savsotjournal

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The Future of Occupational Therapy: My Journey as an OT Student

As an occupational therapy student, I find it interesting to think about the future. There are many rewarding opportunities for OT in the future with the ability to improve the quality of people’s lives. I am passionate about helping people, especially children, who face common difficulties in their day-to-day lives due to various circumstances.

I’m particularly drawn to working with children who experience barriers in their daily lives, whether it's due to developmental delays, disabilities, or other challenges. Every child should have the chance to thrive, and I want to help them achieve their full potential. It’s about understanding their needs and tailoring interventions that will empower them to engage fully in life, whether that’s playing with friends, succeeding in school, or simply enjoying everyday activities.

(Paediatric Occupational Therapy — Early Bird Therapy Centre, n.d.)

My background in dance has provided me with important skills that will enhance my therapy sessions. Dance is not just an art form. It’s a powerful tool for expression, coordination, and emotional regulation. Through movement, I can help children develop their motor skills and boost their self-esteem in a fun and engaging way. Incorporating dance elements into therapy allows me to connect with my clients on a different level. It creates a space where they can feel free to express themselves, making the therapeutic process enjoyable and effective. The rhythm, creativity, and physicality of dance are perfect for engaging children and making therapy not feel like a chore and make it feel more like play.

(DMG CRS, 2024)

I am committed to preparing for a rewarding yet challenging career as I continue my studies. I seek hands-on experiences through electives, volunteer work, and shadowing professionals. I understand that being an effective OT requires a combination of clinical knowledge and empathy, and I am working hard to develop these qualities. 

The most satisfying part of being an occupational therapist will be to see my client’s successes with my own eyes. Each success, whether it’s a child taking their first steps, learning to tie shoelaces, or making new friends, will be a success. I can already see the happiness that they will get on their faces when they achieve something they themselves did not think would be possible. In my practice in the future, I will create a supportive environment where we can celebrate these successes together. To positively influence children’s capacity to achieve their potential, the program will have to focus on earning their trust and encouraging motivation.

As I continue my journey as an OT student, I am filled with hope for the future. Through this field, occupational therapy is always changing, and I am ready to take on these changes fully. I know I can improve many lives by following my passion for helping people, honing in on movement and dance in therapy, and supporting and helping children. The future is bright for occupational therapy, and I am excited to contribute to a world where every child can succeed.

References:

Paediatric Occupational Therapy — Early Bird Therapy Centre. (n.d.). Early Bird Therapy Centre. https://www.earlybirdtherapy.co.za/paediatric-occupational-therapy

DMG CRS. (2024). Occupational therapy- group dance services. CRS - Multi Specialty Phoenix Pediatrics Clinic. https://www.dmgcrs.org/pediatric/dance-therapy/#top

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Reflections on "To the Bone" by an Occupational Therapy Student

"To the Bone" is about Ellen, a 20-year-old woman battling with anorexia nervosa. Ellen, who is played by Lilly Collins, has struggled with her eating disorder for years, which affects her relationship with food and her self-image. The film shows her journey as she enters a group home for young adults with eating disorders. Under the guidance of Dr. William Beckham, who is played by Keanu Reeves, Ellen interacts with other residents, who are facing their own challenges. The film provides an honest look at mental illness, which emphasizes the importance of support and the journey to self-acceptance. (Wordhouse, 2017) (Noxon, 2017)

Watching "To the Bone" was very moving and very educational, as it offered valuable lessons that is relevant to my studies as an occupational therapy student. Here are some key takeaways from the movie that will influence my future practice as an occupational therapist:

The film shows that mental health issues, such as anorexia, are complex and impact many areas of life. Ellen’s struggles are not only food, but they also involve her identity and relationships. This is important for occupational therapy practitioners to understand as our work should address not just physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological factors affecting daily living.

Ellen’s relationships with her peers in the group home show how important community and support is for recovery. Shared experiences foster a sense of belonging and support, which are essential for healing. As a future occupational therapist, we should create supportive environments for our clients. Group activities and peer support can improve treatment outcomes significantly.

