't even buy it despite having enough money! I had become >> depressed over the divorce and took medication for two years and so >> became ineligible. Depression - along with everything else - is >> considered a "pre-existing condition" and so tough luck. >> >> Now I'm a student and can buy student insurance, but its not very good. >> It only covers up to $10,000 and after that I'm on my own. Believe me, >> $10,000 would not go far here in the US. >> >> My story would not get much sympathy here where over 40 million people >> are without health insurance.. many of whom are seriously ill and >> unable to buy needed medication. So I'm not complaining! I'm only >> telling my story because many people (here in the US, anyway) think that >> the uninsured are simply too lazy to get a job. Not true. >> >> SoI would love to hear what you in Canada have to say about >> universal healthcare. The general view here among those against it is >> that universal healthcare means substandard health care. >> -- >> Options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com >> >> -- >> Options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com >> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] universal healthcare
Hi Elayne, In Australia the rural urban divide is quite marked depending on the particular area. Most of the population live around the coast with only a few large towns inland...as our land mass is similar in area to the continental US this leaves large areas with low population density. Hospitals and related health services generally require a critical mass of people to attract doctors, specialists, and allied health and to make the service "pay" ie be justified from a tax payer value perspective. A recent interesting development , partly as a consequence of this and r/t other factors, there are now quite a few nurse practitioners in these areas with a fair amount of autonomy eg the ability to prescribe some meds and perform less complex procedures. I would love to see OTs operating in this way, as I feel our profession is uniquely placed as the supposed experts in how people organize and meta-organize their lives! Rural Health is a recognized practice area as people in rural areas have many health problems that arise. These include occupational injuries (farmers have among the highest incidence of traumatic injuries due to a lot of factors including time pressures, outdated unsafe equipment, and poor work practices - there are also some very smart and safe farmers too!), and psych problems as a result of the unremitting drought/flood cycle and also the economic decline of many areas due to climate change/climatic conditions/economic factors like globalisation. Also, as stated in my earlier email we also have the ongoing national disgrace of unfinished business with respect to the original owners and custodians of this land , it's First Peoples. Our new government is about to issue a national apology about 30 years too late but at least the gesture may spark some positive change; but it will take a lot of work to address some of the terrible health problems many aboriginal people here face as a result of years of poor and injust policy. sorry for the rant, I just wish I could do more than I do sometimes ; - ) David Elayne Haley-Ververis wrote: > RE: universal healthcare > What is the difference in care between urban and rural? The assumption I'm > making is less wait time, poorer quality. > For those of you that have worked in different countries, what are the > differences between private pay and universal from the viewpoint of an > employee/OT? Specifically, finding employment, management, the working > atmosphere, etc? > Thanks! > Elayne > > > > -- Original message -- > From: "Michael W. K. Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > >> On 2/3/08, Elayne Haley-Ververis wrote: >> >> >> >>> thank you Aine, Peter, Michael and David! >>> >> *[Michael]* >> *You are very welcome. I am so glad that there were so many other responses >> from others. This is indeed a complex issue and you will get many different >> perspectives. Also, the experience will differ in different part of the >> country and from urban to rural areas.* >> ** >> *As Aine Suttle's experience high-lighted, in Canada you are indeed well >> cared for when you really need it - regardless of your ability to pay. >> Also, you are not likely to be bankrupt from a catastrophic injury or >> illness. But you may need to wait for other non-emergency or elective >> procedures. No pot is ever bottomless and we have to accept limitations for >> the common good. The Canadian system has been more astutely described as a >> health care safety net as opposed to a health care hammock.* >> ** >> *My personal experience has been similar to Aine's. Please feel free to >> pose specific questions.* >> >> >> >> >> <><><><><><><><> >> Michael W. K. Chan >> Global Village. >> Somewhere out there. >> Third rock from the sun. >> <><><><><><><><><> >> -- >> Options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com >> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Conflicted
