Afleveringen
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In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao discusses the topic of gait, which is typically covered by physiotherapists. The conversation covers the basics of walking, the phases of gait (stance and swing), and the sub-phases within each major phase. Hau explains various normal and abnormal gait patterns, including antalgic, ataxic, Parkinsonian, Trendelenburg, steppage, scissoring, hemiplegic, and equinus gaits. The episode emphasizes the importance of gait analysis for detecting musculoskeletal and neurological issues, aiding in mobility aid prescription, and planning effective rehabilitation. Hao also discusses the role of occupational therapists in functional mobility retraining and the use of adaptive aids. The episode concludes by reinforcing the significance of understanding gait for therapists and encouraging listeners to share and discuss the information.
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This is a Journal article review of the article entitled, 'An Unbelievable Ordeal, The Experiences of Adult Survivors Treated with ECMO' by Dr. Kirsten Knudsen and her colleagues. This RIOT episode dives into the incredible journeys of adults who have undergone Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. It explores the challenges, emotional struggles, and triumphs of these survivors as they navigate their extended recovery process.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Hao, an occupational therapist, welcomes viewers to an episode of OT Conversations focused on the anatomy of the hand. Highlighting the significance of understanding hand anatomy for occupational therapy, Hao breaks down the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and movements of the hand. Key points include the 27 bones categorized into carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges, and details on intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Further, she discusses how the median, ulnar, and radial nerves function and the blood supply through the radial and ulnar arteries. The episode aims to provide foundational knowledge in an engaging and memorable way.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, occupational therapist How discusses the case of Amish, a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with camptodactyly, a condition characterized by bent little fingers that can hinder activities like playing the clarinet and writing. Joined by regular guest Maria, the conversation covers the anatomical and embryological basis of camptodactyly, assessment techniques, and conservative management strategies, including splinting and stretching exercises. The episode also delves into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, involving GPs, hand consultants, and potentially school coordinators, to ensure comprehensive care and support for pediatric patients.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao, an occupational therapist, discusses the concept of capacity assessment. Capacity assessment is a formal evaluation to determine an individual's ability to make informed decisions regarding their health, finances, legal matters, daily activities, and other life aspects. It is critical in medical, legal, and therapeutic settings and aims to evaluate cognition, emotional, and functional abilities. The talk covers the objectives of capacity assessment, such as ensuring decision-making ability, safety, legal and medical guidance, and support for rehabilitation planning. It identifies the populations needing capacity assessments, including those with neurological conditions, the elderly, individuals with mental disorders, critical care patients, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Key areas evaluated include medical, financial, legal, daily living, and mental and emotional capacities. The assessment methods include clinical observations, standardized tests, functional assessments, legal reviews, and obtaining collateral information. The potential outcomes of capacity assessment are full capacity, partial capacity, or lacking capacity. Ethical considerations and biases should be managed, and respect for the individual’s autonomy and the use of the least restrictive measures are emphasized. Capacity should be reassessed over time as it can fluctuate.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, the host emphasizes the declining practice of capacity and cognitive assessments by occupational therapists over the past decade. Highlighting four major reasons, including advocacy for autonomy, expertise in functional and psychological abilities, and cognitive skills, the host argues for the crucial role OTs play in assessing patients' capacities. The session underscores the need for confidence and skill development in this area, cautions against the shift of these responsibilities to social services, and calls for occupational therapists to reclaim and maintain these essential practices to uphold the profession's value. Practical tips for assessing capacity and the importance of a holistic approach are also discussed.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, HAO discusses the fundamental aspects of respiratory conditions relevant to occupational therapy. The key focus is on the journey of oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's cells, detailing how oxygen enters through the nose, travels down the windpipe, bronchi, and into alveoli where it exchanges with carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Several respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer are examined, highlighting their impact on gas exchange and daily function. HAO emphasizes the importance of understanding these processes for effective therapy and advises on treatment adaptations, exercise techniques like square breathing, and the functional implications of respiratory issues on activities of daily living. The episode concludes with encouragement to share and discuss the learned information.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, we talk about the critical role of head and neck control in rehabilitation, especially for patients experiencing severe deconditioning. We highlight that while much focus is often placed on gross motor skills and endurance training, ensuring proper head and neck movements is foundational. We emphasize that head control is crucial for overall body movement and provide various techniques for stimulating and strengthening the neck, including proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation through methods like manual massage, using a Theraball, and controlled wheelchair movements. We advocate for integrating these practices into therapy sessions to enhance patient outcomes and overall mobility.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, we talk about the importance of labeling your therapeutic interventions. The focus of this episode is on 'Cross Hemispheric Facilitation'—a therapeutic approach that promotes communication between the two hemispheres of the brain through activities using both sides of the body. Here, we talk about the the benefits, techniques, and goals associated with this method, such as enhancing bilateral coordination, stimulating cognitive functions, and promoting neurological recovery. This episode is a valuable resource for occupational therapists looking to improve their documentation and effectively convey the significance of their interventions.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, we explore the various treatments and interventions available to Occupational Therapists, with a special focus on electrotherapy. Discover what electrotherapy is, its applications in pain management and rehabilitation, and the different types of electrotherapy, such as TENS, NMES, and IFC. Learn how they are integrated into different therapeutic practices in our daily OT practice.
