What is an occupational therapist?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, an occupational therapist (OT) is a treatment that helps improve one’s ability to complete everyday tasks. People might need OT after an injury, trauma, if they have a disability or just need some extra help.
As the Cleveland Clinic states an OT visit consists of four parts: assignments, interventions, evaluations and outcomes. When patients first start seeing their therapist, they conduct an assignment to learn more about the patient and their family. They will also talk about the patient’s goals and anything they may need more help with.
Interventions are tools that help patients complete tasks better, such as resources, items (like wheelchairs), and any changes to their routine. To help monitor progress, evaluations and outcomes are used to keep track of progress being made and make changes if needed.
OT assists patients in mastering everyday tasks. Examples include learning to use a computer or technology, shopping for groceries, driving, getting dressed, taking medication, and more. OT is fascinating, whether one needs it, considers it an intriguing career, or simply enjoys learning about interesting professions.