OCCUPATION AND CLIENT-CENTERED PRACTITIONER
^ Discussion post written by Payton Johnston, MOT/S
1.1 Appreciates the influence of socio-cultural, socioeconomic, political, diversity factors, and lifestyle choices on engagement in occupation throughout the lifespan.
During my second fieldwork experience, at Baptist Women’s Memorial Hospital in the NICU, I had a treatment session where I sat down with an infant's mother and taught her several different neonatal infant massage techniques. Socio-cultural factors may include the mother's beliefs about touch, bonding, and caregiving practices. For example, HIV-positive mothers may have concerns about transmission of the virus through touch, which can impact their willingness to engage in therapeutic massage with their baby. By addressing these concerns and providing education and support, I helped the mother feel empowered and confident in her ability to provide a soothing touch to her infant. By appreciating and addressing the influence of socio-cultural, socioeconomic, political, diversity factors, and lifestyle choices during a treatment session with an HIV-positive mother, I provided a supportive and empowering environment that fosters positivity, and mother-baby bonding and enhances the overall well-being of both the mother and her infant. Above, I have attached a screenshot from a class discussion post I wrote about the experience.
During my second fieldwork experience, at Baptist Women’s Memorial Hospital in the NICU, I had a treatment session where I sat down with an infant's mother and taught her several different neonatal infant massage techniques. Socio-cultural factors may include the mother's beliefs about touch, bonding, and caregiving practices. For example, HIV-positive mothers may have concerns about transmission of the virus through touch, which can impact their willingness to engage in therapeutic massage with their baby. By addressing these concerns and providing education and support, I helped the mother feel empowered and confident in her ability to provide a soothing touch to her infant. By appreciating and addressing the influence of socio-cultural, socioeconomic, political, diversity factors, and lifestyle choices during a treatment session with an HIV-positive mother, I provided a supportive and empowering environment that fosters positivity, and mother-baby bonding and enhances the overall well-being of both the mother and her infant. Above, I have attached a screenshot from a class discussion post I wrote about the experience.
Written by FWE Kalyani Garde, MOTR/L, CIMI, CNT, NTMTC - Baptist Women's Memorial Hospital
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1.2 Communicates effectively with a wide range of clients, peers, and professionals both verbally and non-verbally.
Effective communication is crucial in building rapport with the infants' caregivers, families, and other healthcare professionals. Communicating effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, can enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for infants and families in the NICU. Above, I have attached a screenshot from my mid-term evaluation written by my fieldwork educator at Baptist Women’s Memorial Hospital, Kalyani Garde, MOTR/L, CIMI, CNT, NTMTC where she addresses my ability to collaborate efficiently with the nursing staff and remain professional during interactions with the patients. My FWE wrote "Payton is kind and generous of heart", which I believe is an essential characteristic to have when working in the NICU setting. |
^ Word search intervention created by Payton Johnston, MOT/S
1.3 Collaborates with clients and caregivers in establishing and maintaining a balance of pleasurable, productive, and restful occupations to promote health and prevent disease and disability.
