The OTs and OTAs have dedicated themselves to developing inpatient service provision using an evidenced-based model of care , resulting in a significant positive impact on the quality of patient care ...”
© HRAUN via Getty Images
The OTs and OTAs have dedicated themselves to developing inpatient service provision using an evidenced-based model of care , resulting in a significant positive impact on the quality of patient care ...”
can be gathered just from a run on the treadmill .
‘ I have used simple tasks such as “ catch and throw ” that can be carried out anywhere and elaborated a set of instructions for facilitating activities at different levels of creative ability . For example , using different balls , alternating body position or creating a sequence patients have to remember and mirror .’
She goes on : ‘ In response to the need to engage patients at the lowest levels of creative ability , I have developed other physical tasks , during which motor co-ordination and planning , balance and task sequencing are assessed and developed to improve patients ’ confidence to engage in their activities of daily living .
‘ A complex task can be broken down and facilitated in a fun way for task satisfaction , while addressing components of occupational performance , for example eye-hand co-ordination , task sequencing , strength developing , balance .
‘ Gross motor skills , sensory input and visual motor skills are also practised in line with the specific needs identified by the multidisciplinary team , for example prescribed physiotherapy exercises .’
Of her plans for the future she concludes : ‘ The next step of my professional growth is to continue developing the use of the VdTMoCA on the ward , introduce it to the wider team , apply for the apprenticeship and become a qualified occupational therapist .’
From theory to practice and an awardwinning team
The occupational therapy assistant ( OTA ) team working on Haytor and Salus acute adult inpatient mental health wards for Devon Partnership NHS Trust , have received recognition for their success with using the the VdTMoCA ( pictured opposite ). Following training in the VdTMoCA , over the past year the team of six OTAs across both wards , have embraced and integrated this model as a positive way to practice .
The team has been supported through regular weekly meetings to allow for reflection , growth and service development with the model . This allowed the team to tailor their approach and learning in using the model .
This has all been supported by the onsite Occupational Therapy Manager Liz Thomson , with support and guidance from Aelfrida Palmer , Lead Occupational Therapist for the Adult and Older Adult Mental Health Core services , and Ed Gillam , Head of Professions .
Liz said : ‘ This a brilliant achievement for the team and all their hard work in implementing this new model . As the Occupational Therapy Manager , I could not be prouder of how the team has embraced implementing the VdTMoCA , which is completely new to them .
‘ The team has been open to exploring this model in practice and how it can support and enhance the service offered by the occupational therapy team .’
30 OTnews September 2023