In my workplace there is close to a 50-50 male female ratio. The previous manager who was responsible for recruiting our work group was quite open about her preference to maintain the "balance" as it reflects the population demographics of our clients; and also, in her stated opinion, tends to limit some of the difficulties that may arise with teams consisting of primarily one gender. Though, really I think a lot of the question of whether this "works" at a practical level (or not) comes down to the power structures in place and how they manifest in the working lives of the employee. The organisation within which I work has a higher than average percentage of excellent managers (most of whom happen to be women) and as it operates within the community not for profit sector, is inherently less bound by the patriarchal medical/military ways (dare I say masculine ?) of doing things. Ultimately, I think any organization that purports to be about servicing the needs of clients in an excellent way, needs to first foster a workplace culture of empowering and supporting it's staff. Teams work well only if they are encouraged to be creative, reflective, and self sustaining - and those kinds of qualities aren't gender specific. David Harraway (OT) Mary Giarratano wrote: > I work in an SNF and it's always nice to have a male presence in the gym. The > male patients like having another guy around and they are more comfortable > doing > ADLs with a man often times. > > My department is all women (OT & PT) at the moment and we miss having a guy > around to help with the heavy max A transfers! > > Mary > > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of > Sue > Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 10:51 PM > To: OTlist@OTnow.com > Subject: Re: [OTlist] Conflicted > > Ron, > > I'm curiouscould you expound on your remark: "most employers realize > the > importance of having a male presence in the work environment." > > Thanks, > > Susan > > Roxanne Nelson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Dear John, > Figure out how you can best contribute to humanity and get on with it. Being a > caregiver has many rewards and many opportunities regardless of how you are > plumbed below the belt. If you want to work full time then you will work full > time. If you want to work outside of the house part time and inside the house > part time then you will do so. > Good luck, > Roxanne > > Ron Carson wrote: > Hello John: > > I think what you say is true. But more importantly, I think being a male > OT just bring a certain "maleness" to a female dominated profession. I > think most employers realize the importance of having a male presence in > the work environment. > > Ron > > - Original Message - > From: John Campbell > Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 > To: OTlist@OTnow.com > Subj: [OTlist] Conflicted > > >> Ron, I've heard it's advantageous to be a male OT out of school from a >> couple of people. A female OT I spoke with mentioned that women often >> do it on a part time basis (juggling family and other >> responsibilities) while men tend to commit more to it full time, so >> employers tend to snap up men when they surface. Not sure how true >> that is, but you'd probably have some idea. >> > > >> Thanks folks! >> John >> > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Blurring the lines
> More than that, however, I hate to > see someone doing something with a patient without understanding why > they are doing it. > Am I making any sense? Most definitely making sense. I would say practicing in the way you describe above borders on being ethically questionable. Unless I as a therapist can clearly and simply state the evidence and clinical experience basis for the interventions I am planning to implement in partnership with my client/patient/brother or sister in therapeutic relationship (or their advocate) , then I am not really providing them with the opportunity to in turn operate in a state of informed consent. To do something to someone without consent or at least attempt to attain a level of shared understanding of what is happening, even if it is in the name of "treatment" or "hospital policy", is effectively to diminish their rights as a fellow human being. just my 2c worth David -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Blurring the lines
Ron Carson wrote: > I certainly don't subscribe to the whole UE/LE concept, and I > constantly find myself explaining myself to other providers, employers > and patients. > > So, how do you describe the difference? > > Generally, I visualize and articulate the following: > > When the focus of treatment is on a body part (leg, arm, hand, > foot, etc), then it's PT. When the focus of treatment is on > occupation, then it's OT. > > Obviously overlap exists between body parts and occupation, but it's > the FOCUS of treatment (i.e. the goals) separating PT and OT. > > In home health, a GREAT place for OT, I really find that this > treatment approach integrates well with PT and patient outcomes. > > Ron > > - Original Message - > From: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 > To: OTlist@OTnow.com > Subj: [OTlist] Blurring the lines > > P> "What is the difference between OT and PT?" > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Qualitative research