While at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Memphis, I created two different giant-sized word search puzzles as an intervention for the patients. I wanted to create an intervention that would be used by the therapists and patients daily, even when I wasn't there anymore. I knew it had to be something that would interest the patients, be easily accessible, not too challenging but not too easy, and motivate the patients to engage in therapeutic activities. I asked my fieldwork educator (FWE), Madison Campbell, MOTR/L what was most needed by the therapists and I quickly began brainstorming on what would be these giant word search puzzles. I created two puzzles to gear toward different interests, genders, and general knowledge. When deciding on which word search puzzle I would choose, I made sure the words weren't too difficult, or too easy, and that it was all general knowledge for the most part. It was somewhat difficult to find word searches online with large letters and the search words were “the just-right- challenge”. I printed the puzzles off on poster board and laminated them to allow the patients to use dry-erase markers. That way the intervention can be used again and again. The giant word search puzzle can be tailored to the patient and their abilities and interests. The activity can be adjusted in terms of adding a physical component like standing at tabletop level, or placing the puzzle on an inclined wedge, etc. There are many different ways to grade this intervention up or down based on the patient's occupational therapy goals. The intervention itself can help improve cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. It also promotes visual scanning and fine motor coordination. Additionally, completing the word search puzzle can boost the client's self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
While at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Memphis, I created two different giant-sized word search puzzles as an intervention for the patients. I wanted to create an intervention that would be used by the therapists and patients daily, even when I wasn't there anymore. I knew it had to be something that would interest the patients, be easily accessible, not too challenging but not too easy, and motivate the patients to engage in therapeutic activities. I asked my fieldwork educator (FWE), Madison Campbell, MOTR/L what was most needed by the therapists and I quickly began brainstorming on what would be these giant word search puzzles. I created two puzzles to gear toward different interests, genders, and general knowledge. When deciding on which word search puzzle I would choose, I made sure the words weren't too difficult, or too easy, and that it was all general knowledge for the most part. It was somewhat difficult to find word searches online with large letters and the search words were “the just-right- challenge”. I printed the puzzles off on poster board and laminated them to allow the patients to use dry-erase markers. That way the intervention can be used again and again. The giant word search puzzle can be tailored to the patient and their abilities and interests. The activity can be adjusted in terms of adding a physical component like standing at tabletop level, or placing the puzzle on an inclined wedge, etc. There are many different ways to grade this intervention up or down based on the patient's occupational therapy goals. The intervention itself can help improve cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. It also promotes visual scanning and fine motor coordination. Additionally, completing the word search puzzle can boost the client's self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
^ "Care card" (left) and pencil (right) received from patients at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Memphis
1.4 Inspires confidence in clients and team members.
During my first fieldwork experience, at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Memphis, I received a “care card” from one of my patients following his discharge that wrote, "showed me how to pick my self back up and put a smile back on my face....helped me with walking, lifting, and standing, etc." This patient and I were able to connect very early on during his two-week stay in the hospital, and I will never forget him! He was such a joy to work with and was always in high spirits no matter the situation. It was so special to have this card sitting on my desk when I walked in one morning. Knowing that you made an impact on someone’s life is a special feeling and it meant a lot that he took the time to write about his experience. My FWE told me no student has ever received one of these and she was impressed and very happy for me. Working in healthcare, it is our responsibility to care for others and put our patients first. The pencil pictured on the right is a gift from another one of my patients at Encompass. You might be thinking...a pencil as a gift?! This patient was someone whom I had worked very closely with during his stay and I performed my first independent evaluation on him. Upon his arrival, he was lethargic, unmotivated, and in low spirits. He was beating cancer. I learned that when he was fighting for his life in acute care he was resuscitated which wasn't the expected outcome because he decided to be on the do- not-resuscitate list. I took all of these aspects into consideration when working with him. I was extra patient, empathetic, and determined. Getting to be a part of his progress and seeing joy spark in him again was an experience I will never forget. During therapy sessions, he was uninterested and unmotivated so I began to pry and investigate to find something that would bring back some hope. I noticed one day in his room he was working on a crossword puzzle so I took the opportunity and asked him about it. Turns out he loved crossword puzzles, specifically the New York Times (NYT) crossword puzzles. The next day I surprised him with an NYT crossword puzzle and his face lit up with excitement! We quickly realized he needed to use a pencil in case of mistakes so we went back to his room and found one. I learned how to grade this activity up and down based on his current occupational performance. Everyday he looked forward to this and soon he was feeling himself again, making jokes, and completing all of the OT activities faster than I could come up with new ideas! Getting to see his progress over time was so rewarding and he was such a fun person to work with by the end of it. On the day of his discharge he handed me his pencil and said “I want you to keep this, that way you can remember me and how you made me feel myself again”. He thanked me and happy tears were shed. I have kept this pencil and have it displayed on my desk and will never forget it! Sometimes it just takes a little conversation, laughter, and asking those questions to find out who the person was before!
