My first home health eval is a clear cut example of how being focused on occupation makes it very easy to identify patients who need OT services.
This patient was status post CVA. He also experienced a gout flare up over most of his joints. He had decreased vision and residual pain in most of his joints, especially his bi-lateral elbows. By his report, he required assistance with ALL daily living occupations. During the eval, it was clear that the patient was focused on only one thing, reducing his pain. Even though he required assistance with living, his focus remained on resolving the source of his assistance. Interestingly, the more I pushed to fully understand why this man was unable to better care for himself the more frustrated he became. In fact, he point blank told me, "I can't talk with you". In the end, I offered the patient a choice to use my services but he denied wanting them. And I agreed that there was no role for OT. I have always maintained that in the absence of CLEARLY defined occupational deficits, OT has no role. And this is an example of how that works. On an unrelated side note, a PTA showed up about 15 minutes into my eval and sort of took over things. I just sort of worked around him to finish up my stuff, but he had a well defined and much appreciated role with the patient. But, this guy was over the top with his dress. He came in with scrubs, a long white coat and a stethoscope around his neck. He had the doctor look down to a "T". He was very doctor looking and doctor acting. I think in this case, the patient appreciated the PTA's approach better than my more casual approach. It was a great start to my day!! Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
