OTAP 1370 - Challenges to Physical Health

Credit hours: 3

Prerequisites: OTAP 1210, OTAP 1310, OTAP 1320, OTAP 2110, OTAP 1130, or by permission of instructor

Course Description:
This course examines individuals who are limited in their ability to engage in daily life activities and occupations due to challenges to their physical health. The major medical, orthopedic, and neurological diagnoses will be studied with emphasis on symptoms, physical conditions, and medical and social supports and the impact on occupational engagement related to those diagnoses. OT evaluations and planning of interventions for the physical health population are reviewed, discussed, and practiced.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of how challenges to physical health (including heritable diseases, genetic conditions, disability, trauma, and injury affect the structure and function of the human body and impact on the individual, family, and society
Demonstrate knowledge of global social issues and prevailing health and welfare needs of those with or at risk for physical challenges. Use logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving, and creativity in planning for the achievement, maintenance, and promotion of health and wellness for those populations and their families
Articulate the importance of using statistics, tests, and measurements for the purpose of delivering evidence-based practice. Explore and describe selected assessments used to gather and share data for the purpose of screening and evaluation. Demonstrate appropriate procedures and protocols (including standardized formats) for selected assessments, and describe the use of occupation for the purpose of assessment.
Demonstrate how to assist with the development of occupation-based intervention plans and strategies in collaboration with client and others. Intervention plans reflect current OT practice, are based on available evidence and address the occupational profile, client factors, performance patterns, context, and performance skills of the client using preparatory, purposeful, and occupation based methods.
Explain the need for and use of compensatory strategies when desired life tasks cannot be performed. Select and plan for provision of safe, client-centered, interventions and procedures (including preparatory, purposeful, and occupation based) pertinent to the needs of the client. These include prevention, remediation, compensation, and other methods across the scope of physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health practice
Demonstrate an understanding and ability to effectively educate and train the client, caregiver, family, and significant others to facilitate skills in areas of occupation as well as prevention, health maintenance, health promotion, and safety.