WOTA Advocacy Blog

SUPPORTING NEW MOTHERS: THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN ACUTE CARE

Sarah Punshon — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:38:17 GMT

SUPPORTING NEW MOTHERS: THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN ACUTE CARE

Blog post written by: Brynnae Bierman, MOT, Concordia University Wisconsin

In acute care settings, occupational therapists play a crucial role in addressing the immediate postpartum needs of mothers to optimize recovery and support well-being. Despite the medical focus on physical recovery, integrating rehabilitation services early can make a significant impact.

1. Education on Posture and Body Mechanics
After childbirth, whether vaginal or cesarean, new mothers often need
guidance on safe body mechanics when lifting, holding, or breastfeeding
their baby. Occupational therapists provide education on maintaining
proper posture, reducing strain, and preventing musculoskeletal pain,
ensuring that mothers can care for their newborns safely.

2. C-Section Scar Massage
For mothers recovering from a cesarean section, scar massage is a
key intervention. Proper scar management can reduce adhesions,
improve mobility, and minimize pain. Occupational therapists educate
mothers on how and when to start gentle scar massage techniques,
promoting healing and mobility.

3. Addressing Perineal Trauma
In cases of severe perineal tears (grade 3 or 4), occupational therapists collaborate with mothers to manage movement limitations and offer body mechanics training tailored to their needs. Breathing techniques and pelvic floor exercises can help support healing, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.

4. The Importance of Acute Care Therapy Postpartum
Research highlights a gap in postpartum rehabilitation services in U.S. hospitals (Segraves et al., 2023). Although routine rehabilitation is
standard for other surgeries, mothers often leave the hospital without
receiving occupational or physical therapy interventions. With the
increasing postpartum readmission rates, providing maternal care
providers with comprehensive education on obstetric rehabilitation
is essential for improving postpartum outcomes. Early occupational
therapy intervention can help mitigate these risks and support
holistic maternal health recovery.

Call to Action
To all occupational therapists in Wisconsin: let’s advocate for the
inclusion of postpartum occupational therapy in our acute care settings. Together, we can help fill this critical gap and improve maternal health outcomes across our state.

Discussion Question
How can we, as occupational therapists, collaborate with obstetric teams to ensure new mothers receive the rehabilitation support they need
before discharge?

References
Segraves, R. L., Croghan, A., Coreas, M., Locati, E., & Finley, R. N. (2023). Initiating Occupational and Physical Therapy in the Hospital After Birth: Access, Reimbursement, and Outcomes. The Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, 47(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1097/JWH.0000000000000262

AI in OT Practice

Sarah Punshon — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:05:15 GMT

Post written by Eric Watkins, Occupational Therapy Student, Concordia University

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in academia and is a point of contention for many. In fact, the topic has been discussed so ad nauseam that I heard an audible groan from many of you after reading the opening sentence. However, rather than discussing its ethical implications, this post focuses on the potential AI could have on occupational therapists’ (OT) workloads.

Before exploring this topic further, consider this: Would a farmer watch his field all day over using animal repellents, or would a novelist hand write their books over using Microsoft word? Likely not. Technology has advanced to a point where it removed some rudimentary busy work, which allowed more time for their full expertise. This raises the question, how much of your job truly uses your full expertise?

When thinking about that question, documentation comes to mind. While it is true that documentation shows the value that OT can bring, and is essential in acquiring positive client outcomes, would you say you are giving 100% of your expertise when documenting (AOTA, n.d.)? Would you say every repetitive keystroke is a true reflection of years in education and experience? Is that the reason people join the profession? No, it is a bottleneck in the true expression of what OTs brings to the medical field.

OTs spend roughly 31% of their workday on indirect casework (Wilberforce et al., 2016). Imagine if AI could cut that in half, what would you do with that time? Would you spend more time researching to improve the quality of your care? Would you see more clients? Would you think of more creative occupation-based activities? Would you make some calls and advocate for your clients? I can continue but you get the point. If documentation was not so limited then imagine the benefits it could have on the profession as a whole and as a result, the change it can have on the people you see on a daily basis.