The film shows that each character has a unique experience. This reinforces the need for individualized care in occupational therapy. Clients come from various backgrounds and have different efforts to change their beliefs and behaviours. It’s important to tailor interventions to meet each client's specific needs, and goals. This is important for empowering them in their journey of recovery.

Ellen’s story shows the importance of empathy and relationships. Building genuine relationships with clients can increase their motivation and engagement in therapy. Creating strong connections is essential for effective practice in occupational therapy.

An important theme in the film is the journey to self-acceptance. Ellen faces many challenges and setbacks but learns to confront her fears and change her identity. Recovery is not always a straight path and can involve many challenges. As therapists/ future therapists, we must support clients through these ups and downs, and help them build their resilience and a healthier self-image.

"To the Bone" shows the challenges many people face with mental health and it shows the importance of support, empathy, and individualized care in recovery. The lessons from this film will shape my approach as an occupational therapy student. I will focus on treating clients holistically, understanding the connections between physical, emotional, and social aspects, and creating a safe space for healing. These will help guide me in becoming a compassionate and effective practitioner dedicated to helping others find their path to a happier and healthier life.

(IMDb, 2017)

References:

Noxon, M. (Director). (2017). To the Bone [Netflix]. https://www.netflix.com/watch/80171659?trackId=255824129&tctx=0%2C0%2Cf449ab26-744c-424f-a169-0e925c710659-15021469%2Cf449ab26-744c-424f-a169-0e925c710659-15021469%7C2%2Cunknown%2C%2C%2CtitlesResults%2C%2CVideo%3A80171659%2CdetailsPagePlayButton

Wordhouse, S. (2017). To the Bone beautifully tells the story of a woman battling anorexia. The Central Trend. https://thecentraltrend.com/30341/opinion/to-the-bone-beautifully-tells-the-story-of-a-woman-battling-anorexia/

IMDb. (2017). To the Bone. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5541240/

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High Doses of ADHD Drugs Linked to Greater Risk of Psychosis

There are concerns over the use of high dosages of ADHD medications, which are linked with an increased risk of psychosis. This has been brought up in an article by Akshay Syal called "High doses of ADHD drugs linked to greater risk of psychosis." Substance use, intoxication, or withdrawal are known to be direct causes of psychotic symptoms in substance-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD), a mental health illness (Nzima, 2024) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The symptoms of psychosis include delusions and hallucinations (Nzima, 2024) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). This blog analyses the article's main ideas and explores how the findings apply to South Africa's healthcare system.

Although these drugs work well to control the symptoms of ADHD, excessive dosages might have negative side effects. The way that ADHD drugs function is by boosting specific brain chemicals. Overdosing may cause the brain to become overstimulated, potentially resulting in psychotic symptoms. To understand how large doses of these drugs might result in such symptoms, more research is required. For many people, ADHD drugs are crucial because they enhance their capacity to function and control symptoms. But because large doses of these drugs might cause psychosis, medical professionals need to carefully weigh the advantages of these drugs against their possible drawbacks. These dangers can be decreased by monitoring patients and modifying dosages. (Syal, 2024).

It's important to inform patients about the potential negative effects of their drugs, such as the possibility of psychosis from excessive dosages. Patients can avoid major side effects by using this information to identify and report any unexpected symptoms as soon as they occur.

In South Africa, there is an increasing awareness of mental health; however, challenges remain. Improved patient and healthcare provider education regarding the dangers of high doses of ADHD drugs is necessary. Patients should be made aware of the significance of sticking to their prescription instructions, and providers should get training on how to identify and treat medication-induced psychosis.

In South Africa, cultural beliefs can also impact the way that psychosis and ADHD are seen and handled. It's possible that some people favour traditional medicine or won't follow medical advice. When developing treatment strategies, healthcare professionals must be aware of and respectful of different cultural viewpoints.

Akshay Syal’s article about high doses of ADHD medications and psychosis highlights important issues for ADHD treatment. For South Africa, this means focusing on better healthcare access, improving mental health education, and considering cultural factors. By addressing these areas, South Africa can enhance the safety and effectiveness of ADHD treatments and better protect patients from potential risks.

