Member Login
Search
Filtered by category: SIS Article Clear Filter

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Occupational Therapy

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Mar
12
kristian llaca jacqueline achonRevolutionizing Rehabilitation: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Occupational Therapy
 
Dr. Jacqueline Achon & Dr. Kristian Llaca
Technology Special Interest Section
 
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, and occupational therapy (OT) is no exception. AI has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making, personalize interventions, streamline administrative tasks, and improve accessibility for both practitioners and clients. However, its integration into OT practice also presents ethical and logistical challenges. This discussion article explores AI’s applications in OT, the challenges it presents, and the ethical considerations that must be addressed for its responsible use.
Introduction
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has expanded rapidly, offering innovative solutions for patient care and professional practice. Occupational therapists have begun to turn to AI-powered tools to optimize rehabilitation plans, analyze patient progress, and automate documentation. The role of AI in occupational therapy (OT) continues to evolve, providing opportunities to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. As these technologies become more prevalent, therapists must understand both their benefits and limitations to ensure equitable and effective care delivery (Mavani et al., 2023).
Applications of AI in Occupational Therapy
AI is transforming occupational therapy in several key areas. One major advancement is in clinical decision-making, where AI-powered tools analyze large datasets to help therapists develop evidence-based interventions. Predictive analytics can now identify patterns in patient progress and recommend treatment adjustments, leading to more precise and timely interventions (Mavani et al., 2024). Studies indicate that AI-driven rehabilitation plans may also improve accuracy and patient outcomes compared to traditional methods (Khalid et al., 2024).
Another crucial application is personalized interventions. AI-integrated wearable devices monitor movement patterns, activity levels, and physiological data in real-time, allowing therapists to tailor interventions to each client’s needs (Sali et al., 2025). AI has also been used as an interactive and personalized agent that is capable of supporting OT clients between therapy sessions by reminding them of their OT goal-attainment strategies (Kaelin et al., 2024). These technologies help ensure that rehabilitation strategies remain both effective and adaptable to individual progress.
AI has also begun to play a significant role in streamlining administrative tasks. Occupational therapists often face a heavy documentation burden, limiting the time available for direct patient care. AI-powered natural language processing tools can transcribe session notes, generate reports, and manage scheduling, reducing administrative workload and improving productivity. By adopting AI-powered intelligent document processing (IDP), organizations may be able to eliminate inefficiencies, enhance compliance, and reduce fraud risks, leading to billions in cost savings and improved customer experience (Pingili, 2025).
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Despite its numerous benefits, integrating AI into OT practice presents challenges that must be carefully navigated. Data privacy and security are among the most pressing concerns. AI systems rely on extensive health data, making it essential to ensure compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The risk of data breaches or unauthorized access raises ethical questions regarding how patient information is stored, shared, and used (Pina et al., 2024).
Algorithmic bias and equity in care present additional challenges. AI models are trained on existing healthcare data, which may contain biases that result in unequal treatment recommendations. If AI tools do not account for diverse populations, they may reinforce healthcare disparities, leading to suboptimal interventions for underrepresented groups. Occupational therapists must critically evaluate AI-generated recommendations to ensure fairness in care delivery (Ueda et al., 2024).
Another concern is the human element in therapy. Occupational therapy is inherently client-centered, emphasizing therapeutic relationships, emotional support, and individualized care. While AI enhances efficiency, it cannot replace the empathy and clinical reasoning that therapists provide. Over-reliance on AI may depersonalize care, affecting client engagement and trust in the therapeutic process (Dasgupta, A., 2023).
The digital divide and accessibility limitations must also be considered. Not all therapy settings, particularly those in rural or low-resource areas, have access to AI-driven technologies. Clients may struggle to benefit from AI-enhanced interventions if they lack necessary devices, internet access, or financial resources to afford high-tech rehabilitation solutions. Addressing these disparities requires strategic investment in accessible and affordable healthcare technology (Behzadifar et al., 2024).
Lastly, therapist education, training and adaptation present hurdles in AI integration. AI presents challenges across various fields of academia, including occupational therapy. The unethical use of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT has been observed in universities among prospective healthcare students, raising concerns that the consequences may not become apparent until they enter the workforce (Avello-Sáez & Estrada-Palavecino, 2023). The use of ChatGPT providing specific answers to questions posed in continuing education courses necessary for maintaining OT licensure may also diminish the competency of practicing OT’s entering new fields. Such practices could negatively impact the quality of care provided to clients receiving OT services. Therefore with the emergence of ChatGPT and other AI tools may require a review and adjustment of the competencies that both students and licensed professionals will be expected to develop  (Avello-Sáez et al., 2022;Charumbira et al., 2021;Miller et al., 2001)
Conclusion
AI is revolutionizing occupational therapy by enhancing clinical decision-making, personalizing interventions, reducing administrative burdens, and expanding accessibility. However, its implementation must be approached with caution, ensuring ethical considerations, data security, and equitable access. Occupational therapists must remain engaged in the ongoing conversation about AI’s role in healthcare to maximize its benefits while addressing its challenges. By integrating AI responsibly, OT professionals can harness its potential to improve patient care and advance the field.
 