Alternatively: http://www.otseeker.com/ an excellent resource for those with an ebp inclination. Suggest you also check out the powerpoint pres. EBP tends to place qual studies lower as it arises from science (double blind studies are the gold standard, almost impossible to do in OT due to multitude of variables); but they certainly have their place, particularly in triangulating and giving broad direction to research questions. My opinion is that qual studies are within the scope of most people as they are often born of reflection on practice - and reflective practice is, again in my opinion, essential to an OTs long-term survival in the system. Interested in what others have to say on this. cheers, David Harraway Occupational Therapist Melbourne Australia Ron Carson wrote: > Try: > > www.cochrane.org > > Ron > > - Original Message - > From: Paul Middleton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 > To: OTlist > Subj: [OTlist] Qualitative research > > > > > > PM> Hi Could any body point me in the direction of qualitative > PM> primary study regarding (CAN GROUP EXERCISE/ACTIVITY IMPROVE > PM> MENTAL HEALTH IN PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS) > > PM> I am a mere student of mature years and have found it very > PM> difficult to find research on this subject especially from OT. I > PM> am needing the information For a critical review Essay at > PM> university which is of personal interest to myself and has wide > PM> relevance across health and social care professionals and education. > > PM> Any help will me very appreciated. > > PM> Regards > > PM> Paul Middleton > PM> Chairman > PM> Sheffield Forum Badminton Club > PM> > > > -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] ideas for fine motor warm ups for HW students? A story- long
Hi Joan, in Australia we might call you a "stirrer" for that kind of comment i.e. someone with a predisposition towards gentle leg pulling ; - ) I spent yesterday morning engaged in a presentation to the Australian Assoc of Hand Therapists. Title of the workshop session was Ergonomics and Computer Access". Content was 50/50 lit review and equipment demo. Lit review section was primarily research concerning social and psychological/personality factors that predispose to computer work related UL trauma and the best management thereof. There's a growing body of excellent studies around to show that many of these type of extremely costly injuries (both in terms of compensation/loss of business but also in the worker's loss of capacity to engage in occupations right across their lives) are related to the whole person - not just the structures of their ULs and the ways they use them. My reading of the audience receptiveness to this was "excellent". For Hand Therapists (most of whom but not all were OTs) they seemed to have a very good grounding in thinking Occupationally - and not cutting up people's activities into nice little cause and effect pathways. In the course of my employment I've known a few other Hand people who tend to bristle quite openly at the suggestion that they've sold out OT in some way. I'm afraid I can't recall the name at present; but isn't there a pioneer of OT who said something like "Occupation is (wo)man using (her)his hands to shape (her)his life" - apologies if I've got this quote completely wrong - but sure it's at least vaguely on track! And on the issue of the L's and the R's - in my state of Victoria, OT's aren't required to to be registered. We can be "Accredited" - which means we submit our CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Plan to our National Association; but it's by no means compulsory. I'd make the necessary points easily with all the presentations, reading and projects I'm required to do do as part of my job - frankly though, I'd rather give the fee they ask to my chosen charity. Since I've just got a Bachelor of OT (four year degree course) I choose just to sign "OT" like your mate from Argentina as well. cheers, David Harraway OT Joan Riches wrote: >From one perspective this 'play' looks like hand therapy to me and what my young cowboy was doing was not play. His personal goal setting got him through his therapy which was preparing him for almost all the occupations he will perform for the rest of his life. He was not the only stakeholder in this. Working for the knots certainly made my life easier because without them it would have been much harder to achieve the goals of his teacher, his family, his team mates, the school board, the provincial government, the taxpayers. This is equally true with a somewhat different configuration for the seniors I treat who cannot begin