Occupational Therapists

On the Job

Overview

Occupational therapists help people regain or learn daily living or work skills.

Each day is made up of tiny "jobs," from brushing our teeth to writing the rent check to driving a car. For many of us, these jobs don't seem like work at all, but things we do in order to simply live. However, many people have difficulties with these tasks. Children and adults alike may struggle with the "job of life." They may have physical or mental problems that make it hard to do everyday things. Or, they may have suffered an injury or been in an accident. No matter what the cause, it is important for people to be able to live as independently as possible. Occupational therapists help people do just that.

Occupational therapists (OTs) help people who have mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. These disabilities are caused by birth defects, injuries, illnesses, or aging. Therapists help people develop, recover, or maintain their living and work skills.

When they get new patients, therapists read their medical charts to learn about their disabilities. Then they meet with patients and evaluate their skills and abilities. Next, therapists set rehabilitation goals that are realistic for patients. Then they write treatments plans. They discuss their plans with other workers on patients' rehabilitation teams. If patients are receiving other types of therapy, therapists coordinate activities with other therapists. They also train nurses and other health care staff in therapy techniques so they can help with the therapy.

Before therapy sessions, therapists gather and lay out the materials they will use. They may use items such as puzzles, scissors, or computer software. After sessions, they clean and repair the materials. If they need new or additional materials, therapists order them. Therapists conduct many different activities with their patients. Some activities are designed to improve physical strength and coordination. Other activities are designed to improve vision, memory, or reasoning. Therapists use standard activities or create new activities specifically for each patient. They teach some patients to use wheelchairs and other physical aids. Therapists may design or make special equipment that patients need at work or home. They also recommend ways for patients to change their homes to meet their needs. Some therapists help patients find and keep jobs. They arrange jobs, plan work activities, and follow patients' progress. Therapists may specialize in working with patients of a certain age or specific disability.

Therapists must keep accurate records of patient activities and progress. These records are needed for evaluating patients, billing, and reporting to doctors. In addition, occupational therapists often lead programs in hospitals, community settings, and other institutions. Often these programs are designed to promote health and awareness of disabilities.

Occupational therapists are similar to physical therapists in that both types of workers are concerned with physical movement. However, occupational therapists are also concerned with psychological and social factors. In addition, they work with people who have mental illnesses.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Meet with patients and read their medical charts. Test their physical and mental abilities.
• Consult with rehabilitation teams and select activity programs. Coordinate occupational therapy with patients' other therapists.
• Create treatment plans and activities to help patients learn skills and adjust to changes.
• Select activities that will help patients learn basic work skills. Find exercises that will challenge but not stress patients.
• Construct adaptive equipment to compensate for patients' level of function. Equipment may include splints, wheelchairs, or eating utensils.
• Lay out materials for patients' use. Clean and repair materials after sessions.
• Teach patients skills and new ways to do activities. Observe patients and assess their progress.
• Recommend how patients can change living or work areas to meet current needs and abilities.
• May help patients find and keep jobs.
• Order supplies and equipment needed for therapy sessions.
• Train nurses and other medical staff in therapy techniques.
• Give advice about managing health risks in the workplace.
• Complete and maintain patients' progress reports and records.
• May conduct research.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Assist and care for others.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Document and record information.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Think creatively.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Develop goals and strategies.
• Analyze data or information.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Explain the meaning of information to others.
• Teach others.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Coach others.
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
• Communicate with people from outside the organization.
• Work with the public.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Schedule work and activities.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with patients and other health care workers.
• Communicate by telephone, in person, letters, and memos on a daily basis.
• Sometimes deal with people who are angry or unpleasant due to discomfort, pain, or mental disabilities.
• Regularly work as part of a team.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• Have limited responsibility for outcomes and results. Patients are ultimately responsible for following therapists' plans.

Physical Work Conditions

• Often work indoors. Therapists may occasionally work outdoors with patients.
• Are often exposed to diseases or infections when interacting with patients.
• Work very near others. They come in close physical contact with patients on a daily basis.

Work Performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could endanger patients' health.
• Make decisions that strongly impact patients on a daily basis. They rarely, if ever, consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set their tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor first.
• Abide by strict daily deadlines.

Hours/Travel

• May work full time or part time. Most work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.