The OT profession finds itself in a pivotal movement, similar to that of many other fields that have seen technology expand its scope. With every new technology emerges a new array of responsibilities and often leaves questions about its appropriate use. However, OTs hold a unique position in this domain. As natural advocates, they are well-equipped to step in and help shape the regulatory frameworks that guide technology's application into their field (OTPF-4, 2020).

References

American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA]. (n.d.). Documentation [Webpage]. AOTA. Retrieved October 13, 2024, from https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/documentation

Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process-Fourth Edition [OTPF-4]. (2020). The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 74(Supplement_2), 7412410010p1–7412410010p87. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001

Wilberforce, M., Hughes, J., Bowns, I., Fillingham, J., Pryce, F., Symonds, E., Paddock, K., & Challis, D. (2016). Occupational therapy roles and responsibilities: Evidence from a pilot study of time use in an integrated health and social care trust. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79, 409 - 416. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022616630329.

Mental Health in the Geriatric Population

Sarah Punshon — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:04:21 GMT

Blog post written by Landry Elliot, OT student at Concordia University

Mental Health in the Geriatric Population

The Issue

Approximately 14% of adults ages 60 and older experience mental health disorders, however, less than 50% of those adults receive the treatment that they need (How to Better Address Mental Health Needs of Older Adults, 2023). The number of older adults is projected to increase by over 47% from 2023 to 2050 (Mather & Scommegna, 2024). As the number of older adults continues to grow exponentially as a result of the baby boom, this issue becomes concerning and far more pressing than it has ever been. With older adults in danger of mental health disorders and crises, it is essential that we recognize the risk factors and reasons so that we can take action against this epidemic.

What makes the risk so high?

Now we must ask ourselves: What puts the older population at such a risk? A category of risk that illuminates as we enter the later stages are psychosocial. Approximately 25% of older adults are affected by social isolation and loneliness (Mental Health of Older Adults, 2023). Losing a partner, tremendous life changes such as retirement or moving, and loss of independence can all lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Another factor is biological changes. Loss of mobility, loss of senses, decreased physical abilities, and physical health concerns and disorders all contribute to mental health and well-being, with emphasis on depression and anxiety of older adults. While many other risk factors exist, acknowledging biological and psychological factors is a step in the right direction towards better health and wellness of the older adult population.

How Can We Help? A Call to Action.

Advocate. As occupational therapists, we learn all about advocating for our client’s and how to help our client’s advocate for themselves. Start by advocating for your loved ones that may fall into this population. Ask them how they are doing, help them to get involved in things they enjoy, and make sure they have a support system. Help them advocate for themselves. Sometimes, people need a push to inspire enough bravery to speak up – encourage them to speak up when they do not feel right, when they need something, or when they want something. Finally, use your profession in helping others to spread the word around the community. Talk with your coworkers about this issue, brainstorm ways to work in the community to raise awareness and make a difference, educate families and clients if applicable, and keep fighting for the health and wellbeing of others.

References

How to Better Address Mental Health Needs of Older Adults. (2023). https://www.ncoa.org/article/why-we-must-address-the-rising-mental-health-needs-of-our-growing-older-adult-population/

Mather, M., Scommegna, P., (2024). Fact sheet: Aging in the United States. PRB. https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/

Mental health of older adults. (2023). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders: Strategies for Leadership Growth

Sarah Punshon — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 20:39:25 GMT

Blog post written by Dalton Lardinois, Occupational Therapy Student, Concordia University

Having effective and strong leaders is essential for the development of many things such as businesses, various group programs, and even health care systems. However, being a leader in one of these settings can be something that creates anxiety within people. People fall into the fallacy that they are not a good leader, or they are not smart enough. It takes a special person to rise to the demands of leadership. Nevertheless, everyone can be a leader in different capacities and strive to improve the ways in which they lead.

