scholarly journals An Analysis of State Telehealth Laws and Regulations for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Calouro ◽  
Mei Wa Kwong ◽  
Mario Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
State Laws ◽  
Do So ◽  
Laws And Regulations

This study conducted a scan of telehealth physical and occupational therapy state laws and regulations. The laws and regulations were analyzed to determine the potential effect they could have on physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists’ (OTs) utilization of telehealth. The results indicate that the majority of physical and occupational therapy boards are silent on telehealth. A handful of physical therapy laws and regulations address “consultation by means of telecommunication,” but do not provide any guidance for PTs or OTs seeking to provide direct telehealth-delivered services to patients.  Of the few states that do provide guidance, policy had the potential to provide clarity, or inhibit adoption. The findings suggest that as state boards look at crafting telehealth regulation, they should do so in a way that facilitates, rather than hampers adoption, while upholding their providers to a high standard of care.

scholarly journals Increasing Rehabilitation Therapists’ Confidence Utilizing Evidence-Based Interventions: Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hovick ◽  
Ingrid Provident
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facility ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Nursing Facility ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Confidence Levels

Evidence-based practice enables rehabilitation therapists to provide the best quality of care and outcomes for patients. However, rehabilitation therapists are often not confident in using evidence in many settings. Purpose. The objective of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if educational small group sessions enhanced occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and a speech and language pathologist’s confidence in utilizing and applying evidence. Method. Eleven rehabilitation therapists of multiple disciplines (occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and a speech and language pathologist) from a skilled nursing facility participated in six educational sessions designed to increase evidence-based practice. A pre- and post-test utilizing the Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire (EBPPQ), measured change in therapists’confidence regarding evidence-based practice. Results. Results on the Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire concluded that 7 of 11 rehabilitation therapists reported an increase in confidence levels. Conclusion. Educational small group sessions can be an effective method to assist rehabilitation therapists in developing this confidence. KEYWORDS: Evidence-based practice, confidence levels, rehabilitation therapists, educational sessions, skilled nursing facility

scholarly journals Editors' Note

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Jana Cason ◽  
Ellen R. Cohn
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Clinical Report ◽  
Master Of Science ◽  
Dysphagia Treatment

The spring 2014 issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) contains four informative and timely policy articles: (1) an invited commentary describing the exploratory process underway within physical therapy to create licensure portability for physical therapists, (2) an analysis of state telehealth laws and regulations for occupational therapy and physical therapy, (3) an overview of telehealth evidence and key telehealth policy issues in occupational therapy, and (4) the World Federation of Occupational Therapists’ (WFOT) Position Statement on Telehealth. This issue also contains original research evaluating the feasibility of providing pediatric dysphagia treatment via telepractice, a clinical report of student learning outcomes associated with an innovative experiential learning assignment involving (international) teleconsultation in a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) curriculum, a book review, and announcements from the American Telemedicine Association.

A Qualitative Study of Professional Issues in Home Health Therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Shamus ◽  
Sarah Fabrizi ◽  
Jeffrey Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Home Health Care ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Professional Issues ◽  
Snowball Sampling

Professional issues are experienced by physical and occupational therapists working in home health care. A grounded theory method was utilized with snowball sampling to interview 11 home health physical therapists and six occupational therapists working with a variety of populations in the home health setting. Major themes were identified separately for physical and occupational therapy using open, axial, and selective coding. The themes were then recoded for shared themes among the two professions. The major research questions included the following: What professional issues are encountered by therapists working in home health care? What type of benefits and barriers do therapists describe when providing home health services? Finally, how do professional issues compare between the different professions? The five major themes identified by physical therapists included work environment, work characteristics, communication, patient and family, and work-life balance. The themes identified by occupational therapists included the natural environment, the context of health care, client factors, and therapist factors. Common themes described by both physical and occupational therapy providers included the real-life environment of the home, the structure of home care, and autonomy of service provision. Results provide information about professional issues faced by therapists working in the home health care setting. There are a number of issues that are common to both professions, and others that appear to be discipline specific. These findings will guide professional efforts as the demands for professionals working in home care increase.