 
 
References
Avello-Sáez, D., Helbig-Soto, F., Lucero-González, N., & Fernández-Martínez, MDM (2022). What competencies does a community occupational therapist need in neurorehabilitation? Qualitative Perspectives. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(10), 1-17.;Charumbira et al., 2021;Miller et al., 2001)
Avello-Sáez, D., & Estrada-Palavecino, L. (2023). ChatGPT and its impact on competence training in occupational therapists: A reflection on academic integrity. Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional, 31, e3534. https://doi.org/10.1590/2526-8910.ctoen271035342
Behzadifar, M., Yarahmadi, M., Saran, M., & Behzadifar, M. (2024). Health technology assessment: A key tool for advancing equity in universal health coverage. Health Technology Assessment in Action, 8(2).
Charumbira, MY, Berner, K., & Louw, QA (2021). Research competencies for undergraduate rehabilitation students: a scoping review. African Journal of Health Professions Education, 13(1), 52-58.;Miller et al., 2001)
Dasgupta, A. (2023). Intrusion Of Technology Ushering a New Concept from the Perspective of Promoting Patient-Centered-Care.
Kaelin, V. C., Nilsson, I., & Lindgren, H. (2024). Occupational therapy in the space of artificial intelligence: Ethical considerations and human-centered efforts. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2024.2421355
Khalid, U. bint, Naeem, M., Stasolla, F., Syed, M. H., Abbas, M., & Coronato, A. (2024). Impact of AI-Powered Solutions in Rehabilitation Process: Recent Improvements and Future Trends. International Journal of General Medicine, 17, 943–969. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S453903
Kumar, W. (2024). Ethical Horizons in AI Development: Interdisciplinary Perspectives for Responsible Progress (No. 12711). EasyChair.
Mavani, C., Mistry, H. K., Patel, R., & Goswami, A. (2024). A Systematic Review on Data 
Science and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Healthcare Sector. International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication, 12(2), 519-28.
Miller, L. T., Bossers, A. M., Polatajko, H. J., & Hartley, M. (2001). Development of the Competency Based Fieldwork Evaluation (CBFE). Occupational Therapy International, 8(4), 244-262.
Pina, E., Ramos, J., Jorge, H., Váz, P., Silva, J., Wanzeller, C., ... & Martins, P. (2024). Data privacy and ethical considerations in database management. Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy, 4(3), 494-517.
Pingili, R. (2025). AI-driven intelligent document processing for healthcare and insurance.
Sali, S., Chai, R., & Ganesan, B. (2025). Recent trends and digital technology applications in lower limb injury rehabilitation. In Digital Technology in Public Health and Rehabilitation Care (pp. 99-124). Academic Press.
Smith, A., & Taylor, R. (2021). AI-enhanced documentation tools: Reducing administrative burden in occupational therapy. Journal of Occupational Therapy Practice, 14(2), 32–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2021.1871234
Ueda, D., Kakinuma, T., Fujita, S., Kamagata, K., Fushimi, Y., Ito, R., ... & Naganawa, S. (2024). Fairness of artificial intelligence in healthcare: review and recommendations. Japanese Journal of Radiology, 42(1), 3-15.

