week 9 Flashcards
(25 cards)
The 4 Stages of the OT Process:
- Evaluation
- Intervention
- Re-evaluation
Outcome
Evaluation – What & Why
Purpose:
* Understand the client holistically
* Identify strengths (enablers) and challenges (constraints)
* Focus on the client’s occupational performance
Key Actions:
* Develop an Occupational Profile
* Use clinical reasoning
* Gather formal and informal data
* Set SMART goals
Client-Centred Approach:
- Understand history, roles, values, and goals
- Identify Occupational Performance Issues (OPIs)
- Ask: “Why is this happening?” (Clinical reasoning)
- Use EBP to support findings
Categories of Occupations:
- ADL, IADL, Sleep, Education, Work, Play, Leisure, Social Participation (AOTA, 2014)
- Self-care, productivity, leisure (Law et al., 1998)
Assessment Methods
Formal Assessments:
* Standardised tools (e.g., MMSE)
* Choose tools relevant to client needs
Informal Assessments:
* Observation during activities
* Interviews (e.g., SOAP notes)
* Occupational performance analysis
Goal Setting (SMART Goals)
SMART:
* Specific
* Measurable
* Achievable
* Relevant
* Time-bound
Example:
“Pearse will independently dress lower body using assistive tech within 2 weeks after 3 OT sessions.”
Intervention
Key Considerations:
* What are the evidence-based options?
* What does the client prefer and why?
* Is it effective, realistic, and client-centred?
Plan and Do:
* Apply clinical reasoning
* Choose interventions based on goals
* Monitor how client responds
Re-evaluation
Why Re-evaluate?
* Review progress (positive or negative)
* Reflect on goals and client satisfaction
* Use formal/informal reassessments
Next Steps:
* Continue, adjust, or stop intervention
* Use clinical reasoning and EBP to guide decisions
Outcome
Primary Question:
“Does my client still need OT services?”
Options:
* Continue therapy
* Discontinue therapy
* Refer elsewhere if needed
Use PEOP model to guide decision-making.
Key Definitions
Occupation: Activities that bring meaning and purpose
Occupational Therapy: Supporting participation in meaningful occupations
Occupational Performance: Doing, feelings during, and after an activity
Clinical Reasoning & EBP
- Combine research, experience, and client values
- Justify “why” behind your intervention choices
- Helps link evaluation → intervention → outcomes
How do OT interviews guide the OT process?
Interviews help gain client history, daily occupations, medical condition details, and how these impact function. They guide assessment, goal-setting, and therapeutic planning.
What are therapeutic relationships in OT?
Connections built through empathy, trust, interpersonal skills, and collaboration. These relationships support effective engagement and client outcomes.
Four Key Elements of a Therapeutic Relationship
- Empathy – understanding and validating the client’s feelings
- Interpersonal skills – using effective communication
- Trust – being dependable and respectful
- Collaboration – working with the client, not for them
What is empathy in OT?
Empathy means acknowledging and validating a client’s concerns without judgment or fixing. It helps clients feel heard and supported.
Difference between empathy, sympathy, and apathy
- Apathy: “We all have problems” → client feels dismissed
- Sympathy: “You poor thing” → client feels pitied
- Empathy: “You seem really worried” → client feels heard
Examples of interpersonal skills in OT
Communication, listening, active body language, open posture, inclusive and respectful speech, appropriate tone and pace.
What influences interpersonal skills?
Language, age, stress, energy, values, confidence, time, culture, appearance, setting, and past experiences.
SOLER technique for non-verbal communication
- S – Sit squarely
- O – Open posture
- L – Lean slightly forward
- E – Eye contact
- R – Relax
Verbal communication tips in OT
- Be concise
- Avoid jargon or demeaning words
- Use inclusive language
- Match your tone and volume to the setting
- Speak clearly and calmly
How to build trust with clients
Be present, listen attentively, respect privacy, show competence, and honour their dignity and choices.
Importance of collaboration in OT
Work with the client—discuss goals, set priorities together, and base decisions on client input and evidence-based practice.
What is “therapeutic use of self”?
Combining your professional skills with your personal qualities (values, beliefs, personality) to enhance client engagement.
What is the role of the OT in the interview exam?
Explain the OT role, gather client info, and suggest a relevant intervention (through a brochure). Focus on therapeutic connection and professionalism.