(Rucker, 2024)

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth edition text Revision. MrEdsCircleofTrust. https://www.mredscircleoftrust.com/storage/app/media/DSM%205%20TR.pdf

Nzima, N. (2024). Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder [Slide show; Lecture Notes].

Rucker, K. (2024). High doses of ADHD medication linked to increased risk of psychosis. In Straight Narrow News. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsan.com%2Fcc%2Fhigh-doses-of-adhd-medication-linked-to-increased-risk-of-psychosis%2F&psig=AOvVaw30FlD2Ekoic4FiKvbxASPO&ust=1726604580596000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCODUsrqlyIgDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAQ

Syal, A. (2024, September 12). High dosages of ADHD drugs may increase risk of psychosis [Video]. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mental-health/high-doses-adhd-drugs-linked-greater-risk-psychosis-rcna170707

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The Impact of Social Support Networks on Mental Health: An OT Perspective

Our relationships with friends, family, and community members have a big impact on our happiness and general well-being. However, some people find it difficult to establish and maintain these relationships. Occupational therapy (OT) can help with that. (Golden-User, 2024)

Why Are Social Connections Important:

1. Emotional Support: Good relationships offer a strong support system. When you have people to talk to, share experiences with, and lean on, it’s easier to handle life’s ups and downs. Emotional support helps reduce stress and makes tough times more manageable. (Hood, 2020)

2. Better Health: Studies show that people with strong social networks tend to be healthier. They have lower rates of illness and better immune systems. Social support encourages healthier habits and can even speed up recovery from illness or injury. (Umberson & Montez, 2010)

3. Happiness and Well-being: Being connected with others boosts our mood and increases life satisfaction. Positive interactions help reduce feelings of loneliness, improve self-esteem, and provide a sense of belonging and purpose. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)

4. Coping with Challenges: Friends and family provide practical help and encouragement, making it easier to face and overcome challenges. A supportive network can help build resilience and improve our ability to cope with difficult situations. (Thatcher, 2020)

How Occupational Therapy Supports Social Connections:

1. Developing Social Skills: Occupational therapists assist people in developing social skills like reading social cues and communicating with others. OT offers specific ways to facilitate and improve social relationships for people with social problems, such as autism or anxiety etc.

2. Encouraging Community Involvement: OT practitioners assist people in finding ways to connect with their communities. This might include joining local groups, participating in events, or volunteering. Getting involved helps build social networks and fosters a sense of community. (Gallant, 2022)

3. Integrating Social Activities into Daily Life: Occupational therapists assist people in integrating social activities into their everyday routines. This could be arranging frequent visits with friends and family, organising events for a group, or figuring out how to fit social time into daily living.

4. Addressing Mental Health: Many OT programs focus on mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which can impact social interactions. By helping manage these conditions, OT supports individuals in building and maintaining healthy relationships. (Homewood Health Centre, 2023)

5. Supporting Families and Caregivers: OT also helps families and caregivers improve communication and understanding. This support helps strengthen family bonds and creates a more supportive environment.

(Community Therapy, 2022)

References:

Golden-User. (2024). What does an occupational therapist do for mental health? - Golden care. Golden Care. https://goldencaretherapy.com/blogs-what-does-an-occupational-therapist-do-for-mental-health/

Hood, J. (2022). Importance of a support system | Highland Springs Clinic. Highland Springs. https://highlandspringsclinic.org/the-benefits-and-importance-of-a-support-system/

Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. Journal of health and social behavior, 51 Suppl(Suppl), S54–S66. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383501

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860

Thatcher, T. (2020). Top 10 Benefits of Spending Time with Family | Highland Springs. Highland Springs. https://highlandspringsclinic.org/the-top-ten-benefits-of-spending-time-with-family/

Gallant, F. (2022). The OT tips on Increasing your Social Support! NCCO Rehabilitation. https://www.nccorehabilitationservices.com/post/ot-tips-on-increasing-your-social-support

Homewood Health Centre. (2023). The role of occupational therapy in mental health treatment. Homewood Health Centre. https://homewoodhealthcentre.com/articles/the-role-of-occupational-therapy-in-mental-health-treatment/