to articulate their goals in the way you are demanding but whose personal goals for comfort, for safety, for inclusion, for meaning in their lives help me to serve them and the goals of the community in which they live. We are a social species, we live in community. As a profession we can facilitate the potential occupational performance of our society by addressing occupational dysfunction in individuals, and in social structures. We have gone through a period of being imprisoned in the medical model. We are getting out. Do I not remember you advocating for a client who needed social support? - that was Occupational Therapy. This is who we are. The US is not the only country in the world nor is AOTA the only national association. Students are being taught occupation - witness the post from one of the new members on the list. Joan Riches B.Sc.O.T., OT(C) Specialist in Cognitive Disability Riches Consulting High River, Alberta, Canada 403 652 7928 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: October 25, 2008 3:41 AM To: Veronica Subject: Re: [OTlist] ideas for fine motor warm ups for HW students? A story- long You see, this is why OT is a PERFECT fit with kids!!! Kids love to play and play is therapeutic I often wish I had become a peds therapist! Ron -- Ron Carson MHS, OT -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com __ NOD32 3555 (20081025) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] ideas for fine motor warm ups for HW students? A story- long
"That man through the use of his hands, as they are energized by the mind and the will, can influence the state of his own health: Reilly 1962 Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture. Thanks Sue, that's it - my uni lecturers would be horrified if they knew I'd made such a mess of such a significant quote, talking to purpose, motivation,self care, & healing. For mine, Reilly really got it in one, though ..they're great words and thank you Sue so much for setting the record straight and doing them the justice they deserve. David Sue Doyle wrote: Having come from all the international roots mentioned below, I remember when I first moved to US from Australia thinking I did not need to bring all the resources with me I had for my professional practice because I was going to the US. I regretted that decision every day of my clinical life for the next 10 years. I find the US OT profession is very egocentric but then so is the country really. For those of us who were trained in countries like Australia and Canada there was never a move away from Occupation to the degree there was here in the US (mind you my experience of the other educational systems is from many years ago). So the occupational focus seems very common to us. The socialized medical systems of the other countries, for better or for worse, at least provide some support for more community based models of practice versus the stronger focus here due to where the money is on practice from the medical models. But again as Joan has so clearly stated and my fellow aussie, the breakdown that we see in persons overall performance is frequently multifactorial no matter where the specific obvious impairment is. For example people overall balance of occupation in their life. David was this the quote you were thinking of: "That man through the use of his hands, as they are energizd by the mind and the will, can influence the state of his own health: Reilly 1962 Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture. Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:18:43 +1100> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: OTlist@otnow.com> Subject: Re: [OTlist] ideas for fine motor warm ups for HW students? A story- long> > Hi Joan,> in Australia we might call you a "stirrer" for that kind of comment i.e. > someone with a predisposition towards gentle leg pulling ; - )> > I spent yesterday morning engaged in a presentation to the Australian > Assoc of Hand Therapists. Title of the workshop session was Ergonomics > and Computer Access". Content was 50/50 lit review and equipment demo. > Lit review section was primarily research concerning social and > psychological/personality factors that predispose to computer work > related UL trauma and the best management thereof. There's a growing > body of excellent studies around to show that many of these type of > extremely costly injuries (both in terms of compensation/loss of > business but also in the worker's loss of capacity to engage in > occupations right across their lives) are related to the whole person - > not just the structures of their ULs and the ways they use them. My > reading of the audience receptiveness to this was "excellent". For Hand > Therapists (most of whom but not all were OTs) they seemed to have a > very good grounding in thinking Occupationally - and not cutting up > people's activities into nice little cause and effect pathways.