Whether we’re students, educators, or clinicians working on the frontlines of care, we all have a stake in the world of occupational therapy (OT) education. The changes in clinical education this year are so large that even those working in academia have struggled to keep up. This 1-hour CE course will ask you to reflect on trends in higher education prior to 2020, and assess how COVID-19 has impacted higher education. It will also lead you to consider how OT education may forever be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to encourage educators and program directors to continue thinking outside the box, find ways to increase program flexibility, harness long-term use of technology, and creatively support occupational therapy students.The course will reference current research on trends in higher education both pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic with OT Program Director, Melissa Kimmerling, EdD, MOT, OTR/L. We look at what we’ve learned during the pandemic, what will stay after the pandemic abates, and how you can support students both in the classroom and in the field.In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club. Learn more on the course page. Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT Potential Podcast | Occupational Therapy EBP

OT Education During a Pandemic - A Discussion with Melissa Kimmerling (CE Course)

The number of adults diagnosed with autism is rising. Yet, we currently have very few evidence-based interventions to offer this population.We seem to be falling short of truly supporting autistic adults. We need to do better, not just by addressing their challenges, but also by bolstering their unique strengths.This 1-hour episode is going to push you to think big-picture about the unmet needs of autistic adults—and, hopefully, it will help you address both the challenges and strengths that can be part of being neurodivergent in a world that is built for neurotypicals. Our goal is to support you as an OT, so you can help autistic adults live a life they love.The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research exploring the priorities of autistic adults. Then, Meg Proctor, an occupational therapist with expertise in working with patients on the spectrum, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.You can find more details on this course here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ot-supporting-adults-with-asdHere's the primary research we are discussing:Gotham, K., Marvin, A. R., Taylor, J. L., Warren, Z., Anderson, C. M., Law, P. A., . . . Lipkin, P. H. (2015). Characterizing the daily life, needs, and priorities of adults with autism spectrum disorder from Interactive Autism Network data. Autism, 19(7), 794-804. doi:10.1177/1362361315583818Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

Supporting Adults on the Spectrum: Evidence and Discussion with Meg Proctor

So much about the COVID-19 era feels unpredictable and beyond our control. But, the research analysis covered in this course will open your eyes to some ways where we can be extremely helpful. Not only can you use your occupational therapy skills to help patients in acute care, but you can even help those who are home with mild symptoms.I know we say this at OT Potential a lot, but your skill set is desperately needed.The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research on COVID. Then, Torrie Niewoner, an occupational therapist who treats patients with COVID-19 in the inpatient setting, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.You can find more details on this course here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/covid-ot-ceuHere's the primary research we are discussing:Wang, Tina J. MD; Chau, Brian MD; Lui, Mickey DO; Lam, Giang-Tuyet MD; Lin, Nancy MD; Humbert, Sarah MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COVID-19, American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: September 2020 - Volume 99 - Issue 9 - p 769-774Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

COVID-19 and OT: Evidence and Practical Takeaways (CE Course)

In this 1-hour course, occupational therapy practitioners will gain an introductory understanding of a hot topic (and controversial diagnosis): postconcussion syndrome.On one hand, postconcussion syndrome has a well-described pattern of symptoms. But, on the other hand, we don’t know what causes it. Plus, because the symptoms are subjective, postconcussion syndrome has been very difficult to quantify and study.Whether you work with kids or adults, at some point you’ll probably work with patients who’ve suffered concussions. This course will help you feel informed and confident when working with these patients.The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research on postconcussion syndrome. Next, Devon Cochrane, an occupational therapist and concussion expert, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.You can find more details on this course here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ot-postconcussion-syndromeHere's the primary research we are discussing:Hiploylee C, Dufort PA, Davis HS, Wennberg RA, Tartaglia MC, Mikulis D, Hazrati LN, Tator CH. Longitudinal Study of Postconcussion Syndrome: Not Everyone Recovers. J Neurotrauma. 2017 Apr 15;34(8):1511-1523. doi: 10.1089/neu.2016.4677. Epub 2016 Nov 29. PMID: 27784191; PMCID: PMC5397249.Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

Postconcussion Syndrome and OT: Evidence and Practical Takeaways (CE Course – 1 hour)

