Other Health Services
Occupational Therapy - Rehabilitation Services
Health Care Professionals - Medical Health System
The Medical Health System includes primarily two areas of
clinical practice for Occupational Therapy – the acute
medical units (of which there are four) and the Intensive
Care Unit.
On the medical units, patients are clustered into three
diagnostic areas – oncology, respiratory problems and
G.I. general medicine. The Occupational Therapist provides
comprehensive assessment of a patient’s occupational
performance areas, including personal care, work and leisure.
Practising within a client-centred approach, interventions
address the identified deficit areas and assist the patient
to maximize functional independence. Occupational Therapists
educate patients, families and staff regarding a patient’s
abilities, limitations and care needs, and assist in the
discharge process by providing information on assistive equipment,
community supports and services, and safety at home. Much
of the patient population in acute medicine are elderly and
live alone.
Occupational Therapists also provide ADL oximetry assessments
for those patients who may require supplemental home oxygen.
This assessment of oxygen saturation levels during activity
is complemented by a teaching component wherein relaxation,
breathing techniques and energy conservation/work simplification
principles are discussed.
In the Intensive Care Unit, Occupational Therapists address
the specialized needs of the critically ill. Post-op neurosurgical
patients and those requiring mechanical ventilation provide
the Occupational Therapist with a uniquely challenging caseload.
The Occupational Therapist provides services such as cognitive
assessment, sensory stimulation, positioning and joint protection
recommendations, splinting and assessment of daily activities
as appropriate.
In the Medical System, the Occupational Therapist functions
with a multidisciplinary team, discussing assessment, treatment
and discharge goals/recommendations so that a comprehensive
approach to patient care is provided.
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