Occupational Therapy Hand Specialist
Occupational Therapy: Hand Specialist

Hand therapy is a specialty practice within occupational therapy. It combines elements of preventative care with recovery in order to allow individuals to regain proper mobility, dexterity, and strength in their hands and arms. As a combination of occupational and physical therapy, the practice requires a keen knowledge of the functionality of the upper limbs. It is a highly specialized practice that can help ease pain and prevent future suffering for those in need.

The practice is a combination of several major factors, primarily because it deals with so many different types of injuries, conditions, and their subsequent strategies to help relieve pain and strengthen patients' abilities. According to the research, "hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. It is a merging of occupational therapy and physical therapy and practice…...

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References

American Society of Hand Therapists. (2011). Hand therapy. American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Web.  http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/HandTherapy.aspx 

Certified Hand Therapist. (2012). Who is a certified hand therapist? The Recognized Specialist in Hand Therapy. Web.  http://www.htcc.org/about/index.cfm 

International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy. (2010). IFSHT Hand Therapy Practice Profile. Web.  http://www.ifsht.org/en/content/international-profile-hand-therapy-clinical-practice

This is not just an opinion of the authors. They actually did a study called the Defining Issues Test (DIT) which measures ethical judgment. The (DIT) was given to over five hundred (500) college students upon entrance into an occupational therapy program and just prior to completion of the program. The study revealed a significant increase in ethical judgment scores as the students neared the end of their program (2008).
The information in both articles could prove to be beneficial to an occupational therapy student. Ethics should be taught in the classroom in this type of profession to give the student a strong foundation before he actually starts practicing therapy. Once the student is an actual occupational therapist, professional organizations will serve as an excellent source of information and networking for the professional. They can always use the standards of ethics set forth by these organization as a reference and…...

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References

Dige, M. (2009). Occupational therapy, professional development and ethics. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 16: 88-98.

Geddes, E.L., Salvatori, P. And Eva, K.W. (2008). Does moral judgment improve in occupational therapy and physiotherapy students over the course of their pre-licensure training? Health and Social Care, 8(2), 92-102.

Occupational Therapy
Evidence-based practice paper health

Evidence-based practice: Public health

According to Anne Cusick, Iona Novak, and Natasha Linon's (2009) article "Occupational therapy home programs for cerebral palsy" from Pediatrics, a home-based treatment approach has been demonstrated to be effective, based upon the relatively small study conducted on behalf of the journal. This study compared a group of children with cerebral palsy who received treatment through an occupational therapy home program (OTHP) versus those who did not. Children within the experimental group after eight weeks showed significantly better functioning, participation, ability to obtain goals, and physical skills, according to the parents surveyed, as compared with the control group. Occupational therapists first assessed the children involved in the program, then prescribed a course of treatment the parents were supposed to administer to their children over the study's duration. 86 in total children participated in the study. The study allowed for flexibility regarding the duration…...

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References

Cusick, Anne, Iona Novak, & Natasha Linon. (2009). Occupational therapy home programs for cerebral palsy: Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics, 24 (4): 606 -614.

Laforme Fiss A; S.W. McCoy, L.A. Chiarello. (2011). Comparison of family and therapist perceptions of physical and occupational therapy services provided to young children with cerebral palsy. Physical Occupational Therapy Pediatrics.

Novak, Iona Anne Cusick, & Kevin Lowe. (2007). A pilot study on the impact of occupational therapy home programming for young children with cerebral palsy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(4) 463-468.

There are some very important characteristics for an individual that wants to be successful in Occupation Therapy; compassion for others and their situations, dedication to consistently staying educated and striving for continued excellence. Commitment to making a positive change in clients lives, being a positive and making a positive impact on the field of occupational therapy. Purpose, knowing why you are helping people, and realizing the true rewards come from seeing a client leave in a better physical and mental state than when they first entered the rehabilitation facility. All of these characteristics I bring to the table; I bring my love for people, my commitment to excellence, and my hunger for continued knowledge and understanding in the field of occupational therapy. Very few fields allow such a hands on approach, and that is what draws me to it the chance to be apart of something amazing, and help…...