During my first fieldwork experience, at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Memphis, I received a “care card” from one of my patients following his discharge that wrote, "showed me how to pick my self back up and put a smile back on my face....helped me with walking, lifting, and standing, etc." This patient and I were able to connect very early on during his two-week stay in the hospital, and I will never forget him! He was such a joy to work with and was always in high spirits no matter the situation. It was so special to have this card sitting on my desk when I walked in one morning. Knowing that you made an impact on someone’s life is a special feeling and it meant a lot that he took the time to write about his experience. My FWE told me no student has ever received one of these and she was impressed and very happy for me. Working in healthcare, it is our responsibility to care for others and put our patients first. The pencil pictured on the right is a gift from another one of my patients at Encompass. You might be thinking...a pencil as a gift?! This patient was someone whom I had worked very closely with during his stay and I performed my first independent evaluation on him. Upon his arrival, he was lethargic, unmotivated, and in low spirits. He was beating cancer. I learned that when he was fighting for his life in acute care he was resuscitated which wasn't the expected outcome because he decided to be on the do- not-resuscitate list. I took all of these aspects into consideration when working with him. I was extra patient, empathetic, and determined. Getting to be a part of his progress and seeing joy spark in him again was an experience I will never forget. During therapy sessions, he was uninterested and unmotivated so I began to pry and investigate to find something that would bring back some hope. I noticed one day in his room he was working on a crossword puzzle so I took the opportunity and asked him about it. Turns out he loved crossword puzzles, specifically the New York Times (NYT) crossword puzzles. The next day I surprised him with an NYT crossword puzzle and his face lit up with excitement! We quickly realized he needed to use a pencil in case of mistakes so we went back to his room and found one. I learned how to grade this activity up and down based on his current occupational performance. Everyday he looked forward to this and soon he was feeling himself again, making jokes, and completing all of the OT activities faster than I could come up with new ideas! Getting to see his progress over time was so rewarding and he was such a fun person to work with by the end of it. On the day of his discharge he handed me his pencil and said “I want you to keep this, that way you can remember me and how you made me feel myself again”. He thanked me and happy tears were shed. I have kept this pencil and have it displayed on my desk and will never forget it! Sometimes it just takes a little conversation, laughter, and asking those questions to find out who the person was before!
^ Discussion post written by Payton Johnston, MOT/S
1.5 Considers client motivation when using occupation-based intervention to maximize functional independence.
In the inpatient rehab setting, client motivation plays a crucial role in maximizing functional independence through occupation-based interventions. When utilizing activities that are meaningful to the client, can help increase the patient's motivation and overall engagement. Using familiar activities like folding towels that the patient used to do as a career, can motivate the client by tapping into their personal history and sense of identity. This is one example of how I considered motivation when using occupation-based interventions that are personally meaningful and relevant to the patient. Above, I have attached a screenshot of a discussion post where I wrote more about this experience.
In the inpatient rehab setting, client motivation plays a crucial role in maximizing functional independence through occupation-based interventions. When utilizing activities that are meaningful to the client, can help increase the patient's motivation and overall engagement. Using familiar activities like folding towels that the patient used to do as a career, can motivate the client by tapping into their personal history and sense of identity. This is one example of how I considered motivation when using occupation-based interventions that are personally meaningful and relevant to the patient. Above, I have attached a screenshot of a discussion post where I wrote more about this experience.
Written by FWE Kalyani Garde, MOTR/L, CIMI, CNT, NTMTC - Baptist Women's Memorial Hospital
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1.6 Applies theory regarding the therapeutic use of occupation and adaptation to screen and evaluate, plan, and implement intervention, while establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the client.
To the left, I have attached a screenshot from my mid-term evaluation written by my fieldwork educator at Baptist Women’s Memorial Hospital, Kalyani Garde, MOTR/L, CIMI, CNT, NTMTC. This is an example of how I was able to apply theory regarding the therapeutic use of occupation and adaptation to screen evaluate, plan, and implement intervention while establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the infant’s mother. In this particular treatment session, I applied theories of Sensory Processing, Neurodevelopmental and Neuroprotective/Neuropromotive treatment, and Attachment to guide the selection of appropriate neonatal infant massage techniques. Understanding how touch can impact the infant's development and how adapting the massage can address the infant's needs is crucial in promoting a positive experience for both the infant and mother. I explained the benefits of each massage technique and educated the mother on several techniques through visual and verbal demonstrations using a baby doll to allow the mother to bond with her baby as much as possible. |