Some of the common themes that form effective leaders in healthcare include clinical competence, effective communication, and team-focused or supportive/empowering just to name a few (King et al., 2016; Stanley & Stanley, 2017). Of the 15 listed most desired clinical leader attributes only three were not interpersonal characteristic in some manner. This shows the importance of developing relationships as a strategy to grow as a leader. Personal connections are far more important to the people that are being led than other characteristics that can create some anxiety in a leader.

Some interpersonal strategies that will help you grow as a leader may include having an intentional conversation with a different member of the team each day. Being supportive and motivating towards the team that you lead is essential not only the team dynamics but for the productivity of the healthcare organization as well (Stanley & Stanley, 2017). People enjoy being led by a person that they feel understands them and will have their back.

Another strategy is to be a good mentor and being visible (Stanley & Stanley, 2017). Teaching the people that you lead is a great way to boost confidence in various clinical skills while also strengthening meaningful relationships with the team. Also, being visible to the team whether that means treating a client in the gym space or documenting there providing an example of the leader working hard helps to reinforce the team mindset as well as motivate the team. Working in a visible space also demonstrates servant leadership as it’s the team that everyone has a role and no one person is above the team while also building trust (Transtek et al., 2014).

Leadership is not something that needs to be frightening or induce anxiety within a person. When stepping into a leadership role it is important to remember a summary of this post. Your team is looking for a person to build a working relationship with while motivating them through the tough time.

References

King, R. V., Larkin, G. L., Fowler, R. L., Downs, D. L., & North, C. S. (2016). Characteristics of Effective Disaster Responders and Leaders: A Survey of Disaster Medical Practitioners. Disaster medicine and public health preparedness, 10(5), 720–723. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2016.24

Stanley, D., & Stanley, K. (2017). Clinical leadership and nursing explored: A literature search. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(9–10), 1730–1743. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14145

Trastek, V. F., Hamilton, N. W., & Niles, E. E. (2014). Leadership Models in Health Care—A case for servant leadership. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 89(3), 374–381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.10.012

Effective Interpersonal Communication about Value of OT

Sarah Punshon — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:50:04 GMT

Blog post written by Hannah Gueller, Occupational Therapy Student at Concordia University

OTs are an integral part of interprofessional teams across various settings and populations. An interprofessional approach to healthcare delivery has been shown to increase quality and coordination of care, decrease errors, reduce hospitalizations, improve client satisfaction, and promote professional well-being. Interprofessional teams work together with the common goal of improving patient health outcomes. Each practitioner has a professional and ethical responsibility to provide services within their own competence and scope of practice. Challenges arise when we do not understand the role and scope of practice of other professions.

If we don’t know how to communicate our role as OTs, how can we expect other healthcare providers to understand what we do?

As OTPs, it is easy to get frustrated when we constantly have to explain our role to patients, care partners, and other healthcare professionals. Instead of succumbing to frustration, we should celebrate the opportunity to create a better understanding of what we do and advocate for our profession. We are taught early in our professional education to develop an elevator pitch as our “go-to” to explain what we do and why we do it. Let’s share our elevator pitch with other healthcare professionals to help mitigate the misconceptions, confusion, and ambiguity regarding our role and value on interprofessional teams.

How can we do this?

Share your elevator pitch far and wide! Curate an elevator pitch that can be modified and adapted (something that we are great at as OTs) to appeal to your team. Start by describing what an occupation is. I say, “an occupation is anything that you want to do, need to do, or are expected to do”. Then discuss how promoting independence in meaningful occupations improves the health and quality of life of our clients. It may also be helpful to provide personal examples of experiences with clients. Share your elevator pitch with your team, answer questions that arise, and discuss how you can collaborate to help clients. With increased confidence in communicating the distinct value of OT, we have the opportunity to advocate for and expand the profession.

Reflection & Call to Action

How can you initiate conversations with your interprofessional team to clarify roles and establish trust and confidence in one another?
Craft your elevator pitch! Talk about experiences that are meaningful to you and demonstrate the distinct value of OT. Share your elevator pitch in the comments!

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2021). Importance of interprofessional education for occupational therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. Advance online publication.

