Reflect on your learning in outreach, short placements or with members of the multi-disciplinary team who are supervising your learning.
Where the learning took place
The name or description of the practice area
When the learning took place,
You can provide a single date or date range
Who you learn from?
You can list one or more people or provide a team name
Student reflection
I had the opportunity to observe an occupational therapist assessing a 56-year-old patient who had suffered from an acquired brain injury stroke. During the observation, I learned about the methods used by occupational therapists to evaluate stroke patients. I discovered that occupational therapy focuses on improving motor control and hand function in the affected upper limb after a stroke to help patients perform their daily self-care tasks more efficiently.
Occupational therapy interventions are tailored to maintain or enhance the soft tissue properties of the upper limb. For instance, stretching is a technique used to reduce spasticity and improve the patient’s overall condition. This specific approach in occupational therapy is crucial to enhancing motor control and hand function in the affected upper limb. Occupational therapy teaches stroke patients strategies to manage cognitive, perceptual, and behavioural changes and prepares the home and work environment for their return.
Practice Supervisor’s comments:
Bertha spent a morning shadowing several occupational therapy rehabilitation sessions. These included sessions in the gym aimed at improving upper-limb strength and cognitive function. Bertha showed her interest in the role of an occupational therapist by asking appropriate questions.