Role of Occupational Therapy in Patient Safety

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on improving independence after an injury by teaching patients alternative ways to complete everyday tasks, such as eating and getting dressed. These alternative methods create independence, while also ensuring patient safety.

Types

• Occupational therapy can be administered in in-patient facilities, as well as on an out-patient basis. In-patient OT will typically be done right after an injury occurs.

Assessment

• The first step in developing an occupational therapy plan involves assessing a patient's physical limits, such as range of motion and muscle strength. This will allow the therapist to create an appropriate plan that won't jeopardize patient safety.

Home Evaluation

• When a patient is ready to be dismissed from in-patient care an occupational therapist will likely make a home visit to evaluate the safety of the home environment. The therapist may recommend making changes to the home for the patient's safety.

Assistive Technology

• An occupational therapist may also recommend using assistive technology to allow a patient to function independently. For example, eating utensils with large handles may be recommended if a patient experiences trouble gripping ordinary utensils.

Considerations

• In addition to OT, physical therapy plays an important role in patient safety. Physical therapy works to increase muscle strength and improve gross motor skills so you can function independently. (See References 1 pp. 1-2)