Hello Vicki: Thank your for apologizing, truly a rare commodity in today's world.
Your previous comments really have made me think as to why some people see a conflict and others don't. For example, were I previously worked, I was probably the only OT (out of 7) that had issues with the physician's perceptions of OT's role. I now think that one possible explanation for this is bases more on my expectation of the OT role versus other OT's. Several of the OT's were comfortable and quite happy with the OT = Upper Extremity format of treatment. This sort of treatment philosophy was well supported and endorsed by the medical system of the hospital. OT's that has this perspective seemed to accept their role and they seemed comfortable within the system. On the other had, my role expectation of OT was not about upper extremity. My expectation was that I was the expert in occupation, not the expert in upper extremity function. It is this expectation that did not fill well within the medical model and that was not recognized. But, it is what our profession claims to do and it is to a small degree how I was trained. For me, being an occupation-based practitioner was like a round peg in a square hole. The ironic thing is that occupation-based practice really is a good fit in the medical model but only if the model widens its view. There already exists much anecdotal evidence and some research pointing to the fact that what is most important is restoring occupation (what some call function but which is NOT equivalent with occupation). Insurance willing pays for people to regain some of their lost occupation. People want to be able to do what's meaningful and relevant (i.e. occupation) and outcomes are about occupation. Unfortunately however, some outcomes look at function (i.e. the functional independence measure) but do not really look at occupation. None the less, occupation (function) is where it's at and the said thing is that OT is already there and has been there for a LONG time. In my opinion, our future is NOT in upper extremity function, it is in occupation. On a side note, I have asked many PT's if they believe OT's are upper extremity experts and I have yet to have one say yes. It's like we are experts in our own minds but the reality is that other professions don't see that. Of course, there are always exceptions and I am sure there are many reader on this list who ARE upper extremity experts but this is probably because of advance training they have taken. To what I am referring is to the average practitioner who has not taken course that specialize in upper extremity function) WOW!, sorry for the long tirade. And I haven't even had a cup of coffee yet! Well off to see my therapist! (sorry for grammatical errors, no time to proof read) Ron ~~~~~ On 7/24/02, Vickie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> said: VP> Ron Carson wrote: >> >> Hello Vicki: >> >> I am not sure how long you've been a member of this list. Just for your >> information, I started this list, albeit with a different name, in 1998. >> This was two years before I began teaching. Back then, the discussions and >> conversations where much the same as they are today. My impetus for >> starting the original discussion forum was because of my experiences in the >> 'real world'. The 'conflict' that you mention did not start at the academic >> level, it started at the treatment level. My intention is not about >> justifying my job (in fact this list has NOTHING to do with my job) but it >> is my attempt to help ensure that there are jobs for graduates of OT schools >> around the country. >> >> Ron >> >> ~~~~~ >> On 7/23/2002, Vickie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> said: >> >> VP> THERE is plenty for everyone to do. Not just if you work in Canada or >> VP> the UK but here in the USA. >> >> VP> This 'conflict' it appears to me, has been initiated at the academic >> VP> level. AND I think the 'conflict' is either a 'perceived' one, or is a >> VP> 'political' one. >> >> VP> I'M GOING TO MAKE A REALLY SWEEPING ASSUMPTION HERE, THAT IT DOESN'T >> VP> REALLY EXIST IN THE REAL WORLD. >> >> VP> Academicians, please find something better to do with your time than >> VP> drum up conflict with the working force so you can justify your jobs! >> >> VP> *********��*********** >> >> VP> Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> VP> In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist >> >> VP> ** List messages are archived at: >> >> VP> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> VP> *********��*********** >> >> *********��*********** >> >> Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist >> >> ** List messages are archived at: >> >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> *********��*********** VP> Ron, VP> Thanks for the response and for correcting my assumption. My apologies. VP> My opinion still stands, however. That is the view from where I sit. VP> OT's I have had contact with and PT's are not in conflict with each VP> other, in this area. Nurses are the conflict/control originators. VP> I'm in Texas in home care. Have been for 20 years. Although I've done VP> some 'prn' work in most all major in pt. facilities in the Dallas area VP> inthe last 10 years. VP> The combined OT/PT board helps set the stage for cooperation. VP> vickie VP> *********��*********** VP> Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] VP> In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist VP> ** List messages are archived at: VP> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] VP> *********��*********** *********��*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist ** List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] *********��***********