Bosch, B., & Mansell, H. (2015). Interprofessional collaboration in health care: Lessons to be learned from competitive sports. Canadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue Des Pharmaciens Du Canada, 148(4), 176–179. https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163515588106

Interprofessional Education Collaborative. (2016). Core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice: Report of an expert panel. https://ipec.memberclicks.net/assets/2016-Update.pdf

Kaiser, L., Conrad, S., Neugebauer, E. A. M., Pietsch, B., & Pieper, D. (2022). Interprofessional collaboration and patient-reported outcomes in inpatient care: A systematic review. Systematic Reviews, 11(1), 169. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-02027-x

Occupational Therapy's Role in Supporting War Refugee Community Reintegration and Occupational Participation

Sarah Punshon — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:43:54 GMT

Blog post written by: Clara Neilsen, Occupational Therapy student, Concordia University, WI

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a refugee is “someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence.” They have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons including race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership, often unable to return home (UNHCR, 2023). As of October 8, 2024, over 122.6 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide due to humanitarian crises and violence in regions such as Palestine, Ukraine, Syria, Central Africa, Afghanistan, and Cuba (UNHCR, 2024).

How can occupational therapists (OTs) help this population?

Our profession upholds that all individuals, regardless of cultural background, race, gender, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or origin, have the right to participate in occupations that promote health, well-being, and life satisfaction aligned with their cultural beliefs (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2006). OTs possess a unique skill set to aid refugees during resettlement by facilitating community integration and helping them regain meaningful occupations, habits, and roles lost in transition. Advocating for our role in addressing occupational injustices reflects our values of justice, altruism, freedom, and equality. Research indicates that OT can significantly benefit this population (Smith et al., 2013; Trimboli & Taylor, 2016; Whiteford, 2005).

Refugees experience various forms of occupational injustice and the adverse effects of forced displacement, including:

Occupational deprivation due to external barriers

Loss of meaningful roles, routines, and cultural practices (Scaffa, 2020)

Lack of normalcy

Occupational imbalance

Preoccupation with survival, leading to reduced participation

Occupational alienation is characterized by feelings of isolation and powerlessness (Scaffa, 2020)

Trauma and mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Social isolation

Limited choices in host countries (e.g., detention centers, refugee camps)

Difficulty navigating unfamiliar systems and communities

Cultural or racial discrimination

Unemployment

Our focus on meaningful occupation and holistic well-being positions us well to support this vulnerable population in rebuilding their lives and promoting overall health. However, we are often absent from this landscape. Relevant areas within OT’s scope include:

Occupational needs assessment

Mental health and trauma-informed care

Coping mechanisms and emotional regulation

Cultural competence and client-centered practice

Promoting engagement in meaningful occupations

Redeveloping daily routines and roles

Building life skills

Supporting community reintegration and resource navigation

How Can OTs Support War Refugees?

Collaborate with local or national resettlement agencies

Advocate for policies that enhance refugee integration

Connect with local non-profit organizations supporting refugees and asylum seekers

How can OTs collaborate with existing refugee resettlement organizations?

Reach out to local refugee resettlement agencies (Wisconsin Department of Children and Families) to explore volunteer opportunities and learn about community resources. Share how your OT expertise can support their mission and assist refugee reintegration. By engaging in this work, we can expand OT’s impact and help war refugees rebuild their lives and find purpose in their communities.

References

Kern, S. B., Reitz, S. M., Seruya, F. M., Silveira, J., Smith, B. C., Thompson, T., Kilkuskie, K., Santos, G., & Nguyen, A. (2020). Promoting occupational participation in marginalized populations. In M. Scaffa & M. Reitz (Eds.), Occupational therapy in community and population health practice (3rd ed., pp. 457-487). F.A. Davis Company.

Scaffa, M. E. (2020). Community and population health concepts. In M. Scaffa & M. Reitz (Eds.), Occupational therapy in community and population health practice (3rd ed., pp. 22-37). F.A. Davis Company.