> > In the course of my employment I've known a few other Hand people who > tend to bristle quite openly at the suggestion that they've sold out OT > in some way. I'm afraid I can't recall the name at present; but isn't > there a pioneer of OT who said something like "- apologies if I've got > this quote completely wrong - but sure it's at least vaguely on track!> > And on the issue of the L's and the R's - in my state of Victoria, OT's > aren't required to to be registered. We can be "Accredited" - which > means we submit our CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Plan to > our National Association; but it's by no means compulsory. I'd make the > necessar y points easily with all the presentations, reading and projects > I'm required to do do as part of my job - frankly though, I'd rather > give the fee they ask to my chosen charity. Since I've just got a > Bachelor of OT (four year degree course) I choose just to sign "OT" like > your mate from Argentina as well.> > cheers,> David Harraway OT> > > > Joan Riches wrote:> > >From one perspective this 'play' looks like hand therapy to me and what> > my young cowboy was doing was not play. His personal goal setting got> > him through his therapy which was preparing him for almost all the> > occupati
Re: [OTlist] Mind Mapping
Hope it's ok to mention product names. They'd likely come up anyway via a search engine. Kidspiration is one of the more commonly used programs of this type and there's a demo version. Teachers sometimes use these programs. A lot of fun to play with. Draft Builder is similar but less graphical - more for essay writing- it lets you add in references, that kind of thing too. David pat wrote: Thank you Veronica. It sounds interesting, I think I will google it to read more. Pat -Original Message- From: Veronica <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Oct 28, 2008 2:57 PM To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subject: Re: [OTlist] Mind Mapping Pat, mind mapping is a technique for recording and recalling large amounts of information. It uses the idea that you take a central theme and then links various thoughts to it e.g. if the main idea is 'my family' there could be branches like siblings, pets, holidays, etc. Each of those ideas can have additional 'branches' added forming a 'map'. It's a technique often tought to students who are having to recall large amounts of information and something I used at university as a studying technique. Ron, I sometimes use it with some of the older children I work with especially those who are struggling with their memory and organisational skills. Veronica -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com __ NOD32 3565 (20081029) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
[OTlist] The vote
I know this somewhat off topic; but as politics intrudes on everything these day, as an interested observer from a far off land, just wanted to wish the US members all the best for what would seem to be very significant election for your nation tomorrow. May the voice and will of the people be heard loud and clear; and the leaders find the necessary wisdom and compassion to guide their decisions. yours truly, David Harraway OT Melbourne Australia -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] MND - relaxation techniques
Motor Neurone Disease. I think it's called ALS in the States. In response to the question - the use of breath based relaxation techniques is going to depend on the presentation of the person's MND. Some types have less "airway" symptoms - I know a few of the OTs at the specialist neurological disorder facility here and am pretty sure they use some guided imagery based relaxation with their clients. I'd caution against techniques that involve progressive isometric muscle contractions though due to fewer motor units being present in people with this set of conditions. I think the role of OT in the lives of these clients can be a very significant one and certainly often gain a great deal of professional satisfaction from working with these people and their families. Wishing you well with your interventions. cheers, David Harraway OT Melbourne Australia Ron Carson wrote: I'll be the "dumb"one and ask, what's MND? - Original Message - From: Lucy Simpson Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 To: OTlist@OTnow.com Subj: [OTlist] MND - relaxation techniques LS> I am an avid reader of this list, and now seek some advice! LS> I am a Physical disability community OT and am currently seeing LS> an MND patient. We are addressing her environmental/adaptaion LS> needs as they arise she is having a wet room installed, and a LS> closomat toilet currently. She is now wheelchair dependent, but independent with transfers. LS> LS> We are also looking at symptom management and quality of life. LS> One area we are looking at is fatigue and anxiety management. LS> Fortunately this patient is very realistic and fully engaging in therapy. LS> LS> I am aware of basic relaxation techniques, and deep breathing is LS> a core element of these techniques. I have heard that as MND is LS> synonimous with breathing difficulties, teaching deep breathing LS> techniques can actually result in increasing anxiety as it draws LS> attention to an area of concern.. LS> LS> Does anyone have advice on MND specific relaxation techniques or re general relaxation resources? LS> LS> be grateful for any input LS> Kind Regards LS> Lucy Payne LS> For Quality Stationery and Greetings Cards check out this website: LS> www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/lucysimpson LS> Save it in your favourites for the next time you need cards. LS> LS> --- On Sun, 18/1/09, cmnahrw...