Cherry, K. (2023). How social support contributes to psychological health. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/social-support-for-psychological-health-4119970

Community Therapy. (2022). Mental Health Occupational Therapy | NDIS | Newcastle | Central Coast. https://www.communitytherapy.com.au/occupational-therapy/mental-health/

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Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Recovery

The journey to bounce back from mental health struggles can be, well, incredibly complicated. It usually involves a mix of therapies that target various parts of someone's overall well-being. Occupational therapy tends to be an important type of treatment that offers a unique arrangement of tools and viewpoints to assist individuals on their road to healing. In this blog, we will explore how occupational therapy aids in mental health recovery and the positive impacts it might have on people dealing with these challenges.

What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy, or OT for short, is a form of healthcare designed to help people become more self-sufficient and lead better lives by participating in activities that are meaningful to them (Ferri, 2023). Although OT is typically linked with physical rehab (Golden-User, 2024), it's almost equally important in settings related to mental health. Occupational therapists work closely with patients to develop, regain or maintain the skills that are needed for working and daily living.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health:

Daily Living Skills: Establishing a daily routine is often a foundation of mental health recovery (Grant, 2024). A person's ability to perform daily activities, such as taking care of oneself, preparing meals, or travelling to work or school, can be greatly impacted by mental health issues (Potential Me, 2023). An occupational therapist (OT) can assist in creating a structured schedule that includes work, self-care, and leisure for people who suffer from depression or anxiety. In order to meet each client's specific needs and abilities, occupational therapists work with patients to create ways of handling these activities. To help a client handle every day tasks more effectively, an OT could, for instance, assist them in developing an organised daily schedule, organising skills, or the use of adaptive tools. This offers stability and helps manage symptoms, by reducing confusion and uncertainty. (Ferri, 2023)

Daily Living Skills: Building a daily routine is, more or less, a basis of getting back on track with mental health recovery (Grant, 2024). The ability to carry out everyday tasks like looking after yourself, cooking meals, or commuting to work or school, is often greatly affected by mental health problems (Potential Me, 2023). An occupational therapist (OT) can be incredibly helpful in putting together a structured plan that blends work responsibilities, self-care routines, and leisure activities for individuals dealing with depression or anxiety or other mental health disorders. Occupational therapists usually collaborate closely with clients to come up with practical ways to manage these daily tasks based on each person’s unique needs and capabilities. To give an example, an OT might help someone create a well-organised daily timetable with set times for different activities, develop organising skills, or use special tools designed to make things easier. This process typically provides stability and helps ease symptoms by cutting down on confusion and uncertainty. (Ferri, 2023)

Addressing Cognitive & Emotional Challenges - Cognitive-behavioural Techniques: Memory, focus, and decision-making abilities are just a few of the mental functions that might be affected by mental health conditions. To tackle these cognitive difficulties, occupational therapists often use a range of methods such as problem-solving strategies, memory tools, and techniques to improve cognitive skills (OccupationalTherapist.Io, 2023). They also provide emotional support and help clients develop skills for managing their emotions effectively. Cognitive-behavioural approaches tend to be commonly used by occupational therapists. These methods aim to change harmful thought patterns and behaviours that could contribute to mental health struggles (Potential Me, 2023). By recognizing and rejecting negative thoughts, individuals can boost their emotional strength and build healthier coping mechanisms (Golden-User, 2024). (Allison, 2019)

Developing Social Skills: Building and maintaining good relationships requires social skills. However, interactions with others can sometimes be challenging for people dealing with mental health problems. Occupational therapists often teach their clients social skills to help them get better at things like communication, understanding others' feelings (empathy), and sorting out disagreements (conflict resolution) (Kid Sense Child Development, 2024). OTs typically use activities such as role-playing and social interaction exercises to support those who feel a bit isolated or struggle with social anxiety (How Occupational Therapy Can Help With Anxiety - Moving With Hope, 2022). This kind of practice could include honing in on conversational abilities, figuring out how to make new friends, or just learning the ropes of engaging with people in various situations. Honestly, improving these skills can make interacting with others a lot more enjoyable and less lonely for everyone involved. It's almost like building a toolkit that helps navigate the difficulties of everyday interactions. (Allison, 2019)

