come on people! I'm starting to find the whole debate a little depressing! I think its great that we are able to discuss the differing aspects of OT and PT (and I believe that they are different - coming from different theory bases), but lets not turn it into some kind of slanging match. I can only speak about things from a British perspective. I believe that there is strength in numbers and I think that if physio and OT continue to bicker it weakens our ability to present a united front to all those in management who are in favour of cutbacks. I also want to throw something else into the discussion. At present in the UK, there is a big push for allied health professionals to move into extended scope practice - see the following website for details- http:/www.doh.gov.uk/chpo/ and download the following document "The Ten Key Roles for Allied Health Professionals. The cynics among us (of which I am one) will be inclined to say that its all lip service from the government and AHPs moving into extended scope is all about covering up the deficit in medical staff and perhaps if this shortfall is ever recouped, then we would lose all of our gained autonomy. Who knows? I think that we should take this opportunity to demonstrate that in many cases, AHPs can really be the most effective professionals. In some cases physios would be more suited to certain types of extended scope practice, and in others, OTs. I think that both professions have extremely valuable contributions to make to healthcare and I've never been in favour of amalgamating them into one bumper profession. I don't see how we could do our patients justice, as I think we would end up having a rather superficial understanding of key theories. However, I think that its fair to say that surely there is a little bit of PT in every OT and vice versa. Surely we can't condemn a PT who when working with an extensor tendon repair, takes this person's job and hobbies into consideration when designing and implementing a treatment programme? Not to do so would be negligent. Couldn't we consider the ancient symbol of yin and yang - two concepts side by side in balance, each accepting that this balance exists because each contains a little bit of the other? looking forward to seeing what others think. all good wishes Claire >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 11/27/03 12:46am >>> I'm sorry, but I'm very confused. Why are the PTs interested in ruminating about "occupation" anyway? What's next? I've already heard and gagged over the discussion about the Castaway and the ladder. Talking with PTs about occupation is like discussing peripheral vision with a horse wearing blinders . I frankly take offense at the whole idea of PT attempting to define and explain from their limited perspective key concepts of our OT profession in order to prescribe our roles. Don't you guys have something else to talk about, such as physical therapy concepts and theory? Are you so bored with your own profession that you are looking over fence to see what else you can appropriate and call your own? No peace, brothers! -----Original Message----- From: Barrett Dorko [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wed 11/26/2003 10:36 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Subject: Re: [OTnow] Re: PT/OT Who does what and why?
At 09:18 AM 11/26/2003 -0500, you wrote: >At this point Barrett, I need to ask if you understand occupation? Ron, Well, I've read through the posts about "occupation" in the archive and can say without hesitation that I agree with everybody. Of course, this does not mean I actually understand the whole issue or have anything more to contribute specifically. I'm only hoping that by saying this that I won't be asked to take sides. Back to the movie. For many (certainly me) one very striking scene is the one revealing the transformation of this pudgy, soft, pasty executive into a lean, mean fish-spearing machine. Perhaps it's my roots in PT that draws my attention. Surely without the effort it took to become like this our hero might not have survived, and you get there through repetitive, largely mindless work-including what it takes to acquire the spear throwing expertise. So I think it's fair to say that the principles of PT assist in survival-and here I'm using the "remain alive" definition of the word. Of course, there's more to life than merely surviving. I feel that when this man writes on the package that it "saved my life" he acknowledges the gifts occupation offers us. Without the avenues of art all of our strength and physical skill means little, and, after all, the man doesn't write "This package saved me from starving." PT kept him strong enough to survive, OT saved his life. I think many who have received both services might agree. Finally there is this from the OT literature-specifically AJOT 25 (July-August 1971) "Occupational Therapy-A Historical Perspective Legacy of Moral Treatment 1800s-1910" by J. Sanbourne Bockoven: "...occupational therapy is based first and foremost upon respect for human individuality and on a fundamental perception of the individual's need to engage in relation to his fellow man. To me, this definition doesn't bear much relation to PT as I see it practiced today, and that concerns me. I'm grateful that the OTs understand its potential and work to make that perception a real part of recovery. Barrett L. Dorko, P.T. <http://barrettdorko.com> Also <http://rehabedge.com> _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, visit: http://otnow.com/mailman/listinfo/otlist_otnow.com The OTnow Mail Archive: www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] =============================================== ********************************DISCLAIMER******************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. However, any views or options presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the email to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received the email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. SDAHT will not be liable for direct, special, indirect or consequential damages arising from alterations of the contents of this message" by a third party or as a result of any virus being passed on. If you have received this email in error please contact the SDAHT administrator. Email or telephone on 44 (0)1332 340131 ext 5777 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ************************************************************************** _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, visit: http://otnow.com/mailman/listinfo/otlist_otnow.com The OTnow Mail Archive: www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ===============================================