Smith, Y. J., Stephenson, S., & Gibson-Satterthwaite, M. (2013). The meaning and value of traditional occupational practice: A Karen woman’s story of weaving in the United States. Work, 45(1), 25-30. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-131600

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2024). What is a refugee? https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/what-is-a-refugee/

World Federation of Occupational Therapists. (2006). WFOT position statement: Human rights. http://www.wfot.org/ResourceCentre.aspx

Blog post written by: Clara Neilsen, Occupational Therapy student, Concordia University, WI

OT and Maternal Mental Health

Sarah Punshon — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 18:07:34 GMT

Spreading the word about OT

As occupational therapy practitioners and students, we have a deep understanding of OT and the impact it could have on many areas of life and health. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding in the general public and in healthcare regarding what OT is. This lack of knowledge limits our reach, and there is a need for advocacy to help us break into new areas of practice.

Maternal mental health

One emerging practice area in OT is maternal mental health. The physical health of mothers after birth has historically been the primary aspect of health that is emphasized, at the deficit of other aspects of health such as their mental wellbeing (Atif et al., 2015). In order to holistically care for mothers post-partum, all aspects of health must be addressed. Depression is one of the primary mental health challenges that mothers experience after childbirth. It is estimated that around 20% of mothers experience post-partum depression (Atif et al., 2015).

OT in this setting

Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to support mothers in transitioning after a child is born because our profession recognizes the need to address the health of the whole person including factors related to the mind, body, and spirit (AOTA, 2020). With OT’s unique foundations in both psychology and physiology OT professionals are competent to address the interactions between these factors and support new moms in a more holistic way. OT professionals also have a unique perspective on roles and routines which go through major changes after the birth of a child (Khan, 2023). OT professionals would be a great asset to the healthcare team in this setting and could address factors that may be overlooked otherwise. One of the main barriers to women receiving occupational therapy post-partum is a lack of knowledge regarding how OT could fill this care gap. It is up to us to spread the word about the potential impact of OT in this emerging practice area.

Discussion and call to action

Think about how you could add to the spread of knowledge regarding OT and our scope of practice. Do you know a new mother who could benefit from OT? Do you have colleagues or friends in the area of maternal healthcare? How could you inform about the value OT could bring to this practice setting?
Consider the potential reach of OT. This week, have a conversation with someone about the unique strengths of OT’s holistic approach to health.

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), S1–S87. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001

Atif, N., Lovell, K., & Rahman, A. (2015). Maternal mental health: The missing “m” in the global maternal and child health agenda. Seminars in Perinatology, 39(5), pp. 345–352. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.semperi.2015.06.007

Khan, S (2023). Occupational therapy’s unique role in maternal health and well-being. American Occupational Therapy Association. 28(8), pp.12-15. https://www.aota.org/publications/ot-practice/ot-practice-issues/2023/occupational-therapys-unique-role-in-maternal-health-and-well-being

Thank you to Sarah Schlagel, OT student at Concordia University for this blog post!

Legislative Updates

Sarah Punshon — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:34:36 GMT

Our blog post this month will bring you up to date on recent legislation that affects the profession of OT in Wisconsin.

Legislative advocacy is one of the most important things that WOTA does and one of the many reasons to become a member and maintain your membership in WOTA! WOTA works with lobbyists to promote the profession of OT and to ensure that we are represented in bills that affect our day-to-day work and the clients and communities we serve.

Below is an update of the most recent legislative session.

Assembly Bill 507 (AB507) didn't make it to the Assembly, which effectively “killed” the bill. AB507 would have authorized the first 12 visits of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or chiropractic visits before requiring pre-authorization. It would have required a health plan to re-authorize coverage of a service for which previous coverage was approved within three business days. WOTA worked with PT, chiropractic, and lobbyists for the insurance companies to word the bill in a way that would increase chances of getting the bill passed.

Assembly Bill 959 (AB959) passed the Assembly, but did not get onto the Senate floor, which also “killed” this bill. AB959 would have created an Occupational Therapy Examining Board independent of the Medical Examining Board. The goal of this bill was to generate more efficient processes for OT regulations, scope issues, and licenses.