Developing Coping Skills: It's important to have ways to handle stress, anxiety, and other symptoms of mental health issues. Occupational therapists often assist patients in creating practical coping mechanisms like mindfulness techniques, relaxation practices, or creative outlets such as art or music therapy (Relife Development Center For Children, 2024). Clients might find that their overall mental health improves, and they manage stress more effectively when they weave these strategies into their daily routines. (Allison, 2019)

Occupational therapy tends to be an essential aspect of mental health recovery. It usually offers a holistic and client-centered approach aimed at addressing the various needs of individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Focusing on enhancing everyday functioning, building coping skills, tackling cognitive and emotional hurdles, as well as supporting social involvement are just a few areas where occupational therapists play a key role in helping individuals meet their recovery goals and enhance their quality of life.

(Allison, 2019)

Golden-User. (2024). What does an occupational therapist do for mental health? - Golden care. Golden Care. https://goldencaretherapy.com/blogs-what-does-an-occupational-therapist-do-for-mental-health/

Ferri, B. (2023). The role of OT in mental health. myotspot.com. https://www.myotspot.com/the-role-of-ot-in-mental-health/

Potential Me. (2023). The role of occupational therapy in mental health treatment. Homewood Health Centre. https://homewoodhealthcentre.com/articles/the-role-of-occupational-therapy-in-mental-health-treatment/  

OccupationalTherapist.Io. (2023). Techniques used in occupational therapy - Occupational therapist. https://occupationaltherapist.io/insight/techniques-used-in-occupational-therapy/

Kid Sense Child Development. (2024). Social skills - Kid sense Child development. https://childdevelopment.com.au/play-and-social-skills/social-skills/

How Occupational therapy can Help with Anxiety - Moving with Hope. (2022). Moving With Hope. https://www.movingwithhope.org/posts/social-anxiety-disorder-occupational-therapists-and-mental-health/

Relife Development Center For Children. (2024). Effective occupational therapy techniques for mental health. RDCC Healthcare (ReLife). https://rdcchealthcare.com/effective-occupational-therapy-techniques-for-mental-health/

Allison. (2019). OT in Mental Health. Allison the OT. https://allisontheotstudent.home.blog/2019/04/25/ot-in-mental-health/

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A Student's Journey Through Evidence-Based Practice

Pursuing a career in occupational therapy is an exciting journey that combines classroom learning with practical experience. I have had the honour of seeing how evidence-based practice has refined clinical skills and shaped interventions as an occupational therapy student. Join me as I discuss how, as a student occupational therapist, evidence-based practice has guided my hospital experience.

Evidence-based practice requires using clinical reasoning to combine data from four sources: the practice context, the patient's values and circumstances, research findings, and clinical competence (Hoffmann et al 2017, p.4). Occupational therapy (OT) adopted evidence-based practice to support the development of clinical services and substantiate daily OT practices (Leung, 2002).  It refers to the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of the most up-to-date evidence when determining how best to treat certain clients.

As an occupational therapy student, evidence-based practice serves as a guide in various clinical encounters and interventions.

As part of my role, I carry out in-depth assessments to determine the goals, difficulties, and strengths of every client I see. I collect useful data to guide intervention planning by utilising standardised assessments and evidence-based assessment tools like the Barthel Index. Through integrating in-depth research and clinical skills, I develop customised intervention plans that improve functional independence and patient quality of life.

As an Occupational therapist or occupational therapy student, you research your patient's diagnosis and obtain professional medical data from research publications.

I monitor my patients and assess the success of my interventions regularly. I monitor the growth and results of my interventions through ongoing outcome assessments and client-reported outcomes, and I adjust my approach based on data when necessary. This continuous process keeps interventions adaptable to patients' changing needs and goals, promoting a flexible and client-centred approach to care.

