The term evidence-based practice (EBP) is now widely used, taught, and practiced. But should occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) accept EBP as the ‘gold standard’ for how we choose OT interventions? What are the downsides to EBP for a health profession like OT? What can we do instead? What should we use instead? The term evidence-based medicine … Read more
This article will use identity-first language based on the community’s preference for such language in accordance with the APA’s recommendations. Introduction Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are one of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The other core symptoms of autism include deficits in communication and social interaction. RRBs include stereotyped behaviors such … Read more
Not all Sensory Integration interventions are effective or supported by the latest evidence. Introduction This is not to say that sensory integration as a whole is not effective. Even still, as occupational therapists should strive to be holistic – research suggests that a top-down approach/perspective instead should at least be considered in addition to SI … Read more
Motivation for this article I recently saw some social media posts from OTs on managing wandering or those who are a ‘flight risk’ with dementia. They offer some great ideas such as environmental barriers to prevent wandering outside the home – that sounds good at least in theory. Modern approaches may even incorporate smart home … Read more
My attention was brought to a research article published in 2021 in the International Journal for Quality in Health Care titled, “Benefits and risks of non-slip socks in hospitals: a rapid review”. As a fieldwork student and even per some hospital policies, a big deal is made to push for patients to don hospital-issued ‘non-slip’ … Read more
Summary of Evidence for CP OT Interventions most supported by EBP Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) Orthotics and Casting (Lower limb casting) Goal-directed training Bimanual training Context-focused therapy Home programs Avoid: NDT, SI CIMT Constraint-induced movement therapy constrains the dominant hand in a mitt or a cast to enable intensive training in the hemiplegic hand. For … Read more
Commonly used occupational therapy interventions for burns include: Physical activity and conditioning Pain management Scar management Orthoses and Splints Participation in Occupations Physical Activity and Conditioning Occupational therapists can promote therapeutic activities and exercise to help correct impairments and improve musculoskeletal function. Specific bottom-up strategies include addressing strength, flexibility (ROM), endurance, stability, and balance to … Read more
STIMO is a First-in-Man (FIM) study to confirm the safety and feasibility of a closed-loop Epidural Electrical Stimulation (EES) in combination with overground robot assisted rehabilitation training for patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). –https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02936453 The Study I found an interesting study through CNN about the STIMO clinical trial that was published on … Read more
In occupational therapy, evidence-based practice is the integration of various factors to inform clinical practice with clients, groups, and the population. Factors that are considered include: Research and evidence in the literature Clinical expertise and opinion Client and caregiver perspectives Clinicians consider these factors together to make their practice decisions and to provide high-quality services … Read more
I decided to post the raw results from my 6 participants as this is a small sample size and not too overwhelming to read. This data comes from a survey I posted calling for participants who experienced a disability (mental or physical) in the field of occupational therapy. It asked questions about basic demographic information, … Read more