@aol.com wrote: LS> From: cmnahrw...@aol.com LS> Subject: Re: [OTlist] Fn. Mobility ~vs~ Gait Training LS> To: OTlist@OTnow.com LS> Date: Sunday, 18 January, 2009, 7:29 PM LS> I don't have a direct answer to that.? I guess it depends on where your LS> level of expertise falls in this area.? I have it easy, because I work with an LS> amazing group of PTs who teach me on each patient how they want them to walk.? LS> That way I can help the patient receive the much needed practice in this LS> area,but at the same time I can consult with the PT since I did not have this LS> area taught in school.? I always attempt to complete the sit to stands and the LS> low level functional mobility in a context of an occupation that the patient has LS> determined important a) walking to dresser to gather clothes b) walking to the LS> toilet to complete toileting c) walking to the dining room chair for meal time. LS> It is then amazing when the patient can perform the functional mobility, and LS> then carryout out the occupation!.? LS> Ninety nine percent of the time when I ask a patient what their goals are for LS> rehab they state to "walk better".? I then ask them why they want to LS> walk better.? They often look at me strangely and then state so I can get to the LS> kitchen and cook, do the laundry, go out to eat with my friends, etc etc.? The LS> occupational goals nearly write themselves. LS> Chris Nahrwold MS, OTR LS> -Original Message- LS> From: Ron Carson LS> To: cmnahrw...@aol.com LS> Sent: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 7:38 pm LS> Subject: Re: [OTlist] Fn. Mobility ~vs~ Gait Training LS> I like your definitions. LS> In the two cases you mention, the patients are already ambulatory. LS> What if they weren't and still wanted to achieve the same outcomes? LS> - Original Message - LS> From: cmnahrw...@aol.com LS> Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 LS> To: OTlist@OTnow.com LS> Subj: [OTlist] Fn. Mobility ~vs~ Gait Training cac>> To me functional mobility is the process of getting to point A to cac>> point B regardless of compensation techniqes in the context of an cac>> activity or a desired functional outcome.? Just the other day I cac>> had a patient who wanted to cook and set the table for her cac>> family, to achieve th
Re: [OTlist] change of pace
Hi Bill, as an ex-nurse I can really relate to this "battle story"! One thing that springs to mind if that the gentleman may be experiencing faecal overflow as a result of constipation. Impaction can also result in outer anal sphincter being dilated. Is his medico is aware of this problem and underlying pathology been excluded? David Harraway OT Melbourne Australia Bill Maloney wrote: I work in home health. I have an elderly patient who c/o having to "wipe and wipe" after having a bowel movement, but still doesn't obtain a level of acceptable cleanliness. He shared this problem tearfully, stating that in just the past few years he feels as though he's "falling apart." My suggestions were as follows: supplement his dry toilet paper with flushable moist wipes; try to incorporate ample fiber (fruits and vegetables) in his diet in an attempt to "firm up" the stool as much as possible; if interested, obtain a bidet that attaches to the existing toilet (found one at sammonspreston.com, anyone else have any other sources?). Anyone have any other ideas/suggestions/input? I appreciate it. Bill Maloney, OTR -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com __ NOD32 3816 (20090131) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Nursing
Hi Ron, as a former Nurse who got to "see the light" after working with OTs for a few years (and asking them lots of questions about the kinds of things they did and why they did them) I have to say I am favour of this kind of interdisciplinary orientation . Moving to OT was the best career move I ever made -went from close to burnt out to someone who loves most days on the job. We're sure you won't miss the chance to promote the profession Ron ; - ) David, OT Melbourne Australia Ron Carson wrote: Today, a nurse is accompanying me on an eval. Our home health director has asked nursing to do this so they can learn more about OT. While this is a GOOD thing, it's also sort of sad that nursing doesn't know what OT does in home health. Ron -- Ron Carson MHS, OT www.OTnow.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com __ NOD32 3889 (20090225) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Evidence?