As a third-year student of occupational therapy, navigating hospital-based practice while embracing evidence-based practice comes with its set of difficulties. These include navigating the extensive body of research literature, putting theory into practice, managing time constraints, dealing with complex patient presentations, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team. But with dedication, growth, and a focus on evidence-based practice as well as remaining open to feedback, I was able to overcome these challenges and grow as a more capable and compassionate future practitioner who will positively affect the lives of her patients.

Evidence-based practice is still at the centre of my work as a third-year occupational therapy student, directing interventions, changing decisions, and producing significant results for patients. By embracing the most recent research findings, integration of clinical experience, and respect for patients' values and choices, I am well-equipped to positively influence the lives of those receiving care. As a future occupational therapist, I look forward to playing a transforming role through dedication, reflection, and a commitment to evidence-based practice.

(Woolley, 2024)

Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S., & Del Mar, C. (2017). Evidence-based practice across the health professions (3rd ed). Australia: Elsevier

Leung, E. K. H. (2002). Evidence-based practice in occupational therapy. Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(1), 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1569-1861(09)70014-2 

Otr/L, J. M. (2023, December 4). The importance of Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational therapy. myotspot.com. https://www.myotspot.com/evidence-based-practice/ 

Addressing the Challenges of Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational therapy | School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. (n.d.). https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/news/addressing-challenges-evidence-based-practice-occupational-therapy

Woolley, A. (2024, April 1). Evidence-Based practice in OT. OT Potential • Occupational Therapy Resources. https://otpotential.com/blog/evidence-based-practice-occupational-therapy 

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A Reflection on Occupational Therapy Student's Journey within the Multidisciplinary Team

Learning, growth, and collaboration are all important parts of an occupational therapy student’s journey to becoming a qualified practitioner. It can be thrilling and intimidating for an occupational therapy student to enter the field of healthcare. Working in a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) in a chaotic hospital setting is an important part of our education. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) brings together a range of medical specialists to offer comprehensive care, they each bring a distinct skill to the care of their patients (Cequier et al., 2020) and dealing with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) is the most important component of this journey to becoming a qualified health practitioner. This blog explores the journey I’ve encountered as an occupational therapy student in a hospital setting collaborating and dealing with the multidisciplinary team.

The multidisciplinary team (MDT) is made up of experts from a wide range of fields, including psychology, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and nursing etc. (Rice, n.d.). Having a multidisciplinary team allows you to give your clients more comprehensive treatment, which is one of the biggest advantages. When several professionals work together, they may offer a more customised and comprehensive approach to fit the particular requirements of every client (Kay, 2023). During my second year, we as students weren’t as involved with dealing with the MDT as we are now so at first, figuring out this complicated medical network was intimidating, it was like trying to solve a 5000-piece puzzle. However, when I understood the collaborative culture, I was able to take the knowledge from the MDT and use it in collaboration with my knowledge to provide comprehensive care to my clients.

During finals in my clinical placement, I had the pleasure of working with the multidisciplinary team. I was able to communicate with the doctors and discuss my client’s diagnosis, I was able to call the orthopaedic workshop regarding my client’s corset, and I was able to speak to the nurses regarding my client. I also was able to look in my client's file and see the physiotherapist, dietician and doctor's notes in the file. All this knowledge that the MDT has given me has helped me with giving my client a comprehensive treatment plan.

My journey through the MDT has been more than just a professional experience, it has been a very personal one too. It has forced me to embrace multidisciplinary learning and get out of my comfort zone. Most of all, it has grown my love for occupational therapy and the positive effects it has on my clients' lives.

(Landén, 2021)

Cequier, Á., Moncayo, F. G., Jané‐Salas, E., Antonio, M., Arribas, L., Vilajosana, E., Torres, E. P., & Mesı́A, R. (2020). The multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach and quality of care. Frontiers in Oncology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.00085 

Rice, I. (n.d.). What is a Multidisciplinary Team? The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland. https://irishpsychiatry.ie/external-affairs-policy/public-information/what-is-a-multidisciplinary-team/ 

Kay, J. (2023, May 15). The pros and cons of multidisciplinary teams: maximising benefits and mitigating challenges. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pros-cons-multidisciplinary-teams-maximising-benefits-jennifer-kay 

Landén, J. (2021, December 13). About multidisciplinary teams and complex problems - Jan Landén - medium. Medium. https://medium.com/@jan.m.landen/about-multidisciplinary-teams-and-complex-problems-74892c8b9540 

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A Journey in Occupational Therapy: Embracing Cultural Sensitivity and Humility

Being culturally sensitive and humble is crucial in the field of occupational therapy as it involves working closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values. Through my experiences and learnings, I've come to realize the significance of these qualities in encouraging effective communication, building trust, and providing quality care to clients. Join me as we explore how these core principles have impacted my care approach and shaped my experience in occupational therapy.