The Use of Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy for Neurorehabilitation

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Feb
24
Kristin domvilleThe Use of Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy for Neurorehabilitation 
By Kristin Domville PhD, DrOT, MOTR/L 
Introduction
Virtual Reality (VR) is an artificial environment that is experienced through sensory stimuli, such as sights and sounds, provided by a computer, in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment (Atria University, 2023; Georgiev et al., 2021; Riva, 2022). There are three types of VR: non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive.
 
Types of Virtual Reality
  1. Non-Immersive Virtual Reality: A type of VR in which one interacts and controls the environment, but the environment does not interact with the user, such as computers and video games (Naro & Calabro, 2021; Stanica et al., 2020).
  2. Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality: Commonly used for educational and training purposes. It uses high-resolution simulators to impart realism and allow the environment to interact with the user by providing feedback (Atria University, 2023; Naro & Calabro, 2021; Stanica et al., 2020).
  3. Fully Immersive Virtual Reality: Refers to a complete virtual tour experience engaging all sensory systems and entirely confined away from the physical surroundings. This type of VR is mainly used for gaming, using special equipment such as VR glasses, body detectors, and sensor detectors (Atria University, 2023; Naro & Calabro, 2021).
 
Virtual Reality Systems in Occupational Therapy
There are numerous virtual reality systems available in the market that occupational therapists can include in their interventions, some more cost-effective and accessible than others.
  1. Gaming Consoles: A commonly known and readily accessible form of semi-immersive VR, such as Wii, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. They can be found locally and installed quickly in any facility or home with a television.
  2. FitMi and Music Glove: Used for upper body rehabilitation. FitMi consists of two-colored pucks and a tablet, while Music Glove involves a glove connected to the tablet, promoting finger dexterity through repetition and precision (FitMi, n.d.; Sanders et al., 2022).
  3. SaeboVR and SaeboMas: SaeboVR improves ADL participation using cognitive and physical challenges through a television screen and sensor. SaeboMas, a gravity-eliminating system, can be used alongside SaeboVR if the user has limited ROM or flaccidity (Hoffman, 2022).
 
Role of Occupational Therapists in Neurorehabilitation
The role of occupational therapy practitioners within neurorehabilitation is to promote health and well-being by maximizing function and independence in daily living activities and meaningful occupations (University of Michigan Health, n.d).
 
Benefits of Virtual Reality in Neurorehabilitation
  1. Motor Learning: VR promotes faster motor learning by allowing clients to participate in high-dose functional upper extremity movements, producing around 200-300 repetitions compared to conventional therapy’s 20-30 repetitions (Kiper et al., 2018).
  2. Gamification: VR can be tailored to meaningful activities such as sports, hobbies, and daily activities, reducing potential safety hazards and increasing motivation and participation (Urrely & Martoral, 2023).
  3. Assessment Improvements: VR interventions improve scores on standardized assessments and increase AROM and gray matter in the brain (Georgiev et al., 2021).
 
Cognitive Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality
VR has shown success in assessing attention, memory, logical sequencing, and problem-solving skills. Studies indicate high acceptance rates and improvements in learning outcomes, behavior, recall, and social reintegration, attributed to changes in neuroplasticity (Georgiev et al., 2021).
 
Virtual Reality for Safety Training
VR is beneficial for safety training, allowing patients at high risk of injury to practice safe decision-making without facing consequences (Chatterjee et al., 2022; Georgiev et al., 2021).
 
Supporting Home Modifications with VR
A scoping review by Hwan and Shim (2021) describes how VR can support the home modification process, allowing OTPs to access patients' homes virtually, suggest modifications, and recreate environments for interventions (Hwan & Shim, 2021).
 
