OT conversations

Providing occupational therapy in critical care is no small feat. Patients are often awake but limited in communication or mobility, connected to life-support devices, and unable to engage in traditional rehabilitation activities. In these moments, therapy goes beyond techniques—it becomes about connection.

Success starts with truly knowing your patient, not just their diagnosis, but their interests, values, and what gives their life meaning. Equally important is knowing yourself as a therapist. Your creativity, life experiences, and ability to find joy and purpose play a critical role in creating meaningful engagement.

Simple, personalized activities—playing musi...

In this discussion, Hao, an occupational therapist, focuses on the complex issue of delirium, which is described as a prominent topic within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Hao explains that while delirium's biochemical underpinnings and historical context are widely recognized, the critical question remains: "Then what?" He emphasizes the need for a practical approach to management rather than just theoretical knowledge.

Hao advocates for a multisensory approach to treating delirium, highlighting the effectiveness of visual and auditory enhancements, like using glasses and adjusting lighting, to improve patient orientation and cognition. However, he notes these strategies are not sufficient on...

The episode tells the story of a patient, Mr. C, who was treated by Hao about 20 years ago. Mr. C, in his 80s, had severe deconditioning and muscle wasting following a thigh fracture and long hospital stays. Unable to walk or even perform simple movements, he was resigned to a wheelchair, with little hope for recovery, according to physiotherapists.

The therapist saw the potential for recovery due to Mr. C’s intact neurological function and developed a rehabilitation program. Starting with minimal muscle movements, the plan included:

A young girl, just ten years old, suffered from severe jaw pain caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Eating and speaking became daily struggles, and her family was deeply concerned.

They turned to occupational therapist Rubina Diesel, who crafted a holistic plan. Rubina prescribed jaw exercises, advised avoiding hard foods, and introduced mindfulness techniques to reduce strain. The girl followed the program diligently, with her family’s support.

After a year, her pain was gone, and specialists confirmed her jaw was realigned. This story shows how care, collaboration, and dedication can transform lives through occupational therapy

In this episode, Hao emphasizes the critical role of screening as the first step in identifying patients who need further occupational therapy interventions. Screening is a quick, surface-level assessment that filters cases for deeper evaluation, often performed by OTs, nurses, or referrers. It transitions into monitoring or assessment when problems are identified, and therapy plans are created.

Hao highlights challenges in screening, such as inconsistencies when done by non-OT professionals and its time-intensive nature. He stresses the importance of educating healthcare teams about OT’s role in improving referral quality and advocates for proactive screening by OTs to...

In this episode, Hao reflects on a recent conversation with a friend who is working as an occupational therapist in the United States, specifically in a nursing home in New Jersey. This friend described the demanding yet rewarding nature of his work, seeing 20-22 patients per 12-hour shift. The diverse caseload includes patients recovering from strokes, fractures, cardiac issues, and dementia. Despite the intensity, the financial rewards are significant, with estimated and assumed earnings of up to $2,200 per day.

Hao contrasts this with occupational therapy practices in the UK. While the U.S. system emphasizes variety and...

From this talk, listeners can learn about the broad scope of occupational therapy, which extends beyond rehabilitation to include performance enhancement and prevention. They’ll discover how OTs use various techniques to help people optimize their skills, improve daily performance, and prevent future challenges. The talk also highlights how OT overlaps with fields like life coaching and wellness promotion, showcasing its potential to empower individuals in all areas of life.

Today’s episode focuses on the critical need for healthcare professionals to develop business acumen. While we’re trained to deliver exceptional care, understanding the financial and operational aspects of our work is essential for advocating for resources, securing our roles, and growing our profession.

The talk provides practical tips for occupational therapists to foster a positive and collaborative relationship with patients and their families. It emphasizes the importance of positioning oneself as an advocate, reassuring patients and families that the therapist is on their side. Key strategies include focusing on the patient’s progress rather than using "I" statements, involving patients in their care decisions, and addressing family concerns by guiding them through the patient’s current abilities to manage expectations.

The therapist is advised to avoid offering extra support or adaptive aids too quickly, especially in acute or early recovery stag...

Welcome to OT Conversations. In this episode, Hao is joined by Becky, an aspiring therapist, grappling with a complex case involving sensory integration after a stroke. Listen in as we unpack the intricacies of sensory-motor approaches, fatigue management, and the everyday struggles of a patient adjusting to new limitations. Whether you're a student, a practitioner, or just curious about occupational therapy, this conversation is packed with insights, practical advice, and a deep dive into how therapy can adapt to meet individual needs.