The Occupational Therapist evaluates and treats patients of all ages. Serves as a role model in the delivery of professional services and as a clinical resource for staff and students.
- Demonstrates ability to perform patient transfers with assistance as needed from bed, chair and floor, if applicable. Is aware of and demonstrates safe and appropriate body mechanics to reduce the risk of injury to self, staff and patients.
- Designs an appropriate plan of care that integrates goals, treatment, outcomes, and discharge plan. Adjusts the care based on patient response and available evidence.
- Educates patients, family, caregivers, students, and other health care providers using relevant and effective teaching methods.
- Evaluates clinical findings to determine physical therapy diagnoses and outcomes of care.
- Performs examination, selecting reliable and valid examination methods relevant to the chief complaint, results of screening, and history.
- Screens patients using procedures to determine the effectiveness of and need fortherapy services, if appropriate.
- Uses support personnel according to legal standards and ethical guidelines. Monitors the care delivered by support personnel and provides regular feedback.
- Documents evaluations and plans of care according to department policy including goals, modifications of treatment plans and patients' response to treatments.
- If applicable, completes annual education as assigned to comply with DNV Hip and Knee Replacement Program requirements.
- Evaluates and implements intervention plans utilizing activities that are functional in nature and take into consideration the functional and emotional needs of the patient/family. Modifies approach in response to patient behavior and performance.
- Utilizes standardized outcomes measures in a uniform manner to ensure functional performance is accurately reflected.
- Completes documentation in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.
- Collaborates with patient, family and significant others throughout the rehabilitation process and provides education/family training as necessary.
- Provides supervision to COTA and rehabilitation technicians in accordance with regulatory agencies.
- Clearly communicates patient performance, change in status, activity/transfer recommendations, and recommendations for discharge disposition and equipment required for the next level of care with the medical team.
