Occupational therapy intervention is initiated by conducting an Evaluation. This is an assessment which determines the problems and establishes a baseline on which a treatment plan is designed. This test may include testing of the following according to the diagnosis: Range of Motion (ROM) Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)- gross and fine motor coordination, sensation, pain, muscle tone Functional skills – ability to sit/stand/get from one place to another, ambulation, postural control Self- care skills - ability to dress, bathe, groom and toilet Cognitive skills- attention, orientation, concentration, memory, judgment, problem solving, insight, ability to follow commands, reasoning etc Other skills- activity tolerance, communication, swallowing, visual acuity, wheelchair mobility homemaking After the assessment a treatment plan is designed and implemented to address the problems in order of priority and with the discharge goals in mind. Return to work goals are always included as needed, if this is appropriate for the diagnosis and the patient. The Occupational Therapist will also consult with families and offer instruction to caregivers on how to safely manage the patient. Home assessments are also conducted to make recommendations for safety, access – to include removal of architectural barriers. Throughout occupational therapy, constant reassessments are being performed to determine efficacy of the intervention.
