OT 425 The OT Process

Interaction with the client is the most powerful tool we have as occupational therapists. Therapeutic use of self and the relationships we build with clients are very important to the OT process. The OT process is very client-centered and occupation-based. Referral is the first un-official part of the process and involves getting the physicians order to obtain important information about the client. Evaluation involves screening, the occupational profile, analysis of occupational performance, and targeted outcomes. Screening is not hands-on and involves talking and observing the client. The most important part of the evaluation is the interview with the client and obtaining the occupational profile. Intervention involves the plan and implementation of intervention. It is important to remember to be careful with certain diagnoses because risk factors and precautions can vary. It is also important to monitor and reflect during intervention to determine if it is going the way you expected and making adjustments. During intervention, keeping a constant eye on when you need to re-think is important, so it is always a good idea to have a plan B. Balancing the needs of the client and involving the caregiver is vital to intervention.  Occupation can be used as both a means and an end. When helping the client to engage in occupation, so they are living life to the fullest, then occupation is being used as and end. When occupation is as intervention, then it is being used as a means. An example used in class, was someone needing to pick up copy paper to load a printer; an occupation such as doing laundry could be used as treatment/intervention to get them back to what they want to do. The caregiver plays a major role in helping the client with care, treatment, and making adjustments outside of therapy. Re-evaluation is re-analysis of occupational performance, review of targeted outcomes, and identifying action. Re-evaluation is where we determine whether to continue or discontinue therapy.