Conclusion
Using VR as a form of intervention for neurological patients allows occupational therapists to provide holistic, portable, and accessible treatment, especially for stroke and brain injury patients. VR can facilitate improvement in cognitive and physical abilities, enhancing UE/LE range of motion, cognition, balance, postural control, and occupational engagement, supporting overall health and wellness for improved quality of life.
 
References
 
Chatterjee, K., Buchanan, A., Cottrell, K., Hughes, S., Day, T. W., & John, N. W. (2022). 
Immersive virtual Reality for the cognitive rehabilitation of stroke survivors. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 30, 719–728. https://doi.org/10.1109/tnsre.2022.3158731
 
Chen, X., Liu, F., Lin, S., Yu, L., & Lin, R. (2022). Effects of virtual reality rehabilitation 
training on cognitive function and activities of daily living of patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 103(7), 1422–1435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2022.03.012
 
FitMi: The High-Tech Home Exercise Program. Flint Rehab. (n.d.).https://www.flintrehab.com/product/fitmi/
 
Georgiev, D. D., Georgieva, I., Gong, Z., Nanjappan, V., & Georgiev, G. V. (2021). Virtual 
Reality for Neurorehabilitation and Cognitive Enhancement. Brain Sciences, 11(2), 221. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11020221
 
Glegg, S. M., & Levac, D. E. (2018). Barriers, facilitators and interventions to support virtual 
reality implementation in rehabilitation: A scoping review. PM&R, 10(11), 1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.07.004
 
Hoffman, H. (2022, September 13). Benefits of virtual Reality for stroke rehabilitation. Saebo. 
https://www.saebo.com/blog/benefits-virtual-reality-stroke-rehabilitation/#:~:text=Stroke%20survivors%20are%20taking%20advantage,in%20stroke%20recovery%20looks%20bright.
 
Hwang, N. K., & Shim, S. H. (2021). Use of Virtual Reality Technology to Support the Home 
Modification Process: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11096. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111096
 
Kiper, P., Szczudlik, A., Agostini, M., Opara, J., Nowobilski, R., Ventura, L., Tonin, P., & 
Turolla, A. (2018). Virtual Reality for upper limb rehabilitation in subacute and chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2018.01.023
 
Naro, A., & Calabrò, R. S. (2021). What Do We Know about The Use of Virtual Reality in the 
Rehabilitation Field? A Brief Overview. Electronics, 10(9), 1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10091042
Riva, G. (2022). Virtual Reality. In: Glăveanu, V.P. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the 
Possible. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90913-0_34
 
Voinescu, A., Sui, J., & Stanton Fraser, D. (2021). Virtual Reality in Neurorehabilitation: An 
Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(7), 1478. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10071478
 
Sanders, Q., Chan, V., Augsburger, R. Cramer, S.C., Reinkensemeyer, D. J. & Sharp, K. 
(2022). Feasibility of home hand rehabilitation using musicglove after chronic spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 8(86). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-022-00552-4
 
Schiza, E., Matsangidou, M., Neokleous, K., & Pattichis, C. S. (2019). Virtual reality 
applications for neurological disease: A Review. Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2019.00100
 
Shin, J.-H., Kim, M.-Y., Lee, J.-Y., Jeon, Y.-J., Kim, S., Lee, S., Seo, B., & Choi, Y. (2016). 
Effects of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on distal upper extremity function and health-related quality of life: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-016-0125-x
 
Stanica, I. -C., Moldoveanu, F., Portelli, G. -P., Dascalu, M. -I., Moldoveanu, A., & Ristea, M. 
G. (2020). Flexible Virtual Reality System for Neurorehabilitation and Quality of Life Improvement. Sensors, 20(21), 6045. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20216045
 
University of Michigan Health. (n.d.). Occupational therapy in rehabilitation medicine. 
Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine | Michigan Medicine. https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/rehabilitation/occupational-therapy-rehab#:~:text=Occupational%20therapists%20and%20occupational%20therapy,cognition%2C%20community%20reintegration%20or%20mobility.
 