Hi, just coming at this from another angle - interested in learning from those therapists who work with school aged population when they might consider it appropriate to recommend to move from a handwriting based means of text production towards primarily keyboard generated text for class and homework? If it's just plain hard slog for a kid to get through the demands of class and school work using pen and pencil; and so much so that their capacity to keep up with peers in terms of literacy and language development; and given that the broader culture is jumping across to work with digital media and the potential efficiency gains to be had by doing so (not needing to double handle hard crafted sentences and paragraphs)it seems that recommending that the student be working smarter might be preferred in setting them up for life/work. Can appreciate that there are potentially all kinds of cultural and logistical constraints in this kind of recommendation; but in my experience when a kid can use a keyboard to produce text at 30 wpm neatly and only12wpm with pencil/ paper, the choice about which way to go is fairly apparent. As always though, it's a lot about the types and blend of tasks the student is doing; and for sure work on handwriting for signatures etc; but for the grunt work, if a keyboard is an possible accommdation; and allows the focus to be redirected away from what is physically demanding to what is really important - learning and language acquisition and the social experiences gained from being with peers, then I say go for it. David Harraway OT working in AT ComTEC cmnahrw...@aol.com wrote: Some conflicing evidence, but from my brief lit review it looks like practice is the major factor. In the second study the intervention was only to meet with the student twice a week for 30 minutes lasting 10 weeks. The intervention consisted of biomechanical, sensorimotor, and teaching learning strategies (practice and feedback?). In the first study provided it states that they compared sensorimotor (strength, coordination, sensory training?) versus practice and the practice intervention was more effective, in fact the sensorimotor group declined in their ability. 1) The effects of sensorimotor-based intervention versus therapeutic practice on improving handwriting performance in 6- to 11-year-old children P. L. Denton, S. Cope and C. Moser (2006) Journal Title: American Journal of Occupational Therapy Volume 60; Issue 1; Pages 16-27 Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two interventions (sensorimotor and therapeutic practice) on handwriting and selected sensorimotor components in elementary-age children. METHOD: Thirty-eight children 6 to 11 years of age with handwriting dysfunction but no identified educational need were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups or a control group. Intervention groups met four times per week over 5 weeks. Handwriting was measured pre- and postintervention using the Test of Handwriting Skills. Visual perception (motor-reduced), visual-motor integration, proprioception, and in-hand manipulation were also measured. RESULTS: Children receiving therapeutic practice moderately improved handwriting whereas children receiving sensorimotor intervention declined in handwriting performance. The control group did not change significantly. Sensorimotor impairment was noted at pretest in three or four components and selected sensorimotor component function improved with intervention. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic practice was more effective than sensorimotor-based intervention at improving handwriting performance. Children who received sensorimotor intervention improved in some sensorimotor components but also experienced a clinically meaningful decline in handwriting performance. 2) Effect of an occupational intervention on printing in children with economic disadvantages C. Q. Peterson and D. L. Nelson (2003) Journal Title: American Journal of Occupational Therapy Volume 57; Issue 2; Pages 152-60 Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an occupational therapy intervention improved an academic outcome (D'Nealian printing) in a school setting. The study specifically examined improvement in printing skills in economically disadvantaged first graders who were at risk academically and socially. The intervention was based on an occupational framework including biomechanical, sensorimotor, and teaching-learning strategies. METHOD: The final sample consisted of 59 first-grade children from a low socioeconomic urban elementary school-based health center who were randomly assigned to an occupational therapy intervention or a control condition. In addition to regular academic instruction, the intervention group received 10 weeks of training twice a week for 30-minute sessions. The control group received only r
