AOTA's Occupational Therapy Channel

In this episode of AOTA podcasts, we explore the unique challenges and inspiring opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners serving rural and underserved communities.  Our guests, Kalyn Briggs, PhD, OTR/L, CLA and Tim Dionne, PhD, OTR/L, share real-world experiences, highlight innovative models of care, and discuss how OTPs, can bridge gaps in access to health services.  Listeners will learn about key resources, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to build professional networks that support rural practice.

Resources:
APA Preparing for Practice in Rural Communities

CMS Rural Health Strategy

Rural Health Information Hub:  Education and Tra...

How can occupational therapy practitioners expand their role in assistive technology development, and what does 3D printing have to do with it? In this episode of Everyday Evidence, we’re joined by Bill Janes, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L, whose work as an occupational therapist, researcher, and assistive tech advocate explores the intersection of 3D printing, client-centered care, and the PEOP framework. Together, we explore the potential of 3D printing to transform how occupational therapy practitioners approach problem-solving in assistive technology, offering customizable, affordable, and innovative solutions that can meet unique client needs in real-time. We discuss practical case examples, lessons fr...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Johnson and Amanda Fonner to explore the dynamic collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). Jennifer and Amanda share their insights into what makes OT/OTA partnerships successful, how understanding each other's roles enhances patient outcomes, and why teaching this collaboration is crucial for the next generation of practitioners. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner, a student, or just curious about how intraprofessional collaboration can elevate occupational therapy, this episode is packed with practical advice and thoughtful reflections.   Note: The speakers in this podcast have chosen to use the terms...

In honor of National Black History Month and Women's History Month, this special episode explores the invaluable contributions of Black women occupational therapy practitioners, scholars, and leaders who have shaped the profession and continue to drive health equity forward. We are joined by Arameh Anvarizadeh, Natalie Chang Wright, and co-host Varleisha Lyons to reflect on the legacy of trailblazers who broke barriers, discuss the ongoing challenges in diversifying the field, and highlight the critical role of occupational therapy in addressing health disparities. Featuring insightful conversations with established voices in OT, this episode examines the future of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy...

On today's episode, we delve into the pressing issue of concussions and their often-overlooked aftermath. Anna Boone and Whitney Henderson share their expertise and discuss the staggering number of individuals who sustain concussions each year in the U.S., many of whom remain undiagnosed or lack access to follow-up care and rehabilitation services. While much attention has been focused on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), we shine a light on those experiencing post-concussion syndrome (PCS) with mild persistent symptoms that hinder their daily lives. This episode emphasizes occupational therapy practitioners' critical role in evaluating and intervening in these cases, particularly regarding...

In today's episode, we speak with Emily Barr about patient safety and some of the research and advocacy efforts she has been involved in as the Nebraska Coalition for Patient Safety executive director. She describes OT's distinct role in addressing patient safety and provides recommendations for students, clinicians, educators, and advocates to improve patient safety standards, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. Contact Hour Survey Additional Resources: National Quality Forum focus on HARM project National Quality Forum update to serious adverse event reporting Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 CMS Patient Safety Measure for Hospitals CMS Quality Assurance...

On Today's episode, we speak with Tasha Holmes and Lauren Wlazelek about how AOTA Fellowship Programs can enhance your OT practice. They highlight the benefits and opportunities that recognized fellowships can bring to individual practitioners and organizations. Additionally, they share personal and systematic examples of how fellowship participation benefits students, practitioners, patients, universities, and health systems.  Additional Resources: Visit the AOTA Fellowship homepage to learn more

On Today's episode we speak with DeOnna Clark, Beth, Johnson and Melissa Tilton about how you can identify, address, and prevent compassion fatigue and burnout in your OT practice. They highlight the need to destigmatize burnout and compassion fatigue, introduce the emotional PPE project, and provide personal and systematic recommendations to decrease the barriers that healthcare workers face when seeking, accessing, and receiving emotional and mental health support The 2024 AOTA Podcast episodes are sponsored by NYU Steinhardt’s top-ranked Department of Occupational Therapy. Additional Resources: Emotional PPE Project Professional Quality of Life website

On today's episode, we speak with Renee Causey-Upton. Renee is the Associate Chair/Graduate Program Coordinator and an Associate Professor at Eastern Kentucky University. She shares clinical recommendations for occupation-based treatment in orthopedic settings and describes the research she has conducted and mentored related to pre and post-operation interventions for total knee replacement surgery. Contact Hour Survey Resources: OT for Ortho Recovery CEU OT Practice Guidelines for Musculoskeletal Conditions American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons National Association of Orthopedic Nurses

On today's episode, we speak with Maggie Deforge, an OT practitioner and chair of the group Occupational Therapy for Native Americans. She shares lived experiences, insights, and recommendations to address Native issues and to encourage culturally safe practices across settings.  Additional Resources: ot4natives.org OT MDI Network