Cultural sensitivity has taught me to approach each client with an open mind and a willingness to understand their unique cultural perspectives. It's about recognising that people may have different ways of expressing their needs, preferences, and experiences based on their cultural background. By being mindful and respectful of cultural differences, I can tailor my approach to therapy to better meet the individual needs of each client. Through my experiences, I've learned that cultural sensitivity begins with active listening and an open mind. It's about recognising that each client's worldview is shaped by their cultural background and experiences and that this perspective informs their goals, aspirations, and challenges. I learned a valuable lesson about cultural awareness when I worked with a client who was not from the same culture. I first assumed that a generalised set of interventions would be uniformly beneficial when I approached therapy. But as I took the time to get to know my client's cultural customs and beliefs, I saw how important it was to change my approach to suit their preferences and values. This week, I also had the privilege to work with a pediatric group where I spoke a different language to the rest of the group. I got to work with my colleague, who helped me translate my English to isiZulu. Although I had difficulty with certain things within the group with regards to my handling and structuring, I learned a lot through that experience.

Humbling myself in my practice has allowed me to acknowledge that I don't have all the answers and that there's always room for growth and learning. It's about being open to feedback, being open to new ideas and perspectives, and recognizing the knowledge that clients bring to their own lives. Humility has also helped me to remain grounded and empathetic, reminding me that every client's journey is unique and deserves my full attention and support.

Humility encourages collaboration and teamwork within the occupational therapy community. By embracing diverse viewpoints and valuing the knowledge of our colleagues, together, we can raise the bar for patient care and promote creativity in the healthcare field. By being humble, we create an environment where people appreciate and encourage one another and may share their special skills and perspectives.

This commitment to cultural sensitivity and humility has significantly shaped my personal and professional growth in occupational therapy. It has enabled me to build stronger therapeutic relationships with my clients, encouraging trust and collaboration in the therapeutic process. By embracing cultural diversity and remaining humble in my practice, I continue to learn from my clients, adapt my approaches to better meet their needs, and ultimately provide more effective and meaningful care.

(Az, 2021)

References:

Hildebrand, K. H., J. Lewis, L., & Pizur-Barnekow, K. (2013). How can occupational therapy strive towards culturally sensitive practices? The American Occupational Therapy Association. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://miota.org/docs/FAQCulturalSensitivity.pdf

Manoharan, E. (2021, August 18). Culture and Occupational Therapy - Living Without Boundaries ®. Living Without Boundaries ®. https://livingwb.com.au/blog/culture-and-occupational-therapy/

Cultural competence in occupational therapy – All Things OT. (n.d.). https://www.allthingsot.com/cultural-competence-in-occupational-therapy/

Az, T. (2021, December 16). Cultural diversity in pediatric home health: Occupational therapy - theracare. Theracare. https://theracareaz.com/cultural-diversity-in-pediatric-home-health-occupational-therapy/

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Planning and Implementing Client-Centered Occupational Therapy Interventions

As an occupational therapy student working with a client that has burns, I've had the opportunity to engage in a client-centered approach that focuses on addressing the unique needs and goals of my client. When I think back on my work developing and carrying out a client-centered intervention for my burns client, a few important lessons and insights came to mind:

Building Rapport and Trust: Burns patients often experience physical pain, emotional distress, and vulnerability. I had to take the time to listen, understand her concerns, and validate her experiences which created a safe space for a great collaboration.