In this 1-hour course, occupational therapy practitioners will learn about the concepts of eHealth and participatory medicine—and, how they are shaping the future of our profession.Both eHealth and participatory medicine will give you a new lens to understand some of the seismic shifts that are happening in health care right now. And, the good news is that even amidst rapid change, the basic tenet of both concepts, of helping the patient to be more active in their care, has long been a tenant of OT and will leave you feeling affirmed of the value of the work we do.The course will begin with a breakdown of the research, and then Lauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and rehab technology expert, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.We’re excited to explore this topic with you!In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.You can find more details on this course here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ehealth-participatory-medicine-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Townsend, A., Leese, J., Adam, P., Mcdonald, M., Li, L. C., Kerr, S., & Backman, C. L. (2015). eHealth, Participatory Medicine, and Ethical Care: A Focus Group Study of Patients’ and Health Care Providers’ Use of Health-Related Internet Information. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(6). doi: 10.2196/jmir.3792Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT, eHealth, and participatory medicine: Research and practical takeaways (CE Course)

In this 1-hour course, occupational therapy practitioners will learn about promising research regarding stroke rehab—specifically, interventions that are geared toward self-management.The good news is that much of the research backs what we are already doing. The authors build upon our existing foundations of OT, providing practical ideas for tweaking your care to leverage the principles of self-management.The course will begin with a breakdown of the research, and then Lauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and stroke-care expert, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club. You can find more details on this course here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/self-management-for-strokeHere's the primary research we are discussing: Parke, H. L., Epiphaniou, E., Pearce, G., Taylor, S. J., Sheikh, A., Griffiths, C. J., . . . Pinnock, H. (2015). Self-Management Support Interventions for Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Meta-Review. Plos One,10(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0131448Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

Self-Management for Stroke: Evidence and Practical Takeaways (CE Course)

My first thought after I read this article was that I need to share it with our hospital’s CEO. This is exactly the kind of article that I want our administrators and leaders to be reading. My second thought was that every OT needs a copy of this article to display on their desk like an inspirational poster :-)It’s that huge.This is the largest (and most important, in my opinion) study we’ve examined so far in the Club. The authors analyzed data from 1,194,251 Medicare patients, and they found that OT was the only category of spending where higher investment led to lower readmission rates across three different diagnoses: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.To join the conversation on this article, sign-in or sign-up for the OT Potential Club at otpotential.com!Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016). Higher Hospital Spending on Occupational Therapy Is Associated With Lower Readmission Rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 74(6), 668–686. doi: 10.1177/1077558716666981Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT Reduces Hospital Readmissions! (And, in a Cost-Effective Way!)

We OTs are navigating an ever-changing maze of legislation, reimbursement, and care-delivery models.But, this week’s article calls us to focus on our profession’s most important relationship of all: our relationship with our clients.Get ready to really ponder the nature of our partnerships with clients...and to consider these relationships in terms like trust and vulnerability.The researchers held focus groups that examined how patient/provider relationships are changing due to both parties' reliance on the internet for answers. The results are fascinating. To discuss this topic, please join the OT Potential Club! Townsend, A., Leese, J., Adam, P., Mcdonald, M., Li, L. C., Kerr, S., & Backman, C. L. (2015). eHealth, Participatory Medicine, and Ethical Care: A Focus Group Study of Patients’ and Health Care Providers’ Use of Health-Related Internet Information. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(6). doi: 10.2196/jmir.3792Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT and Shifting Values

During this time of COVID-19, we OTs are doing what we do best: being adaptable. In this case, a global pandemic has us reimagining what our therapy can look like. It is our hope that the OT Potential Club can help you do that in a proactive way. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been looking at research that highlights new opportunities to reach our patients and improve outcomes. This week’s article fits well in that theme. It calls us back to a basic principle: part of our role is to intervene early in the disease process, ideally helping to prevent some of the most worrisome disease symptoms. This week, we are looking at an article about psychosis which, frankly, is one of the most challenging symptoms that can present with many mental illnesses. But, there’s good news: Research indicates that it’s possible to identify those at high risk for psychosis—and even reduce the number of people who experience a full-blown episode.And, in this brand-new study, you’ll see how an assessment that many OTs are accustomed to administering—The Sensory Profile—may not only help guide early identification of at-risk youth, but also help inform subsequent treatment.To discuss this article, join us in the OT Potential Club! Parham, L. D., Roush, S., Downing, D. T., Michael, P. G., & Mcfarlane, W. R. (2019). Sensory characteristics of youth at clinical high risk for psychosis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 13(2), 264–271. doi: 10.1111/eip.12475Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT, Sensory Differences, and Psychosis

