IMHO, patients reaching into their pockets or buttoning their top are not the language of OT. To me, these are more like the language of PT.
For example, heres a goal that a PT *might* write: "Pt will improve finger flexion to allow him to button his shirt" Contrast this with an occupational goal: "Pt will independently button his shirt" See the difference? And yes, the patient may improve finger flexion to button his shirt, but flexion is NOT the goal! Also, I do NOT believe that a therapist can earnestly and whole-heatedly focus on BOTH occupation and performance goals. In some ways, occupational goals and physical performance goals are diametrically opposed. The goals require different trains of thought, treatment approaches, expectations, treatment spaces/equipment, time, etc. I think that crossing from one line of thinking to the other is very, very challenging. Maybe, look at it this way. When a patient comes to you with a hand injury, what's your goal? What does the referring physician expect? What are the patient's goals? If the goal is for the patient to button their shirt, why measure hand strength, pinch etc? If the goal is improving hand strength, who cares about buttoning a shirt? Despite the admirable writings of Debbie Amini, (whom I respect) I do not think that hand therapy and OT should come together. Ron P.S. Even though my message is in reply to you, the comments, issues and questions that I raise are not directly specifically to you. I encourage other readers to respond as they feel led! ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] Do You Agree with This Statement? Rac> Hello all, Rac> I personally don't agree with the statement and I'm sitting for the CHT exam Rac> in 2 years. I'm feeling some dissension in regards to hand therapy. I feel Rac> that as an Occupational Therapist that has an interest in hands I can actively Rac> promote the profession with my pts and doctors alike. I don't only measure their Rac> grip, pinch strength and ROM but also ensure that they are able to partake in Rac> daily activities that are meaningful and important for them. I also have the Rac> opportunity to work hand in hand (no pun intended) w/doctors and advocate for Rac> our profession. When I see a pt that is unable to button their tops or reach Rac> into their pockets for change I make sure that they are able to perform these Rac> activities throughout their therapy. I think that we as OT's should come Rac> together and advocate for our profession and what we are really about! Rac> ************** Rac> It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. Rac> Rac> (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