In other words, the outcomes are relatively consistent and can be predicted. This facilitates the care that occupational therapists are able to give, as the outcomes are provided by clinical trial research.
More indirectly, clinical trial outcomes provide the profession as a whole with a sense of validity; providing it with a stronger image in the eyes of the general public as well as clients themselves. This increased confidence in the profession will perpetuate not only its efficacy, but also the possibilities of applying successfully for funding to conduct further clinical trials.

Another advantage of clinical trials are for recipients of care themselves. Occupational therapists might for example choose a certain type of client to participate in a clinical trial for the improvement of his or her problem. Such clients can then also have access to therapies that are not yet widely available while being assured of the knowledge that they…...

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References

Sperling, R. (2009). Gray matters: Clinical Trials. Retrieved from: www.dana.org/WorkArea/downloadasset.aspx?id=19738

US National Institutes of Health. (2007). Understanding Clinical Trials. Retrieved from:  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/info/understand 

Unsworth, C. (2000). Measuring the outcome of occupational therapy: Tools and resources. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, no. 47.

Success was bitter sweet as I learned once licensed that there were no additional positions with my agency for occupational therapists and had to move on to another agency to obtain employment. When I did so I had to leave my clients behind. I had worked with some of my clients for longer than two years and I considered many to be my friends. I left my position as a rehab coach in good standing and asked that they keep me in mind for any future occupational therapist positions.

Some of the most difficult situations I have encountered as an occupational therapist and in the past as a rehab coach have been associated with unreasonable expectations. In some cases employers seek to employ clients served simply because of the benefits of the service, as a portion of the employees pay is provided by the state and therefore the employer has only…...

hat are the main emerging physical issues that occupational therapists face? In the July-August-September 2004 edition of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the authors emphasize that in the near future, occupational therapists "will be treating an increasing number of clients with visual impairment." This is due to the fact that more and more adults are choosing to work until the age of 70, in order to make ends meet and pay off home mortgages. Older people may still have good use of their hands and be alert in their minds, but human eyesight inevitably fades with the passing of time.

In conclusion, it is also important to understand that other issues that negatively interfere with good healthy living - like cigarette smoking, eating disorders, stress and alcohol abuse - can be alleviated with creative approaches to occupational therapy. Indeed, according to the book, alking Medicine: The Lifetime Guide to…...

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Works Cited

Cynkin, Simme, and Robinson, Anne Mazur. Occupational Therapy and Activities Health:

Toward Health Through Activities. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1990.

Ellexson, Melanie T. "Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. Vision Rehabilitation." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 20.3 (2004): 154-172.

Jacobs, Karen. Ergonomics for Therapists. Boston: Butterworth Heinmann, 1999

This research will tie together the research that has preceded it in this area.
Benefits

This research will result in improved patient outcomes, which will benefit the patients, skilled nursing facilities, occupational therapists and other stakeholders.

Goals

This project will focus on ways to determine when occupational therapy would be helpful for patients and when it would not likely be of benefit.

SMAT Process Objectives

This research will result in a deliverable that will present the results of the data obtained during the research study. This document will present the literature review, data and analysis from the research study. This research will provide a data breakdown as to the conditions and initial assessment categories of the patients. It will evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy for each of these patient categories.

Deliverables

The key deliverable for this project will be the final report detailing the conduct, data, and results of the study.

Success Criteria

The project will be a…...

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References

Chin, T., Duncan, J., & Johnstone, B. (2005). Management of the upper limb in cerebral palsy. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B. 14(6):389-404.

Hsieh, C., Putnam, K., & Nichols, D. et al. (2010). Physical and Occupational Therapy in Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: The Contribution of Therapy Extenders. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 89(11):887-898.

Johnston, K., Barras, S., & Grimmer-Somers et al. (2010). Relationship between pre-discharge occupational therapy home assessment and prevalence of post-discharge falls. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 16(6):1333-1339.

Sackley, C., van den Berg, & Lett, K. (2009). Effects of a physiotherapy and occupational therapy intervention on mobility and activity in care home residents: a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 339:b3123.

