Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2019_Joomag | Page 35

ASSESSMENT MODELS FEATURE
‘I have found the model particularly useful for planning and running
groups according to a person’s phase, not just the level. Most of the
service users in our service are on a level called “self-presentation”.
I have taken a lead in creating and running a self-presentation level
“Interesting Group”, aimed at building service users’ understanding of
particular concepts, tasks and activities and social norms.
‘This group was developed specifically for service users at the
third phase of self-presentation (transitional phase). The group mainly
ran as a PowerPoint presentation about a random topic.
‘During the sessions there were interesting facts to spark
conversation and turn-taking, stimulated by our use of music, video
clips, quizzes and games.’
Gemma adds: ‘This worked well and our team decided to run
this group again, this time for service users on the self-presentation
level, but with less abilities; that is, those in the first phase of the level
(therapist-directed phase).
‘After the first session, I realised I needed to make some big
changes to my original session plans in order to provide activity more pressure to generate ideas. After running the new sessions, the
team received lots of positive feedback from service users, staff and
visitors who came to observe.
‘Service users were more comfortable as they were all working on
similar aims, not feeling left behind, felt less judged by their peers and
their abilities were not being underestimated.’
When it comes to spreading the word, Gemma reflects that she
has grown in confidence using the model and has had opportunities
to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
‘Using what I know about the levels and phases of the model, I
have seen an increase in attendance and an improvement in levels
of functioning, which has really given me job satisfaction,’ she
concludes.
Looking to the future, Gemma wants to take her career a step
further, with help from the award. ’I will use the £100 award to buy
some books to assist me in acquiring my level two functional skills in
Maths and English, as this is a requirement in order to be accepted
onto an occupational therapy degree course,’ she says excitedly.
suited to the therapist-directed phase.
‘Subsequently I shortened the session time and adapted
information by using simpler language with less information on each
slide. I also created more visual and hands-on games to make it
more interactive.
‘Other changes made included adding multiple choice answers
for the quiz questions, which helped with reducing anxiety and ‘In undertaking an occupational therapy degree, I hope to further
improve my knowledge and experiences of how the model relates to
people in comparison with other models.’
Gemma Harley, occupational therapy support worker,
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, email: Gemma.Harley@
southernhealth.nhs.uk
Want to help shape RCOT’s
Annual Conference Programme?
Join the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’
Conference Development Team (CDT)
We are looking to recruit members to join this small, dedicated group of volunteer members
who work collaboratively with Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ (RCOT) officers to
co-design and develop RCOT’s Annual Conference programme.
To maintain the diversity of experience within the Team, we particularly welcome applications
from practitioners – including newly qualified (HCPC registered for 3 years or less).
We are looking to recruit 2 members to serve a 3 year term commencing 19 June 2019.
“Membership of the Conference Development Team provides an invaluable
career development opportunity. The committee role enables you to
develop your knowledge and experience across all four pillars of the
RCOT Career Development Framework – Leadership; Professional
Practice; Evidence, Research and Development; and Facilitation of
Learning. If you think you could contribute to the CDT's activities and
help shape the Annual Conference, then please do find out more.
The CDT look forward to receiving your application.”
Ken Levins, Chair, Conference Development Team;
Investigation and Learning Specialist, Nursing and Quality
Directorate, Lancashire Care Foundation Trust
N205
For further information and an application pack please contact
Caz Dunn, Corporate Events Manager, Royal College of Occupational Therapists at
[e-mail]. Deadline for completed applications: 8 March 2019
OTnews February 2019 35