Urrely, J. E., & Martoral, C. (2023, January 28). Virtual Reality in occupational therapy. FOTA. 
https://www.flota.org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year=2022&month=01&day=27&id=65%3Avirtual-reality-in-occupational-therapy
 
 Xiang, H., Shen, J., Wheeler, K. K., Patterson, J., Lever, K., Armstrong, M., Shi, J., Thakkar, R. 
K., Groner, J. I., Noffsinger, D., Giles, S. A., & Fabia, R. B. (2021). Efficacy of smartphone active and passive virtual reality distraction vs standard care on burn pain among pediatric patients. JAMA Network Open, 4(6). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.12082 

 

The Expanding Role of Occupational Therapy: Insights from the Doctoral Entry Level

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Feb
24
pam kasyanThe Expanding Role of Occupational Therapy: Insights from the Doctoral Entry Level
By Pamela Kasyan-Howe, OTD, OTR/L
The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree marks a transformative advancement in OT education. It enables students to go beyond the basics of becoming an entry-level generalist, focused on reimbursable aspects of the profession, and develop into practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills in a specialized area of their own choosing.
This advanced degree has the potential to enhance the knowledge and skills of occupational therapists to handle the complexities of today's fast paced and changing healthcare system. Current healthcare trends include value-based care, using technology like telehealth, and focusing on personalized medicine. Shifting towards paying healthcare providers based on the quality of patient outcomes, rather than the volume of services, fits well with occupational therapy. 
Value based care is particularly effective for managing individuals with chronic illnesses, which are often more challenging, however, these are the same populations that OT is effective.  However, our traditional approaches focus on intervention at the individual level, and it's important to think about treating chronic illness at a broader levels—such as described in the occupational therapy practice framework (4th ed.) we can treat groups or entire communities, not just individuals (AOTA, 2020).  Exploring our roles at the population level, this is where students in the OTD program can really add value to the field.
Broadening Professional Scope and Enhancing Critical Thinking
Traditionally, occupational therapy has centered on helping individual patients with everyday activities, a focus largely dictated by insurance coverage. This narrow scope often limits therapists' ability to fully address the diverse challenges that individuals may face in their daily lives. The OTD entry point seeks to change this by encouraging students to pursue their unique interests within the field working with groups, populations and communities. This approach not only diversifies the areas of practice beyond those typically covered by insurance but also sets the stage for therapists to open private practices that cater to a broader range of needs.
In the long run, this shift offers OT practitioners the opportunity to provide services that more comprehensively improve public health and wellness, addressing needs that are currently underserved by the existing healthcare models.
Encouraging Innovation Through Capstone Projects
A key component of the OTD curriculum is the capstone, which includes both a hands-on experience (capstone experience) and an individual project (capstone project). This element of the program is designed to spark creativity and innovation, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest under the guidance of experienced professionals and experts.
These projects are tailored to the students' career aspirations and interests, fostering a highly engaging and personalized educational experience. The outcome has the potential to create a generation of occupational therapists who bring new ideas and approaches to solving health and wellness challenges, enhancing the field's overall creativity and problem-solving capacity inside and outside traditional reimbursement models. 
Developing Leadership and Expanding Professional Development
Leadership development is another critical aspect of the OTD program. Students are encouraged to delve into roles that involve advocacy, policy development, and community leadership. These experiences equip them with the skills necessary to effect positive changes in healthcare practices and policies.
The OTD also prepares therapists for roles beyond clinical practice, including in education, administration, and research. These roles are crucial for advancing the profession and ensuring occupational therapy has a prominent voice in the health sector.
Supporting Research and Building Evidence
The OTD entry point aligns with the AOTA’s research agenda to encourage studies that fill the existing knowledge gaps about the effectiveness of OT services for a broad scope of populations. This alignment encourages exploration and research to address the current gaps in knowledge about the effectiveness of OT services across a broad range of populations. Such focused efforts are crucial for enhancing the educational framework and deepening our understanding of the impact of the doctoral capstone to provide OT services. 
Although OT capstone projects do not have to be focused soley on research, the requirement to disseminate the outcomes of the OTD student project will contribute to the publication of services OT’s can provide in relation to student projects such as program development, education, leadership, or management.  Over time, dissemination of student capstone projects will build a repository that can be captured in a larger scale to provide evidence of position outcome from ot interventions. 
Conclusion
The OTD degree is reshaping the field of occupational therapy by expanding its scope is reality versus in theory, fostering innovation, and reinforcing the importance of leadership and advocacy. This advanced approach ensures that occupational therapists are better equipped to address the evolving needs of the population, ultimately leading to a more effective and responsive healthcare system. As research continues to highlight the value of the OTD pathway, it is clear that this level of training is crucial for the ongoing growth and success of the profession in improving quality of life for individuals and communities alike.
References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2018). Occupational therapy Education Research Agenda—Revised. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(Suppl. 2), 7212420070. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.72S218