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As we can see here, researchers are likely to differ considerably in the way that they assess or prioritize competencies. But there does tend to be a certain consensus on the idea that certain overlapping emotional qualities may be used to project one's occupational capacity and propensities. The source by Cherniss goes on to identify certain behavioral features that are most typically found in those with high levels of emotional intelligence, pointing to several that correlate perfectly to the healthcare profession. Among them, Cherniss identifies the ability of the individual to manage stress as a primary indicator of emotional intelligence. Given the sometimes extremely pressurized atmosphere of the nursing home -- where the needs and demands of highly compromised patients can often be impossible to juggle -- the capacity of the healthcare worker to manage stress is tantamount to his or her long-term survival within the profession.

Cherniss also…...

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Works Cited:

6 Seconds. (2004). Benefits of Emotional Intelligence on Life, Education, Business, and Health. 6 Seconds.org.

Abraham, R.: Emotional competence as antecedent to performance: a contingency framework.

Genet Soc Gen Psychol Monogr, 130(2): 117-43, 2004,

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list

Ethics in the nursing and occupational therapy communities is an ongoing concern that is being addressed in a number of different arenas and manners. This paper discusses national and international frameworks that have been created to address, define and provide ethical behavior guidelines for the healthcare communities that comprise measured and timely responses to the ethics issue as it pertains to those communities. Specifically, the paper will look at ethical decision making in healthcare regarding patient consent; how it is presented, used and documented. Additionally, the paper will seek legal and ethical frameworks as defined by a variety of Australian and international healthcare and medical entities.
National and International Ethical Frameworks

A number of organizations have established guidelines for ethical behavior by the members of those organizations. International and national healthcare organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have set forth guidelines that affect how not…...

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References

Commission on the Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2008). Australian

Charter of Health Care Rights.

Gallagher A. The teaching of nursing ethics: content and method. In: Davis A, Tschudin

V and De Raeve L (eds) Essentials of teaching and learning in nursing ethics:

Occupational Therapy 4 Contextual Definitions
Define occupational therapy to a friend.

Occupational therapy is a combination of therapeutic treatments that try to help a person gain a maximum level of independence in their daily lives. It is based on the idea that occupations provide structure and organize time. Take a child with attention deficit disorder, for example. The occupational therapist would try to break down activities into achievable components and try to increase the kid's ability to perform daily tasks. It addresses the problem by directly performing the occupations that affects the child the most in living a normal life. An occupational therapist may work with the child to improve his/her performance in school and assignment completion. An important part of occupational therapy is to constant reevaluate the treatment. This focuses not only on the actual improvements in attention span but also on the child's level of satisfaction with the treatment. The…...

Exploring the Complexity of Occupational Science
Introduction

Occupational science is a field of study that aims to understand the complexities of human behavior in the context of everyday activities and occupations. It goes beyond traditional views of work and encompasses a wide range of activities that individuals engage in to create meaning, purpose, and satisfaction in their lives.

The study of occupational science involves examining how individuals interact with their environment, how they engage in everyday tasks, and how these activities contribute to their overall well-being. It considers factors such as culture, social norms, personal preferences, and physical abilities that influence the choices individuals make in how they spend their time.

Occupational science is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on knowledge from various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and health sciences. It is focused on understanding the nature of occupations, how they are performed, and the impact they have on individuals and societies.

By studying…...

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References

1. Yerxa, E.J., et.al. “An Introduction to Occupational Science, A Foundation for Occupational Therapy in the 21st Century.” Occupational Therapy in Health Care, vol. 6, no. 4, 1989, pp. 1-17.

2. Zemke, R., Clark, F. “Occupational Science: The Evolving Discipline.” Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company, 1996.

3. Wilcock, A.A. “An Occupational Perspective of Health.” Thorofare: SLACK Incorporated, 2006.

4. Gutman, S.A. “Neuroscience and Occupation: Building New Bridges.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, vol. 62, no. 4, 2008, pp. 473-481.

Occupational Therapy
The medical field is constantly undergoing significant changes in response to the changing health and social needs of Canadians, as well as health care delivery systems. Occupational therapy is an integral part of this process, as it has expanded from traditional hospital settings to home and community care.

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists identifies some of the existing trends as affecting occupational therapy:

• an aging population

• increased awareness of the needs of people with disabilities

• higher survival rates from accidents and injuries

• increased emphasis on health promotion and prevention to keep health care costs down

• higher incidence of mental health and family problems

• changes in work conditions such as job stress and early retirement

• a more informed public regarding health and health concerns

In my opinion one of rapidly evolving trends in occupational therapy in Ontario is its increasing role in providing care to the aging population in long-term care…...