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In this episode of 'OT Conversations,' we discuss the significance and various aspects of clinical documentation in the field of occupational therapy. The talk outlines four key reasons for documenting clinical activities: maintaining a chronological record of the patient's condition, facilitating communication among healthcare professionals, providing an objective basis for evaluating therapeutic interventions and reflecting the practitioner's reasoning. We highlight five types of clinical documentation: the evaluation report, contact/treatment/visit notes, progress report, re-evaluation report, and discharge/discontinuation report, detailing their specific components and purposes. Additionally, Hao emphasizes the importance of adhering to documentation standards to promote professional practice despite the complexity and effort required. The episode concludes with a call to action for occupational therapists to review and improve their documentation practices to uphold high professional standards.
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In this episode of OT Conversations, we discuss the concept of Epicritic System Facilitation. Discover the importance of this therapeutic technique aimed at activating and enhancing the Epicritic Sensory System, which is crucial for fine touch, vibration, texture discrimination, and proprioception. Learn about the different types of receptors involved, their specialized pathways, and practical sensory retraining techniques. This episode provides valuable insights for addressing neurological conditions, improving motor control, and enhancing overall quality of life. Perfect for clinicians looking to expand their knowledge and refine their therapeutic interventions.
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In this episode of 'OT Conversations,' Hao, an occupational therapist, discusses the benefits and under-utilization of the tilt table in rehabilitation. He explains how tilt tables have historically helped patients achieve an upright posture and provided essential weight-bearing stimuli for bones and muscles. Despite their numerous benefits, tilt tables have fallen out of favor in modern therapy practices. Hao details proper usage techniques, the safety features to consider, and the physiological importance of achieving postural control through tilt tables. He also contrasts tilt tables with other devices like standing hoists and Sarastedis, emphasizing the comprehensive benefits of verticalization in critical care. Hao calls for a renewed focus on using tilt tables in therapy, highlighting their potential to enhance patient recovery and well-being.
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Providing occupational therapy in critical care is no small feat. Patients are often awake but limited in communication or mobility, connected to life-support devices, and unable to engage in traditional rehabilitation activities. In these moments, therapy goes beyond techniques—it becomes about connection.
Success starts with truly knowing your patient, not just their diagnosis, but their interests, values, and what gives their life meaning. Equally important is knowing yourself as a therapist. Your creativity, life experiences, and ability to find joy and purpose play a critical role in creating meaningful engagement.
Simple, personalized activities—playing music, sharing jokes, offering sensory relaxation, or adapting games—can transform a session. It’s not about perfection; it’s about fostering connection and engagement, even in small ways.
Therapy is, at its core, two souls helping each other. And while the work is challenging, when done with empathy, it nourishes both patient and therapist alike.
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In this discussion, Hao, an occupational therapist, focuses on the complex issue of delirium, which is described as a prominent topic within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Hao explains that while delirium's biochemical underpinnings and historical context are widely recognized, the critical question remains: "Then what?" He emphasizes the need for a practical approach to management rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Hao advocates for a multisensory approach to treating delirium, highlighting the effectiveness of visual and auditory enhancements, like using glasses and adjusting lighting, to improve patient orientation and cognition. However, he notes these strategies are not sufficient on their own but must be part of a broader, more dynamic set of interventions that consider the patient's entire sensory environment.
The discussion also touches on the nature of delirium as a symptom of deeper issues rather than a standalone problem. Hao introduces the concept of "cognitive tone," suggesting that delirium disrupts the brain's readiness to process information and react purposefully. This idea leads to exploring various therapeutic techniques to recalibrate this cognitive tone, such as tactile stimulation and proprioceptive activities.