The Impact of Educational Level on Occupational and Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Professional Status

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Lena Bellner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Professional Status ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Occupational And Physical Therapy ◽  
The Impact

This article is a descriptive study of 356 occupational therapists and 346 physical therapists in Sweden regarding their perceptions of professional status. These groups were compared according to educational level to determine whether the transfer of their education to a university level had made a difference in their perception of their own professional status and that of others. The status differences between the groups remained, and the structure of professional status seemed stable through time and not dependent on educational level. Professionals with a more positivistic knowledge base—physical therapists—tended to perceive increased professional status of themselves and of other team members, and professionals with a more humanistic knowledge base—occupational therapists—tended to perceive a decreased status. A plausible explanation might be that university schooling and certification reinforce a positivistic view, which is most prevalent in physical therapy. The ongoing process of professionalization within occupational and physical therapy might be more influenced by the medical profession than expected. Whether or not these findings apply to therapists in other countries is worth continued exploration through similar research investigations. As the therapy professions are becoming more global, information about educational and professional concerns of peers in different countries can provide increased insights into the professions.

Mental Handicap: Why are There So Few Occupational Therapists?

1983 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 282-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Candlish
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Physical Field ◽  
Mentally Handicapped ◽  
Mental Handicap ◽  
The Past ◽  
Part Time ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Do So

The author divides her time between St Loye's and the Langdon Hospital for the mentally handicapped at Dawlish. This article was written as a result of an attendance at a study day on the subject of mental handicap, held in London. The author met with a number of occupational therapists who were working single-handed or with only part-time support. She asked herself the following question: if, each year, hundreds of enthusiastic graduates flow out through the occupational therapy college gates, why do so many jostle for vacancies in the psychiatric or physical field and why do so few turn towards mental handicap? She investigated the subject, listening to a wide variety of suggestions put forward by numerous occupational therapists throughout the past year. She has included those which were a recurring theme.

Investigation of the Use of Manual Muscle Testing in Occupational Therapy

1988 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 126-134
Author(s):  
Lynn Hammett ◽  
Karen Harburn ◽  
Steve Trujillo
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Manual Muscle Testing ◽  
Strength Assessment ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Muscle Testing ◽  
Physical Treatments ◽  
The University

Undergraduate occupational therapy students learn the theory and mechanics of functional strength assessment and manual muscle testing in order to measure the effectiveness of their physical treatments and to ascertain the functional level of their patients. However, it is important to determine how practicing therapists are actually assessing strength. This information would help both in directing curriculum teaching efforts at the undergraduate level and in assessing the needs of the profession in the use of clinical strength measurement systems. The present study sought to determine the therapy areas and extent of use of functional and manual muscle tests by occupational therapists across Canada. Information was also gained about the factors related to the use of manual muscle testing by practicing clinicians. The results of the survey indicated that occupational therapists do use manual muscle testing, but to a lesser extent than functional assessments. A large number of therapists stated they relied on other co-workers, such as physical therapists, to perform manual muscle tests on their patients. Though they did not perform the manual muscle tests themselves, occupational therapists thought that occupational therapy students should have a thorough knowledge of manual muscle testing in order to work effectively as a team member in the clinic. The study also found that University of Manitoba graduates used manual muscle testing with the greatest percentage of their patients than any of the other Canadian graduates surveyed. Of interest is the finding that manual muscle testing use increased when instruction occurred on the job in addition to the University teaching of the skill.