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References

Ontario Long-Term Care Association. (2011). Elements of an effective innovation strategy for long-term care in Ontario. The Conference Board of Canada. Web.  http://www.oltca.com/Library/march11_cboc_report.pdf

History Of Occupational Therapy
Frame 1 - Introduction

Occupational therapy is an essential part of the recovery process. It allows the person to engage in meaningful activity that adds structure and purpose to their daily routine. Occupational therapy is now considered an essential part of the treatment process for those with long-term, or severe injuries. The role of the occupational therapist is to help the person we turn to a life where they can be independent and are in there and living, regardless of their condition. Occupational therapy helps a person to adjust to the changes in their lives as result of a severe illness or injury. This presentation will explore the history of occupational therapy with a focus on the changes in paradigm that took place during the 1950s and 1960s.

Frame 2 - Occupational therapy was first conceived in the early part of the 1900s. It was originally designed to help…...

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References

American Occupational Therapy Associaton. (2010). Occupational Therapist. Health Care

Careers Directory 2009-2010. Retrieved from 0  http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/40/tr01-occup-ther.pdf 

Essentials of an acceptable school of occupational therapy. (1950). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 4, 126-128.

Kearney, P. (2004). The Influence of Competing Paradigms on Occupational Therapy Education:

One thing is certain through my evaluation I now acknowledge that there are good and bad aspects to every choice one makes considering employment and opportunities. I have a newfound respect for the sensitivity and fragile frame of the field. There is nothing promised, one can hold top degrees in his/her field and have all of the training and experience in the world. These things do not sure a sustainable future. I have learned that there are certain aspects of life that give particular fields more "job" security that others, however this does not insure individual success rates or even amounts of money that will be made by any individual. Honestly, job security no longer looks so secure. There are possibilities that I may have to work harder and longer for the same pay or possibly even less, not to mention that the market will be so overflowing that there…...

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Works Cited

Hecker, Daniel E. "Occupational Employment Projections to 2010: Occupations Requiring a Postsecondary Vocational Award or an Academic Degree, Which Accounted for 29% of All Jobs in 2000, Will Account for 42% of Total Job Growth from 2000 to 2010." Monthly Labor Review 124.11 (2001): 57+.

Hecker, Daniel E. "Occupational Employment Projections to 2014." Monthly Labor Review 128.11 (2005): 70+.

Occupational Therapy

1. The Role of Nature and Nurture in Speech and Language Development

Discuss the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to speech and language skills.
Explore the interplay between innate abilities, parental input, and sociocultural influences.
Examine how early experiences can shape language development and academic success.

2. The Importance of Parent-Child Interactions for Speech and Language

Describe how parental speech, singing, and reading foster language development.
Analyze the role of scaffolding, imitation, and feedback in language acquisition.
Discuss the challenges and strategies for supporting language development in homes with limited English proficiency.

3. The Use of Technology to Promote Speech and....

Maternal Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Introduction
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a leading cause of preventable birth defects. Exposure to alcohol in the womb can have severe and lifelong consequences for the developing fetus, leading to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

How Alcohol Affects the Fetus
Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach the fetus directly. Once in the fetal circulation, it can disrupt cell growth and differentiation, particularly in the brain and other organs that are rapidly developing. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the production of essential nutrients, such as folic acid, which are....

In conclusion, cerebral palsy symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may change over time with therapy. While the condition does not worsen, the resulting brain damage is permanent and can have lifelong effects. Early intervention is key, especially for those with mild symptoms, in order to provide the necessary support and care. It is important to monitor any signs of developmental delays in children and seek help from a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment. Early intervention programs can improve the quality of life for individuals with mild cerebral palsy by providing them with personalized therapy and....

Early Intervention Programs and Enhanced Quality of Life for Individuals with Mild Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that affect muscle tone, posture, and movement. Mild CP is the least severe form, with individuals typically experiencing mild motor impairments that do not significantly impact daily activities. However, early intervention programs can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with mild CP. These programs aim to enhance physical, cognitive, and social development, maximizing their potential and promoting a fulfilling life.
Benefits of Early Intervention Programs
1. Improved Physical Function:
- Physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves....