Occupational Therapy Assistant

With support and training the OTA is expected to work autonomously in collaboration with the rest of the MDT. Supporting the delivery of the Therapy Programme Some of the Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions are delivered in the form of a therapeutic programme. The main structure of the programme is developed by the Occupational Therapist to meet the therapeutic / recovery needs of the patients and indirect benefit is to orient the patient to the day ahead and create a sense of structure and routine both are very beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. Examples of types of interventions are provided in the box below: Physical interventions walking, exercise, ball games and gardening Sensory interventions pampering, sensory touching, seeing, hearing, tasting, movement and smelling, Creative interventions art and craft, singing, music, gardening, baking Coping intervention mindfulness, relaxation, solution focused, anxiety management Familiar interventions cooking, baking, gardening, dusting, sweeping ADL - enabling independent completion of personal care and transfers.

The way in which you will deliver them and how the patient may engage in it will depend on your setting and the needs of the patients. Within this setting there is a broad range of needs and abilities. Carrying out 1:1 interventions Some of the interventions from the Therapeutic programme can be delivered on a 1:1 basis if this better meets the needs of the patient(s). In addition the OTA may support the patient to re-gain skills/confidence in completing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as cooking, washing and dressing, eating, kitchen activities, being in the community and/or managing money.

These activities may also be carried out as a one off component of the assessment process. Planning and facilitating activities Within each of the broad types of interventions the OTA is expected to develop specific sessions to meet the individual needs and interests of the patient. Alternatively, to understand a specific functional aspect of the patient which forms part of the functional assessment process. The main aim of planning and facilitating group activities is to facilitate positive engagement and maximise the therapeutic benefit for the patients on the ward.

Developing rapport to gather information and support participation One of the crucial roles is to develop rapport, this is essential for a healthy relationship in which the patient feels safe and respected so that therapy can succeed. Within this setting a good therapeutic rapport enables the patient to feel safe and supported to engage and participate in assessments, interventions and sharing specific information necessary for a successful admission. As an OTA you will need to be aware of your body language; providing feedback at the right moment; collaborating with the persons goals; be flexible and responsive within the moment; understanding the impact of your culture, gender, attachment style and values and be able to be genuine. Communication The OTA should be able to adapt their communication style depending on whom they are communicating with.

When communicating and interacting with patients they should take in to account such areas as their mental health, physical health, mobility needs, age, gender, cultural, personal values as well as risks, mood and the environment the communication is taking place in. The OTA should also be aware of what to communicate to whom and when. Effective communication is expected with all members of the MDT, passing on appropriate and relevant information and understanding when to escalate concerns and risks to senior staff. In addition, the role of the OTA is to gather information that focusses on function and the patients abilities, capabilities and skills as well as deficits, barriers and limitations these are profession specific and should be discussed at regular times with the OT.

Observing behaviour, mood, functional ability etc As part of the role OTAs are expected to be able to understand emotional cues, mental health indicators and symptoms, and have a basic understanding of physical needs including pain. Have a good grasp of motivation and engagement and understand the relevance of personality and environmental barriers. An integral part of the role the OTA is not only to observe but also to report on these observations and whether there has been a change since the previous session to the OT. This information allows changes to be made to activities in order for them to be therapeutic for the patient.

It also provides vital information to the OT to put in place the right support for that patient when they leave hospital. In addition, other members of the MDT may gather information that will support them in decision making and may ask you about the patient so that the best care and aftercare can be provided for that person. Risk and vulnerability awareness As a member of the MDT, the OTA needs to understand risk not o