FEATURE COVID-19
Referral received
Assessment completed by OTs / physiotherapists
Screening referral completed by lead and management
Review of goals from referral Use of assessment tools Bartel , 4AT , washing and dressing assessment
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Goals and treatment plans
Care plans and treatment interventions
Review
Review goals and treatments moving forward and discuss changes if any
Discharge
Ready for discharge , completion of discharge reports and updates . Joint completion between occupational therapists and physiotherapists
The occupational therapy model used
and high ceiling heights that had potential to impact patients ’ mood and orientation .
What worked well ? Working in the Nightingale was a unique experience full of adventure , challenges , and a lot of learning , and probably something that we will never experience again , we hope . It was a mix of adrenaline and enthusiasm , with a pinch of pride ; like we were part of something far bigger than ourselves .
When we put it into perspective , all the challenges faced led to self-development , team resilience and learning opportunities .
Before starting at the Nightingale we had a detailed face-to-face induction , where we met the team , visited the hospital facilities and discussed our role and responsibilities as occupational therapists within this pioneering setting .
In order to support our wellbeing during a time where we all felt so stretched , all workers were offered free meals , accommodation and different workshops , including yoga , relaxation and webinars .
On our first day , we packed all our experience and enthusiasm and headed to our first shift , where the clinical lead welcomed us into our new role .
A highlight from this experience was the daily in-service training delivered by the multidisciplinary team , where we had the opportunity to try different pieces of equipment used in the ward , as well as working with different therapists to develop clinical practice , applying assessments and reviewing functional performance .
As mentioned before , we were such a diverse team , with a generous mix of skilled therapists from mental health , social services , acute settings and private practice . This enabled occupational therapists from different fields to support each other with own expertise and develop knowledge around physical , functional and cognitive assessments .
The team developed strategies to establish an organised routine , including daily multidisciplinary team meetings and written handovers to ensure accurate documentation and care continuity .
And even though we all came from different backgrounds and had individual ways of working , we always found a way to adjust and adapt to each other , in order to best meet the patients ’ and service ’ s needs .
Supporting the patients to maintain their dignity and engagement in meaningful tasks was the most rewarding experience . That meant them being able to put on their own clothes , have an emotional facetime with their family , or something as simple as feeling the fresh breeze , that made everything worth it .
As we spent so much time together during joint sessions , note writing , assessments , handovers , and even lunch breaks , we have all had the opportunity to meet great colleagues who share the same passion for occupational therapy .
16 OTnews May 2021