Ultimately, the talk emphasizes the importance of personalized, comprehensive treatment plans that address the physiological and sensory needs of individuals experiencing delirium, highlighting the occupational therapist's role in implementing these plans effectively.
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The episode tells the story of a patient, Mr. C, who was treated by Hao about 20 years ago. Mr. C, in his 80s, had severe deconditioning and muscle wasting following a thigh fracture and long hospital stays. Unable to walk or even perform simple movements, he was resigned to a wheelchair, with little hope for recovery, according to physiotherapists.
The therapist saw the potential for recovery due to Mr. C’s intact neurological function and developed a rehabilitation program. Starting with minimal muscle movements, the plan included:
Tilt Table Therapy: Gradual weight-bearing exercises to build standing tolerance.Sliding Transfers: Encouraging small shifts and movements to strengthen muscles.Dynamic Strengthening Exercises: Activities like wheelchair pushes and using a pedal-powered sewing machine to engage various muscle groups.The patient showed slow but steady progress over two years, eventually transitioning to standing with a gutter frame, taking steps, and performing daily activities. The therapy culminated in Mr. C returning home with improved mobility and independence. Key factors contributing to the success were unlimited time, resource availability, patient engagement, and the therapist’s determination.
The story concludes with reflections on the power of persistence, patient-centered care, and the fulfillment found in small victories during rehabilitation.
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A young girl, just ten years old, suffered from severe jaw pain caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Eating and speaking became daily struggles, and her family was deeply concerned.
They turned to occupational therapist Rubina Diesel, who crafted a holistic plan. Rubina prescribed jaw exercises, advised avoiding hard foods, and introduced mindfulness techniques to reduce strain. The girl followed the program diligently, with her family’s support.
After a year, her pain was gone, and specialists confirmed her jaw was realigned. This story shows how care, collaboration, and dedication can transform lives through occupational therapy
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In this episode, Hao emphasizes the critical role of screening as the first step in identifying patients who need further occupational therapy interventions. Screening is a quick, surface-level assessment that filters cases for deeper evaluation, often performed by OTs, nurses, or referrers. It transitions into monitoring or assessment when problems are identified, and therapy plans are created.
Hao highlights challenges in screening, such as inconsistencies when done by non-OT professionals and its time-intensive nature. He stresses the importance of educating healthcare teams about OT’s role in improving referral quality and advocates for proactive screening by OTs to ensure effective patient care.
Key takeaways include:
Don’t underestimate screening—it determines therapy needs.Educate others to improve the screening process.Be proactive to ensure timely and appropriate patient interventions. -
In this episode, Hao reflects on a recent conversation with a friend who is working as an occupational therapist in the United States, specifically in a nursing home in New Jersey. This friend described the demanding yet rewarding nature of his work, seeing 20-22 patients per 12-hour shift. The diverse caseload includes patients recovering from strokes, fractures, cardiac issues, and dementia. Despite the intensity, the financial rewards are significant, with estimated and assumed earnings of up to $2,200 per day.
Hao contrasts this with occupational therapy practices in the UK. While the U.S. system emphasizes variety and restorative therapy in well-equipped environments, UK therapists often work in specialized wards, limiting exposure to a range of conditions. Moreover, the focus in UK hospitals often centers on basic mobility tasks, such as moving patients from bed to chair, with minimal attention to bespoke rehabilitation programs.
Hao highlights systemic challenges in the UK, including resistance to adopting new processes. Drawing from years of experience working in multiple hospitals, Hao observes that exposure to diverse practices can lead to more adaptable and well-rounded therapists. Ideas such as pooling patient referrals for therapist allocation could potentially improve efficiency and care quality.
The episode concludes with a call to action for therapists to network, share experiences, and learn from one another to foster professional growth and innovation in occupational therapy. Hao encourages listeners to embrace the broader perspectives that come from exploring different systems, emphasizing the importance of living and evolving the practice of occupational therapy.
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From this talk, listeners can learn about the broad scope of occupational therapy, which extends beyond rehabilitation to include performance enhancement and prevention. They’ll discover how OTs use various techniques to help people optimize their skills, improve daily performance, and prevent future challenges. The talk also highlights how OT overlaps with fields like life coaching and wellness promotion, showcasing its potential to empower individuals in all areas of life.
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