Assembly Bill 90 (AB90) passed the Assembly in January, but did not get onto the Senate floor, which also “killed” this bill. AB90 would allow third parties (like WOTA) to process license applications for OTs and OTAs instead of the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

In February of 2023, WOTA and The Welch Group hosted OT Day at the Capital. About 100 OTs, OTAs, and OT/A students came to the capital in Madison to meet with legislators and their aides to advocate for the profession of Occupational Therapy.

WOTA has representation at all Medicaid and licensing board meetings so that our collective voice can be heard; and so we can keep you, our members and the OT community of Wisconsin, updated.

Where have all the OTs gone?

Sarah Punshon — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 20:48:55 GMT

Where have all the OTs gone?

An Industry Shortage

The healthcare industry faces a critical challenge: a shortage of occupational therapists (OTs), especially in rural areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects OT employment will grow 12% from 2022 to 2032, creating about 9,600 openings each year. Many positions will replace retiring workers. Additionally, as the baby-boomer generation ages and stays active, the need for OTs increases.

Are We ‘Making’ More OTs?

US News & World Report named occupational therapy among the top twenty-five jobs for 2024. However, enrollment in OT programs is lower than in years past. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) reported a decline in OTCAS applications over the past six years, with master’s and doctoral program applications down by 23%. The OT application rate has decreased significantly more than PT applications.

What’s Going On?

The shortage of OTPs and OT students is multifaceted. Higher education is expensive, and OTP salaries don’t always allow for easy repayment of student debt. Efforts to keep program costs down have not been impactful enough. We need to advocate for appropriate salaries and reimbursement rates. Additionally, COVID made healthcare daunting, deterring some potential students. While the pandemic's main crisis is over, its effects linger. Moreover, there is often misunderstanding about what occupational therapy is. Our profession's broad scope can make it hard to convey what we do clearly.

So What Do We Do?

Advocate! If advocating for OT is new to you, start small. Practice explaining what you do and who you work with. In her podcast episode “Stop saying ‘No one knows what occupational therapy is’,” Grote offers tips on sharing about OT. Focus on what OT means to you and your clients. Share your passion for the profession with those in your circle.

We need to inform young people about how OT impacts society. High schoolers today want to make a positive impact on their communities. They are aware of social justice issues and eager to help others. What better way to support social equity than by promoting independence and addressing health disparities? This is occupational therapy!

Reflection and Call to Action

Think about who is in your circle of influence and who they might connect you with. Who can you talk to about a career in OT?
Reflect on your journey in occupational therapy. Whether you're a current student or nearing retirement, you likely have impactful stories. Share your favorite aspects of OT in the comments!

Meghan Watry-Christian

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists,

at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm (visited July 09, 2024).

Cabral, A.R. (Jan 9, 2024). The best jobs in America in 2024. US News & World Report. https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/the-25-best-jobs

Grote, C. (June 2024). Stop saying ‘no one knows what occupational therapy is”. AmplifyOT Podcast. https://podcast.amplifyot.com/episode/ep-54-stop-saying-no-one-knows-what-occupational-therapy-is

Harvison, N. (2024). Higher education challenges: What do we need to watch? PPT from AOTA Inspire Conference. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/educationcareers/alc-2024/tue_pm_higher-education_harvison.pdf

Lin V, Zhang X, Dixon P. Occupational Therapy Workforce in the United States: Forecasting Nationwide Shortages. PM R. 2015 Sep;7(9):946-954. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.02.012. Epub 2015 Feb 25. PMID: 25724851.

Welcome to our Advocacy Blog

Sarah Punshon — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:54:43 GMT

Generating Our Action Potential

Original by en:User:Chris 73, updated by en:User:Diberri, converted to SVG by tiZom, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Common

Depolarization

During depolarization, positive charges enter the cell and if the threshold is reached there is an action potential.