Therapists across the globe are advocating that telehealth delivery be covered by our licenses (and reimbursed by insurers). Now, more than ever, I think it’s important to examine the research that backs up these efforts.The reality is that even before COVID-19, telehealth was showing significant promise to help reach more clients, and even improve outcomes.This week’s article is a randomized control trial (RCT) from one of the world’s most influential journals: The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). And, the results indicate that telehealth delivered to stroke patients to address UE motor deficits appeared to be just as effective as similar care care that was delivered in a clinic. To discuss this article further, please join us in the OT Potential Club. Cramer, S. C., Dodakian, L., Le, V., See, J., Augsburger, R., Mckenzie, A., … Janis, S. (2019). Efficacy of Home-Based Telerehabilitation vs In-Clinic Therapy for Adults After Stroke. JAMA Neurology, 76(9), 1079. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.1604Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

In-Clinic Versus Telehealth OT for Adults After Stroke

One of the general trends we’ve been following on the podcast is the potential of using coaching strategies in occupational therapy. And, as therapists around the globe are dialing into teletherapy, this research trend merits some consideration. After all, it may be an effective strategy to consider as many of us are seeking to restructure how we offer our occupational therapy services.This week’s article on occupation-based coaching via telehealth really paints a picture of how coaching techniques may be an effective tool for OT professionals as our profession navigates this new frontier.You can join the conversation about this research in The OT Potential Club! Little, L. M., Pope, E., Wallisch, A., & Dunn, W. (2018). Occupation-Based Coaching by Means of Telehealth for Families of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(2). doi: 10.5014/ajot.2018.024786Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT and Coaching via Telehealth

The world has changed drastically in a week’s time—and we are being asked to change with it.I know this has meant long, exhausting days. And, that we have been left scrambling trying to figure out what a “new normal” will look like in the weeks ahead. For many of you, telehealth will be part of this new normal. This is why I wanted to spend this week discussing AOTA’s Position Paper on Telehealth with you.No matter how quickly the world changes, I believe that, together, we can stay grounded in our mission: to provide the best possible care to our patients.  Please join on discussion on this and other coronavirus topics in The OT Potential Club. Cason, Jana, DHS,O.T.R./L.F., A.O.T.A., Hartmann, Kim, PhD,O.T.R./L., F.A.O.T.A., Jacobs, Karen, EdD, CPE,O.T.R./L., F.A.O.T.A., & Richmond, Tammy, MS,O.T.R./L., F.A.O.T.A. (2018). Telehealth in occupational therapy. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 1-18. Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT and Telehealth Research

Across the globe, our priority has shifted to quelling the spread of the novel coronavirus, which causes the illness dubbed COVID-19.The community in the OT Potential Club was created so OT professionals could collaborate on tough issues. This is exactly the time to share what is working in our healthcare settings—and what isn't.This week, we will be looking at care delivery guidelines released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).There is much to discuss this week, and I hope you will weigh in with your perspective as we all strive to keep our patients healthy and safe.Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT and the Coronavirus

In this podcast, we discuss an article on transgender health that makes a very specific recommendation for the role occupational therapy professionals can play in providing care to the transgender communityWe'll also discuss some general recommendations and considerations to keep in mind next time you find a transgender client on your caseload.Finally, we'll wrap up by talking about some trends that have repeatedly appeared in the research we've covered...and I am excited to discuss these with you!To join the discussion, sign in to the OT Potential Club!If you are you are not a Club member, you can join the waitlist! Wylie, K., Knudson, G., Khan, S. I., Bonierbale, M., Watanyusakul, S., & Baral, S. (2016). Serving transgender people: clinical care considerations and service delivery models in transgender health. The Lancet , 388 (10042), 401–411. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)00682-6Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT and Transgender Health

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is one of those topics that we need to be keeping up with as OT practitioners, in part because there are some very compelling stories about its use that our patients may be encountering. This week's article gives us a helpful update on what we know (and don't know) about FES, and its use in a comprehensive stroke program. To join the conversation, please sign up for the OT Potential Club! Howlett, O. A., Lannin, N. A., Ada, L., & McKinstry, C. (2015). Functional electrical stimulation improves activity after stroke: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96(5), 934-943. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2015.01.013Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

OT and Functional Electrical Stimulation

This podcast is for occupational therapy practitioners and students looking to keep up with evidence based practice. Each week, we discuss one influential OT-related journal article.

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OT Potential Podcast | Occupational Therapy EBP

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