Today, I evaluated a home health patient. I did not know this until I started my eval, but the patient was previously evaluated by an OT from my company and was being treated by a COTA.
When I looked through our interdisciplinary communication log, I read COTA notes that essentially said: "UB strengthening and sit/stand from chair" Before I even started evaluating the patient, I knew that treatment was bogus!!! I was so frustrated, I bet my blood pressure was 180/120!!! This patient was independent up until she fell and FRACTURED HER HIP!!! My evaluation revealed that the patient was cognitively intact, was weak in her bi-lateral shoulders, had pain in her right knee and was VERY afraid of falling. She is essentially DEPENDENT for all self-care because she is afraid to stand/walk. I think the PT has addressed shower transfers including getting a tub transfer bench. I don't really know the original OT's plan of treatment, but I assume I've totally modified it. Every goal I wrote for the patient, except UB dressing, included transfers and mobility training. I'm telling you, this is JUST ONE MORE SAD example of crappy OT. Or as someone else said, more like crappy PT. What the heck are OT's thinking??? Are we so stinkin' focused on being UE PT's that we can't see below the shoulder and hand? Are we so locked in to our comfort zone that we can't push patient's boundaries to allow them the opportunity to successfully engage in meaningful occupation? IS THIS HOW WE HELP PATIENTS LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST??????????????????????????????????????? Sometimes I feel that our profession is a sham!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a shame that OT's have such little ability to address our so called expertise!! AARGH!!!! P.S. I know this message is "over the top", and I'm obviously venting, so please take that into consideration before slammin' me!! <smile> Thanks, Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