Case Example of using Robotics in Pediatrics to Improve Function

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Dec
09

martinc3Case Example of using Robotics in Pediatrics to Improve Function

Dr. Jennifer Martinc OTD, CTR/L

Read More

Volunteering As a Work-Related Occupation: A Case Study

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Dec
09
Katie reginaVolunteering As a Work-Related Occupation: A Case Study
 
Regina Bonynge, OTR/L 
Katie Hart, OTR/L

Volunteering makes us feel good. However, what is the science behind it? A recent study has validated the benefits of volunteering, notably, reduced mortality, increased quality of life improved and social supports (Nichol et al., 2023). The benefits of volunteering are not predisposed to those who come into it with higher levels of happiness. On the contrary, research shows that those with lower reported happiness levels reap more benefits from volunteering (Binder & Freytag, 2013). 

As occupational therapists, how can we leverage the power of volunteering to support our clients on their journey? Volunteering creates a safe place for many to “try out” a work environment and safely address their deficits in a controlled environment (space, schedule, time, tasks, etc). This article includes a case study of Lisa and her recovery from a stroke, using volunteering as a steppingstone to support return to work skills. 

Read More

Building Resilience into a Busy Lifestyle

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Dec
09

Barbara ingram riceBuilding Resilience into a Busy Lifestyle

Barbara Ingram-Rice OT, LMT, CLT

Read More

Trends in Occupational Therapy Research and Practical Applications for Providers

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
May
07

Sarah annemarieTrends in Occupational Therapy Research and Practical Applications for Providers

Research Special Interest Section

Read More

Transition from the IFSP to the IEP: The Changing Roles of the Occupational Therapy Practitioner in Part C vs Part B of IDEA

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
May
07

pauline kelly debra misrahiTransition from the IFSP to the IEP: The Changing Roles of the Occupational Therapy Practitioner in Part C vs Part B of IDEA

Pauline Kelly, OTD, OTR/L 

Read More

Establishing Fieldwork Site Objectives for Entry-Level Development

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
May
04

sis fieldworkEstablishing Fieldwork Site Objectives for Entry-Level Development 

Antonette Fernandez, DrOT, OTR/L

Read More

The Impact of Vestibular Processing on Attention and School Performance: A case study

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
May
04

Dominque Lisa bethThe Impact of Vestibular Processing on Attention and School Performance: A case study

Dominique Blanche Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP

Read More

Elevating Fieldwork Experiences: The Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy

by: Janine Silvaroli
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Mar
12

SIS FieldworkElevating Fieldwork Experiences: The Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy

Kristina Hartsook, DrOT, OTR/L, BCP

Read More

Empowering students in fieldwork: Building emotional intelligence skills through self-assessment

by: Janine Silvaroli
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Mar
12

Empowering students in fieldwork: Building emotional intelligence skills through self-assessment 

Lucerito R. Gonzalez, COTA/L, MSOTS

Read More

Decreasing Lymph Volume With the Use of Deep Oscillation Therapy

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Mar
12

Decreasing Lymph Volume With the Use of Deep Oscillation Therapy

Candice D. Young E.d.S., COTA/L, CLT

Read More

The Experiences of Siblings of Individuals with Special Needs

by: Felica Anderson
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Mar
12

The Experiences of Siblings of Individuals with Special Needs   

Kim Dudzinski, EdD, OTR/L, Mary Stein, OT-S, Veronica Sarti, OT-S, Alexis Bellacera, OT-S, & Hannah Sbacchi, OT-S 

Read More

Occupational Therapy interventions to address axillary web syndrome: A debilitating side effect of breast cancer treatment

by: Janine Silvaroli
Category: SIS Article
Jan
19

Occupational Therapy interventions to address axillary web syndrome: A debilitating side effect of breast cancer treatment

Brittany Hypes, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS, C-MLD, Kaye Rubio, Ph.D., MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, & Kristin Domville, OTD, MOT, OTR/L

Read More

Home and community health therapy services post Public Health Emergency (PHE)

by: Janine Silvaroli
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Jan
19

SIS Home and Community Healthe Amanda KotolskiHome and community health therapy services post Public Health Emergency (PHE)

Amanda Kotolski, Ph.D., OTR/L

Read More

A critique of the meshing hypothesis: Using Shulman’s knowledge domain theory to facilitate effective instruction

by: Kurt Hubbard
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Jan
18

Kurt Hubbard SIS EducationA critique of the meshing hypothesis:

Using Shulman’s knowledge domain theory to facilitate effective instruction 

Read More

Addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the home and community health setting

by: Katie Lynch
Category: SIS Article
Aug
05

     

     The American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) Vision 2025 conveys a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (2020a). It is everyone’s right to feel welcomed, valued, included, and respected while engaging in daily life regardless of each of our own unique abilities and challenges. This statement made by AOTA supports efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within all aspects of occupational therapy, including practice, education, and research, as well as policy development and advocacy (AOTA, 2020a). Therapist’s working in the home and community setting provides important client-centered services of which DEI principles implicitly embrace.

Read More

Secondary stroke prevention: an occupational therapy program

by: Katie Lynch
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Jul
13

     In the United States, a stroke occurs approximately 800,000 individuals annually, accounting for a large population of severe long-term disabilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). In the United States, 25% of all strokes, approximately 610,000, occur among those individuals who have already had a previous stroke, raising the risks of long-term disability (CDC, 2021). NORD (2020) reports stroke recurrence leads to poorer functional outcomes, quality of life, and increased incidence of mortality. Stroke recurrence affects a large population, so reducing secondary stroke is essential to reduce mortality and disability risks.

Read More

Three important pathways towards telehealth integration: a closer look

by: Katie Lynch
Category: SIS Article
Tags
Apr
29

Integration of telehealth services occurs within several notable pathways. These pathways include academia, clinical practice, and mHealth, which included Connected Health Devices (CHDs) or Wearable Digital Devices (WDDs). Virtual pathways interconnect and add value to the healthcare industry in diverse and useful ways. Conversely, they do not work well when intentional integration is not taken seriously. The academic environment is a good place for telehealth instruction, as this exposes future providers to value-based virtual care and expands access to their beneficiaries (Dy Aungst & Patel, 2020; Muntz et al., 2021). There are many health care professions that are purposefully incorporating telehealth instruction within their curricula (Dy Aungst & Patel, 2020; Muntz et al., 2021). This mindful integration was spurred from the need to embed instruction on telehealth within traditional practice models (Muntz et al., 2021). Similarly, occupational therapy (OT) programs were offered to instruct students on telehealth through ACOTE standard B.4.15 which was authorized in the summer of 2020 (Patterson et al., 2021). However, this educational standard does not explicitly outline how telehealth may be leveraged by academicians to enhance greater adoption. (Hui et al., 2021; Patterson et al., 2021). Telehealth’s integration within the academic setting is essential as it exposes occupational therapy students to didactic instruction, hands-on learning, and virtual simulation experiences that foster greater interoperability within the clinical arena (Posey et al., 2020).

Read More
Page 1 of 3
<< first < Prev 1 2 3 Next > last >>


Amazon searches starting from www.flota.org benefit FOTA!