Reconceptualising Occupational Therapy

2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (11) ◽  
pp. 524-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Pollard ◽  
Auldeen Alsop ◽  
Frank Kronenberg
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Global Poverty ◽  
Clear Definition ◽  
The Social ◽  
Recent Conference ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Marginal Status ◽  
Do So

This opinion piece describes central issues arising from discussions at a recent conference exploring the implications of global poverty for the occupational therapy profession. The connection between poverty, disability and the marginalisation that these problems produce presents an opportunity for occupational therapists to realise their potential for facilitating social change. To do so, however, entails some reconceptualising of the profession. In some areas of intervention, the struggle to obtain a clear definition for occupational therapy has both arisen from and contributed to a marginal status, linked to difficulties in developing capacity for research. The social questions around occupation suggest both challenges and opportunities for the profession.

scholarly journals Review of: Foundations of Clinical Research Applications to Practice (3rd edition)

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Washington
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
The Third ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Intended Use

Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Practice is the third edition written by physical therapy professors at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston Massachusetts. The textbook is intended as the primary textbook for educational instruction related to research and critical thinking. The authors intended use of this text by physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nursing, medicine, exercise physiologists and other health care related disciplines. This user-friendly textbook can be utilized by anyone interested in step-by-step illustrations for developing, implementing and disseminating research related activities.

scholarly journals A modern view on the study of medical genetics for the professional competence of masters of physical therapy, occupational therapy

2021 ◽  
pp. 87-90
Author(s):  
E.V. Omelchuk
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Medical Genetics ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Master's Level ◽  
Human Pathology ◽  
Educational Component

The experience of foreign scientists on the need to master knowledge of medical genetics for the professional competence of physical therapists is considered. The features of teaching the selective educational component "Medical genetics" for applicants for the second (master's) level of higher education in the field of knowledge 22 "Health" specialty 227 "Physical therapy, occupational therapy" are presented. Today, it is relevant to improve the quality of professional training of future specialists in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, in accordance with world and European standards in order to enhance the competitiveness of domestic education, optimize conditions for international student mobility and expand the capabilities of Ukrainian specialists in the domestic and international labor markets. According to the position of modern medicine, any human pathology is often associated with heredity. Since heredity and variability are integral parts of life, medical genetics should be included in the theoretical and practical training of specialists in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The need for genetic knowledge for specialists in physiotherapy, occupational therapy is also determined by the constant increase in the proportion of hereditary pathology in the structure of morbidity, mortality and disability of the population. We believe that physical therapists need to be prepared for new developments in healthcare, including personalized rehabilitation. The physical therapist profession must embrace medical genetics in order to fulfill its operational role and help shape the future of personalized healthcare delivery. Competence in medical genetics provides additional opportunities for working with peers to integrate such information into a healthcare perspective. By developing and demonstrating this competence, physical therapists continue to enjoy a position of respect among the general health community. We consider it important to include in the training program for applicants for the second (master's) level of higher education the area of knowledge 22 "Health", specialty 227 "Physical therapy, occupational therapy" of an educational component such as "Medical genetics". In this way, the physical therapy profession can collaborate with other medical professions to further strengthen and define its role in patient-centered health care.

scholarly journals Blood Pressure Screening by Outpatient Physical Therapists: A Call to Action and Clinical Recommendations

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 1008-1019
Author(s):  
Richard Severin ◽  
Ahmad Sabbahi ◽  
Ali Albarrati ◽  
Shane A Phillips ◽  
Sara Arena
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Care Providers

Abstract Hypertension (HTN) is among the leading global preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Early detection and effective management of HTN have demonstrated significant reductions in mortality, morbidity rate, and health care costs. Furthermore, screening for HTN by nonphysician health care providers improves detection rates and medical management. As physical therapist practice advances to a more independent care model, physical therapists may serve as the first point of contact into the health care system, thereby necessitating a need for routine blood pressure (BP) monitoring. This is especially relevant in the outpatient physical therapist practice setting, where there is evidence for elevated BP measures among patients, yet omission of routine screening in this setting is well documented. Leading physical therapy professional organizations include statements in their guidelines that suggest that physical therapists have a duty to provide a standard of care that protects the safety and optimizes the overall health of patients under their care. Therefore, it is imperative not only that physical therapists include BP examination into routine practice protocols but that the knowledge and skills to accurately measure and interpret BP at rest and during exercise be integrated into the standard of care. The authors suggest that the profession of physical therapy proactively embrace their potential to address the national and worldwide HTN epidemic through routine assessment of BP, appropriate referral for elevated BP measures, and exploration of HTN management by physical therapists.

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