What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps a person participate in their daily life activities. It helps them do routine tasks like eating, bathing, or dressing. It introduces adaptive equipment that allows them to do life tasks easier. Occupational therapy not only assists disabled people but also provides training to caregivers, family members, or bystanders. It enables the person to plan and execute their activities. In addition, their dream to return to work, school, or university can be made achieved with the help of occupational therapy. The person's memory focus or concentration may get enhanced with activities provided by the occupational therapist.
An occupational therapist performs the following services:
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They evaluate the person based on their history, life experiences, interests, and other such factors.
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Based on the nature of the patient, they create activities and exercises that the patient can effectively and conveniently do.
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They assist the patient in improving their ability to perform routine work.
What Is the Role of Occupational Therapists in the Emergency Department?
Patients admitted to an emergency department in a hospital require immediate care. An occupational therapist’s service is essential in such cases.
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The patient’s mentality will be weak when they are suddenly met by an emergency health condition, which affects the outcome of health services and their recovery. The intervention plans fabricated by an occupational therapist will make the patient handle the situation and accept the treatments provided.
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The impaired body function may decrease their self-esteem, and an occupational therapist will provide reassurance. They are also trained in delivering aids that help the patient rehabilitate and bring a sense of independence.
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Over attention may be provided by the bystanders or family members to a disabled individual, which may frustrate and depress the patient. An occupational therapist is trained to educate the family about comforting and creating a motivating attitude in the patient.
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The occupational therapist will train the family to keep the patient engaged. The sense of being alone may make disabled or injured people depressed. The patients will also be encouraged to participate actively in society or community activities.
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Occupational therapists gradually introduce activities to the patients that enhance their capabilities.
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The patients and family will be taught about the modifications to be made in the house and surroundings that will assist the patient in moving. Fall-proof modifications in homes make the person locomote with surety and confidence.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do in an ICU?
An occupational therapist performs the following in an ICU:
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Orthosis Designing and Fabrication: Orthotics or orthotic splints will be designed and fabricated for each patient in need. The occupational therapist receives training for fabricating customized orthosis. They will initially evaluate and take measurements physically or with the help of carts. The device will then be customized based on the measurement. The device will be initially attached to a dummy model. After making the required adjustments, the device will be fitted to the patient.
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Passive Range of Motion Exercises (PROM): PROM exercises are designed to improve the flexibility and movement of the patient's joints. The occupational therapist will gently move the patient for this purpose. There are exercises to strengthen the function of hands, fingers, wrists, arms, neck, shoulder, elbow, foot, ankle and hip, based on the needs and condition of the patient. These will be rotating or stretching exercises that are easy to assist with by the occupational therapist and adopted by the patient. If some pain develops or persists, a doctor should be involved in the exercise session.
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Patient Handling and Positioning: Occupational therapists are trained in safely handling patients. They use tools and technologies to hold and position the patients conveniently. The occupational therapists will also train the ICU nurses for the same. They will also assist the patients in getting seated and holding the position for more time.
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Operates Pressure-Relieving Devices: Pressure-relieving devices include mattresses, beds, pillows, splints, heel troughs, and others. Critical patients may develop pressure ulcers or bed sores on their skin and underlying tissues. Prolonged posture, being bedridden, or sitting in a wheelchair can cause this condition due to the pressure applied to the tissues. It may also develop on the heels, hips, and ankles. Severe pain and infection may develop in the ulcerated areas. The pressure-relieving devices will help relieve the symptoms of issues caused by increased pressure. It will also help to distribute the pressure reducing the symptoms. An occupational therapist helps efficiently use such aids and will also train the ICU staff in operating and using such aids.
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Activities and Exercises: The occupational therapist will introduce specific activities to the patients to improve their health, functioning, and mental willpower. It may range from simple tasks like asking the patient to focus on an object to complex ones. The activities may be customized and depend on the condition of the patient. These exercises will improve their control and power.
Why Is Occupational Therapy Important in Critical Care?
Occupational therapy is essential in treating or caring for a critically ill or injured patient because of the following reasons:
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Occupational therapists are the best trainers who can educate on handling and positioning critical patients.
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The occupational therapist offers assurance and support to the patient’s family.
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They make the patients perform exercises or activities that enhance their mental well-being, which is necessary for immediate recovery.
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Occupational therapists help the patient and the family or bystanders reduce stress.
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They assess the patient's ability to perform routine tasks and train them to make them independently perform daily activities.
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Even after recovery, critically ill patients get fatigued fast and may be unable to do activities for a prolonged time. Occupational therapists provide them with knowledge on conserving and utilizing energy efficiently and steps to reduce tiredness between their daily routine tasks.
Conclusion
Occupational therapy is crucial in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of a patient admitted to an intensive care unit. Occupational therapists provide aids, exercises, or activities to the patients for this purpose. In addition, they also offer training to the ICU staff in handling and managing patient positioning. They educate caregivers and family members to work effectively to improve the patient’s condition.
