Ron, So the premise is OTs are the veritable square peg trying to fit into the round hole?
I do agree that OT should not be pigeon holed in the simple medical model in which the other rehabilitation disciplines operate. Occupational therapy interventions seldom work in this identify and cure model. You have, I believe, identified the core problem with OT though. Since we have an identity problem it is difficult for referral sources, payers and patients to identify us as the means for patient restoration. I do believe that occupational dysfunction is perceived as a problem, but it is not identified as occupational dysfunction. One only has to listen (and sometimes prod for information) to your patient to hear about their occupational dysfunction. You will not, obviously, hear them call it that though. It is more often identified as a problem with some biomechanical system or medical diagnoses. And the proposed solution is most often to seek a cure for the problem. This does not lend itself to identification of occupational therapy as a needed service. I believe that OT will continue to be a limited marketable commodity (probably a poor choice of words)in this country, as long as we can't clearly and consistently identify ourselves to our potential consumers. We can't even get a consensus between OTs on what an OT is! Jimmie -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Friday, March 18, 2005 7:05 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [BULK] [OTlist] Updated OTnews Published Importance: Low Hello: I just updated OTnews with a new topic titled: "Our Gears Don't Mesh: Why OT Struggles in American Health Care" You can find the article at: www.otnow.com/otnews If you have comments about the article, please post them to the OTlist. Thanks, Ron -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** NOTICE--The attached communication contains privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, DO NOT read, copy, or disseminate this communication. Non-intended recipients are hereby placed on notice that any unauthorized disclosure, duplication, distribution, or taking of any action in reliance on the contents of these materials is expressly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please delete this information in its entirety and contact the Amedisys Privacy Hotline at 1-866-518-6684. Also, please immediately notify the sender via e-mail that you have received this communication in error. *** -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