When advocating for the “action potential” of our Occupational Therapy profession, we need to be engaged to reach the threshold for action. We have many channels in which we can follow our passions. We can advocate for change by attending a Day at the Capitol, contacting our legislators, or voicing our distinct value to an interdisciplinary team. We reach the threshold for action by embracing diversity and inclusion, demonstrating formal and informal leadership, and defending the scope of Occupational Therapy practice. At times, we face failed initiations. Collaborating with other Occupational Therapists and allying with interdisciplinary teams is key to reaching thresholds that effectuate change.

“We must be bold and use our OT skills to step into new areas and expand our reach, continuing to advocate for the value of OT and acknowledge one’s training.” (Emmert & Petrone, 2022)

Repolarization

During the repolarization stage, the cell membrane becomes negatively charged.

As a therapist, I equate the repolarization stage as an opportunity to be a reflective practitioner. As we reflect on our daily tasks, we gain insight as to how we could implement changes that improve our practice. Through evidence-based research we improve our approach and interventions. We contemplate areas of practice that spark our interests and passions. We can take on informal leadership roles by taking on a new project or responsibility. If we are stuck in a stage of repolarization and negativity, we can envision pivoting to a different practice setting or with a new client population.

Resting state

At the cellular level, during the resting state the outside of the cell membrane becomes more positively charged. The negatively charged neuron cell attains its resting membrane potential between -40 to -90 mV.

As Occupational Therapists, we face many demands through work and life. We need rest to recharge. As Occupational Therapists we work as caregivers, healthcare workers, and educators. Our work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. We face several external negative factors such as productivity requirements and increasing medical complexities in our patient populations. We need to rest to preserve our work life balance and our strength as effective therapists.

Cindy Steinert, OTD, MSOTR/L, CLT

References:

Emmert, C., & Petrone, N. (2022) Unlocking the potential of occupational therapy in new settings, SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(4).

The Action Potential - TeachMePhysiology

Reflection and Call to Action:

Occupational Therapy is a beautiful profession with unlimited potential. Unfortunately, real world limitations set in and we can experience burnout and frustration with the systems we work in. OT practitioners can respond in a variety of ways, and it is the hope of the WOTA Advocacy Committee that Wisconsin OTPs choose to see opportunity in our future. Our goal with the blog is to provide a safe place to share AND explore solutions and innovation to move the profession forward.

WOTA Advocacy Blog

SUPPORTING NEW MOTHERS: THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN ACUTE CARE

AI in OT Practice

Mental Health in the Geriatric Population

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders: Strategies for Leadership Growth

Effective Interpersonal Communication about Value of OT

Occupational Therapy's Role in Supporting War Refugee Community Reintegration and Occupational Participation

OT and Maternal Mental Health

Legislative Updates

Where have all the OTs gone?

Where have all the OTs gone?

An Industry Shortage

Are We ‘Making’ More OTs?

What’s Going On?

So What Do We Do?

Reflection and Call to Action

Think about who is in your circle of influence and who they might connect you with. Who can you talk to about a career in OT?

Reflect on your journey in occupational therapy. Whether you're a current student or nearing retirement, you likely have impactful stories. Share your favorite aspects of OT in the comments!

Meghan Watry-Christian

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists,

at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm (visited July 09, 2024).

Cabral, A.R. (Jan 9, 2024). The best jobs in America in 2024. US News & World Report. https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/the-25-best-jobs

Grote, C. (June 2024). Stop saying ‘no one knows what occupational therapy is”. AmplifyOT Podcast. https://podcast.amplifyot.com/episode/ep-54-stop-saying-no-one-knows-what-occupational-therapy-is

Harvison, N. (2024). Higher education challenges: What do we need to watch? PPT from AOTA Inspire Conference. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/educationcareers/alc-2024/tue_pm_higher-education_harvison.pdf

Lin V, Zhang X, Dixon P. Occupational Therapy Workforce in the United States: Forecasting Nationwide Shortages. PM R. 2015 Sep;7(9):946-954. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.02.012. Epub 2015 Feb 25. PMID: 25724851.

Welcome to our Advocacy Blog

Generating Our Action Potential