Comprehensive Assessment: I had to conduct a comprehensive assessment on her Range of Motion in her left upper limb and left lower limb to establish what intervention was needed. My planning for her intervention involved understanding the impact of her burns on daily activities, her roles, and her routines.

Tailored Intervention Plans: Several therapy methods and strategies must be included when creating customised intervention plans. For my client, intervention focused on range of motion exercises, and activities that encouraged range of motion in the affected joints. My client needed to be able to independently dress herself so planning a dressing session for my client needed. It was not only needed for her to be able to dress independently but also the activity allowed for her to increase her Range of motion in her left upper and lower limb.

In conclusion, working with a burns client has been a humbling and rewarding experience. Embracing a client-centered approach has not only enhanced my clinical theory and practice but also deepened my appreciation for the resilience, courage, and strength demonstrated by my client as she strives to reclaim her life and identity post-injury.

[savsotjournal]

My Journey as an Occupational Therapy Student: Navigating Strengths and Weaknesses in the Hospital Setting

As an occupational therapy (OT) student, stepping into the bustling world of a hospital can be both thrilling and intimidating. The journey is a rollercoaster of experiences, filled with moments of triumph and challenges that test your resilience. In this personal blog, I'll share my reflections on the strengths and weaknesses I've encountered this week while working as an OT student in a hospital setting.

Strengths:

Hands-On Learning: One of the greatest strengths of working in a hospital as an OT student is the unique hands-on learning experience. From assisting with patient evaluations to participating in treatment sessions, every day offers new opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-life scenarios. These experiences not only strengthen theory but also sharpen clinical skills essential for future practice.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Hospital settings thrive on interdisciplinary collaboration, and as an OT student, I've had the privilege of working alongside a diverse team of healthcare professionals. Whether it's consulting with doctors, collaborating with physical therapists, or coordinating care with nurses, these interactions have reinforced the importance of teamwork in healthcare.

Exposure to Diverse Cases: Government hospitals cater to a wide range of patient populations and conditions, providing OT students with exposure to diverse cases and treatment approaches. Each encounter offers valuable insight into different parts of occupational therapy.

Mentorship and Guidance: Throughout my first week in the hospital, I've been fortunate to have experienced a supervisor who has generously shared her wisdom, guidance, and expertise with myself and my group. She has provided support, offered constructive feedback and is nurturing my growth as a growing OT professional.

Weaknesses:

Time Constraints: In the fast-paced environment of a hospital, time is a precious thing, and it is often in short supply. It can result in challenges in managing time effectively. As an OT student, balancing clinical responsibilities, tasks, session planning and write ups and other educational deadlines, leaving little room for leisure. This can feel overwhelming at times, therefore requiring prioritisation and time management skills.

Emotional Toll: The hospital environment exposes OT students to the raw realities of illness, injury, and human suffering. Witnessing patients' struggles and talking to them about life before illness and injury and them facing unexpected outcomes can take an emotional toll on ourselves.

High Turn Over Rates: High discharge rates in hospitals presents various challenges for OT students. Patients are admitted, undergo treatment, and are quickly discharged, often leaving limited time for in depth interventions. As OT students, we strive to provide meaningful therapy to facilitate patients' recovery and improve their quality of life. However, the brief stay of the patient can interfere with our ability to conduct thorough assessments, and implement tailored intervention plans. As an OT student navigating the challenges of high discharge rates in the hospital, I've learned valuable lessons in adaptability, resilience, and patient-centered care. While the fast-paced nature of hospital settings can be daunting, it also presents opportunities for growth. By embracing a eager mindset, collaborating effectively with other health care practitioners, and prioritising patient-centered goals, OT students can rise to the occasion and make a meaningful difference in our patients lives.

Working as an OT student in a hospital setting is a journey filled with both strengths and weaknesses, challenges and triumphs. It's a journey that tests your resilience, sharpens your skills, and shapes you into the therapist you aspire to be. By embracing the strengths, acknowledging the weaknesses, OT students can emerge from the hospital wards and be ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients.

(Beck, 2023)

Beck, C. (2023, August 9). Occupational therapy quotes. The OT Toolbox. https://www.theottoolbox.com/occupational-therapy-quotes/